Amboseli National Park

Amboseli national park Kenya is located in Loitokitok district, rift valley province of Kenya, northwest of Mountain Kilimanjaro. This park is famously known for the fact that tourists are able to get extremely close to the largest land mammal, The Africa elephant as well as other animals within the park.

In addition, the park gives a perfect experience with the indigenous Masaai people and their exciting norms and traditions. The park is also diverse with animals as well as birds and has a constant underground water supply that is filtered thousands of feet below through volcanic stones making two clear streams at the heart of the park.

History of Amboseli national park Kenya

The Amboseli national park Kenya area was first occupied by cultivators around 1500 years ago but was taken over by Masaai in the 17th century. The first European to discover the national park was Joseph Thompson in 1883.

He was in shock to see the diversity in animals and birds as well as the wide dry lake bed. With many Europeans getting attracted to this place, they decide to enclose the park with the rest of the locals, and the Masaai were relocated to a nearby community.

In the spirit of retaliation, the Masaai started hunting lions and black rhinos down, however, the rhinos were protected but the lions remain endangered till today. In 1991 UNESCO declared the Amboseli National Park a Biosphere Reserve to protect the uniqueness of its ecosystem. Fortunately, with time the Masaai realized the importance of the wild animals and refrained from putting the animal’s lives at risk.

Wildlife in the park

The vegetation in Amboseli national park is favorable for the African animals because it is sparse due to the long dry seasons. The park is the home to several animals such as; herds of Elephants, Hyenas, Buffalo, Impala, Lion, Cheetah, Hyena, Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeests, and many other fascinating animals.

In addition, Amboseli national park has birds in abundance that are over 420 birds. These include egrets, herons, pelicans, and crowned cranes. Large numbers of flamingos may be present in the Wet seasons (March to May and October to December).

The grassland areas birds such as Hartlaub’s bustard and the localized Pangani longclaw. The acacia woodland holds some dry country specials such as steel-blue whydah, white-bellied go-away bird, and the Von der Decken’s hornbill.

Activities within Amboseli national park Kenya

Game drives

The park gives the tourists the opportunity to go on a game drive either in the evening or early morning along exciting tracks with the guidance of a tour guide to see the animals.

Animals that will be seen in this activity include Elephants, Buffaloes, Hyenas, Zebras, Giraffes, and many other animals. On this trip, the tourists will be able to see a variety of birds as well as plant species.

Air balloon services

This is a unique and spectacular point of view in the wilderness. You are given the opportunity to see the entire park’s beauty from the highest point, this is an experience definitely worth enjoying.

Elephant watching

If you have your eye out for these giants, then this safari is definitely for you. You will be able to track down a herd and spend your morning or afternoon watching them go about their daily activities.

Nature walk

On this activity, you will have an escorted walk in the wilderness where you will spot birds, come close to animals such as elephants and buffaloes as well as experience Amboseli at its best.

Bird watching

From the largest bird to the pink flamingos on the lakes, Amboseli is the ideal birder’s paradise. With over 420 birds, the park guarantees the fact that you will meet numerous birds along the way such as; egrets, herons, pelicans, crowned cranes, and many others. The birds are available throughout the year except for a few birds that are migratory.

Horse riding

This activity is extremely exciting because the tourists are able to ride alongside animals such as Giraffes and Zebras. This activity is done with an armed tour guide to ensure security.

Cultural tours

The tourists will be able to visit the Masaai that is one of the only tribes that have not yet been influenced by western culture. Here, they will be able to enjoy their music, dance, and folk tales

Accommodation

While at the beautiful Amboseli national park Kenya, your stay will be catered for at the following lodges; Kilimanjaro guest house, Simba cottages, Chui cottages, Amboseli campsite, Oltukai lodge, Amboseli Serena lodge, and Tortilis tented lodge.