Amboseli National Park is located in Loitokok District, Rift Valley Province of Kenya. 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
Park Gates
* Kulunyiet Gate, Meshanani Gate, Kitirua Gate, Iremito Gate, Airstrip Gate
Size/Location
* 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
* Non Residents – Valid passport
Major Attractions
* Large Herds of Elephants * Mt. Kilimanjaro
* ‘Big Five’ – lion, leopard, elephant, Rhino, buffalo.
* 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
* Leopard, Cheetah, Wild dogs, Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Lion, Plains Game, Crocodile, Mongoose, Hyrax, Dik- Dik, Lesser Kudu, and Nocturnal Porcupine.
* Prolific birdlife features 600 species
Where to stay
In – Park Accommodation: Oltukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena Lodge, Tortilis Tented Camp, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Kibo Safari Camp, Amboseli Sentrim
KWS Self – Catering Accommodation:
Kilimanjaro Guest house, Kibo Guest House, Simba Bandas, Nyati Bandas, Chui Bandas,
Camping Facilities
Ol-Kilnyiet Public Campsite near Amboseli Park Headquarters
Activity Options
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.