Amboseli National Park

Size & Location: 392km² bordering Kenya and Tanzania, North-West of Mt. Kilimanjaro
When to visit the park: January - March (hot, dry season), July - October (warm, dry season - preferred)
Climate: Hot and dry. Max daytime temperatures vary between 23°C to 33°C
Rainfall: 300mm per annum distributed in two seasons: April/ May and November/ December
Altitude: 1 189m - 1 372m above sea level

Amboseli Park Information

Amboseli National Park is a game park of many contrasts. The volcanic ash caused by Mt Kilimanjaro's last eruption left the park dry and dusty in certain parts with parched alkaline salt pans. On the other hand, the melting snows of Kilimanjaro flow underground to the park, continually feeding water to springs, swamps and marshes, resulting in lush green vegetation and large grassy plains.

Because of the easy availability of water, Amboseli has always been a favourite spot for wildlife. Leopards, lions, zebra, wildebeests, giraffes, impala, hippos, antelope, rhinos, wild dogs, hyenas, cheetah, buffalo, and more than 400 bird species including the bee-eater, kingfisher, African fish eagle, martial eagle and pygmy falcon all gather in the haven of the park. While Amboseli boasts a magnificent variety of game, it is most famous for its large herds of elephants and these often silent wandering giants can be seen roaming across vast grassy plains within the shadow of Mt Kilimanjaro.

This is Maasai country, a proud, nomadic people, who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. In 1974, the government of the now independent nation of Kenya designated it a National Park, setting aside the land exclusively for wildlife and tourism. The Masai, the ancestral inhabitants of the land, were sent to live outside the new park's boundaries. The Chyulu Hills, the natural border between the Maasai & the Kamba people, are perfect for riding and walking safaris.