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Kenya · National Parks & Wildlife
Amboseli National Park
Big-tusked elephants crossing open plains beneath the snows of Kilimanjaro, a few hours from Nairobi.
Location
Kajiado County, Kenya
Park size
392 km²
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
Two to three nights
The park
Elephants beneath Kilimanjaro
Amboseli sits in southern Kenya on the border with Tanzania, in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. At 392 km² the park is compact, yet few places deliver such a recognisable view: elephant herds walking across open plains with the snow-capped summit behind them.
Its secret is water. Snowmelt from Kilimanjaro filters through volcanic rock and rises as springs that keep the swamps green through the dry season, drawing elephants, buffalo, hippos and hundreds of bird species. Amboseli has been a national park since 1974 and is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, protecting one of the most closely studied elephant populations in Africa.
Pair it with Tsavo West for a southern Kenya circuit, continue to the Maasai Mara, or finish with a few days on Diani Beach.
Places your guide will show you
Observation HillEnkongo Narok SwampLonginye SwampOl Okenya SwampLake AmboseliSinet Delta
Best light
Kilimanjaro is clearest at sunrise
Wildlife
Who you will meet
Elephants are the headline, but the swamps and open plains support far more.
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01
Elephant
Families led by matriarchs, and some of Africa’s last great tuskers.
02
Lion
Prides hunt along the swamp edges, most active at dawn and dusk.
03
Buffalo
Large herds graze the wetlands, often with egrets alongside.
04
Masai giraffe
Browse the acacia woodland around the park edges.
05
Zebra
Graze the open grasslands, often mixed with wildebeest.
06
Hippo
Spend the heat of the day submerged in the swamps.
Experiences
More than game drives
Build your days around the wildlife, the mountain and the people who live alongside them.
Guided game drives
Morning and afternoon drives with an English-speaking driver-guide.
Kilimanjaro photography
Catch the summit at first light, before the clouds build.
Observation Hill
A short climb to a viewpoint over the swamps and plains.
Maasai cultural visit
Meet a Maasai community near the park and learn about their way of life.
Birdwatching
Hundreds of species, from pelicans in the swamps to ostriches on the plains.
Sundowners
End the day with a drink as the sun sets over the plains.
When to visit
The best time for Amboseli
Amboseli is good all year. The season shapes what you see, how green it is and how busy the park feels.
Jan – Feb
Short dry season
Warm, clear days with good views of Kilimanjaro and steady game viewing.
Mar – May
Long rains
Green plains and newborn animals, with fewer visitors and lower lodge rates.
Jun – Oct
Peak season
Long dry season
Cool, dry weather. Animals gather at the swamps, making sightings easy. Book early for July and August.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Brief showers, fresh grass and migrant birds arriving.
Getting there
Reaching the park
By road
About 240 km from Nairobi, usually four to five hours by safari vehicle.
By air
Scheduled light-aircraft flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport take around an hour.
Combined routes
Amboseli links easily with Tsavo West, and many itineraries continue to the coast.
Where to stay
Lodges, camps and conservancies
01
Inside the park
Lodges and tented camps close to the swamps, ideal for early starts.
02
Private conservancies
Quieter camps on community land beside the park, some offering guided walks.
03
Outside the gates
Comfortable options near Kimana and other gates to suit every budget.
Park entry fees are set by the Kenya Wildlife Service and charged per person per day. Ask us for current rates when you request your quote.
Ready-made trips
Amboseli safari tours
Ready-made trips that include Amboseli, from short elephant safaris to longer Kenya circuits. Every one can be tailored.
- Nairobi, Treetops, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli
- 12 Days 11 Nights
- Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli
- 9 Days 8 Nights
- Tsavo West, Tsavo East, Amboseli
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Amboseli
- 8 Days 7 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Amboseli
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Amboseli, Diani, Mombasa
- 7 Days 6 Nights
Good to know
Amboseli FAQs
Where is Amboseli National Park?
In Kajiado County in southern Kenya, on the border with Tanzania at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, about 240 km from Nairobi.
How many days do you need in Amboseli?
Two to three nights is ideal. It gives you several game drives and a good chance of clear views of Kilimanjaro.
When is the best time to visit Amboseli?
June to October and January to February are the dry seasons, with the easiest game viewing. March to May is green and quieter, with lower rates.
Can you see Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli?
Yes, on clear days. The summit is usually clearest early in the morning and late in the afternoon, as clouds often build during the day.
Can you see the Big Five in Amboseli?
You will see elephants, lions and buffalo, and leopards are occasionally spotted. Rhinos are not found in Amboseli, so combine it with another park if the Big Five matter to you.
Is Amboseli good for families?
Yes. It is close to Nairobi, game drives are short and easy, and children love the elephants.
Can Amboseli be combined with other parks?
Yes. It pairs naturally with Tsavo West and Tsavo East, the Maasai Mara, or a beach stay on the Kenyan coast.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Amboseli and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Start your Amboseli safari
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will shape an Amboseli itinerary around the season and the experiences you want.
