Amboseli National Park initially known as Maasai Amboseli Game Reserve is positioned in Kajiado County covering 39,206 ha though in a greater Trans boundary ecosystem that spreads to 8,000km². The Amboseli National Park is predominantly surrounded by the Maasai people though other tribal groups have come from different parts of the country to settle here as well resulting into successful agricultural practices and tourism initiatives. Amboseli National Park is noted to shelter two (2) of the five (5) main swamps including semi-arid vegetation and the dried up Pleistocene lake. The park is located at 240km to the south east of Nairobi – the Kenya’s capital and is recognized as the second most famous following the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Amboseli was first established in 1906 as a Southern Reserve of the Maasai and later became a Game Reserve in 1948. It was eventually declared a National Park in 1974 and eventually a UNESCO biosphere reserve in the year 1991.
The first European to penetrate the interior of this area that would later become Amboseli Park was Joseph Thompson in the year 1883. The name Amboseli is a Maasai word literally meaning salty dust. The park is aligned into a series of ecosystems including dried up lake bed, the wetlands marked with sulphur springs, woodlands and the savannahs. Amboseli National Park features ceaseless underground supply of water filtering through the volcanic rocks from the Africa’s highest Kilimanjaro ice cap congregating into two (2) springs with clear waters in the middle of Amboseli National Park. The Park is affected by climatic changes for example it heavy rains made it a swamp while the prolonged drought that followed made the grass covered plains into dust.

Kenya Safari Attractions in Amboseli National Park

Wildlife as a Kenya Safari Attraction in Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is known as the Africa’s ideal place to explore the free ranging elephants. The Park is a home to other wild game including; Cape Buffaloes, Maasai Lions, Impala, Cheetahs, Maasai Giraffes, Blue Wildebeest, Spotted Hyenas, Plains Zebra among other species.

Mount Kilimanjaro as a Kenya Safari Attraction in Amboseli National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro offers a beautiful scenic landscape within Amboseli National Park. This stands as the highest peak in Africa rising to 5,895m above sea level. The mountain is free standing volcano with snow caped peak. Its position presents a remarkable sightseeing experience which is an attraction of itself in Amboseli National Park.

Observation Hill as a Kenya Safari Attraction in Amboseli National Park

The Observation Hill is one of the iconic attractions in Amboseli National Park. It is a hill with a pyramid shape and is among those few places in the park where one can get out and walk gaining a magical look out of the extensive swamps, plains and the winding paths in the greater Amboseli landscape. The sights of Kilimanjaro are also magical.

Kenya Safari Activities in Amboseli National Park

Maasai Cultural Tour as a Kenya Safari Activity in Amboseli National Park

The Maasai people have thrived in the area for centuries past and they are re-known for their unique culture and heritage. The visit to the Maasai Boma presents remarkable encounter with their architecture, music dance and drama, art and craft not forgetting their precious jewellery. The activity enables you to learn deep into their history associated with livestock rearing and warrior practices. The visit to the Maasai Market exploring their methods of trade including the items like livestock and art and craft is also thrilling.

Balloon Safari Viewing as a Kenya Safari Activity in Amboseli National Park

The hot Air balloon Safari experience is an expensive but a very rewarding encounter costing $450 per person. The Balloon safari encounter offers an Ariel view of the general Amboseli National Park landscapes including Mount Kilimanjaro. The balloon activity is carried out in the dry season and is crowned with bush breakfast.

Game drive / game viewing as a Kenya Safari Activity in Amboseli National Park

The game drive / wild game viewing in Amboseli National Park is carried out both in the morning and in the evening. The activity offers an opportunity to explore the herds of elephants, lions some of which can be on the hunt, Zebras, Gazelle, and Wildebeest among others.