What to Expect in Amboseli National Park
What to Expect in Amboseli National Park :Known as the “Land of Giants” Amboseli National Park is a wildlife paradise in Kenya, famous for its large herds of elephants always seen on a move across the expansive grasslands, the silhouette of acacia trees and the incredibly beautiful backdrop of snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro.
Is Amboseli National Park worth visiting as part of a Kenya Safari Itinerary is a frequently asked question by many safari goers. In this article we take you through our expert thoughts on this small but rewarding safari destination in southern Kenya on the border of Tanzania.
What is Amboseli Like?
Set against a backdrop of looming Mount Kilimanjaro – the tallest mountain on the continent, you can see everything from lush primeval swamps to wide, dry plains here. Amboseli is an English slag of the Maa word Empusel, meaning “salty, dy place” but certain areas of the park is well supplied with water by the underground streams flowing from the melting ice camp on Kili, which in turn attracts elephants and plenty of birds.
To prevent elephants from munching their way through the forests and to allow vegetation time to regrow, parts of the forested swamp have been fenced off. During the long rains between about March and April, the dry plain can become a shallow land, filled with wading birds (there are 400 species here alone). Because of its small size, it is easy for rangers to patrol and is very well kept.
Amboseli National Park is a great choice for first – time safari goers or first-timers to Kenya. Its compact size allows you to see virtually every aspect in about two days and its proximity to Nairobi means you do not have to follow a long – haul flight with a very long drive or another longish flight. Short-haul flights between Wilson Airport and the Amboseli Airstrip takes less than an hour in a light aircraft.
Amboseli is definitely a convenient place to include into your Kenya Safari itinerary with ease. Its closeness to Nairobi does mean that lots of Kenyans drive through for weekends and school holidays, and you may experience traffic congestion during holidays like Easter and Christmas so our Tour Consultants will help you plan your trip with that in mind.
Animals You Will See in Amboseli?
The diversity of Amboseli’s landscape is reflected in the diversity of the game. Herds of elephants are commonly sighted and because of they have been studied by researchers at the Amboseli Elephant Research Centre, many of them are known by name by the guides.
Also, a baboon research centre in Amboseli studies and researchers and studies more about these very social, inquisitive and intelligent primates.
The Big 5 in Amboseli is not guaranteed as leopards and rhinos are virtually non-existent. But don’t let that deter you as they are easily found elsewhere in Kenya. Lewa Conservancy is fantastic for rhino and Masai Mara National Reserve for leopard. You will not see the weirdly proportioned gerenuk either as they prefer the aridness of Samburu National Reserve in North Kenya.
You will see masses of birdlife, bat-eared foxes (a very rare sighting), giraffe, lion, buffalo, cheetah, and non-migrating wildebeests. Look out for Thomson’s gazelle and how they differ from impalas, Maasai giraffe, Burchell’s or Plains Zebra and plenty of spotted hyenas known as spotties. There are no brown hyenas here.
Will I See Kilimanjaro?
Although Mount Kilimanjaro is in the neighboring Tanzania, the best views of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain and Africa’s highest peak are in Kenya. Because of Amboseli’s close proximity to the Tanzania border, it does have the best vistas of Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro is 5,895 metres high, meaning its summit is almost always swathed in cloud. Your best chances of seeing the peak is at dawn when conditions may have cleared overnight, so don’t skip the early-morning game drives.
Keep in mind that professional photographers spend ages in the field capturing the perfect shot so don’t pressure yourself or feel disappointed if you cannot replicate in a day or two what they spend weeks and months finding.
When to Go to Amboseli for a Safari
Though Amboseli National Park is a year round destination, the best time to visit depends what you intend to see during your Kenya Safari Visit.
High/Peak Season: June to October
This period is
- Best time for game viewing – grass is shorter which makes animals easier to spot and they don’t stray far from water sources
- Mostly sunny with very little to no rain
- Rates are higher and the park can get rather busy
Low/Green Season: November to May
- In November, the short rains peak and the long rains in April and May.
- Scenically Amboseli is at its best – a superb time for photography
- Best Time to visit for bird watching
- Best views of Kilimanjaro – skies are clear of dust
- Lower rates and the park is quieter due to wet road conditions (around April and May)
Should I Go to Amboseli on a Kenya Safari?
Yes, Amboseli is a great destination not to miss out on a Kenya safari, the landscape is beautiful and there is much to see. Amboseli is a good kick-off before you head to the Masai Mara and is ideal for first-time visitors to Africa.
Chat with our Kenya Safari Experts to help you plan an incredible Kenya Safari Itinerary that is right for you.
