Amboseli was born together with Mount Kilimanjaro, during the times of the Roof of Africa’s volcanic formation. The beautiful and fragile ecosystem lies at 1,150 metres above sea level. Its name takes origin from the Maasai word Empusel – a salty, dusty open plain. The waters of Mount Kilimanjaro sustain life in permanent swamps of Amboseli, the only permanent water source in an ecosystem stretching to the Chyulu Hills near Tsavo West National Park.
Amboseli remained protected and not accessible to ivory hunters for a long time due to the fierce reputation of Maasai warriors. The area of 392 square kilometers became a National Park in 1974 and a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1991.
Semi-arid Amboseli is home to over 50 mammal species and over 400 bird species. Its swamps provide life source to aquatic flora and fauna. These swamps quench the thirsts of millions in this ecosystem receiving less than 340mm of rainfall annually.
In the old days, wild animals grazed and drunk side by side with livestock at these swamps. Water from Kilimanjaro trickles down porous rocks and underground channels and erupts into numerous springs in Amboseli. Without Kilimanjaro, many lives would cease here.
Wildlife of Amboseli
Amboseli National Park is a superb destination for safari. Photo safari enthusiasts will be delighted by the fine landscape, by the picturesque mini sand tornados, by the Mount Kilimanjaro at the background, and by the beautiful animals living here. There are large herds of elephants, matriarchs with their young, always moving around, accompanied by the male elephants at the distance. Elephants would take a swim in a swamp at a hot hour of the day and emerge from there half black, half grey, with white egret birds sitting on their backs. Their tusks are impressive, as the fragile soils of Amboseli are rich in minerals.
Big cats live here too, beautiful lions and impressive cheetah. They obviously like it next to the swamps that always attract zebra and wildebeest in multitude. African buffalo and giraffe graze here too.
Where do we stay on our trips visiting Amboseli National Park?
Oltukai Lodge offers great comfortable chalets, with open views on wildlife grazing next to their open fences. Their great service and facilities, including an excellent bar and restaurant, turn your stay in Amboseli into a truly pampering experience!
Kimana Camp is a nice location just outside the park that providing a perfect camping experience for those who prefer to be outside and close to nature.
Ready to visit Amboseli? Would like to include this amazing place to your Kenya trip plan? Just contact us at empakaai.cultural.safari@gmail.com
Source of facts on Amboseli: Kenya Wildlife Service