Amboseli National Park, Kenya, Africa

Basic Facts - Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park measures approximately 392 sq kms . Geographically it is located in Kajiado County, Kenya on the Tanzanian border north-west of Mount Kilimanjaro at an altitude of 1,155m above sea level. Bird Life is prorific with over 600 recorded species. The vegetation is characterized by semi-arid acacias and grasses papyrus sedges in the swamp lands. Main attractions include; Large Herds of Elephants, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Observation Hill which allows an overall view of the whole park especially the swamps and elephants, and hosts many buffaloes, hippos and a variety of water fowls like pelican, Egyptian goose. The contemporary Maasai culture and indigenous lifestyle is also a major attraction. Fifty-six species of mammal including baboon, vervet monkey, lion, cheetah, elephant, zebra, hippo, black rhino, Maasai oryx, wildebeest, gerenuk, impala and gazelle have been spotted. Visitor Facilities include Kilimanjaro Guest House, Simba Cottages, Chui Cottages, Oltukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena Lodge, Tortilis Tented Lodge, Several other lodges and Campsites..

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More About Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park (formerly Amboseli National Reserve), located at the foot of Africa's highest mountain, 5895-meter Mount Kilimanjaro, is one of the most popular of Kenya's national parks. Amboseli National Park lies some 240 kilometers south-east of Nairobi very close to the Tanzania border. The snow- capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above a saucer of clouds dominates every aspect of Amboseli. Amboseli was gazetted as a national park in 1974; it covers only 392 square kilometers but despite its small size and its fragile ecosystem it supports a wide range of mammals, well over 50 of the larger species, and birds with over 400 species.

Amboseli National Park lies immediately North West of Mt. Kilimanjaro, on the border with Tanzania. Amboseli was established as a reserve in 1968 and gazetted as a National Park in 1974. The Park covers 392 km2, and forms part of the much larger 3,000 Km2 Amboseli ecosystem. Large concentrations of wildlife occur here in the dry season, making Amboseli a popular tourist destination. It is surrounded by 6 communally owned group ranches. The National Park embodies 5 main wildlife habitats (open plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush country, swamps and marshland) and covers part of a pleistocene lake basin, now dry. Within this basin is a temporary lake, Lake Amboseli, that floods during years of heavy rainfall. Amboseli is famous for its big game and its great scenic beauty - the landscape is dominated by Mt. Kilimanjaro on the Tanzania side but best seen from Kenya side.

The main route into the park is along the C103 from Namanga, on the Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania) road, via Meshanani Gate. This road is badly corrugated and potholed in places. It is also possible to enter via Kelonyeti Gate on the C103 from the Chyulu Gate in Tsavo West National Park. Lemito Gate can be accessed from a road which joins the C102 road from Sultan Hamud on the main Nairobi - Mombasa road. The track from Namanga to Kitirua Gate goes through Tanzania and is not presently used. Buses from Nairobi go as far as Namanga, and hitching would be necessary to get into the National Park. This is usually difficult, as most vehicles entering the park are safari company minibuses and walking within the park is prohibited. For more information regarding Amboseli National Park, DO NOT hesitate to Contact Us.

Lodging in the Amboseli National Reserve includes the Amboseli Serena Lodge with 182 beds, the Amboseli Lodge with 240 beds and the Kilimanjaro Safari Lodge, also with 240 beds. Outside of the park, the Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodge offers 200 beds while the Kimana Lodge has 112 beds for visitors. The campsites in Amboseli National Park are run by Masaai communities. Although they are technically just outside of the park boundary, they can only be accessed from within the park. Payments are made directly to the Masaai communities.

There is only one Public Campsite in Amboseli, sometimes referred to as the Group Ranch Campsite. It is quite large but popular with low-budget camping safari companies so that it can get rather crowded and noisy at times. This site is just outside of the park boundary, south-west of Observation Hill. There are pit toilets here and a water supply which is not always reliable, so water has to be brought from one of the lodges at times. The special Nairushari Campsite is used by higher budget camping safari companies, located in a secluded site through the south-west corner of the park near Ilmbireshari Hill. There is firewood there, but bring your own food and water.

AfriChoice operates a wide range of carefully designed tours and safaris to Amboseli National Park by providing transport and booking a hotel for you. Our safari consultants will always be at your assistance should you need a tailor-made holiday to this unique destination. NB: For more information regarding Amboseli National Park, DO NOT hesitate to Contact Us.