Day Trip & Game Drive in Central Kenya’s Amboseli National Park from Nairobi

Are you looking for an exciting day trip to the game-rich plains of the Amboseli National Park in Central Kenya? A game drive in this park is the perfect activity offered by tour companies, whether you’re an adventure-seeker, an animal-lover, or a nature-lover who wants to discover the wonders of Africa.

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, is located about 250 kilometers southeast of Amboseli National Park. The distance can be covered by road or by air, making it easy to arrange for a day trip from Nairobi to the national park. Tour companies may offer day trips from Nairobi to the park depending on their budgets and the number of participants. For those interested in exploring this wild part of Kenya, here’s a guide to organizing your own day trip & game drive in Amboseli National Park.

How to journey to Amboseli National Park

The quickest method of traveling between Nairobi and Amboseli is to fly. There are several domestic airlines that offer daily flights between Nairobi and Amboseli Airport. Prices usually range from $100 to $200 depending on the airline and what time of day you would like to take off. Flying is convenient but also relatively costly.

For budget travelers, there are several ground transportation options that can be arranged to travel between Nairobi and Amboseli Park. Tour companies can arrange buses and pick-ups at designated Nairobi hotels or points of embarkation to travel to the park for around $75 for the return journey. This option mostly applies to those going in a group.

Booking an Accommodation

Since most day trips from Nairobi last for only 10-12 hours, it is advisable to book accommodation before arriving in the park. The park contains three accommodations within its boundaries: Kiboko Tented Camp and Soysambu Luxury Tented Camp, both Safari lodges; and Ol Tukai Lodge, which offers luxury accommodation set upon a hillside.

Kiboko Tented Camp and Soysambu Luxury Tented Camp offer luxury safari tents and bungalows placed right within the heart of the park. Along with accommodation, they provide evening dinners and game drives into the park. Ol Tukai Lodge has luxury suites set right on the edge of a small lake along the southeast side of the park, providing guests with an idyllic escape and pool lounging option during the afternoon.

Other Tour Options Available

For a truly luxurious adventure, tour companies may offer private guided safaris that include lodging at local hotels, breakfast and lunch options, and exclusive jeep drives into the park with local guides from nearby Maasai communities. These tours are tailor-made for those who want to explore completely hassle free and with the convenience of private transfers and expert guides who know the terrain thoroughly. Private tours include all transport costs, accommodation, internal park fees, and game drives into the park. Prices range between $200 and $1,000 depending on the size of your group and the duration of your stay in Amboseli National Park.

Your Own Private Game Drive

Game drives are part of a once in a lifetime experience when visiting Amboseli National Park and there are plenty of ways one can set out for this awesome adventure. Being one of Africa’s oldest protected areas, the park is favored for its views of dramatic landscapes featuring two extinct volcanoes Kilimanjaro and Maasai Mountains which frame its expansive plains. In addition to photographic views and unforgettable experiences of interacting with wildlife, each game drive is special in its own regard due to the incredibly diverse nature of animals, birds, vegetation and terrain found within its boundaries.

The most common methods for approaching a game drive in Amboseli National Park are open jeep safaris or on foot with an experienced local guide. Safaris usually last anywhere from 3-5 hours depending on your luck spotting wildlife, but you’ll still get an incredible experience regardless. Since Amboseli National Park is an open grassland area with few trees, the region serves as an ideal place to observe vast herds of animals such as elephants, zebra, wildebeest and impalas grazing amongst other animals living within its boundaries such as lion, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe and baboons.

Things to Look For When Booking Your Day Trip & Game Drive

When booking any outdoor activity or tour it’s essential that you take all necessary precautions and do some research first by checking out customer feedback on websites such as Trip Advisor . Researching reliable tour operators is essential in ensuring that everything runs smoothly before and during your visit. To make sure you have an unforgettable experience you should confirm a few details before booking:

• Costs & Fees – always check what’s included in the cost of your tour package so as not to be caught unaware.
• Number of People – what is the maximum number of people in your tour? Being part of a smaller group can mean more personalized attention from your guide.
• Length of The Game Drive – confirm how long your game drive tour will be.
• Transport – make sure your transport has been arranged by your tour operator if necessary.
• Accommodation – if you are staying within the park confirm how long before your departure.
• Local Guide – it is essential to find out if there will be an experienced guide with you during your game drive tour.
• Customized Itinerary – if you want a more tailored experience find out if it will be possible before committing to your booking.

Booking Your Tour

Once you have researched all available options for organizing your day trip or game drive in Amboseli National Park from Nairobi, you can book a tour with a reliable operator using platforms like GetYourGuide. Making sure you communicate all your expectations and needs through beforehand will ensure that your tour is fully catered to your personal preferences. Booking a day trip or game drive in Amboseli National Park will make your visit to Kenya truly extraordinary!