Amboseli National Park – planning the perfect Amboseli safari.
Amboseli national park is one of Kenya’s most famous safari destinations. It’s known for its huge herds of elephants and then breathtaking view of the Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. The park’s flat, dusty plains and lush swamps create a special home for many animals, making it the best place for the safari, even for the first-time visitors. Planning a safari to Amboseli is easy if you know what to expect and when to go with Nyumbu Beyond Journeys.
The best time to visit.
The best time to visit Amboseli is during the dry season that is from June to October. During these months, the weather can be sunny, and there is very little rain. The grass can be shorter, which makes it easier to spot animals. Also the animals gather around the few remaining water sources like the park’s swamps and others, making them very easy to find. This is the peak season, sot the park can be more crowded and then the prices for the hotels and safaris might be higher
If you prefer fewer crowds and then lower prices, then consider visiting the park during the wet season. The ‘’short rains’’ are in November and then December and then ‘’long rains’’ are from March to May. During this time, the park turns green and beautiful, and you can see many baby animals. It’s also a great time for birdwatching, as the migratory birds arrive. However the rain can make the roads muddy and difficult to drive in. The clouds might also hide the famous view of Mount Kilimanjaro, but the mountain is often clearest in the early morning.
Getting to Amboseli and what to do.
Getting to Amboseli national park is quite straightforward. You can fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to a local airstrip in about 45 minutes. This is a fast and then comfortable option, and your lodge will pick you up from the airstrip. The other popular option is to drive from Nairobi, which takes about four to five hours. A safari company like Nyumbu Beyond Journeys will provide special vehicle and a guide who knows the roads as well.
Once you are in Amboseli, the main safari activity is the game drive. This is when you drive through the park in the open Kenya safari vehicle to see the animals. The best times for game drives are early in the morning and then later in the afternoon when the animals are most active. You can expect to see huge herds of elephants, as well as lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and buffaloes. It’s important to remember that is very rare to see a rhino or a leopard in Amboseli, so it’s not a place to focus seeing the ‘Big five mammals’’.
Apart from the game drives, there are other special things to do Amboseli national Park. You can visit the Observation Hill, a high point in the park that offers a stunning panoramic view of the swamps, the plains and Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s one of the few safari destinations to where you are allowed to get out of the safari vehicle and walk around. Many safari packages also include a visit to a local Maasai village. This gives you a chance to learn about their unique culture, traditions and way of life. Some camps outside the park also offer walking safaris and then night drives, which are great for seeing smaller animals and then nocturnal creatures.
Where to stay.
There are many different places stay in and around Amboseli National Park, fitting every budget. The main types of accommodation are safari lodges and tented camps.
Lodges in the wilderness. They have, comfortable rooms, swimming pools and restaurants. Tented camps offer a different safari experience. They have large, luxurious tents built on the permanent platforms. They are just as comfortable as lodges, with real beds and private bathrooms, but they make you feel closer to nature.
You can choose to stay inside the park or near private conservancy just outside the park boundaries. When you stay inside the park you can start your game drives when it’s still early, making the most of your time effectively for the Kenya safari activities. Staying outside the park often offers more activities, like guided walks and night drives, which are not allowed in the national park.
Whether you choose a budget friendly, mid-range lodge or high-end luxury lodge, most accommodations offer all-inclusive packages that include meals and game drives with a professional guide. This makes planning your safari very easy. A trip to Amboseli National Park is an unforgettable adventure, offering incredible wildlife viewing and iconic views of one of Africa’s most famous mountains.