Amboseli National Park, often called the land of giants, is situated in the Loitoktok district of Kajiado County in Kenya. Amboseli National Park is nestled in the Rift Valley of Kenya, encompassing an area of 392 square kilometers that stretches along the border between Kenya and Tanzania. Amboseli National Park, once referred to as Masai Amboseli Game Reserve, is located near Nairobi and is overseen by three authorities: the Kenya Wildlife Service, the county council, and the Masai community. The term “Amboseli” originates from a Maasai word that translates to salty dust. The Maasai people reside close to the park and engage in farming within its swampy areas.

Amboseli National Park is a place brimming with excitement and exploration.
Amboseli National Park, situated at an altitude of 1124-1164 meters, is among the most renowned national parks in Kenya. It provides an exceptional experience for wildlife enthusiasts, showcasing large herds of elephants up close, earning its title as the Home of Africa’s elephants. Additionally, it presents fantastic opportunities for photography. Amboseli National Park is situated to the northwest of Mount Kilimanjaro, straddling the border of Tanzania and encompassing a vast 3,000 square kilometers of the Amboseli ecosystem.

Amboseli National Park is a remarkable ecological system featuring vast open plains, acacia woodlands, rugged thorn bush country, swamps, marshland, and a section that was once a Pleistocene lake basin, now dry. In these regions, one can discover the parched remnants of Lake Amboseli and vibrant wetlands adorned with Sulphur springs. Amboseli National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, featuring over 1,000 African bush elephants, climbing lions, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, Cape buffalo, spotted hyenas, impalas, cheetahs, Masai giraffes, leopards, and monkeys. The park is home to around 370 bird species, including ostriches, flamingos, vibrant yellow-billed birds, and striking grey crowned cranes, along with spur-winged lapwings that thrive in the wetlands. These creatures are often found in the expansive, flat landscapes, making wildlife observation a breeze, especially during the dry months of June to September and January to February. During this time, the skies are clear, and animals roam the dusty plains, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Amboseli National Park presents breathtaking vistas of the majestic, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing mountain that looms over the Amboseli plains, drawing millions of visitors to this remarkable destination. The morning reveals captivating mountain views, especially when the peaks are shrouded in mist. The majestic Snowcapped Mountain Kilimanjaro boasts two pristine water springs, with an underground supply that has been naturally filtered through layers of volcanic rock. The park boasts six community-owned group ranches and is remarkable for its swamps, such as Enkongo Narok and Olokonya, nourished by the melting snow from Mount Kilimanjaro.

Amboseli National Park boasts a warm and arid climate, as it is situated in the rain shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro to the northwest. The park experiences a delightful range of temperatures, with a cozy low of 27°C and a warm high of 33°C. The climate here is characterized by dramatic changes, swinging from drought to flood. For instance, in the 1990s, the park experienced an abundance of rain, transforming it into a swamp, while years later, the lush grass-covered plains became barren dust.

The region that encompasses Amboseli National Park was once referred to as Empusel, a Masai territory that was notorious for being a daunting challenge for any outsider to traverse. In 1883, Joseph Thompson became the first European to explore the region, and upon his arrival, he was captivated by the incredible diversity of wildlife and the stunning vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, which stood in striking contrast to the arid expanses of the dry lake bed and the lush swamps. In 1906, Amboseli was designated as a reserve for the Masai. By 1948, local control was established over the reserve, and in 1974, it was officially declared a national park to protect its unique ecosystem. In 1991, the area earned recognition as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Under President Mwai Kibaki’s leadership, the management of the park shifted from the Kenya Wildlife Service to the Olkejuedo County Council, a decision that continues to face legal challenges.

Exciting experiences in Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is an exhilarating tourist destination brimming with thrilling safari activities and a wealth of attractions. These thrilling safari activities encompass

Culture encounters: On the fringes and in certain regions of Amboseli National Park, the ancient Masai people reside. In Kenya, this is the sole place where you can immerse yourself in the distinctive culture of the great Masai. In cultural encounters, you are sure to experience and discover the vibrant lifestyle of these communities, from their agricultural practices to their captivating dances and storytelling traditions. This activity promises to leave you spellbound.
Bird watching: Amboseli National Park is home to an impressive array of around 400 bird species, including the striking African sacred ibises, graceful pelicans, vibrant yellow-billed storks, elegant flamingos, majestic ostriches, colorful grey crowned cranes, bishops, goshawks, buffalo weavers, and palm nut vultures, among others. These birds can be spotted in swamps, the parched lake basin, and the expansive savannah plains.
Sightseeing: Few places can match the breathtaking sight of elephants frolicking against the majestic backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro offers a plethora of breathtaking landscapes for tourists to explore, including vibrant swamps, the arid lake basin, and expansive dusty plains that provide perfect photo opportunities.
Nature walks in Amboseli National Park offer an incredible experience, guiding you through various sections of the park as you take in the sight of numerous wildlife grazing in the expansive savannah plains, particularly the majestic herds of giant African elephants quenching their thirst at the spring.
Wildlife viewing/game drives: Amboseli National Park is home to an incredible array of wildlife, providing stunning opportunities for game viewing against the majestic backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. The park’s flat savannah plains create the perfect setting for exhilarating game drives, where you can encounter large herds of African elephants, climbing lions, ostriches, and much more.
Amboseli National Park is a realm of untamed beauty, where wildlife thrives in a breathtaking landscape. The park is a sanctuary for diverse species, offering an exhilarating experience for those who seek the thrill of nature’s wonders.
To ensure the well-being of both wildlife and visitors, the park authorities have established a set of guidelines, which include:

Always stay inside your vehicle unless you’re at the designated spots.
Please refrain from bothering the animals.
Always stay on the marked paths
Exploring Amboseli National Park is a year-round possibility, but for the most exhilarating wildlife encounters, planning a safari during the dry months from June to October is ideal. During this time, animals flock to the marshes and water sources for a drink, and the sandy plains come alive with dust, creating fantastic photo opportunities when the light is just right.

Reaching Amboseli National Park is an exciting journey, as you travel along the main road from Nairobi via Namanga, covering a distance of 240 kilometers on the Nairobi-Arusha road. The alternative route is through Emali, featuring a well-paved road that stretches 64 kilometers from Emali to the Remito gate, leading you from Mombasa. For an exhilarating journey, you can take a chartered aircraft from Empusel gate. Other airstrips that connect to Amboseli can be found at the park headquarters, Kilimanjaro Buffalo lodge, and Namanga town.

During a safari in Amboseli, you can find accommodations at e Oltukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Kimana Lodge, and Tortilis Camp.