|
+254 714 606886 | +254 722 205098 |
| |
| |
|
Kilimanjaro's Kingdom, one of Africa Travel's finest safari destinations
Towered over by the magnificent bulk of 5,896 m high Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya's oldest and most-visited safari parks. Comparatively compact and dotted with emerald green swamps in which great herds of elephants can often be seen half-submerged amongst the papyrus grasses, its panoramic vistas and stunning backdrop have made it a venue revered by Hollywood professionals and amateur safari photographers alike.
Kenya Safari Fact File Altitude: 1,100-1,200 m above sea level. Area: 392 sq km. Location: Kajiado District, Rift Valley Province. The park (Meshanani Gate) is 230km south of Nairobi and lies lose on the Tanzanian border wit the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in the backdrop. Distance from Nairobi: 230 km south of Nairobi. Gazetted: established as a reserve in 1968 and gazetted as a National Park in 1974. Climate: hot and dry, the park lies in the rain shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Africa travel rainy seasons are usually April/May and November/December. Vegetation: wildlife safari vegetation includes; semi-arid acacias and grasses with papyrus sedges in the swamplands. Animals: wildlife safari animals include: lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, zebra, hippo, spotted and striped hyena, Maasai giraffe, oryx, wildebeest, gerenuk, impala and Grant's gazelle. Birds: more than 425 species have been recorded. Roads: 4WD is recommended, especially during the rainy seasons. Safari holidays: The park offers a wide selection of safari lodges, national park lodges and tented camps, most of which are regularly featured on the most popular Africa tour, safari travel and family holiday itineraries. From here it is also possible to Climb Kilimanjaro and journey into Tsavo National Park.
One of Kenya's oldest and most famous parks Once part of the Great Southern Game Reserve, Amboseli is one of Kenya's earliest game sanctuaries; it is also one of her most popular attracting over 200,000 tourists per year. One of Kenya's best safari destinations, Amboseli offers a unique African safari destination.
Lake Amboseli and the swamps The park covers part of a Pleistocene era lake basin, now dry. Within this basin is a non-permanent lake known as Lake Amboseli, from which the park takes its name (Amboseli means ‘salt dust' in Maa, the language of the Maasai). Easily flooded during times of heavy rainfall, the lake is fed by underground streams that flow from Mt Kilimanjaro to rise in a series of lush papyrus Cyperus papyrus swamps. These are surrounded by tracts of Acacia xanthophloea (more commonly known as ‘fever tree') woodland while open Acacia tortilis woodland also occurs along drainage lines in the southern part of the park. The basin is surrounded by Acacia-commiphora bushland, while the alkaline soils of the lake floor support thickets of Salvadora persica and Suaeda monoica. During the dry seasons the heat creates a series of shimmering mirages over the lake basin and, because the swamps are the only source of permanent water and the park's major watering points, they attract large concentrations of wildlife at this time.
What to see Amboseli is world-famous amongst Africa safari destinations, for its populations of large mammals. The swamps are a centre of activity for elephants, hippos, buffaloes and abundant water birds. The surrounding flat grasslands are home to grazing antelopes. Spotted hyenas are plentiful, as are jackals, warthogs, olive baboons and vervet monkeys. No longer present in their original numbers, lions can still be found in Amboseli though the famous black-maned lions have long since disappeared, as have the black rhinos that were once so plentiful.
Over 400 bird species Bird life is abundant, especially in the vicinity of the lakes and swamps where a great variety of water birds may be seen. Over 425 bird species have been recorded here, including over 40 species of birds of prey, amongst which are two great rarities, the Taita falcon and the southern banded harrier eagle. Several species of global conservation concern occur, including lesser kestrel, small numbers of non-breeding Madagascar squacco herons and lesser flamingo in variable numbers. Perhaps the most frequently seen and easily identified of the park's birds, however, is the aptly named superb starling with its gorgeous iridescent plumage and fearless behavior. Grey-crowned cranes are also frequent visitors to the plains.
Observation Hill One of the high points of the park and a popular destination for daytime safaris, Observation Hill towers above a small car park and its summit is accessed by a winding stone stairway. Once at the top the views are tremendous, the photo opportunities countless and, as the sun begins its descent, it provides one of East Africa's finest sundowner venues.
Safari holidays: Accommodation The park offers a wide selection of safari lodges, national park lodges and tented camps, most of which are regularly featured on the most popular Africa tour, safari travel and family holiday itineraries.
|
| | | |
This is an excellent safari that offers an enchanting bush and beach experience on a budget. Taking to the southeastern parts of Kenya, the city carefully blends in the relaxation of the magnificent southern beaches. Setting out from Nairobi, this safari ventures into Amboseli National Park which offers unique game viewing opportunities against the backdrop of the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro. From here, the safari courses farther southeast into rugged Tsavo East National Park, home of the famed man-eaters. After 4 nights in the wild, the safari heads down to Diani Beach in the south coast 5 night to enjoy some sun, sand and sea. |
| | |
Offering the best of both worlds, this luxury tented-camp safari takes you to Amboseli National Park, then to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve for 3 nights before flying to the volcanic splendour of Tsavo West National Park. To save you the long driving times between the parks short scheduled flights have been used on this itinerary. Fly back to Nairobi for lunch at The Carnivore, voted one of the world’s top 500 restaurants.
