Why visit Amboseli?
The vast dry plains, acacia woodland, marshes and rich swamplands of the international biosphere reserve that is Amboseli National Park are home to an incredible wealth of wildlife which includes some 400 species of birds and, famously, large herds of elephants. Amboseli's bull elephants have some of the biggest tusks in Africa, and the sight of these magnificent beasts is quite simply awe-inspiring, especially with the backdrop of Kilimanjaro.
Reasons to visit Amboseli include:
- Unbeatable game drives ”“ this is the place where you’ll get those classic African safari photographs and memories.
- Hugely-tusked bull elephants are the most famous residents of the park, but they are just the beginning.
- Look out also for cheetah, lion, leopard, hyena, wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, crocodile, hippo, wild dog, buffalo and impala.
- This is a birder’s paradise ”“ among the 400+ species you can see the shoebill, bee-eater, African fish eagle and pygmy falcon and waterfowl such as the endangered Madagascar pond heron.
- Enjoy the outstanding views from Observation Hill, with snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania acting as the perfect backdrop.
- Explore the varied habitats ”“ from the sulphur springs of the wetlands to wide savannah, lush acacia forest and dry lake bed.
When to go to Amboseli
The best time to visit Amboseli is the non-rainy months as it makes game viewing much better and there are not so many difficulties in getting around. April and May are therefore the months to avoid as it is the season of the long rains. Though having said that Amboseli is an area of relatively low rainfall. Mid-November and early December can sometimes be a little wet too (the short rains), but it tends not to spoil visits as it rarely rains too much or for long as this time. If you’re a birder, the best time to be here is from about October to January for migratory birds, though there is good birdlife much of the year.
How to do it
You can either fly or drive to Amboseli from Nairobi. It takes about 4 hours to drive, or the flight is roughly 1 hour (depending on whether it’s direct or not). Amboseli combines well and easily with Tsavo which is quite close, and also with time on the coast. Many people also link it with other reserves within Kenya, such as the Masai Mara or more northerly parks such as Samburu for a very different landscape.
Accommodation in Amboseli
There is a good choice of lodges and tented camps in the reserve. If you prefer ”˜proper’ walls to canvas ones, consider Serena Lodge or Ol Tukai, but the smaller tented camps such as Tortilis or Amboseli Porini are some of our favourites.
