A 3-day safari to Amboseli National Park is a perfect short adventure that immerses you in Kenya’s spectacular wildlife and landscapes, with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as a constant backdrop. This itinerary, offered by Amboseli National Park, gives you a taste of Amboseli’s incredible biodiversity, especially its famous elephant herds. Here’s an expert guide to what you can expect from a 3-day Amboseli safari.
Day 1: Arrival in Amboseli National Park
Morning: Departure from Nairobi
Your safari will begin early in the morning with a pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. You’ll embark on a scenic drive toward Amboseli National Park, located about 240 km from Nairobi, taking roughly 4-5 hours.
As you travel through the countryside, you’ll pass through typical Kenyan landscapes, including the scenic Athi-Kapiti plains and the colorful Maasai villages along the way. Enjoy views of open savannahs and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak looming in the distance.
Midday: Arrival and Check-In
Upon arriving in Amboseli, you’ll check into your lodge or tented camp. Options include:
- Tortilis Camp: Known for its eco-friendly design and panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Ol Tukai Lodge: Located right in the heart of the park, offering a premium viewing experience.
- Kibo Safari Camp: For those seeking a blend of comfort and an authentic safari experience.
After check-in, settle into your accommodation, have lunch, and prepare for your first game drive.
Afternoon: First Game Drive
Your afternoon game drive will begin after a short rest. This is the perfect time to get acquainted with Amboseli’s diverse wildlife. Known for its large herds of elephants, Amboseli offers up-close and intimate encounters with these gentle giants. You will also have the chance to see other wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and buffaloes.
The first day’s game drive will give you a glimpse of Amboseli’s iconic landscape, with its expansive plains, marshes, and swamps. As the day ends, watch as the setting sun casts a golden hue over Mount Kilimanjaro—an ideal time for photography.
Evening: Dinner and Relaxation
Return to your camp or lodge for a relaxing evening. Most accommodations in Amboseli offer evening bonfires, Maasai cultural experiences, or star-gazing sessions. Enjoy a delicious dinner and unwind, ready for another exciting day ahead.
Day 2: Full Day of Game Drives and Exploration
Morning: Early Game Drive
The second day begins with an early morning game drive, often the best time for wildlife viewing. With the cooler temperatures, animals are more active, and there is a greater chance of spotting predators like lions and cheetahs hunting.
The open plains of Amboseli are also perfect for birdwatching, with over 400 bird species recorded in the park, including African fish eagles, pelicans, and crowned cranes. Your guide will help you spot both big game and smaller, hidden gems in the ecosystem.
Midday: Bush Breakfast and Midday Break
Many lodges offer the option of a bush breakfast, where you can dine out in the wild, surrounded by nature. Following breakfast, you will return to your lodge for a break during the heat of the day. This is a great time to relax by the pool, enjoy your lodge’s amenities, or simply take in the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Afternoon: Game Drive or Cultural Experience
In the afternoon, you can embark on another game drive or choose to visit a local Maasai village. Amboseli is home to the Maasai people, and many lodges offer cultural visits where you can learn about their traditions, music, and crafts.
If you opt for a game drive, this is another opportunity to explore different sections of the park and spot wildlife around Amboseli’s famous swamps, where elephants, hippos, and buffaloes gather to cool off.
Evening: Sundowners and Dinner
As the sun begins to set, enjoy a sundowner—a safari tradition where you sip drinks while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Your lodge will offer a cozy atmosphere with evening entertainment, a Maasai dance performance, or a bonfire where you can share stories of your day’s adventures.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Departure
Morning: Last Game Drive
Your final day in Amboseli starts with a last early morning game drive, maximizing your chances of spotting any wildlife you may have missed. Use this time to take in the park’s peaceful atmosphere and appreciate the beauty of the landscape before your journey back.
Midday: Check-Out and Return to Nairobi
After breakfast, you will check out of your accommodation and begin your drive back to Nairobi. This is your final chance to enjoy the scenic countryside and reflect on your Amboseli adventure.
You will arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon, marking the end of your 3-day Amboseli safari.
Inclusions:
- Round-trip transport from Nairobi or other designated departure points in a 4×4 Land Cruiser or safari van.
- Park entry fees to Amboseli National Park for the duration of the safari.
- Game drives led by an experienced, English-speaking driver-guide.
- Full board accommodation in mid-range lodges or tented camps.
- All meals during the safari, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Bottled water provided during the game drives and throughout the safari.
- Airport transfers if flying into Nairobi or from the local Amboseli airstrip for fly-in safaris.
- Guided nature walks (subject to availability).
- Government taxes and levies.
Exclusions:
- International flights to and from Kenya.
- Visa fees for entering Kenya.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
- Personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, souvenirs, and telephone calls.
- Optional activities like hot air balloon rides or Maasai village visits.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and camp staff.
- Surcharge for credit card payments—most safari operators may add a surcharge (typically around 3-5%) for payments made using credit cards.
- RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) payments may also incur additional processing fees.
Be sure to confirm all costs and conditions with your tour provider before booking to avoid surprises.
Important Considerations for Your Amboseli Safari
Flights and Transfers
For those looking for a quicker arrival, Amboselikenya.com also offers fly-in safaris, where you can fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Amboseli in under an hour. This option is great for maximizing your time in the park.
Health and Vaccinations
Make sure you’re up to date on all necessary vaccinations before your trip. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended, as Amboseli is located in a malaria-prone area. It’s also a good idea to bring insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing in the evenings.
Safari Packing List
Packing for a safari is essential for comfort and practicality. Don’t forget to bring:
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- A camera with extra memory cards and batteries
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Comfortable walking shoes
Park Entry Fees
Ensure that you are aware of the Amboseli National Park fees, which are around $60 per adult per day for non-residents. These fees are typically included in packaged safaris, but it’s always good to confirm.
Animals to see
Here’s a list of animals you can expect to see in Amboseli National Park:
- African Elephant
- Lion
- Cheetah
- Buffalo
- Giraffe
- Zebra
- Wildebeest
- Hyena
- Thomson’s Gazelle
- Grant’s Gazelle
- Impala
- Leopard (rarely)
- Hippo
- Crocodile
- Baboons
- Vervet Monkeys
- African Wild Dog (rarely)
- Serval
- Dik-dik
- Lesser Kudu
- Black-faced Vervet Monkeys
- Various bird species including flamingos and pelicans
This list covers many of the key species you can expect to encounter on an Amboseli safari.
Conclusion
A 3-day safari to Amboseli is the perfect short trip for both first-time visitors and seasoned safari-goers. With its abundant wildlife, majestic landscapes, and the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, your Amboseli adventure will be unforgettable. Let Amboselikenya.com handle all the logistics so you can focus on enjoying one of Africa’s top safari destinations.