Amboseli National Park, in southern Kenya, is a beautiful place to see wildlife, with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. It’s famous for its big herds of elephants, which you can watch up close.
The park has different landscapes, like dry lake beds, wetlands, savannahs, and woodlands. This variety brings in many animals, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species. Amboseli is also a great place to learn about the Maasai culture as you explore.
- Watch large groups of elephants roam freely in the park.
- Kilimanjaro creates a dramatic backdrop, especially in the early morning.
- Amboseli’s mix of habitats is home to lions, cheetahs, and flamingos.
- Visit the local Maasai community for a cultural experience.
Amboseli offers a mix of wildlife and stunning scenery, making it an important destination in your Kenya Safari itinerary with plenty to see and explore.
Best Time To Visit
Amboseli National Park is where towering elephants meet the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, creating picture-perfect moments that will leave you in awe.
The Best Time to Visit Amboseli National Park is during the dry months, from June to October and January to February. During these months, animals gather at water sources, making wildlife easier to spot. The skies are clear, though it can get dusty. Early mornings offer the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Wet season, from November to May, brings lush greenery and is ideal for birdwatching, but some roads can become difficult, especially in April and May. Lower rates may apply during this time, making it a good off-season option.
Wildlife
Amboseli National Park is famous for its large elephant herds, which roam the open plains and gather around the swamps. These majestic animals are easy to spot and very calm around visitors. Besides elephants, you can see other animals like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
The park’s open grasslands are home to zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles, making it a great spot for wildlife viewing. Though leopards are rare and black rhinos are absent, the park offers plenty of exciting animal encounters with its rich and diverse wildlife.
Amboseli National Park is found in southern Kenya, near the border with Tanzania, and it’s northwest of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is about 365 kilometres (226 miles) from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city.
You can fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is the main entry point for many travellers. From there, the transfer to the park is usually included in your Kenya Safari Package.
You can also drive from Nairobi, which takes around four hours. A self-drive is possible, especially if you’re visiting Tsavo East or Tsavo West afterwards.
For non-residents, adults pay $35 per day, and children pay $20 per day. These rates may vary, and the park fees are usually included in the safari package, so it’s good to double-check with your tour operator.
You can enjoy a walking safari in the nearby conservancies, which are managed by local Maasai communities. These areas allow for nighttime game drives, which are not allowed in the park itself.
Amboseli is also a great family-friendly destination with its short travel times and abundant wildlife. Just be prepared for some dust—it’s part of the park’s charm, as its name, meaning “salty dust,” suggests.
Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds, known for their impressive tusks. You’ll also see other members of the Big Five—lions, buffalo, and leopards.
Other wildlife includes zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and cheetahs. The park is also a fantastic spot for bird watching, especially during the wet season when flamingos flock to the area.
Elephants
Amboseli is famous for its large herds of free-roaming, big-tusked elephants.
Kilimanjaro
Get breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, from the park.
Wildlife
See a variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and more.
Water Springs
Explore clear water springs, fed by Kilimanjaro’s melting ice, creating rich habitats.
UNESCO Site
Amboseli was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its unique ecosystem.
Scenic Landscapes
Enjoy stunning landscapes, from swamps to open savannahs, perfect for photographers.
