Amboseli National Park – Kenya Game parks and Reserves
Amboseli National Park is a place of stark contrast. Meaning a “place of water” in Maasai, Amboseli despite its sometimes dry and dusty appearance, has an endless water supply filtered through thousands of feet of volcanic rock from Kilimanjaro’s snow melt.
These underground streams converge into two clear water springs in the heart of the park.
The endemic dust is volcanic ash which spewed from Kilimanjaro a millenia ago. During the dry seasons, a curious feature is the shimmering dry lake bed where false mirages of populated horizons, punctuated by real herds of zebras and wildebeests hover in front of visitors. The principal attraction in Amboseli is its vast herds of elephants within the park. The bull elephants here have some of the largest tusks in Kenya. Plentiful game includes: zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala and leopard. Caracal and serval cat can be seen. Birdwatchers can see pelicans, bee-eaters, kingfishers, African fish eagles, martial eagles and pygmy falcons.
Amboseli National Park is an important rangeland in Maasai culture. The ranch areas outside the park offer a wealth of gameviewing and walking safaris. The Kenya Wildlife Community Service works closely with the local elders to develop eco-tourism attractions which benefit the endigenous communities and protect this fragile eco-system.
One of the most popular parks in Kenya, Amboseli offers a wide range of accommodation within and just outside the park.
- Altitude: 3,900-4,500 Ft
- Area: 392 Sq. Kms.
- Distance from Nairobi: 135 Kms.
- Opened April 1948
- International bio-sphere reserve
- Unrivalled views of Mounts Kilimanjaro & Meru
- Contemporary Maasai culture
- Excellent elephant & bird viewing
- Dry season herds of plains game
- Year round springs and waterholes
Amboseli is classic Africa. Often called the ‘Land of Giants’ – due to the impressive elephants here carrying massive tusks – the animals are set against breathtaking vistas of Mt Kilimanjaro, which makes an awesome backdrop to the small park. Aside from elephants, many plains animals are easy to spot (as are other visitors, it’s a popular place). Fantastic photo opportunities are possible, and early mornings are best for clear views of Kilimanjaro.
Read More on Wikipedia.
