Park Overview
Come and see the diverse wildlife of the Amboseli National Park against the majestic backdrop of beautiful Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya.The Amboseli National Park is situated in the Kajiado District, of the Rift Valley Province in Kenya on the border with Tanzania. It is considered to be one of the top safari destinations in Africa and is famous for its landscape, dotted with African wildlife, with the majestic snow capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background and is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close.
Amboseli is known for its big skies and far horizons combined with swampy springs and dry and dusty earth trampled by hundreds of animals. The name Amboseli, comes from a Maasai word meaning “salty dust”
Amboseli has an endless underground water supply filtered through thousands of feet of volcanic rock, from Kilimanjaro’s ice cap, which funnels into two clear water springs in the heart of the park. However, the climatic pendulum often swings from drought to flood, as seen in the 1990’s where ceaseless rain turned Amboseli into a swamp, then a few years later the rains failed and the grass covered plains turned into dust.
Climate
The park is generally hot and dry except during the rainy season. Average day time temperatures are a toasty 28oC/82oF.
Activities
The elephants – with its reputation for active elephant sighting it’s easy to spot them roaming the plains in the morning and evenings. And during much of the day you can observe them splashing and foraging in Ol Okenya Swamp
Elephant Research Camp – the elephants at Amboseli live a rich and protected life. But they are also keenly studied, thanks to the pioneering work of Dr. Cynthia Moss. Echo, the most researched of the elephants, was the subject of numerous books and documentaries and studied for almost 40 years by Dr. Moss.
Observation Hill – With its pyramid shape this is a unique spot. It’s also one of the few spots in the park where you can get out of your safari vehicle and just walk. At the summit, take in the plains, marshes, lakes and roads below. You’ll see wonderful views of Mt. Kilimanjaro to the south and the great swamps to the east.
Sinet Delta – Not far from Observation Hill, take a northern road to the Sinet Delta for excellent bird-watching. As you turn south be on the lookout for giraffes foraging in the thicker brush. And some wonderful views of Kilimanjaro.
Maasai People – There are several Maasai communities around Amboseli Park. If you wish, your guide can arrange a visit to see and meet these authentic nomadic people and learn about their culture and lifestyle.
Map
Amboseli Highlights
- One of the most aesthetically beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Amazing encounters with free ranging herds of elephants
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