During my trip to Kenya, I visited the beautiful Amboseli National Park, which impressed me not only with its stunning landscape but also with its abundant wildlife. Formerly known as the Maasai Amboseli Nature Reserve, it is now a 392-square-kilometer national park situated right on the border of Kenya and Tanzania.
Amboseli National Park, despite its low rainfall, is one of the best places in the world for wildlife observation. Here, you can spot approximately 400-600 species of birds (depending on research), as well as a variety of animal species such as elephants, zebras, and cheetahs.
You are invited to take a tour of the park.
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Amboseli Park – What is Worth Knowing?
When visiting the park, please remember to adhere to the rules of wildlife protection. Do not leave your vehicle outside designated areas, avoid harassing animals, stick to paved roads, and always give animals the right of way. This is important not just for the sake of nature but also because Kenyan laws regarding harm to animals are extremely strict.
Admission to the park is charged, and you can find current prices here: Amboseli Park Fees.
One more thing to note is that this park is becoming increasingly popular, so you might be surprised by the large number of tourists compared to, for example, Tsavo West.
What to Bring With You to Amboseli Park?
First and foremost, remember to bring water, sunscreen, and headgear. Additionally, bring a scarf or neck gaiter to protect yourself from dust and wind (it may or may not come in handy). Avoid wearing navy blue clothing, as it attracts flies.
Amboseli National Park Landscape
The park, located just across the border from Tanzania, offers incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Seeing it in all its glory is not always possible; we were fortunate to see it first thing in the morning, and it left an incredible impression!
Animals in Amboseli National Park
In this park, you can encounter a wide variety of animals. However, Amboseli National Park is especially renowned for its extraordinary encounters with wild elephants. It’s one of the best places in the world to get up close to these majestic creatures.
Amboseli was once home to a famous elephant named Echo, who was studied by American conservationist Dr. Cynthia Moss for nearly four decades. Sadly, Echo passed away in 2009.
What else can you see? Lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, striped mangabeys, antelopes, gazelles, monkeys, baboons, hyenas, warthogs, and much more. ?
Birds in Amboseli Park
In the park, there are hundreds of bird species. You will spot pelicans, flamingos, herons, kingfisher geese, cranes, ostriches, vultures, and numerous raptors. There’s plenty to see, so if, like me, you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, Amboseli will undoubtedly captivate you.
There are glossy starlings and noisy hornbills. You can spot flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds that are practically within arm’s reach.
Overnight in Amboseli Park
An overnight stay in Amboseli National Park is a unique experience that allows you to get in close contact with wildlife and admire the majestic Kilimanjaro. There are various accommodation options in and around the park to suit different preferences and budgets. In Amboseli Park you can find luxury safari lodges that offer the highest standard of accommodations.
Personally, I slept right next to the park, at AA Lodge in an elegant tent with an en suite bathroom. You can find it here:
Sightseeing in Kenya – What’s Next?
Amboseli National Park is a magical place where you can get up close to elephants in their natural habitat, admire Mount Kilimanjaro, and simply marvel at the world around you. However, it’s not only about the breathtaking landscape and wildlife; it’s also a place rich in history and culture. In the vicinity of the park, you can meet the Maasai people and visit their villages. We were so engrossed in safari and nature observation that we didn’t manage to visit them the first time, but rest assured, we plan to catch up soon. ?
You can read more about Kenya here:
Safari in Kenya – What You Need to Know?
Best Things To Do in Mombasa, Kenya
The Akamba Tribe’s Manufactory – An Unusual Place in Mombasa
Tsavo West – a national park where you’ll encounter Africa’s Big Five
