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Amboseli National Park
Resting on the border of Tanzania, Kenya's Amboseli National Park spans 392 square kilometers of diverse wildlife habitat at the core of 3,000 square kilometers of an ecosystem that spreads across both countries. Amboseli is the third most visited game area in Kenya. This stunning safari location contains five different wildlife habitats: open plains, acacia woodlands, rocky thorn-bush, swamps and marshland. The dramatic, towering backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro is also a spectacular sight.
In 2005, the control of the park was transferred to the Olkejuado County Council and the Maasai Tribe. All proceeds for the park now go directly to the Maasai community. In addition to the abundant wildlife, the interesting cultural interactions with the Maasai draw tourists and safari lovers to Amboseli.
Joseph Thompson, the first European to venture into this feared region in 1883, was astonished by the fantastic array of wildlife. He also noted the contrast of the arid regions of dry-lake beds and the oasis of swamps. This dramatic contrast is still evident today.
Amboseli National Park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants. The park is a popular safari destination because of its rich wildlife, natural beauty and easy access. Over 400 bird species as well as large populations of big cats and herbivores populate the grassland savannah and limited swampy areas lined with forest shrubs. An estimated 80 different mammals can be found in this region!
Separating the Amboseli plains from the Tsavo plains is the striking Chyulu Hills National Park. This collection of ancient volcanic cinder cones creates a tremendous variety in the Kenyan landscape. Within the park lies the longest lava tube in the world, formed by hot lava flowing beneath a cooled outer crust, and the most recent volcanic peak formed in the hills is only 500 years old. Popular wildlife in this region include buffalo, bushbuck, eland, elephant, leopard, warthog, wildebeest and zebra.
Visit Amboseli National Park or the Chyulu Hills National Park on our Maasailand Safari or the Luxury Kenya Safari.
