Amboseli National Park
Amboseli national park is located in the southern Kenya, the park is one of the country’s most iconic and breathtaking wildlife reserves. The park sprawls across an area of approximately 392 square kilometers, the park is renowned for its stunning vistas of the majestic elephants roaming against the backdrop of the Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. The park’s unique ecosystem is characterized by the vast open plains, acacia woodlands, and marshlands, the Amboseli lake bed and the slopes of Ol Doinyo orok. Supporting a rich diversity of wildlife, including the large herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and among many others. Other part of Amboseli national park is dry with the flat basin of the alkaline soils and then has got three of the original habitats that includes throne bush, acacia woodland, open plains and others, that is a home of the biggest games like Oryx, wildebeests, impalas, gerenuks, gazelles, Maasai giraffes, baboons, and among many others.
The area’s cultural significance is also notable, with the indigenous Maasai community living in harmony with the wildlife, adding a rich cultural dimension to the park’s natural beauty. Amboseli’s breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, and its unique cultural experiences make it a must-visit safari destination for anyone interested in exploring Africa’s natural wonders. With its commitment to conservation and then sustainable tourism, Amboseli national park offers an unforgettable Kenya Safari experience, showcasing the beauty and then the majesty of African wildlife in its natural habitat.
Discover Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National park is one of the top Kenya safari destinations that is known for housing big herds of elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
History of Amboseli National Park
Amboseli national park’s early inhabitants were the hunter-gatherers that’s is the Kamba, Chagga and slowly the Bantu-speaking people started arriving that’s over 1500 years ago, then later during the 17th century the Maasai people started encroaching the northern part of the park with their cattle. During 1883 that’s when the first European Jeremy Thompson came to the Maasai regions as Empusel that means sandy and salty place. He was attracted by the variety of the wildlife in the semi-arid areas of the dried lake bed and then oasis of the swamps the inhabitants of the numerous numbers of the birds, and still today the park is renowned for the large numbers of the bird species. Then he was the second European to sight the outstanding Mount Kilimanjaro after German missionary Johann Redman, who was friendly to nature and wildlife and he did a lot of great work towards the Kenya tourism.
During the period of 20th century the colonial government decided to protect the wildlife from being poached by the locals, for food, sell and others especially the elephants for the ivory that were created in the southern Maasai Game Reserve that included the biggest area south of Nairobi and today’s Amboseli National Park, that made the biggest lands that are now belongs to Maasai Mara national reserve. Amboseli national park is known historically as the home of the Maasai people and their cattle, but later the park was allocated as the southern reserve for the Maasai during 1906 and then it was handled and it was under the control as a game reserve in 1948 and during that time the park covered an area of about 1259 square miles/3261 square kilometers northwest of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
During 1974 the so called that time it was gazetted as a national park thus to protect the massive ecosystem and then it was listed on the UNESCO site in 1991, and then during the year the biggest part of the reserve it was established and known as Amboseli national park.The name Amboseli originated from the Maasai word that means salty dust that is one of the best spotting site on an African safari to view the elephants very close. During 2005 the Kenyan government wanted to take over the park with the different plans to give the park back to noble Maasai people, the status of the park was to be taken back and known as the reserve such as that it should be handed by the local council.
Though the conservationists did not agree with this and then it did not proceed. And this mane Maasai moved free on the ground, though they faced challenged of the wild animals that fled from the area, and this made then to take refuge in the most arid areas where they could not survive. Therefore when it was established as a park, the Maasai were then abandoned to live to the park together with their cattle that was difficult for them to proceed with, but they were relocated to the close areas that were well constructed and dug to supply water to their cattle. This was very difficult for the Maasai people to accept with the decision because they claimed that the water resources were the permanent sources of water for their animals. Still the Kenyan government provided the Maasai with the wells for the water supply and because they face challenge of water for their animals especially during the dry season. So on a Kenya safari to Amboseli national park you will sight the Maasai with their livestock within the borders of the park while searching for the water sources which as well affects the ecosystem of the park.
Today the Maasai people do appreciate the proposal of conserving then protecting Amboseli national park and then they have known the importance of the tourism development as the largest portion of income to the country government and then to the locals, that is through the infrastructure devvel4opmeht that is the constructing of schools, roads and among many others, and then various Maasai people have been turned as the safari guides and then others work at the Kenya safari lodges in the different positions thus improving their standards of living.
For more information about Amboseli national park, do not forget about to contact us at African Vacation Safaris, you will be fascinated with the different safari activities that take place inn Amboseli national park that is through game drives, bird watching, guided nature walks, hot air balloon safaris, Maasai village tours and among others you will not regret
Amboseli National Park Safaris
A Kenya safari is an immersive safari experience that takes you into the heart of Africa’s savannahs, forests and then national parks, where you can witness an incredible variety of the wildlife including the Big five mammals that includes the rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, lions and elephants. Beyond the thrill of spotting the majestic animals in their natural habitat, Kenya safaris also provide a unique opportunity to connect with nature, experience the country’s diverse game drives and guided walks to camping and luxury lodge stays. Kenya safaris cater to a wide range of interests and preferences, offering a chance to relax, recharge and create lifelong safari memories.
1 Day Amboseli Hot Air Balloon Safari
3 Days Amboseli Safari and Masai Village Visit
5 Days Amboseli National Park and Diani safari
5 Days Kenya Elephant Wildlife Safari
6 Days Nairobi national park, Amboseli and Tsavo East safari
8 Days Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Tsavo Safari
Activities to Do in Amboseli National Park
Activities to do in Amboseli national park offer a wide range of the exciting experiences that allow the visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s stunning natural beauty and then diverse wildlife. One of the most popular activities is game drives, where the visitors can explore the park’s vast plains and woodlands in 4×4 vehicles, while spotting numerous wildlife, the guided walk Kenya safaris provide a unique opportunity to explore the park’s landscapes on foot accompanied by the experienced Maasai guided, then bird watching is another popular activity with over 600 species recorded in the park.
