Day two of our Kenya trip had finally arrived. Our day began with a delightful surprise. As we stepped out of our accommodation, we were greeted by a Maasai giraffe, its long neck gracefully bending to inspect us from just beyond the fence. This gentle giant seemed to welcome us to the wild expanse of Kenya with a its presence. It felt like a sign—nature’s way of saying, “Get ready for an adventure like no other!”
As the first ray of the sunlight streamed through the window Jimnah, our driver reached at our stay. We hurriedly loaded the breakfast and lunch packed by the hotel and got ready for our very first game drive at Amboseli National Park. This was a moment we had long imagined about, fuelled by countless hours spent watching wildlife documentaries on National Geographic and Discovery channel since childhood. Today, however, we were no longer a passive viewer—we were about to step into the heart of the action on our very first safari in Kenya!
Jimnah navigated the roads towards the park entrance at Kimana gate. As our safari vehicle cruised along the rough terrain, we suddenly spotted a magnificent sight —- a herd of elephants enjoying a morning drink at a watering hole. It was a beautiful scene—especially the baby elephants! Those little cuties were frolicking around their mothers, so carefree and full of life. These gentle giants roam freely across the plains and provide photographers with stunning opportunities. We also caught the sight of Mama olive Baboon basking in the sunlight with her tiny baby clinging onto her belly. We made a stop at the Observation Hill, a popular spot for lunch with panoramic views of the park and a chance to catch sight of some of the more elusive animals and birds. There are shaded picnic tables at the top and restrooms at the base.
Amboseli is perfect choice for the first-time safari goers or those new to Kenya. The name “Amboseli” comes from the Maa word “Empusel,” which means “salt and dusty place.” The park is known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro on the horizon and its large herds of wild elephants, including the famous big tuskers and super tuskers. One such incredible super tusker giant is Craig, who is well-known among safari enthusiasts and photographers. Interestingly, Craig is now spotted outside the park boundaries, and there is a separate entry fee to see Craig, which may influence your safari plans if you’re on a tight schedule. So, for those with just a day to explore Amboseli, it is highly recommended to focus on the rich variety of wildlife the park has to offer rather than solely fixating on the chance to see Craig.
Amboseli national park is a treasure trove of wildlife. From the elegant Masai giraffes, lions, gazelles, waterbuck, impala, cheetahs, non-migrated wildebeest, spotted hyenas, jackals, warthogs, zebra, olive baboon, cape buffalo, hippos all are present in the park. But no one can guarantee you the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo) in Amboseli as leopard and rhino are virtually non-existent here. Overall, this place is like a massive wildlife party!
There are over 400 birds in Amboseli National Park recorded, with a variety of species including 47 raptors. While the various birds in Amboseli National Park can be seen all throughout the year. But the months from October to April are your golden ticket. The park has many wetlands that attract variety of waterfowl, including herons, storks, and pelicans, all vying for their share of the abundant food supply. Travelers can also spot common Ostrich, Helmeted Guineafowl, White bellied Bustard, Taveta Golden Weaver, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Spike-heeled Lark, Lapwing, Grey Crowned Crane, Von der Decken’s Hornbill, Egrets, Secretary Birds and so many others. From Observation hill, the northern route runs across the Sinet Delta, which is an excellent place for bird watching. The vegetation gets thicker as you head south, providing food for giraffes and offering some of the best views of Kilimanjaro in the park.
If you are planning to visit Kenya, booking a full-day safari at Amboseli National Park is a must. It’s a place where adventure meets tranquillity, where the beauty of wildlife unfolds in front of your eyes, and where memories are created that last a lifetime. Whether you’re an experienced safari-goer or a first-time visitor, Amboseli will undoubtedly enhance your appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Africa!
Stay tuned for more updates as our journey continues through this incredible wilderness of Kenya!
Few Important Information
- Short-haul flights between Wilson Airport (Nairobi) and the Amboseli airstrip take approximately 40 mins in a light aircraft. And by road it takes 4-5 hours from Nairobi
- Amboseli National Park has accommodation options to suit every budget. Our recommendation is to stay outside the park if you are planning for budget trip. There is also only one actual campground which is the Amboseli campsite.
- The park is open every day, including public holidays, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- You must buy ticket (in advance or at the spot) for the park via E-citizen Kenya website (https://dis.ecitizen.go.ke/auth/login ) and pay with card or bank deposit if you are a non-resident.
- Passport information and digital photo are required for signing up.
- No cash payment is accepted for buying tickets at park gate.
- The park entrance fee $ 60 per person as on August 2024
- High / Peak Season: June to October
- Best time for game viewing, mostly sunny with very little to no rain.
- Rates are higher and the park can get busy.
- Low / Green Season: November to May
- The short rains peak in the month of November, while the long rains happen in April and May
- Scenically Amboseli is at its best during this period and a superb time for photography.
- Best time to visit for bird watching.
- You will get restroom at Observation hill and at Ol Tukai Lodge.
- It is recommended to pack your lunch from your accommodation. You may also get the option for lunch at Ol Tukai Lodge
- You can join a guided game drive through your lodge or camp or explore on your own with a self-drive in your own vehicle. Just keep in mind, night game drives aren’t allowed within the park boundaries in Kenya.
- You may visit the following link for the species of birds we have spotted during game drive https://ebird.org/tripreport/270347?view=cheklists
If you have any questions or want to prepare your itinerary for any trip, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thanks for giving every detail of visiting Amboseli National Park. Excellent write-up and presentation. Whenever I will make a plan to visit Kenya, I will go through your posts to plan my visit there.
Very nice and elaborate description…it is really helpful for anyone who is planning to visit Kenya…♥️