Amboseli lies immediately North West of Mt. Kilimanjaro, on the border with Tanzania. Amboseli was established as a reserve in 1968 and gazetted as a National Park in 1974. The Park covers 392 km2, and forms part of the much larger 3,000 Km2 Amboseli ecosystem. Large concentrations of wildlife occur here in the dry season, making Amboseli a popular tourist destination. It is surrounded by 6 communally owned group ranches.
The National Park embodies 5 main wildlife habitats (open plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush country, swamps and marshland) and covers part of a pleistocene lake basin, now dry. Within this basin is a temporary lake, Lake Amboseli, that floods during years of heavy rainfall. Amboseli is famous for its big game and its great scenic beauty – the landscape is dominated by Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Lodges and Camps in Amboseli National Reserve
Amboseli Serena
The lodge itself draws on a subtle Maasai cultural motif, featuring natural woodcarvings, traditional artifacts and a glowing selection of local art. Sensitively located and built from ecologically sympathetic materials, its architectural shapes, style, textures and colors reflect the true essence of the African bush. They also enable it to blend effortlessly into the landscape and work in gentle harmony with the natural environment. Guests can also enjoy an acacia-shaded swimming pool fed daily by the melt-waters of Kilimanjaro, a selection of natural timber game-viewing decks, a waterhole for the animals and an equally alluring selection of watering holes for the guests.
Amboseli Sopa
At the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro is the Amboseli Sopa Lodge set on 200 acres of precious land, not far from where Ernest Hemingway lived while writing his famous novel, “The Snows of Kilimanjaro.” Amboseli National Park is home to the Maasai, over 400 species of breeding birds, and much rare and wonderful wildlife. The rustic luxury of Amboseli Sopa Lodge makes it the perfect rendezvous for the adventurer wishing to conquer the snowcapped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, or for the seasoned traveler indulging in the luxury safari experience. Each of the 49 rooms features spacious en-suite bathrooms and private verandas with stunning views of the vibrant surroundings.
Campi Ya Kanzi
Campi Ya Kanzi, which means “Camp of the Hidden Treasure,” is one of the most unique safari lodges in Africa. It is owned by the Maasai people who are dedicated to the preservation of their wildlife and cultural heritage. Guests are treated to rare opportunities to learn from the Maasai, all while living at a leisurely pace in supreme comfort. The camp accommodates a maximum of 14 guests in 8 tented guest rooms, and each has a wide veranda to provide dazzling views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Tsavo Hills and the Chyulu Hills. There is ample distance from one tent to the other to guarantee every guest’s privacy. Each tented cottage is assigned a dedicated Maasai attendant, and at night, Maasai askari (night watchmen) patrol the camp.
Ol Tukai Lodge
Ol Tukai Lodge, located in Amboseli National Park, lies at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Nature has perfectly assimilated the lodge among the savannah’s acacia trees and phoenix palms.
Kibo Safari Camp
The magic of Amboseli.The camp is a luxurious tented camp,all tents are spacious with built in ensuites having spectacular view of Mt Kilimanjaro
Tortilis Camp
Tortilis Camp is named after the Tortilis Acacia (the Umbrella Thorn Tree), a charming rustic tented camp built into the side of a hill, facing the foothills of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. As you walk into camp, your first view across the tree-studded plains towards the snow-capped mountain stops you in your tracks. The camp nestles in abundant trees and shrubs, bustling with bird life.
Amboseli Lodge
Amboseli Lodge offers a spectacular view of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. It is set amongst lush tropical gardens and tranquil ponds; this lodge is a veritable oasis in the dramatically arid surroundings of the Amboseli National Park. Walking the lodge grounds guarantees close encounters with numerous species of b
Sentrim Amboseli
Sentrim Amboseli’s location deep inside the reserve guarantees close encounters with the park’s renowned elephants. Also happily roaming the grasslands are buffallos, wildebeast, zebra, giraffes, impalas and several predators. Located 280 kilometers south of Nairobi and 260 kilometers north of Mombasa. During the wet season, the rains flood the lake bed and the surrounding area. Though, this plentiful water does not sustain a rich vegetal variety. The cause is the high salt deposits in the lake bed, which the flood dilute and disperse hindering plant growth. For this reason few trees grow in the park, only small patches of acacia and some palm trees far off the lake. Contrariwise, salt-rich pastures grow and are very appreciated by the herbivores. Despite the first impression of a dusty and arid land, actually Amboseli is overflowing with water all the year round, but under the ground.
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