|
| | |
A budget safari that delivers optimum variety in the minimum time without sacrificing comfort on safari, this road safari features a selection of tried and tested safari lodges. For sights and scenery, it offers the scenic Amboseli set against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro, beautiful Lake Naivasha against the backdrop of the Mount Longonot, the famous Lake Nakuru , and the unrivalled wildlife of the Masai Mara . |
| | |
This exclusive flying safari showcases some of Kenya’s most famous and most diverse wilderness areas, while travelling ‘on the wing’ allows you to optimize every minute of your Kenya stay. Commencing in Amboseli, the Wings Safari offers guaranteed sightings of large herds of elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Flying northwards to the unique and less populated Meru Park, and thereafter, you fly south-west to the Tanzanian border where the Masai Mara and the Serengeti share the same massive eco-system, which is most famous for the annual migration of the wildebeest. Travelling on light aircraft with personalized meet and greet services throughout, this safari is light on travel-time and long on safari experiences. It also features some of Kenya’s most charmingly luxurious tented camps. |
| | | |
Amboseli Porini Camp is located within the exclusive Selenkay Conservancy, in the Amboseli eco-system, only recently opened to the public. In keeping with conservancy guidelines, the camp makes no use of permanent structures and is accommodated entirely under canvas. The actual site of the camp was once used by colonial big game hunters and features plentiful acacia trees, which offer shade for dining and campfire activities. |
| |
Set against the magnificent backdrop of Africa's highest mountain, the glittering Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge enjoys a uniquely privileged position at the heart of this world-famous national park. Secluded within a grove of acacia trees, the lodge looks out over the golden savannah plains, with uninterrupted views of the mountain itself. Close by are a series of emerald green swamps, which are fed by the melting snows of Kilimanjaro. |
| |
The Amboseli Sopa Lodge is located within 190 acres of wooded Maasai land at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. There are mature wooded gardens with a wide variety of flowering trees, shrubs and succulents. A potent draw to the surrounding wildlife, the grounds feature numerous birds, monkeys and squirrels. Within the lodge, there is a spacious reception presented in classic Maasia style and featuring Maasai artifacts and art. |
| |
Located at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Kibo Safari Camp is set amidst 190 aces of mature wooded grounds with stunning views of Africa's highest mountain and the legendary 'Snows of Kilimanjaro'. Once part of the Great Southern Game Reserve, Amboseli is one of Kenya's earliest game sanctuaries; it is also one of her most popular attracting over 200,000 tourists per year. |
| |
Kilima Safari Camp is located in the area of Amboseli National Park, next to the Kimana Gate Park entrance. The camp is set out on a 360 acre site with stunning views of Africa's highest mountain, the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro. The Kimana area of Amboseli is famous for it's large elephant population. Once part of the Great Southern Game Reserve, Amboseli is one of Kenya's earliest game sanctuaries; it is also one of her most popular attracting over 200,000 tourists per year. |
| |
Ol Tukai Lodge is renowned as one of the best spots in the world to watch elephants. It is set at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in the world and Africa’s tallest mountain. It is situated right in the heart of Amboseli National Park, one of East Africa’s captivating wildlife parks, with the eastern part of the lodge being home to several elephant families. Writers have described Ol Tukai in particular as the Home For The Gods!
It was not until 1996 that the lodge opened its doors. It is designed to take full advantage of its rare environment. The endless plains dominate one side while the other is lavished with a forest of indigenous acacia trees.
Ol Tukai is an award-winning lodge that keeps true to its hospitality nature. |
| |
Satao Elerai Camp is located in a quiet, unspoilt, unique setting on a 5000 acre private conservation area bordering the Amboseli National Park at the foot of Africa's largest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Satao Elerai Camp looks down onto the Amboseli National Park in one direction and up to Mount Kilimanjaro in the other direction, giving clients what is arguably the best location of any camp in Amboseli. |
| |
Sentrim Amboseli Camp is located within Amboseli National Park. It offers 60 newly constructed tents, each with private terrace and luxury bathrooms. Centered on a comfortable dining space, the camp also offers a bar and lounge, and a luxury swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sun-bathing area. Once part of the Great Southern Game Reserve, Amboseli is one of Kenya's earliest game sanctuaries; it is also one of her most popular attracting over 200,000 tourists per year. |
| |
Tawi Lodge is located on a private 6,000-acre conservancy just 5 mins from the Kimana Gate of Amboseli National Park. Offering just 12 eco-friendly cottages, the lodge enjoys magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro and offers a central dining room and bar, both of which overlook the waterhole, where large herds of elephant come to drink. There is also a swimming pool and massage facility. Located at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, the lodge offers stunning views of Africa's highest mountain and the legendary 'Snows of Kilimanjaro'. |
| |
Tortilis Camp lies on the edge of Amboseli National Park, which is 250 km south (four hours drive, one hours flight time) of Nairobi and close to the Tanzanian border and Mount Kilimanjaro. The camp enjoys soaring views of the legendary snows of Kilimanjaro. Located at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, on the edge of Amboseli National Park, Tortilis Camp enjoys soaring views of the legendary snows of Kilimanjaro. |
| | | |
| |
| |
Copyright 2018 African Horizons Travel & Safari Ltd |
| |