Game Drives:
Game drives in Amboseli national park offer an exhilarating way to experience the park’s incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. The visitors can explore the park’s vast open plains, woodlands, and marshlands in 4×4 vehicles, expertly guided by experienced guides from African Vacation Safaris who possess intimate knowledge of the park’s terrain and wildlife. Game drives are conducted all day long but the best time to do the experience is during the morning game drive that starts from 6:30am until 11:30 am and then the afternoon game drive from 2pm to 6:30pm.
Hot air balloon Tours:
Hot air balloon safaris in Amboseli national park offer unique perspective on the park’s stunning landscapes and wildlife, providing an unforgettable experience that combines, adventure, serenity, and panoramic views. This hot air balloon soars above the plains offering a bird’s-eye view of the majestic elephants, giraffes, zebras and among others roaming below, set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The gentle drift of the balloon allows the visitors to take in the sweeping vistas of the park’s diverse ecosystems.
Guided nature walks:
Guided nature walks in Amboseli national park offer a unique and immersive Kenya safari experience, allowing visitors to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and ecosystem on foot, accompanied by the experienced Maasai guides. These walks offer an opportunity to discover the park’s fascinating biodiversity from intricate details of plants and insects to the majestic acacia trees and baobabs. Thee visitors walk through the park’s scenic terrain, they can observe wildlife tracks and signs, learn about animal behavior, and gain appreciation for the interconnectedness of the ecosystem.
Bird watching:
Amboseli national park is a paradise for the bird lovers, with over 600 species recorded in the park. The park’s diverse habitats, including the open plains, woodlands, marshes and lakeshores, support a wide range of birdlife, from the majestic raptors to colourful songbirds. Some of the best spots for birdwatching in Amboseli national park include the Observation Deck, that offers stunning views of the surrounding plains and a great spot for spotting birds like Lilac-breasted roller, Schalow’s wheatear and others.
Attractions in Amboseli National Park
Attractions in Amboseli national park is the diverse rage of the natural and then the cultural features that bring visitors to this iconic wildlife reserve. The park’s main attractions include its stunning landscapes, shaped by the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, and home to the incredible variety of wildlife, including the large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, as well as other predators like the lions, cheetahs, leopards.
Lake Amboseli:
Lake Amboseli is a stunning attraction within Amboseli national park offering perfect views of wildlife viewing opportunities. This lake, often dries up form a salt pan, provides diverse wildlife, attracting awide range of animals. Then lake’s shores are also a haven for birdlife, with the numerous species of water birds, like pelican, cormorants and among others congregate around its waters. The visitors to Lake Amboseli can witness the interactions between wildlife and their habitat, with the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro adding to the scenery.
Observation Hill.
Observation Hill is a premier attraction in Amboseli national park that offers perfect panoramic views of the park’s stunning landscapes and wildlife, making it a must-visit safari destination for the nature enthusiasts and then photographers. It’s located on a rocky outcrop, the hill provides an elevated vantage point from which to observe the vast expanses of the park’s plains, woodlands, and marshes, stretching out of the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Animals:
Animal species attraction inn Amboseli national park takes you to the park’s incredible ability to support and showcase a diverse range of wildlife, drawing visitors from around the world to witness the majesty of the Africa’s iconic animals. The park is known for its large herds of elephants, that can be seen in the plains or gathered around watering holes, such as the giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes and among others like lions, cheetahs, leopards are also abundant, offering thrilling game viewing opportunities. The park’s diverse ecosystems support a wide range of other species including hyenas, baboons and various antelope species.
How to get to Amboseli National Park
Getting to Amboseli National Park is relatively simple, with the several options available to suit different preferences and budgets, and the park is located approximately 240 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, making it an ideal safari destination for the day trip or a longer safari adventure with African Vacation Safaris and one of the most convenient ways to reach Amboseli national park is by flying into Amboseli Airport which receives charter flights from Nairobi’s Wilson’s Airport, or Kilimanjaro Airport and from the airstrip, the visitors can be transferred to their lodges or camp and then alternatively, the visitors can drive to Amboseli national park from Nairobi, which takes around 4 hours through Mombasa Road and then Namanga Highway, passing through the scenic Kenyan countryside and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and then the shuttle services and public transportation options are also available from Nairobi and nearby towns, and once at the park, the visitors can explore its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and with its accessible location and stunning natural beauty, Amboseli national park is the best safari destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Kenya’s wildlife and then wilderness.
Best Time Visit to Amboseli National Park
The best time to visit Amboseli national park largely depends on your personal preferences and what you hope to experience during your Kenya safari adventure, but generally, the park’s dry seasons, that typically occur from June to October and then January to February are considered as the best for wildlife viewing, as the dry conditions cause the animals to congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot, and then the sparse vegetation also makes it easier to se wildlife from then distance.
During these periods, that’s when the weather is usually clear and sunny, with the minimal rainfall, making it the best time for the game drives, and among many other outdoor safari activities. The dry season also coincide with the peak tourist season, offering a range of amenities and services including the guided tours, accommodations, and then cultural experiences However the wet/rainy season that takes place from March to May and then November to December can also be a great time to visit Amboseli national park as the park’s landscape is lush and green, and then the vegetation is in bloom, making it a perfect time for photography and guided nature walks.
Plan your Kenya Safari to Amboseli National Park Now!
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