Best renowned as the home of the African bush elephant, Amboseli National Park sits of a landscape defined by stark contrasts. Though set in a predominantly arid area, the park consists of multiple oases made up of swamps that breathe life into the ecosystem. Five different habitats make up this varied ecosystem, consisting of woodlands and savannah, sulphur springs and wetlands and a vast dried up lake bed. As a result, there is a fantastic range of wildlife making this the second most popular national park in Kenya after the Masai Mara.

Besides getting a close-up experience with the elephants here, you are also likely to stumble across cheetah, lion, the Masai giraffe, cape buffalo, the spotted hyena, impala, blue wildebeest, nocturnal porcupine, elephant shrews and Grant’s zebra as well as up to 600 species of birds. Declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1991, this 392-square kilometer park sits on a vast ecosystem spanning more than 8,000 square kilometers, crossing the border into Tanzania.

Observation Hill

One of the foremost places to visit in Amboseli is Observation Hill. The pyramid-like volcanic hill is the highest point inside the park offering a great vantage point from which you get to feast on fascinating sights and scenes. Take a walk up a stone staircase to get to the summit and enjoy a spectacular view of the snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro to the south and hippo hangout Kioko Lake to the north west. The seasonal Amboseli Lake sits right behind it while on the eastern side, elephants and hippos take a plunge in the bright green Enkongu Narok marshes. Enjoy some of the most remarkable panoramic views of the park at sunrise and sunset from this vantage point.

Marshes

Open swamps and marshes are a vital support system for the various forms of life inhabiting the area. The Enkongu Narok, Ologinya, Engone Naibor, Longine and Ol Tukai are among the most extensive of these. Primarily, these swamps are fed by springs emanating from an aquifer in Mt. Kilimanjaro, which drains into porous volcanic soli and resurfaces a considerable distance away. They are the only permanent sources of water in the park and make ideal habitats for water birds and hippos. The vivid green hues of the vegetation in these marshy areas stands out from the wilderness vegetation in the rest of the park.

Seasonal Lakes

Despite sitting in the heart of a wilderness, Amboseli boasts a number of seasonal lakes. These include Amboseli Lake, Kioko Lake, the Conch Lake and Simek Lake. All of these are located on the site of an ancient lake (of the Pleistocene geological age) whose basin is now drained. They only appear during the rainy season, and are mostly shallow lakes attractive to a wide array of birds. Besides rainwater, the lakes also get water from Simek river whose water comes from Enkongu Narok swamp. Flamingos populate these lakes especially during the dry season, when they can be spotted feeding in the shallow waters.

Sinet Delta

For the ultimate birding experience in the Amboseli, you simply have to visit the Sinet Delta. Characterized by dense thickets, this low-lying area records close to half of the bird population within the park. Some of the species you are likely to come across include the hornbill, ostrich, African swamphen, African jacaranda, lapwing, hamerkop, the sacred ibis, the secretary bird, Dickson’s kestrel, pangani longclaw and grey crown crane.

Elephant Research Camp

If you are eager to learn more about elephants, this stunning green space is your best bet. Operating under the Amboseli Trust for Elephants, the initiative monitors thousands of elephants in a bid to ensure long-term conservation of the species. established back in 1972, it is the longest-running study of the behavior of these soulful mammals out in the wild.

Cultural Tour

The Maa people are some of the earliest inhabitants of the Amboseli region. In fact, the name Amboseli, pronounced ‘empusel’ is a Maa word roughly translating to “salty dust.” The Amboseli cultural tour is an enlightening experience that immerses you into the Maasai way of life. Song and dance usher you into the interactive tour that takes you through the traditions and lifestyle of the iconic community. Try your hand at milking cows and making fire using sticks and be sure to take part in the jumping dance.

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Your visit to this park is crowned by the magnificent view of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak and the highest free-standing mountain worldwide. Though it is not located on the park, it remains a top attraction courtesy of the scenic views. Its presence here provides an epic backdrop against which to enjoy the vast, open wilderness that defines the park. It also offers the perfect frame for unforgettable photography moments. Get a glimpse of the mountain at sunrise or sunset when rays of light in vibrant hues wash over it to showcase its matchless glory.

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