Amboseli National Park is the famous iconic destination of Kenya whose landscape is dominated by the Kilimanjaro Mountain towering over dusty plains filled a variety of wildlife that include some of the biggest herds of elephants you will ever see. The park is mostly taken as the favorite extra to the safari in Masai Mara National Park, to catch the spectacular view of the Kili, but travelers will be wowed by the amount of wildlife there is to see. Among other animals in Amboseli include lions, hyenas, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, yellow baboons, grants gazelles, Thomson’s gazelles, giraffes, etc…
Amboseli is situated below the Kilimanjaro on its leeward side that receives less rains hence the desert like environment for much of the year. However underground rivers originating from the mountain have created huge wetlands and ponds that become lakes during the rainy season. While animals can be seen throughout the year, the time you decide to visit Amboseli will very much determine the kind of experience you shall have on your trip to Amboseli.
Dry vs wet season in Amboseli National Park
The best time to visit Amboseli National Park is during the long dry season from June to October. During this time there are virtually no rains so the park turns into some sort of desert dotted with huge wetlands and ponds that are oases for wildlife in the park. It is easier to explore the park and reach many areas to discover plenty of wildlife. The dry season also makes it easier to spot animals as they concentrate around the ponds and wetland hence you can see animals and birds as close as possible…
When the rains come the ponds and wetlands overflow cutting off many areas of the park from access. Dusty plains hence become “muddy” plains.
On the other hand, however, the wet season turns the scenery of the park to more spectacular. The park seems to regain life as the dried-out grasslands and savannah become lush green cover. The Kilimanjaro that shows a small snow cover on the park during the dry season now a large snow crown.
If you are therefore looking for an experience more than just spotting animals, the wet season of November to December and March to May will offer you a beautiful experience of Amboseli National Park