The great herds of elephants are the giants here. There are hundreds of them. They proudly display their massive tusks as they gather at predictable watering holes, delighting the many visitors who come to Amboseli National Park to see these noble creatures. Amboseli safari is renowned as the best place in Africa to get up close and personal with free-roaming elephants. The population is so dense that sightings are almost guaranteed!
It’s just one of the many reasons why the park is the second most popular in Kenya, trailing only the Masai Mara.
Amboseli safari is also a photographers’ dream. Those stunning photographs of elephants seemingly posing in front of Mt. Kilimanjaro? They were brought here.
Kilimanjaro, Africa’s largest mountain and the world’s highest free-standing mountain, towers over the park like a stately and photogenic sentinel. When the clouds part at dusk or dawn, you’ll see glimpses of its snowy peak.
However, it would be a mistake to believe that elephants are the only wildlife attraction in the park. Wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, gazelle, and, of course, cheetahs and lions can be seen on game drives across Amboseli’s vast horizons.
Not to be overlooked are smaller mammals such as hyenas, foxes, jackals, vervet monkeys, and yellow baboons.
The park’s bird life is equally diverse, particularly in the marshes and lakes. Expect to see pelicans, kingfishers, crakes, egrets, and the Madagascar heron.
The sky and horizon are vast here, encompassing Amboseli’s five wildlife environments, which ensure great numbers and diversity: wetlands, savannah, woodlands, thorn-bush, and Lake Amboseli’s dry lakebed.
Even the name “Amboseli” is derived from a Maasai word that means “salty dust.”
The Maasai people can also be found in their villages scattered throughout the park. You can pay them a visit and learn about a truly authentic and ancient African culture.
Transportation to the park and game viewing on the drive in / road safaris will be in private 4 x 4 Land Cruiser Jeep – this vehicle is the safari standard with its higher seating and rugged all-wheel drive. The Land Cruiser Jeep, which is always included on our tours, is just another example of the value we provide you at Royal Star Expeditions.
Outside of the national park, prices for lodging do not vary significantly. Rooms with breakfast and dinner start at 80 USD per night, and for 100-120 USD, you can splurge a little without breaking the bank.
Accommodation is also available near the Meshanani, Ermito, and Kimana gates. Expect long drives into the heart of the national park.
Accommodation is available within the national park.
Inside the national park, prices and quality rise. Luxury accommodations in the park include Amboseli Lodge, Ol Tukai, and Serena Lodge. However, expect nightly rates to easily triple or quadruple.
Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli is located in the southern part of the park and offers a completely private experience for those expecting a full luxurious journey.
But not everything in Amboseli is opulent. If you or your tour operator are traveling with full camping equipment, Amboseli’s public campsite offers camping spots for just 30 USD, and this could be a great option to get a different kind of experience.
The public campsite in Amboseli safari is also a popular choice for self-drivers.