Observation Hill in Amboseli : The Observation Hill is one of the attractions in Amboseli national park and an iconic spot for game viewing, the Observation Hill was formed more than 1000 years ago due to volcanic activity from Mountain Kilimanjaro which caused the earth’s crust to rise leading to the formation of numerous hills and volcanic lakes including The Observation Hill.
The Observation Hill in Amboseli national park was previously known as The Poaching Hill as it was used by poachers as the easiest way to target the animals and also because the safety it provided them, the hill can only be accessed while on foot and the tourists will be helped by your tour guides to get out their cars and start their trek up the hill.
Following the abolishment of poaching in Amboseli national park, the hill became an observation hill for tourists due to its location.
The Observation Hill is also is also known as the Normatior in the Masai language, the hill has a staircase that were made out of the volcanic rocks which makes it easy for tourists to climb up the observation.
The Observation Hill is the highest point in Amboseli national park and at the top of this cone- shaped Hill you will find stalls where you can sit and lounge around.
The Observation Hill is a great spot for game viewing in Amboseli national park, from the hill it is easy to see a range of animals in the park include buffaloes, crocodiles, flamingoes on Lake Amboseli, the swamps within the park, the Masai Villages, wildebeests, lions, leopards, gazelles and Burchell Zebras in the savannah grasslands.
Also you will get better views of the peaks of Mountain Kilimanjaro located in the Southern part of the park, Lake Kioko in the North western part of Amboseli and this can be well done with the help of good binoculars.
Kioko Lake located on the North- Western side of the Observation hills is the best spot for watching hippos in Amboseli national Park, the hippos can be seen moving in and out of the water and the sound they make can be heard from the observation Hills. In every direction you face while on the observation hill, you will enjoy everything around you.
What you need in the Observation Hill
When visiting The Observation Hill, you need to be physically fit so as to trek up. Additionally there are other essentials that you might need when you get there and these include
- A camera
- Binoculars
- Good hike boots
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Extra batteries for the camera
- Raincoat for the wet season
Booking a trip to the observation hill
Due to its strategic location, the Observation Hill receives a large number of visitors on a daily and therefore, you need to secure yourself a spot on time. You can make booking to the Observation Hill through your tour operator or by making a call to the National Park.
Note: Make sure that you book your experience to the Observation Hill months before the actual day of the safari due to the heavy traffic that the hill sees.
The Observation Hills offers a 360 degree views of the entire Amboseli national park and while standing up on the hill, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Lodges near the observation hill
There are several lodges situated near or around the Observation Hill, while staying at these lodges you will be able to get to the hill on time and easily make your trip to Amboseli national park, some of these include
- Tortilis camp Amboseli
- Ol Tukai lodge
- I’m a country lodge
- Zebra plains Amboseli camp
When to go to the observation hill
The Observation hill can be visited all year round, although the best time to visit the beautiful hills is during the dry season which is from January to February and June to October, in the dry season climbing the volcanic steps is easy as compared to the wet season when they are slippery.
A safari to the Observation Hills is the best safari in Amboseli national park for tourists who wish to experience 360 degrees of Amboseli national park but cannot afford hot air balloon safari, this unique cone of nature offers great views of both the sunset and sunrise thus making it the perfect destination for wildlife viewing in Amboseli national park.
In additional to the Observation Hill, Amboseli national park has other prominent sights that need to be checked out during Amboseli Safari.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is another prominent attraction in Amboseli national park, though the Mountain is not situated inside the park or Kenya it can be accessed from Amboseli and its spectacular views can be enjoyed. Amboseli national park is found on the western side of Mountain Kilimanjaro, the Mountain is the tallest mountain in Africa and clear views of its snow-capped peaks can be enjoyed from the Observation hill of Amboseli national park and several lodges found in the park and while on a balloon safari.
The best views of Mount Kilimanjaro are seen either in the morning or in the evening.
The Sinet Delta
The Sinet Delta is a lake in Amboseli national park found in the Northern part, the lake is the best birding spot in Amboseli national park and is one of the most frequently visited places in Kenya and the park by birders and this is because of the many birds that are found around the Sinet Delta.
The Sinet Delta is composed of both dense and thick grasslands and vegetation which makes it the perfect place to see several bird species, you will also be able to see the majestic giraffes eating foliage.
Lake Amboseli
Lake Amboseli is another lake in Amboseli national park and one of the top destination, the lake is situated right in the center of the park. Lake Amboseli acts as a water source for almost all the animals in the park and is a home to several aquatic animals like crocodiles, hippos and cape buffaloes.
During a visit to the park, you can take participate in a boat cruise on Lake Amboseli and you will enjoy great views of animals like crocodiles, hippos and cape buffaloes and several bird species most especially during the we season.
Masai villages
Masai Villages are found outside Amboseli national park, these villages are the best spots to visit to experience the authentic culture and traditions of the Masai People who are best known for their unique culture, brightly colored clothes, uniquely constructed Bomas which act as their homes and their general way of life.
A visit to the Masai villages is like taking a walk back in time.
