Amboseli National Park is situated at the Kenya – Tanzania border, 240km away from Nairobi.
The park is 39,206 hectares (392 km2; 151 sq. mi) in size at the core of an 8,000 square kilometers (3,100 sq. mi) ecosystem that spreads across the Kenya-Tanzania border.
In Amboseli’s case it is big skies and far horizons combined with swampy springs and dry and dusty earth trampled by hundreds of animals.
It has an endless underground water supply filtered through thousands of feet of volcanic rock from Kilimanjaro’s ice cap, which funnel into two clear water springs in the heart of the park.
Known for its thriving big-game population, especially elephants, more than 1,600 from 56 different families that live in the park. You also stand a chance of viewing several wildlife species such as Buffaloes, lions, Leopards, Grant’s zebra, hyena, Maasai Giraffe, Impala, lion, Cape buffalo and others.
It is known as the best place in Africa for getting up close to free-ranging elephants. The population is so robust here that sightings are guaranteed!
It’s just one of many reasons the park is the second most popular in Kenya – only the Masai Mara draws more visitors.
The park safari is a dream come true for bird watching Safaris. Birders shall have the opportunity to view over 450 species of birds that reside within the park. Some of these birds are migratory and seasonal. Among the bird species, the flamingos dominate this tour. Millions of flamingos are seen floating on Lake Amboseli or along the lake shores.
Amboseli is also a photographer’s paradise. Those wonderful photos you’ve seen of elephants seemingly posing in front of snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro? They were taken here.
Kilimanjaro, the largest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, with its impressive Uhuru Peak soaring to 19,341 feet that towers over the park like a stately and photogenic sentinel. And when the clouds burn off at dusk or dawn, you’ll be treated to visions of its snowy peak.
About Amboseli National Park
At 392 square kilometers (151 sq. miles) Amboseli is not a large park, but that is part of its charm. The smaller size also creates more of a concentration of wildlife and thus, easier viewing.
Location:
The park is situated northwest of Mt. Kilimanjaro on the Kenya/Tanzania border. It’s relatively close to the beaches of the Kenya Coast and can easily be a 1-day safari for those who wish a quick getaway.
Climate:
The park is generally hot and dry except during the rainy season. Average day time temperatures are a toasty 28oC/82oF.
When to go:
The park is open year-round and always accessible.
Best time to visit:
The best wildlife viewing is during the dry season (June – October). This is the time the animals flock to the marshes, lakes and other water holes. And so will you for the cool shade and to discover the wildlife.
Operating Hours:
The park is open from 06:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs daily.