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Amboseli Camping Safaris

Amboseli National Park is an amazing place. It offers the best views you’ll find anywhere of Africa’s highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro. While admiring this mighty natural wonder with its snowcapped summit, you might also find yourself really close to a huge-tusked elephant. That’s because the park is known for its healthy elephant population, big cats and lots of other wildlife. Amboseli also lies in the heart of Maasai country, raising the possibility of an encounter with traditional Maasai people while you’re here. And this is not a park where you need to spend lots of money to enjoy a brilliant safari experience. All of which makes Amboseli ideally suited to a first-rate camping safari.

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1-6 of 6 camping safaris to Amboseli National Park

5 Questions About Amboseli Camping Safaris

 
 

5 Questions About Amboseli Camping Safaris

Answered by Anthony Ham

Which campsites are available for an Amboseli safari?

“There are two national park campsites inside Amboseli National Park. One is close to the center of the park. It doesn’t have much shade, but it is in a terrific location and offers uninterrupted views of Mt Kilimanjaro. The other is near the eastern Kimana Gate. Apart from the official park campsites within the park, there are numerous privately run campgrounds outside Kimana Gate and extending along the road heading east. Some of these combine cheaper camping areas with more expensive safari-tent or lodge-style room accommodation. Others are simply campgrounds. Many of the camping places outside the park also have views of Mt Kilimanjaro. The advantage of staying inside the park is that you’re able to explore the park each morning while others are still queueing to get in. It can, however, be more expensive, as park entry fees are calculated on a 24-hour basis.”

1

What facilities can I expect in the Amboseli campsites?

“The campsites inside the park are run by the park’s authorities, and they have communal showers and toilets (with separate sections for women and men). Facilities are basic, but there is running water, and fire pits where you can cook your own meals. As is the case in all Kenyan national parks, there is a fence around the campground. If you’re staying at the campsite just inside Kimana Gate, there’s a bar, and meals might be available. If you’re staying at a privately run campsite that has other types and categories of accommodation, you may be allowed to use their facilities, including any swimming pool, bar or restaurant, although sometimes you may be asked to pay a small fee. Otherwise, you can expect most places to have a shower and toilet block (again, with separate sections for men and women), as well as a kitchen for use by guests.”

2

What is the best time of the year for a camping safari in Amboseli?

“The best time to plan your Amboseli camping trip is June to October. This coincides with the Dry season, and although the park can get busy during these months, it’s also the period when the park’s animals are easiest to see. During the Dry season, animals are found closer to water and can be seen more easily. You can also expect relatively mild temperatures to go with the dry weather. During the Wet season (November to May), many animals leave the park and disperse into the surrounding area where there is lots of water. Although they fall officially within the Wet season, the months of January and most of February are often dry and the wildlife viewing can be excellent. The same can be true in November and into December: these are the months of the short rains, when you’re more likely to experience an afternoon storm than all-day rain. If you’re a birder, the best months to visit Amboseli are from November to April. That’s when the park is filled with migratory bird species that come from Europe and North Africa.”

3

Is a camping holiday in Amboseli safe?

“Spending your holiday camping in Amboseli is extremely safe, in our opinion. That holds true as long as you stay in your vehicle at all times when inside the park (except when moving around the camp), and follow park rules and all advice from your guide. There are fences around the campsites, which should keep animals out, and your safari tour operator will make sure that you stay safe. You should always walk with an escort (and a torch or flashlight) when moving around at night. Although it’s less of an issue outside the park, there are animals (including lions, leopards and elephants) roaming free in most areas all across the Greater Amboseli ecosystem. For this reason, the rules that apply for moving around inside the park also apply elsewhere, especially at night.”

4

How much do Amboseli camping tours cost?

“Tours and packages vary from one safari operator to the next. And because many will custom-design a safari depending on your needs, prices will inevitably vary for this reason as well. As a general guide, however, an Amboseli camping safari will start at around US$150 per person per day. This daily cost estimate includes the daily park entrance fee of US$60/35 per adult/child per day, as well as accommodation (such as camping fees and equipment), guide, driver, vehicle, food, water and two daily game drives around the park. You might find that prices drop a little outside of the high-season months (which apply from December to March and from July to October). That doesn’t leave many months when lower prices apply, and prices at the budget camping end of the scale don’t vary much from one season to the next. But it could make a small difference.”

5

Amboseli Reviews

4.4/5 189 Reviews
Expert
Mark Eveleigh  –  
United Kingdom UK

Mark is a travel writer who grew up in Africa and has written over 700 titles for CNN Traveller, Travel Africa, BBC Wildlife and others.

One of Kenya’s most picturesque parks with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro
5/5

I creaked into Amboseli after a frantic break-neck drive with the military convoy from Tsavo in a near-dead Suzuki Vitara hire-car. I had a soldier riding with me and the cartridge of his AK47 wore a hole through the dashboard because of...

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Expert
Lizzie Williams  –  
South Africa ZA

Lizzie is a reputed guidebook writer and author of the Footprint guides to South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Guaranteed wildlife-viewing at the foot of Kilimanjaro
5/5

Amboseli has instant likeability and although it can be crowded with game-viewing vehicles, there are plenty of good reasons for its popularity. For a start, it’s a straightforward drive from Nairobi via the newish C102 road – the...

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Nancy Wambui Michuki  –  
Germany DE
Reviewed: Feb 8, 2023
5/5

We were able to see alot of animals despite the season.
It would be better to travel in August or September.
As for the birds, it was wonderful to see so many sorts and birds
You need to much time atvthe end

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Lisa van der Hoek  –  
Netherlands NL
Reviewed: Jan 16, 2023
4/5

Amboseli is well-known for its abundance of Elephants. We got to see lots of them, roaming around the swamp, which was a beautiful sight. The recent draughts were clearly visible due to the amount of uneaten carcasses across the park; makes...

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Ben Krug  –  
United States US
Reviewed: Nov 14, 2022
5/5

I'm not sure what Bush Vibe is, but there were significant parts of the park without trees or bushes. Visiting just before the rainy season was probably the reason. As a smaller park, it was not surprising to see numerous animals no matter...

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alison  –  
United Kingdom UK
Reviewed: Nov 23, 2021
Absolutely Stunning Beautiful Country Shame it is so political Saw the Big Five Amazing xxx
5/5

Honeymoon Travelled to Malindi We got Married Honeymoon On Safari Oltukai Lodge was our firm Favourite Salt Lick was astonishing seeing the elephants and finally few days in Zanzibar Three weeks of bliss Met on Club...

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