The tourist activities to do at Amboseli National Park are too many and they extend simply from driving inside the park and sitting comfortably in your vehicle as you enjoy the astonishing views of the park to camping in the wild to enjoy the true African wilderness. The national park offers a great opportunity for visitors to have marvelous moments of relaxation and refreshments. The protected area is home to the African bush. Sometimes described as ‘Africa’s Elephant Park’, it is true that the area is one of the best places in Africa to observe family groups of elephants and large bull elephants at close range. The park is surrounded by local people known as nomadic Maasai and it covers a total land of about 392 square kilometres. Amboseli National Park has been a reserve since 1948 and later in 1974 was gazetted as a national park and in 1991 became a UNESCO site. However, there are many activities visitors can enjoy or participate in while on a safari in Amboseli National Park and we are going to discuss some of the most popular activities such as;
Guided game drives
Game drives in one of the main highlights of a safari or tourist activity in Amboseli National Park. Amboseli National Park is a Kenyan popular safari destination that offers rewarding wildlife viewing opportunities. The park is home to a large concentration of elephants which can be viewed around Ol Kenya Swamp and OI Tukai located in the heart of the park. Game drives in the park can easily be seen on the safari game drives through your pop-up vehicle as it takes you closer to the large herds of elephants that the park is known to possess. Guided game drives are conducted all day long but the best time to see wild animals is early in the morning which starts at 6:30 am till 11:30 am and evening begins at 2 pm till 6:30 pm. During your guided game drive safari, you’ll have the chance to encounter numerous wildlife species such as elephants, wildebeests, Thomson gazelle, hippos, zebras, leopards, spotted hyenas, Masai giraffes, buffaloes, lions, cheetah, spotted hyenas, cape buffaloes, hippos, impala among others.
You will also have the chance to enjoy the park’s unique creatures and the landscaped comprise of the park’s unique beauty and vegetation cover which is so interesting, a landscape with natural and unspoiled vegetation, as well the panoramic landscape of the park.
Bird watching
Amboseli National Park is truly a paradise for birdwatching safaris on the African continent. The park is home to over 400 bird species which are recorded. Birdwatching in the park can be done in the savannah plains and forest inhabitants, around swamps and lakes. During your birdwatching tours, you’ll have the chance to spot va ariety of bird species such as Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Shoebill, Secretary bird , Osprey , Hamerkop, Blue-billed Teal, Red-billed Duck , Crested Francolin , Shelley’s Francolin, Yellow-necked Spurfowl , Mourning Collared-Dove, African Green-Pigeon , Yellow-throated Sandgrouse , Kori Bustard , White-bellied Bustard White-faced Whistling-Duck, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Pied Cuckoo, Eurasian Nightjar, Alpine Swift, Common Swift, Red-chested Flufftail and Red-knobbed Coot among others. Birding safaris in the park are best done during the wet seasons when fruits are in plenty starting from month of March to May and October to December.
Scenic Viewpoints
There are several scenic viewpoints throughout Amboseli National Park that give visitors an opportunity to take in the stunning plant and animal life from elevated spots. Visitors can step onto these viewpoints to soak up the beauty of the park and its inhabitants. Notable viewing locations include the Noomotio Observation Point, Kitirua Campsite, and Enameshera Mountain Peak—with each offering unique and impressive sights.
Cultural Community Walks
Community walks invite tourists to connect with the local residents learn about their traditions and way of life and appreciate their cultures, history, and lifestyle. Many of the nearby communities are part of the Maasai tribe, whose rich culture extends into Kenya and Tanzania. These walks often follow the wildlife safaris and provide a deeper understanding of the area’s heritage.
Kilimanjaro Views
Amboseli National Park offers fantastic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which sits just across the border in Tanzania. Visitors can enjoy stunning glimpses of three-quarters of this iconic mountain during their stay. Whether on a game drive or just exploring the park, catching sight of Kilimanjaro is a breathtaking experience available at any time.
Filming and Photography
Amboseli National Park is a fantastic place for filmmakers and photographers. With its diverse wildlife, including the Big Four (lions, elephants, leopards, and buffalo), the park attracts many wildlife researchers and commercial photographers. With so many captivating scenes and subjects to capture, it’s a wonderful location for anyone interested in documenting the beauty of nature.
Guided Nature Walk
Exploring Amboseli National Park on a guided nature walk is a wonderful experience. The park is lush with beautiful plants, swamps, and various mammals that you can spot along the way. Walking through the park, especially around the observation hills, allows you to uncover its hidden gems. You can observe wild animals like herds of elephants, zebras, giraffes, impalas, and buffaloes up close while enjoying the sweet songs of birds. Plus, the stunning backdrop of snowy Mount Kilimanjaro makes it an unforgettable adventure that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Cultural Tours
When visiting Amboseli, you have the opportunity to meet the local Maasai people. In the afternoons, you can learn about their fascinating culture, which includes exciting traditional dances that you can even join in on. You’ll also get to see their unique clothing and can participate in their reforestation efforts by planting seeds with them, creating a memorable and enriching experience.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
For a truly unique experience, consider a hot air balloon safari early in the morning. This adventure lets you soar above Amboseli National Park and offers breathtaking views of elephants, buffaloes, vast plains, and colorful birds from the sky. It’s a fantastic way to take in the beauty of the park from a whole new perspective.
Traditional Dances
As the sun sets, you can enjoy the mesmerizing night sky outside your lodge while gathered around a campfire. The Maasai people often perform their vibrant traditional dances during this time, providing entertainment as you relax and enjoy your drinks amidst the beauty of the wilderness.
When is the best time to visit Amboseli National Park?
The park can be visited all year around but most especially during dry seasons. However, this dry season occurs in two drier periods of the year that’s from January to February and then June to October. During this season game viewing then to be so amazing as the animals then to gather around the water bodies, making it easier to spot them. For bird lovers, the best time to visit the park for birding safaris is during the wet season when the migratory birds are on arrival in the park which starts from April to June and November to December.
Where to stay in Amboseli National Park
While there are a range of accommodation options available in Amboseli National Park, the accommodation facilities in the park range from luxury, and mid-range to budget-friendly. Some of the accommodation facilities options here include Ol Tukai Lodge, AA Amboseli Lodge, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Satao Elerai Camp, Satao Elerai Camp, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Amboseli Kimana Lodge, Tortilis Camp, Kilima Safari Camp, among others
