Amboseli National Park
All about Amboseli National Park
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the largest national reserves in Kenya, with an approximate size of 1510 KM2. Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to the famous National Geographic Big Cats like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other big five wildlife species like rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes.
Its also the best place to spot the wildebeest migrations and the actions of the big cats during the migration in Masai Mara Park. With the beauty of the flora and fauna, the vast land scapes and wide spaces with dotted acacia trees, and other plant species within the reserve.
Masai Mara National Park is surrounded by conservancies around such as the Naboisho Conservancy, Mara North Conservancy, Olare Motorogi Conservancy, among many others that act as buffer zones for wildlife and help in wildlife and human conservation.
Best time to visit Amboseli National Park
When to Visit Amboseli National Park
You wonder when is the best time to visit Masai Mara? Well, you can visit Masai Mara any time of the year. Still, due to different seasons and wildlife activities, the best time is recommended to visit the reserve for optimum wildlife sightings and great experiences. Below are months by season of when to visit Masai Mara:-
January to March (High Season):-
During this time, the weather is hot and dry, and January to March is the best time to spot the big cats and other wildlife species. Wildlife animals spend time at the water holes and water pans, making it easy to spot them. We refer to this season as the high season.
The long rains that start in mid-February, help wildlife and especially the wildebeest calves during the calving season in Ndutu Conservation Area and Serengeti South to feed and have enough food and water. But also the rains are quite important in Masai Mara Reserve as lots of animals depend on the much-awaited rains for food and water.
April to June (Low Season):-
In the April to May Season of the year, the months are wet with lots of rain and muddy terrains, lots of greener grounds, and a bit chilly and cold. It’s not recommended to visit this time if you would love to spot wildlife, it will be difficult to see them, due to the abundance of water and food.
It is recommended to visit this time if you would love to enjoy the exclusivity of luxury camps at great offers in Masai Mara. There are a lot of safari accommodation offers that tend to run during this season in Masai Mara and to enjoy the luxuries, it’s best to visit this time.
July to October (Peak Season):-
This is the best month to witness the amazing wildebeest crossings in the major Mara Rivers in Kenya and Tanzania. The months of July to October, are noted to be the peak season in terms of tourist guests visiting East Africa due to their best time and great weather for safari and beach holidays.
Thousands of Wildebeests cross to Masai Mara for their annual great wildebeest migration and create amazing scenes, that are thrilling and captivating as they cross the Mara river high cliffs.
November and December (High Season):-
During November and December, the weather is favorable with little showers in November, which are short rains, and hot temperatures in December all through the holidays till January. This is also one of the best times to visit Masai Mara National Reserve.
Amboseli National Park Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate in Amboseli National Park
Without knowing any better, you would probably think that the Masai Mara climate would be very hot and dry. It’s typically what you would expect when thinking of Africa, a hot and dry place, but rather receiving good rainfall.
However, the Masai Mara altitude causes its climate to be cooler and wetter than you would expect it to be. Situated at an altitude varying from 1500 to 1900 meters, you can expect pleasantly warm daytime temperatures and much cooler nights. So, don’t forget to pack a sweater for the early morning game drives.
The weather and climate in Masai Mara are ideal for safari travel year-round. Average daytime temperatures are comfortable, evening temperatures can become quite chilly. It is located on the lower side of the Mau Forest serves water to the main Mara River, and brings rain frequently into the reserve.
On average it rains approximately 1400 millimeters (55 inches) per year in Masai Mara. You are most likely to encounter a rain shower in April and least likely to feel raindrops in July. The Masai Mara has two rainy seasons: the short rainy season is in November and December and the long rainy season is from March–May. The heaviest rainfall can be expected in April, however flooding can occur in both rainy seasons.
The average daytime temperature of Masai Mara is around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). Nighttime lows are around 15 degrees Celsius and (50 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s generally sunny and dry, with only an incidental rain shower.
How to Get to Amboseli National Park
Ways to Travel to Amboseli National Park
Masai Mara National Reserve is located in the South West of the capital city Nairobi. It’s 7 hours drive by road, and 45 minutes by flight. You can access Masai Mara easily by road, which is the commonly used form of transfer used to take guests to Masai Mara. You can access Masai Mara by road through the 5 most known gates such as Sekenani Gate, Talek Gate, Musiara Gate, Oloolo Gate, Ololaimutiek Gate.
If you love exclusivity and not staying on the road long, a flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara would be ideal for you. The Masai Mara has numerous airstrips that serves different safari camps and lodges. A few of the best airstrip in Masai Mara such as Ol Kiombo Airstrip, Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, Keekorok Airstrip, Mara North Airstrip just to mention a few.
Google Map of Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park Map Showing its location
The below Amboseli National Park Map shows the exact location. Expand it to see more details, surrounds, and directions of where you could be coming from, to help you access it easier and better.
Amboseli National Park Fees Entrance
Park Fee Entrance to Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park Fees 2024 – Non Residents
| Details Non Residents Rates | Peak Season July to December | Low season January to June |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | USD 60 | USD 60 |
| Children / Students | USD 35 | USD 35 |
Amboseli National Park Fees 2024 – Residents and Kenyans
| Details – Kenyans and Residents Rates | Peak Season – July to December | Low season January to June |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | KES 860 | KES 860 |
| Children / Students | KES 216 | KES 215 |
How to Pay for Amboseli National Park Entrance Fees
Below is the Step by Step process for Paying Amboseli National Park Fees.
- Proceed to kws.ecitizen.go.ke to access the eCitizen portal.
- The link will take you to the eCitizen platform, where your ID number and password credentials are required.
- After signing in, tap on the services tab.
- Scroll down and select Kenya Wildlife Service.
- Select the park or sanctuary that you want to visit.
- Enter the number of adults and children in your party.
- The system will prompt the user with the preferred means of making payment. This can either be using mobile money, or a credit/debit card.
- Through mobile money, one is required to pay using the MPESA Option
- Use the special application number of your booking as your account number.
- Enter the amount.
- You will receive a confirmation message once your payment is successful.
- Through the eCitizen site, one can view the history of their previous applications.
