Activities in Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is one of the most a remarkable African safari destination that offers unique experiences and activities. It is renowned for its diverse wildlife viewing opotunities and is particularly famous for having a large population of African elephants, making it one of the best places on the African continent to observe these massive creatures.

The beautiful National Park in of southern Kenya is brimming with, endless activities for visitors to take part. Here, we have put together some of the top attractions and things to do in Amboseli National Park, that you must do when you visit.

Visiting the Top sights in Amboseli.

These are considered as Amboseli’s major attraction spots including many other attractions. These are liked and visited by a large tourist as they provide a clear view to the rest of the other attractions in the land and as well the surrounding landscape. These top sights include, Enameshera mountain peak, Kitirua camping site / camping safaris and the Noomotio observation point.

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Game drives in Amboseli National Park are a core activity, allowing visitors to explore the vast wilderness in specially designed vehicles like buses and tourist vans. These drives follow designated tracks and trails, as well as venturing off-road, to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.

During game drives, tourists are treated to the park’s diverse natural landscape, from open savannas and acacia woodlands to swamps and waterholes. This variety of habitats supports a wide array of wildlife, including the famous elephant herds, predators like lions and cheetahs, and numerous bird species.

The flexibility of game drives allows for adaptation to animal behavior and weather conditions. In hot weather, animals often seek shade or water, so drivers may focus on areas near rivers, swamps, or forested patches. This dynamic approach ensures that visitors have the best chance of encountering animals, even when they are less active.

Game drives provide an immersive experience, allowing close encounters with wildlife while learning about their behavior and habitat from knowledgeable guides. They are an essential part of any Amboseli safari, offering a comprehensive overview of the park’s biodiversity and natural beauty.

Meeting the local people

While the Maasai people are the ancestral inhabitants of the Amboseli region and hold a significant presence in terms of land ownership and population, the area is also home to other local communities. This diversity is enriched by the park’s proximity to the border with Tanzania, which introduces additional cultural influences.

Engaging with the local communities around Amboseli National Park offers a unique opportunity to learn about their rich cultural heritage, traditions, cuisine, and history. Each group contributes to the vibrant tapestry of the region, creating a multi-faceted experience for visitors.

Tortilis Camp, as an example, recognizes the value of cultural exchange and offers curated visits to a Maasai homestead. These interactions allow guests to immerse themselves in Maasai traditions, witness their unique way of life, and gain a deeper understanding of their connection to the land and wildlife.

By participating in such cultural visits, travelers can forge meaningful connections with local communities, foster cross-cultural understanding, and contribute to the sustainable development of the region through responsible tourism. This enriching experience goes beyond traditional game viewing, providing a holistic perspective on the people and cultures that coexist with the iconic wildlife of Amboseli National Park.

Filming and photography

Amboseli National Park’s reputation as a haven for large elephant herds has drawn significant attention from researchers, filmmakers, and photographers worldwide. The park’s unique ecosystem and the elephants’ social dynamics offer invaluable opportunities for scientific study and captivating visual storytelling. Numerous documentaries have been produced, showcasing the intricate lives of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, their interactions, and the challenges they face.

The park’s allure extends beyond elephants, as it is also recognized as a prime location for encountering the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo. This prestigious group represents the most iconic and sought-after animals in African safaris. While hunting is prohibited in the park, the term “Big Five” has historical roots in the challenges and risks associated with tracking and hunting these animals on foot.

Today, observing the Big Five in Amboseli is a thrilling experience for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. The park’s diverse landscape and abundant prey species support a healthy population of predators, making it a prime destination for those seeking to witness the raw power and beauty of these apex animals in their natural environment.

Sightseeing Activities

Game drives in Amboseli National Park, typically conducted around Observation Hill (Noomotio Hill), offer a unique vantage point due to its elevated position. This allows for panoramic views of the park’s diverse landscapes, including the sprawling savanna, acacia woodlands, and the iconic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

From this location, visitors have the opportunity to observe a wide array of wildlife in their natural habitat. This includes the movement of animals to and from their feeding grounds, providing insights into their behavior and interactions. Common sightings may include elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species, among others.

The hill’s strategic location also offers glimpses of other attractions surrounding the park. The snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro dominates the horizon, creating a breathtaking backdrop for game viewing. Additionally, visitors might catch glimpses of Lake Amboseli, a seasonal lake that attracts flamingos and other birdlife.

In essence, game drives around Observation Hill provide a comprehensive experience, combining wildlife observation with stunning views of the park’s landscapes and surrounding landmarks. This unique combination makes it a sought-after activity for visitors to Amboseli National Park.

Birding Watching

Amboseli National Park, with its diverse habitats, is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting an impressive list of over 400 recorded bird species. From the vibrant flamingos that grace the shallow lakes to the majestic eagles soaring above the savannah, the park offers a unique opportunity to witness a wide array of avian life.

