Amboseli – The Best Elephant Safari in Kenya

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According to the Maasai people of Kenya – Amboseli is a term which means salty dust. This a perfect description of Amboseli National Park which is 151 square miles or 352 square kilometers in size and found in the South Western part of the country. It is considered a perfect viewing location for elephants and the Mt. Kilimanjaro which can be seen very clearly from the dusty park.

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Amboseli National Park is located in Kajiado County. It is 232.6 km South-East of Nairobi city. The park is approximately 4 hours’ drive by road from Nairobi, and approximately 7 hours’ drive from Mombasa City, a distance of 450.9 km.

Amboseli National Park is accessible by road and air.  Wilson Airport provides Nairobi to Amboseli chartered flights. There is one airstrip in the park at Empusel gate for light aircrafts. Other airstrips near the park are at Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodge and Namanga town.

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Amboseli Animals

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You can experience an ultimate elephant safari in the Amboseli National Park. There are countless free ranging African bush elephants in Amboseli which can be roaming in the park. Amboseli makes for a perfect safari wildlife destination because of low lying bushes and sparse vegetation. You can see animals on the hunt, feeding, drinking at waterholes or swamps, or just roaming around the park.

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Other wildlife animals in Amboseli National Park include zebras, wild dogs, crocodiles, dik-diks, hyrax, lesser kudu, nocturnal porcupine, giraffes, impalas, lions, hippopotamus, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, spotted hyenas. The park is home to over 600 bird species.

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Amboseli Safaris and Tours

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Amboseli National Park can be visited all year round. You can go on Amboseli National Park day trips for short day safaris. For such a trip, make sure to leave Nairobi as early as you can. If you are driving to the park, you may plan to leave Nairobi at least by 5.00 am to arrive in the park by around 8.30 am. This gives you sufficient time for a satisfying wildlife game drive around the park. You also get to see Lake Amboseli and walk to nearby hills to view Mt.Kilimanjaro.

 

If you choose to fly to Amboseli National Park from Nairobi, the flight takes around 40 min.

 

Amboseli Hot Air Balloon Safari

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A special way to see the entire Amboseli National Park is by going on a balloon Safari. This is easily arranged for you while in the Amboseli. The best time to enjoy a balloon safari in Amboseli is early morning when the sun is rising. You will be able to see numerous wildlife animals in one go, catch the view of Mt.Kilimanjaro, and also observe Lake Amboseli from an interesting angle. Spending the night in the park makes it easy for you to get up early for a hot air balloon safari.

 

You can enjoy Amboseli safaris and tours through well planned game drives during the day or a night safari. Safari wildlife daytime game drives are good if you are going on an Amboseli National Park day trip. Otherwise you can plan to enjoy an early, midday and night safari in one day if you are spending some considerable time in the park. There are plenty of accommodation options for you in the park.

 

Maasai Culture in Amboseli

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In addition to wildlife animal safari, Lake Amboseli, and Mt. Kilimanjaro viewing activities, Amboseli is a great location for you to enjoy interacting with the most known indigenous community in East Africa, the Maasai.

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Cultural immersions allow you to visit villages in Amboseli, interact with the community, and you could try out their local cuisine. Cultural activities that are arranged from time to time include  Maasai ceremonies where you might be able to see Maasai warrior dances and the community adorned in their trademark red shukas and Maasai beaded jewelry. You can sample and shop unique handicrafts from the community such as Maasai beaded necklaces, bracelets, and their signature leather belts and leather sandals.

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Accommodation in Amboseli

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Amboseli Tented Camps, Amboseli Bush Camps, Amboseli Ecocamps and Amboseli Safari Camping Accommodation

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One of the best ways to enjoy a safari in Kenya is by staying in camps built in the country’s parks. Amboseli bush camps, ecocamps, and tented camps are well serviced and luxurious, you can find modest to very posh camps in the park. They offer a different take you may appreciate compared to hotel accommodation.

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Camps and tents accommodation work very well in wildlife ecosystem as they don’t take too much space and they are considered to be more environmentally friendly which is great for the parks and animals.

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Spending a few days in the park also gives you plenty of time to take in as much as you can in the Amboseli wildlife ecosystem.  Visiting the Amboseli National Park is sometimes a once in lifetime treat, therefore, plan well and make the most of it.

 

Other facilities you can stay in while at the park include safari lodges, hotels, and resorts.

 

Looking for a place to stay in the Amboseli, book a flight to Amboseli, or plan your Amboseli safari and accommodation, email us today.

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Additional Information

1. Flying to Amboseli – Flight Schedule

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2. Amboseli National Park Entry Fees: M-Pesa, VISA Card, Direct Deposits to Kenya Wildlife Service Bank Accounts at any gate

Citizen: Adult Kshs. 860    Child Kshs. 215          

Resident: Adult – Kshs 1030  Child Kshs. 215

Non Resident: Adult – USD 60  Child – USD 35

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3. Amboseli National Park Entry Gates:

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Nairobi to Amboseli National Park

 

Meshanani Gate: Nairobi – Arusha Road via Namanga (240 km)

Nairobi – Mombasa Rd via Emali (228 km)

 

Mombasa to Amboseli National Park

 

Access the Amboseli National Park through Tsavo West National Park at Olkelunyiet Gate via Kimana

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4. Kenya Tourist Visa Requirement and Application Procedure

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5. Family and Group Plans - Travel Insurance 

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Useful Links

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1. KWS – Amboseli National Park

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