Amboseli National Park is best known for its elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro — but there’s much more to experience beyond the typical safari jeep.
If you’re planning a trip with Woodsly Adventures, you’ll have access to a range of enriching, immersive activities that deepen your connection with the land, wildlife, and people of Kenya.
Here are the top things to do in Amboseli besides game drives:
1. Walking Safaris with Maasai Guides
Swap the vehicle for your hiking boots and explore Amboseli’s surrounding areas on foot. Guided walking safaris are led by local Maasai warriors who understand the land like no one else.
Highlights:
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Learn how to track animals using prints and droppings
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Discover native plants used in traditional medicine
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Walk safely along dry riverbeds and savannah trails
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Engage in storytelling and Maasai cultural interpretation
Who It’s For:
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Adventurous travelers
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Nature lovers and photographers
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Families with older children
➡️ Add a walking safari to your Amboseli Elephant Safari for a close-up connection with nature.
2. Visit a Traditional Maasai Village
A cultural visit to a local Maasai boma is one of the most authentic and humbling experiences you can have in Kenya.
What to Expect:
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Meet a local family and learn about Maasai customs
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Watch traditional dances and ceremonies
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Visit homes made of mud and dung
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Support community artisans by purchasing handmade jewelry
Travel Tip:
Woodsly Adventures only partners with genuine, community-approved villages, ensuring your visit is respectful, educational, and mutually beneficial.
3. Birdwatching in the Amboseli Swamps
Amboseli is a paradise for birdwatchers. The seasonal swamps attract hundreds of bird species, especially during the wet season (March–May, October–November).
Notable Species:
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African fish eagle
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Grey-crowned crane
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Goliath heron
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Secretary bird
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Lesser flamingos (occasionally seen in swamps)
With over 420 bird species recorded, it’s one of Kenya’s hidden gems for ornithologists and nature photographers.
4. Observation Hill: The Best View in Amboseli
A short hike up Observation Hill offers one of the most iconic views in all of Africa — elephants below, Kilimanjaro beyond, and sunrays cutting across the plains.
Why Go:
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Perfect for panoramic photos
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Great picnic spot
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View multiple ecosystems in one glance: swamp, woodland, savannah
It’s a must-do activity that many visitors don’t realize is accessible with minimal effort.
5. Enjoy Sundowners and Bush Dinners
Some Amboseli lodges offer private bush dining experiences where you can enjoy drinks or dinner under the stars.
Typical Experiences Include:
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Sunset cocktails overlooking the plains
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Candle-lit dinners surrounded by lanterns and acacia trees
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Maasai music performances in the background
Ask Woodsly Adventures to include this as a special occasion add-on — ideal for honeymooners, anniversaries, or milestone birthdays.
6. Photography Safaris
Amboseli’s light, open terrain, and dramatic backdrops make it a dream for both amateur and professional photographers.
Special Opportunities:
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Golden hour shoots at dawn and dusk
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Kilimanjaro framing shots with elephants
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Bird and macro photography around the swamps
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Long-lens wildlife photography from hides near waterholes
Woodsly Adventures offers private vehicle upgrades and expert driver-guides who understand the needs of wildlife photographers.
7. Combine with a Coastal Excursion
Looking for post-safari relaxation? After Amboseli, many travelers head to the coast for sun, sand, and sea life.
➡️ We recommend pairing Amboseli with the Mombasa Beach Retreat or a marine safari like the Wasini Island Marine Park Excursion — all arranged seamlessly through Woodsly Adventures.
Bonus: Star Gazing & Night Sky Photography
Far from city lights, Amboseli offers clear, dazzling night skies. Some lodges even set up telescopes or offer astronomy storytelling with local guides.
For astrophotographers, this is an unexpected highlight — Milky Way views over Kilimanjaro are unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
There’s more to Amboseli than jeep rides.
With walking safaris, cultural visits, birding, scenic hikes, and unique dining experiences, Amboseli offers a holistic safari for the curious, the creative, and the culturally-minded.
Let Woodsly Adventures build a custom itinerary that includes the top things to do beyond game drives, while still delivering iconic wildlife experiences.
