Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Amboseli National Park, often referred to as the home of the gods, offers an African safari like no other. Situated at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain at 5,895 meters or 19,340 feet, this snow-capped peak provides a stunning backdrop to Amboseli's expansive Rift Valley plains. The Masai (also spelled Maasai) - tall, colorfully dressed, nomadic warriors - and abundant wildlife - lion, leopard, buffalo, cheetah, plains game and Africa's largest population of elephant - complete the image. So why bring the kids? A wildlife safari in Amboseli provides children with an opportunity to view African game, interact with the Masai and learn about this East African culture. Game drives, visits to a Masai homestead and children's walking safaris, lead by a locally trained Masai naturalist, are just a few of the kid friendly activities.... Read MoreCopyright © Henry Kahuki. All rights reserved. Henry Kahuki is an online safari consultant and the operator of Magical Africa Safaris Ltd., an eco-friendly safari agency offering comprehensive safari arrangements in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
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Getting There
The easiest way to get to Amboseli is by air. Airkenya has daily flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi and Mombasa Air Safari flies to Amboseli from Mombasa, Malindi and Diani on the Kenyan Coast. The drive from Nairobi is 4 hours. The road is paved to Namanga but the remaining 75 km to Amboseli's Meshanani Gate is over a rough dirt road. It takes roughly 2.5 hours to cover the 94km between the Chyulu Gate in Tsavo West and Amboseli. Passage on this road should be undertaken only in the presence of an armed convoy. A four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended.
When to Travel
The best time to visit Amboseli National Park is the dry season from January through April and June through October when vegetation is thin and animals congregate at the water holes making them easy to spot. The long rains are in April and May and short rains in November and December.
Travel Health & Child Safety
Amboseli lies in a malaria risk area and travelers' diarrhea is a common ailment affecting tourists in Kenya. When packing your suitcase don't forget to include neutral colored, long sleeved shirts and trousers, DEET insect repellent and high factor sunscreen. Sleep under a treated mosquito net or in a screened or air conditioned room.
Malaria Information & Risk Map
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Health Information for Kenya MD Travel Health Admission & Fees
An entrance fee is charged and, in general, is included in the rate of the safari lodge or camp.
Things to Keep in Mind
Road transfers should be undertaken during the day rather than at night. Be aware and be weary of both small and large tricks.
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