Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is located in Kajiado County near Loitoktok. The ecosystem mainly savannah grassland spread across the Kenya-Tanzania border. The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants among other wildlife species. Other attractions of the park include opportunities to meet the Maasai and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Access: By Road: The main road into the park is from Nairobi via Namanga (240 km) on the Nairobi – Arusha Road, through Meshanani Gate. The other road is from Nairobi via Emali (228 km) on the Nairobi – Mombasa Road. Access from Mombasa is mainly through Tsavo West National Park via Kimana (Olkelunyiet) Gate.

By Air: Airstrips: The park has a single airstrip for light aircrafts at Empusel gate. Other airstrips exist at Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodge and Namanga town

How many gates are in Amboseli National Park?

Amboseli National Park has 5 Gates:

• Kulunyiet Gate
• Meshanani Gate
• Kitirua Gate
• Iremito Gate
• Airstrip Gate

Size / Locations: 390.26 Km2 ,Loitoktok District, Rift Valley Province

Climate:Temperature ranges from 20-300 c and rainfall from 200mm – 700 mm Two rain seasons: Long rains – March & April & short rains – Nov/ December

Safari Card Required?
Entry is by Safari card only. Safari card may be obtained and loaded at any KWS Safaricard office or at the Meshanani Gate. Proof of identification will be required.

• Citizens – Valid Passport or National ID
• Residents – Valid Passport & re entry pass

Major Attractions: Large Herds of Elephants, Mt. Kilimanjaro ,Big Five, Observation Hill which allows an overall view of the whole park especially the swamps and elephants, Swamp below observation hill hosts many elephants, buffaloes, hippos and a variety of water fowls like pelican, Egyptian goose, Contemporary Maasai culture and indigenous lifestyle.

Wildlife animals found in Amboseli National Park: Leopard, Cheetah, Wild dogs, Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Lion, Plains Game, Crocodile, Mongoose, Hyrax, Dik- Dik, Lesser Kudu, and Nocturnal Porcupine.

Birds found in Amboseli National Park are as follows.

Over 600 bird species that include;

1. The Egyptian goose
2. Pelican
3. Avocet
4. Blue Sterling
5. Grey Heron
6. Cattle Egret
7. African fish Eagle
8. Vultures
9. Crested / Crown Crane
10. Spoonbill and much more

Where to stay in Amboseli National Park

• In – Park Accommodation
  • Oltukai Lodge
  • Little Amanya Camp
  • Amboseli Sopa Lodge
  • AA Lodge Amboseli
  • Amboseli Serena Lodge
  • Elewana – Tortilis Tented Lodge
  • RedHosue Amboseli Camp
  • Kibo Safari Camp
  • Simba Bandas
  • Nyati Bandas
  • Chui Bandas

Camping Facilities

• Ol-Kilnyiet Public Campsite near Amboseli Park Headquarters

Things to do in Amboseli National Park

• Game viewing
• Camping
• Viewing Mt. Kilimanjaro
• Bird watching
• Photography

What to take with you:

• Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks