This expertly crafted 2-day safari offers an ideal introduction to Amboseli National Park for travelers with limited time. Designed to showcase the park’s famous elephant herds, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife, the safari provides an immersive experience over two days.
Day 1: Departure from Nairobi & Arrival in Amboseli
- Morning: Depart from Nairobi early in the morning, traveling in a comfortable 4×4 Land Cruiser or safari van, perfect for navigating Amboseli’s terrain. Enjoy scenic views on your journey as you approach the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.
- Mid-Morning: Arrive at Amboseli National Park, proceed to your first game drive en route to your lodge or camp. During this drive, you may spot iconic animals such as elephants, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes.
- Lunch: Check-in at your accommodation, which could be a mid-range lodge or luxury tented camp, and enjoy a leisurely lunch while soaking in the serene surroundings.
- Afternoon: After lunch, embark on an extended game drive through Amboseli’s open plains, swamps, and woodlands. With luck, you’ll see predators like lions and hyenas, alongside the park’s famous elephant herds.
- Evening: Return to your lodge for a sumptuous dinner and relaxation under the starry African sky. Some lodges may offer optional Maasai village visits for those interested in local culture.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Return to Nairobi
- Early Morning: Start your day with an early game drive when the animals are most active, enjoying the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro. Look out for rare wildlife sightings like cheetahs, buffaloes, and various bird species.
- Breakfast: Return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast and prepare for check-out.
- Mid-Morning: After breakfast, take a final game drive through Amboseli as you exit the park, capturing last-minute photos and spotting more wildlife.
- Afternoon: Arrive back in Nairobi in the late afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable 2-day Amboseli safari.
Inclusions:
- Round-trip transport from Nairobi in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Park entry fees for Amboseli National Park.
- Two game drives per day led by a professional safari guide.
- One-night accommodation at a selected lodge or camp.
- Meals on a full-board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Bottled water during game drives.
- Airport transfers (if applicable).
Exclusions:
- International flights.
- Kenyan visa fees.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses (e.g., drinks, laundry, souvenirs).
- Optional activities like Maasai village visits.
- Gratuities for guides and staff.
- Credit card payment surcharge and RTGS fees.
Animals to See
Here’s a list of animals you can expect to see during your 2-day Amboseli safari:
- African Elephants (the park’s signature species)
- Lions
- Cheetahs
- Leopards (rare sightings)
- Buffaloes
- Hyenas
- Zebras
- Giraffes
- Wildebeest
- Hippos
- Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelles
- Baboons
- Warthogs
- Crowned Cranes
- Ostriches
- Flamingos (seasonal)
- Vultures
- Pelicans
- Eagles
- Marabou Storks
This list covers some of Amboseli’s diverse wildlife, from large mammals to unique bird species.
Your Driver-Guide
The driver-guide will not only navigate through Amboseli’s diverse terrain but also offer detailed insights into animal behaviors, Maasai culture, and the park’s conservation efforts. They are adept at tracking wildlife, ensuring that you maximize your opportunities to see key animals like elephants, lions, and giraffes. Their experience often helps in positioning the vehicle for the best photographic angles, and they are skilled in keeping the safari safe and enjoyable.
The 4×4 Land Cruiser
The 4×4 Land Cruiser is the safari vehicle of choice for Amboseli due to its durability, versatility, and comfort. Designed for rugged African terrains, the Land Cruiser is well-equipped to handle Amboseli’s varying landscapes, from marshy areas to the dry plains. Key features include:
- Pop-up Roof: This allows passengers to stand and view wildlife safely during game drives while having a 360-degree view of the surroundings.
- Raised Suspension: The vehicle’s high clearance ensures smooth navigation over rough and uneven tracks, enabling access to areas where wildlife sightings are most likely.
- Ample Seating Space: The vehicle typically accommodates 4 to 6 guests comfortably, with plenty of room for personal belongings and camera equipment.
- Air Conditioning: Some models are equipped with air conditioning to offer respite from the heat during transit between game viewing areas.
The Land Cruiser is built to handle Amboseli’s dusty conditions, keeping passengers comfortable and protected. It also features onboard radio communication, ensuring constant contact with other vehicles and camps for real-time updates on wildlife sightings.
Safari Highlights
Here are the key highlights of the 2-day Amboseli safari:
- Iconic Elephant Viewing: Amboseli is renowned for its large herds of elephants, offering exceptional close-up sightings in their natural habitat.
- Stunning Views of Mount Kilimanjaro: Experience breathtaking vistas of Africa’s highest peak, especially during early morning and late afternoon game drives.
- Game Drives: Enjoy two thrilling game drives daily, exploring Amboseli’s rich wildlife diversity, including lions, cheetahs, and zebras.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Spot unique bird species such as flamingos, crowned cranes, and pelicans, particularly around the park’s marshes and lakes.
- Lodging Near Wildlife: Stay in comfortable accommodation that offers proximity to the wildlife, allowing you to hear the sounds of the African bush at night.
- Cultural Interaction: Option to visit a local Maasai village to experience Maasai culture and traditions, adding a cultural dimension to your safari.
- Scenic Landscapes: Amboseli offers varied landscapes, from swamps to open plains, ensuring scenic and diverse experiences throughout the safari.
These highlights capture the essence of an unforgettable 2-day safari in Amboseli.
Conclusion:
This 2-day Amboseli safari is ideal for travelers looking for a short yet immersive safari experience. From close-up encounters with elephants to the panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the trip provides a rich wildlife experience. Ensure to book your safari well in advance, especially during the peak season.