Amboseli is the best park in the whole of Africa with stunning views of Kilimanjaro. Mara is one of the best parks in the world where you can spot the Big Five and witness the Great Migration between July and October.
Amboseli National Park is famous for the epic shot of the Kilimanjaro Mountain, a must see while on your Kenya tour. The park is located at the base of the Kilimanjaro, on the leeward (rain shadow) of the mountain which created desert conditions of the Amboseli turning it into a dry dusty plain. The plain has numerous swamps and shallow lakes fed by underground rivers from Kilimanjaro and these attract huge concentration of animals and birds which make sighting of many animals even easier than in Mara.
In Amboseli national park, walk to the top of the observation hill which offers sweeping views of the dusty plains and marshlands below with the rugged hills and Kilimanjaro in the distance. You will enjoy your meal while watching elephants in the marshes and other game in the plains.
You can spice up your safari experience by starting with an early morning balloon safari. The balloon safari allows access areas that cannot be accessed by car hence increasing your chances of seeing more wildlife. The balloon safari also offers incredible views of the Kilimanjaro. The balloon safaris start at about 5.30am and the flight is about 1 hour. After the balloon safari you would continue to do the full day drive.
Amboseli is celebrated for its exceptional opportunities for close encounters with free-roaming members of the Big Five. The park is a home to large numbers of African elephants, creating the perfect opportunity for an up-close view of up to fifty herds of elephants in one safari, making it a prime destination for both photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Its unique charm lies in its authentic and rich Maasai culture ability to offer unforgettable safari experience in an inspiring natural beauty of Mother Nature and, making it a must – visit destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of the Kenyan wilderness.
Amboseli is a great choice for first-time safari goers or first-timers to Kenya. Its compact size allows you to see virtually every aspect in about two days and its proximity to Nairobi means you don’t have to follow a long-haul flight with a very long drive or another longish flight. Short-haul flights between Wilson Airport and the Amboseli airstrip take less than an hour in a light aircraft.
Photography and filming safaris in Amboseli National Park cater to those eager to capture the essence of Kenya wildlife safaris. The park is a photographer’s dream, with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, vast plains, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can spot over 50 species of mammals, including elephants, lions, and cheetahs, providing endless photographic opportunities. Experienced guides know the best locations and times to capture impressive shots, whether focusing on a lion’s mane or a herd of elephants at a watering hole. The park’s unique lighting conditions during sunrise and sunset enhance the quality of photographs.
Take up Cultural tours to Masai villages near Amboseli National Park add depth to the journey of Kenya wildlife safaris. The Masai people, recognized for their vibrant culture and traditions, welcome visitors to explore their way of life. These tours often include visits to traditional homesteads, where you can learn about Masai customs, dance, and craft-making. Engaging with local families provides insights into their relationship with wildlife and the land. The Masai live in harmony with animals like elephants and lions, which is essential for conservation efforts. Many Africa tours and safaris include cultural experiences, offering a well-rounded view of Kenya’s heritage.
Transfer to Masai Mara for another experience. Mara is dotted with acacia trees, indentations and craters when looked at from afar. Its wide-open plains provide an oasis-like sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife like elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, hyena, and the Mara’s celebrated big cats: lion, leopard and cheetah. And, from about July to November every year, its savannah provides nourishment for wildebeest herds of epic proportions.
Masai Mara is one of the best places for game viewing in Africa. It offers opportunities not only to spot Africa’s famous wildlife but also to take great photos and videos. Game drives occur throughout the year and are arranged in areas with the highest concentration of wildlife. A typical game drive is carried out in standard tour vehicles with a retractable roof and can start in the morning or afternoon. The morning game drives start at 6am. It is the time when most animals are active and in very large numbers as they head out to eat. The afternoon game drive starts at 2:00pm and goes on up to 6:30pm.
Once your mind is set for the wild, you will get the best out of this place. You can do as many game drives as possible, stay as many days as you can and each day will be different and with unique experience. Regardless of whether you go for the morning or afternoon session, expect to see all the big 5 mammals, zebras, giraffe, hyenas, elands and gazelles. Cheetahs are in plenty and well adapted to the Mara but you can also see black rhinos. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is the best place to observe cheetahs in Africa.
The great wildebeest migration which hosts one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, Thompson’s Gazelles and Zebras cross the Mara River from the Serengeti in search of greener grass. They encounter many challenges along the way. Apart from stalking predators, the migrating animals have to cross the crocodile infested Mara River where thousands drown or get eaten by crocodiles.
