Overview – Amboseli National Park

Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, the Amboseli National Parks is one of Kenya's most popular parks. It is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close carrying massive tusks. Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulphur springs, the savannah and woodlands. They can also visit the local Maasai community who live around the park and experience their authentic culture.

  • Wildlife19 Animals

  • High SeasonJune to September and January to February

  • Best Time to GoDecember to March and July to October

Pros & Cons

  • Excellent wildlife viewing
  • Four of the Big Five can be found easily except Rhino
  • Offers amazing elephant sightings
  • Views of Kilimanjaro on clear days
  • Excellent birding, especially waterbirds in swamp habitat
  • Excellent well-priced mid-range lodges
  • The park gets very busy, especially in the high season
  • Big cats are relatively hard to spot

Amboseli National Park Map in Africa

Amboseli National Park Safari Reviews

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Wildlife & Animals – Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park offers some of the best opportunities to see African wildlife because the vegetation is sparse due to the long, dry months. The protected area is home to African bush elephants, Cape buffalo, impala, Masai giraffe, Grant's zebra, and blue wildebeest. Amongst the predatory species, African wildcats, black-backed jackals, black-eared foxes, cheetahs, lions, and spotted hyenas are frequently spotted. After the Maasai targeted the rhinos, the remaining rhinos were relocated so at present Amboseli has no rhinos.

Elephant

Elephant

Abundant
Giraffe

Giraffe

Common
Hippo

Hippo

Common
Buffalo

Buffalo

Common
Zebra

Zebra

Abundant
Wildebeest

Wildebeest

Abundant
Hyena

Hyena

Common
Lion

Lion

Occasional

Wildlife Highlights

The park is famous for being the best place in the world to get close to free-ranging elephants carrying massive tusks and because they have been protected these elephants are quite calm when encountered during game drives. During the day the elephants mostly spend their time partially submerged, foraging in Ol Okenya swamp.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time for wildlife viewing is in the dry summer months of January and February and June to October for visiting Amboseli National Park. Wildlife is simpler to spot since vegetation is more slender and animals assemble around predictable water sources. The best time to visit the park to witness the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro from the park is in the rainy season, from November to May.

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Birds – Amboseli National Park

Amboseli boasts of rich birdlife, with over 400 bird species recorded, including the globally threatened Madagascar Pond-Heron, Lesser Flamingo, Lesser Kestrel, and Possibly Africa’s most sought-after bird, the Shoebill which has an a-one-time record in the area and over 40 birds of prey. The grassland areas offer some interesting ground birds such as Hartlaub’s bustard and the localized Pangani longclaw. The acacia woodland holds some dry country specials such as steel-blue whydah, white-bellied go-away bird and the Von der Decken’s hornbill.

Notable Birds in Amboseli National Park

Madagascar Pond-Heron

Madagascar Pond-Heron

Rare & Endangered
Lesser flamingo

Lesser flamingo

Rare & Endangered
Shoebill

Shoebill

Occasional
Pangani longclaw

Pangani longclaw

Occasional

Best Time for Bird Watching

To discover Amboseli an extremely useful bird-watching spot, one needs to arrive during or soon after the October-December rains. This is when local birds are joined by migrants from the Northern half of the globe, once in a while in genuinely enormous numbers. The months when precipitation is probably going to disturb your bird-watching plans are November and April.

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Best Time to Visit – Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park can be visited for wildlife viewing throughout the year, But the best time to visit is during the dry season, in the months of January and February and June to October. The best time to visit the park to watch the amazing beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro is in the rainy season. The months of November to April bring the migratory bird population to the Amboseli National Park.

  • Best Time

    June to September and January to February

  • High Season

    December to March and July to October

  • Low Season

    April to June

  • Best Weather

    June to September and January to February

  • Worst Weather

    April

June to October (Dry Season)

  • Wildlife watching is better when it’s dry and animals gather at water sources
  • It rains very little and most days are radiant
  • Fewer mosquitoes and less chance of catching malaria
  • There is a lot of dust in the air because it is very dry
  • The sky is hazy and the scenery isn’t as pretty
  • Views of Kilimanjaro are less spectacular

June to October (Wet Season)

  • Plenty of animals can be spotted very easily even in wet season
  • Due to less crowd in this season, Pricing is very less to bring more travellers
  • The scenery is beautiful and at its most lush
  • Birding is best as migratory birds are present
  • Views of Kilimanjaro are best after rainfall, when the sky is clear of dust
  • Roads become sloppy and difficult to travel
  • It gets humid and hot

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Activities – Amboseli National Park

Birding Safari

Birding Safari

Eager bird-watchers won't be disappointed on an African safari! This gray crowned crane was seen in the core of the Serengeti, Tanzania.
Cultural

Cultural

It is possible to take part in a cultural safari if you desire to spend your time visiting local schools, clinics, orphanages, and markets.
Farm Visits

Farm Visits

An incredible addition to any safari is taking the time to visit some of the local farms or plantations and sample some local produce.
Game Drives

Game Drives

A game drive is an adventure that involves viewing wildlife from the comfort of a 4x4 open vehicle, providing you with a true safari experience.
Horse Riding

Horse Riding

For those who wish to explore the parks and game reserves by horse. These are the most well-known destinations; Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa.
Hot Air Balloons

Hot Air Balloons

A hot air balloon safari is a must-do adventure activity. It's easy to see why being inspired across the African landscape is such a memorable experience.
Night Drives

Night Drives

Night game drives provide an opportunity to observe wildlife in action at night. Predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards become active at night.
Photography

Photography

Photography safaris are frequently led by experienced photographers who are dedicated to capturing the best shot possible.
Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Market visits are worthwhile before or after a safari. Locally made and sourced items make excellent souvenirs and great way to keep memories alive.
Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris

A safari bush walk is the best way to get some exercise and experience nature up close. Set out on an adventure with the wild inhabitants of Africa.
Yoga

Yoga

Yoga, Pilates and mind/ body safaris are growing in popular. It is possible to begin the day with an hour or two of yoga prior to going on a game drive.

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Safari Reviews – Amboseli National Park

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