Wetlands:

The park’s wetlands, nourished by the melting snows of Mount Kilimanjaro, are a magnet for water birds. These marshy areas teem with life, providing a fertile feeding ground and nesting habitat for numerous species. Here are some of the highlights:

Flamingos: These iconic pink birds are a sight to behold as they gather in large flocks, their long necks dipping into the water to filter out algae and small crustaceans. Their vibrant plumage and graceful movements make them a favorite among photographers and birdwatchers alike.
Pelicans: With their distinctive throat pouches and impressive wingspans, pelicans are skilled fishers. Watch as they swoop down from the sky and plunge their heads into the water to scoop up their prey.
Herons and Egrets: These long-legged waders are a common sight in the wetlands, their elegant silhouettes reflected in the still waters. Keep an eye out for the great egret, the black-headed heron, and the Goliath heron, the largest heron in the world.
Cranes: The grey crowned crane, Kenya’s national bird, is a majestic sight with its distinctive golden crown and elegant dance-like movements.
Ducks and Geese: A variety of ducks and geese, including the Egyptian goose and the yellow-billed duck, can be found dabbling in the shallows or taking flight in V-shaped formations.

Savannahs and Woodlands:

Beyond the wetlands, the park’s open savannahs and acacia woodlands offer a different habitat for a diverse range of birds. Here are some of the avian treasures you might encounter:

Eagles: The African fish eagle, with its piercing call and impressive aerial displays, is a frequent visitor to the park. Other eagles, such as the tawny eagle and the martial eagle, are also spotted soaring above the plains in search of prey.
Secretary Birds: These unique birds of prey, with their long legs and distinctive crest of feathers, are renowned for their ability to hunt snakes.
Bustards: Amboseli is home to several species of bustards, including the kori bustard, the world’s heaviest flying bird. These ground-dwelling birds are well adapted to the arid environment and can be seen foraging for insects and small reptiles.
Bee-eaters: These colorful birds are a delight to watch as they dart through the air, catching insects in their beaks. The lilac-breasted roller, with its vibrant plumage, is a particular highlight.
Hornbills: These large birds, with their distinctive beaks and casque, are a common sight in the acacia woodlands. Listen for their loud calls as they fly overhead.

Best Time for Birdwatching:

Amboseli is a year-round birding destination, but the wet season (November to May) is particularly rewarding, as the park is teeming with migratory birds. During the dry season (June to October), the remaining water sources become a magnet for birds, making them easier to spot.

Birdwatching in Amboseli National Park is an unforgettable experience, offering a chance to witness the beauty and diversity of African avian life. With its varied habitats and abundant bird species, the park is a true paradise for bird lovers of all levels.

Game drives in Ambroseli National Park

Amboseli National Park truly is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, with its striking landscapes and diverse array of animals, especially the iconic African Big Five. The park’s abundant elephant population is a major draw, and witnessing these majestic creatures roaming freely in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.

Your firsthand experience perfectly captures the magic of a game drive in Amboseli. The golden hours, both in the early morning and late afternoon, offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities. As the sun rises and sets, the animals become more active, seeking out food and water, creating a spectacle for visitors.

The water banks within Amboseli National Park are indeed a focal point for wildlife activity. They act as magnets, drawing in a wide variety of animals that come to quench their thirst and cool off in the water. Here’s a closer look at some of the fascinating creatures you might encounter at these vital watering holes:

Spotted Hyenas: These opportunistic scavengers are often found lurking around water sources, hoping to snatch a meal from unsuspecting prey or capitalize on the remains left behind by other predators.
Lions: The kings and queens of the savanna are no strangers to water banks. They come here to drink, cool off, and even ambush prey that ventures too close to the water’s edge.
Bush Babies: These nocturnal primates are known for their large eyes and long tails. They come to the water banks under the cover of darkness to drink and forage for insects.
Leopards: These elusive predators are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. They often use the dense vegetation near water sources as cover while stalking their prey.
Elephants: The park’s most famous residents, elephants, are frequent visitors to the water banks. They come in large herds to drink, bathe, and play, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle for onlookers.
Other Animals: In addition to these iconic species, you might also spot zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, gazelles, and a variety of birdlife at the water banks. The rich biodiversity of Amboseli ensures that there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Visiting the water banks at Amboseli is not only a chance to witness the incredible diversity of African wildlife but also to gain a deeper understanding of the delicate balance of the ecosystem. It’s a reminder of the importance of conserving these precious habitats and protecting the animals that call them home.

Hot Air Baloon safaris in Ambroseli National Park

Hot air balloon safaris are an incredible way to experience the vastness and beauty of Amboseli National Park. As the sun begins to peek over the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange and pink, the hot air balloon gently lifts off, carrying you into a realm of serenity and wonder.

The experience is nothing short of magical. As you ascend, the park’s diverse landscape unfolds beneath you. The golden savannah stretches out as far as the eye can see, dotted with acacia trees and watering holes where animals gather. The majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, with its snow-capped peak, provides a breathtaking backdrop to this natural masterpiece.

One of the most captivating sights from above is the herds of elephants roaming freely across the plains. These gentle giants appear almost miniature from your elevated vantage point, their movements graceful and unhurried. Witnessing them in their natural habitat, undisturbed and at peace, is a truly humbling experience.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. The skies above Amboseli are teeming with life. A kaleidoscope of bird species fills the air, their calls echoing through the vastness. You might spot eagles soaring effortlessly on thermals, flocks of flamingos taking flight in a burst of pink, or even the elusive secretary bird stalking its prey on the ground.

The hot air balloon safari typically lasts around an hour, allowing ample time to soak in the breathtaking views and capture unforgettable memories through photographs or simply by etching them into your mind. The cost of this extraordinary experience ranges from $300 to $500 per person, but the memories you create will be priceless.

After your aerial adventure, you’ll be treated to a delightful champagne breakfast in the bush, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. It’s the perfect way to end a truly unforgettable experience and start your day in Amboseli National Park.