Kenya is famous for its wildlife and game parks so for a first-time visitor, expectations were high. Home to the famous Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, and Buffalos) the number of visitors to national parks and game reserves increased by 69.1 percent in 2022.
Amboseli National Park in the Kajiado South Constituency in Kajiado County of Kenya promises a sighting of elephants, Zebras, Buffalos, giraffes, and more. Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, the Park is one of Kenya’s most popular parks. The name “Amboseli” comes from a Maasai word meaning “salty dust”, and it is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close.
Getting to Amboseli could be either by air from Wilson Airport or by road using the Nairobi-Mombasa route. With excellent roads, the 4-hour drive from Nairobi is worth the sights or the beautiful green countryside and stops to experience the local culture and street food. Whether by air or road, the safari experience begins en route with sightings of diverse wildlife, Maasai communities, tree species, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation
The park has various lodges with each offering a unique experience. The eco-friendly Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge provides beautiful Maasai-inspired rooms with gorgeous open landscape views. The linear arrangements of rooms ensure every guest has a taste of the natural surroundings with outdoor seating areas for every room. The décor has hints of wildlife paintings on the walls and strategically placed local pieces providing reminiscent and luxurious touches to each room. The absence of a television in the room is perfect for that relaxing getaway, business, or writing trip. There are multiple outdoor spaces mostly overlooking the park and offering casual sightings of elephants drinking or bathing, birds chirping with their colourful feathers on display, and occasional hellos from monkeys, not to mention the intriguing coexistence of humans and wildlife.
Game Drive
Stretching over 39,206 ha (392.06 km2), booking multiple game drives will be very much worth your while. Every section of the park offers interesting sights and perspectives. The swamps are a go-to for elephants, flamingos, wild ducks, and other species. Hyenas, Zebras, lions, giraffes, Buffalo, impalas, and others roam the fields serving a spectacle of life in the wild unbothered by the activities of tourists.
Situated within the park, Amboseli Elephant Research Trust offers all you need to know about the 2,000 elephants within and around the park. Information about the various elephant families, history, and dynamics helps to appreciate the efforts of researchers and the communities within and around the park towards conservation. Each elephant is named and documented by the research team.
Step into Maasai village and you are met with joyful singing and dancing. The immersive experience provides the privilege to learn and participate in the rich history and culture of the Maasai.
On a good day, the clouds clear up revealing an enchanting view of the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro from various parts of the park. Add a picnic at the Observatory while watching the sunset for the full magical experience of Kenya.
Overall, Amboseli National Park is a safari gem suitable for every kind of traveler offering thrills and ultimate satisfaction all year round.
Story by Jason Amoo
