Kenya Safari – Amboseli National Park

Posted at September 23, 2010

Owing to its spectacular backdrop of the 5895-meter high mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free standing mountain in the world and not forgetting the numerous herds of free ranging elephants that flock this park, Amboseli is undoubtedly one of the most loved Parks in East Africa and more so in Kenya.

Situated some 260 kilometers south-east of Nairobi, near the Tanzanian border, Amboseli national park is under the control of Olkejiado county council reverting from the control of the Kenya wildlife service following a decision by the President Mwai Kibaki in 2005 with the intent of benefiting the locals mainly made up of the Maasais.

The degazettement that diverted the park admission fees directly to the County Council was however met with resistance questioning the spread of benefits to the Maasai tribe in the area, with some foreseeing an unfortunate precedent that could jeopardize the status of other parks in Kenya.

The park boasts of a diversity of topography ranging plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush, a dried-up lake basin but also a profusion of lakes swamps and marshes; all of which have played an integral role in the success of the tourist driven economy whilst affording intensive agriculture along the system of swamps that makes this low-rainfall area with an average of 350 mm one of the best wildlife-viewing experiences in the world with astonishing array of wildlife not to mention the scenic beauty projected by the contrast between the arid areas of the dry-lake bed and the oasis of the swamps.

Generally a semi-arid area the park sustains itself and its residence through it numerous swamps and springs, fed by underground rivers from the melting snow of Mount Kilimanjaro, and as a result forming permanent watering places for the wildlife through times of drought. The diminishing of the acacia trees in the region is as a result of the fact that Amboseli lake-bed is subject to periodic floods and toxic salts in the gravel bed that dissolve to serve as a deadly poison for what is left of the local woods which initially formed a unique feature for this region.

The areas climate is characterized by hot and dry weather patterns as it falls on the lee ward side of the snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro receiving an annual rainfall of just 300mm during the months of April and May, and again during the months of November and December.

Average temperatures vary only slightly throughout the year with a minimum average daily temperature of 27°C and a maximum of 33°C consequential to drought being a norm in this area and experiences of high rate of evaporation.

Wildlife viewing in Amboseli is unparalled due to the fact that it is un-obscured affording visitors to this park a chance to be up-close with the African wildlife as vegetation is sparse due to the long dry months. The wildlife assortment habituating in Amboseli National Park comprises of over 53 species of herbivores and carnivores including the big 5 ( Buffalo, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Lion), cheetah, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gerenuks, impalas, gazelles, hyenas, baboons, bats and about 400 different species of birdlife.

The main treats in this park include an up-close view of the free-ranging elephants believed to be the highest concentration in Kenya; the big 5, the Observation Hill which allows an overall view of the whole park especially the swamps and elephants, buffaloes, hippos and a variety of water fowls like pelican & Egyptian goose.

Numerous bird species can also be spotted both large and small. Bird watching in Amboseli national park affords you the chance to view an estimated 400species of birds. Bird life in Amboseli is variable, with the best times to spot bird life being during the rainy season that is March-May and October-December.

During and just after the October-December rains the local birds are joined by migrants from the Northern hemisphere, sometimes in fairly large numbers, and bird watching around the swamps and impromptu lakes can be very rewarding. They include the African skimmers, red and yellow bishops, goshawks, buffalo weavers and palm nut vultures, a mention of a few.

There are lots of activities to indulge in while visiting this exhilarating park, they include game drives around this majestic park measuring 392 square kilometer or even better yet have a balloon safari for the chance to have a bird’s view of the park. The experience has to be early in the morning where, you will be woken and driven to the departure site.

The balloon floats with the gentle wind across the multitude of colors as the sunrise turns the awe inspiring free standing Mount Kilimanjaro into a purple hue, and the snows on its Kibo peak, a delicate pink a combination of which lights up the Amboseli sky. For those looking to have a romantic and unforgettable experience then Hot air ballooning serves that purpose. The magnificent sight of the free ranging herds of elephant crossing the plains of Amboseli is a timeless African image and one of life’s most memorable experiences.

The accommodation in Amboseli National Park varies from luxurious tents and lodges to the most basic of camps. They include Tortilis camp, Oltukai lodge, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Kibo safari camp, Amboseli Porini camp among others.

Access to the park is by Road or air. The main roads being the Nairobi – Arusha Road via Namanga a distance of 260 km, through Meshanani Gate; Nairobi – Mombasa Road via Emali a distance of 228 km and for those accessing the park from Mombasa the route is mainly through Tsavo West National Park via Kimana Olkelunyiet Gate. For persons looking to avoid the long treacherous journey the parks offers a single airstrip for light aircrafts at Empusel gate and two other airstrips at Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodge and Namanga town.

Amboseli National Park affords you the ultimate safari experience in the majestic African wild and is well worth the time and money spent.

Talk to us for all your safari bookings in Kenya. Contact us through our contact page here