Amboseli National Park
Safari suitability: 9/10
Find your tourElephants at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro and close proximity to major international airports.
What YAS members think
Highlights
- Views of majestic, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro
- Masai villages
- Safari by vehicle, horseback and hot air balloon
- Big five present
- January through March and July through October are the best times to visit
About Amboseli National Park
Located in the Loitoktok District of Kenya’s Rift Valley province, home to the Masai, Amboseli National Park—previously known as Masai Amboseli Game Reserve—is located 140 km (87 miles) south of Nairobi and just northwest of snow-capped, free-standing Mount Kilimanjaro. The Kilimanjaro-adjacent park is known for its elephants and proffers 392 km² (151 miles²) of remarkable scenery.
Part of a larger ecosystem surrounding the border of Kenya and Tanzania, Amboseli is a study in contrasts, mingling the browns of savannah and elephant with the blues of mountain and sky to grand effect and plentiful habitat. Plains, woodland, bush country, swamp and marshland dot the park, and impala, cheetah, hyena, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra ramble alongside the big five, beneath hundreds of flitting bird species and against the background of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Underground water supplied by the mountain’s ice cap and filtered through its volcanic rock pools in two clear-water springs within the park.
Amboseli doesn’t allow safari by foot, but safari by vehicle, horseback and hot air balloon each provide extraordinary views of animal, vegetable and mineral, and the park’s Observation Hill overlooks mountain and mammal alike.
The best times to visit Amboseli National Park
January through March and July through October are the best times to visit, with July through October coinciding with the dry season. It is during the dry season that the animals are forced around the remaining water supplies and make for some great game viewing. That said, the dry season is also peak tourist season and, given Amboseli's small size, can mean crowds. The long rains come in March and run through the end of May, but also mean lush, green scenery and flowers. Very few lodges close during the rainy season, so budget-hunters may wish to consider the off-season.
United States
At the southern edge of Kenya next to Tanzania and at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro is Amboseli Park. It is here that Cynthia Moss has spent so many years studying and living with the elephants; Elephant Memories was the book that led me to write her ahead of time, and get to speak to her on the phone (did not catch her at the park). It was the dry season, so water was not sitting in a shallow level along our route - - but the elephants instead kept the hot sun off them by spraying the gray dust of the land all over their bodies. They tended to cluster under the flat acacia trees, vying for shade and were wonderful to see in large numbers. Others waded in the mud of the swampy land of a river almost impossible to see from one slight hill. Nighttime magic: this was the most gloriously black sky I have ever seen. The stars sparkled in such numbers and with different intensities - - it was as one would always wish to see!! The Milky Way was thick, there was the Southern Cross, the false Southern Cross - - and luckily we had an astronomer show us what he knew.
Sort by:
Kilimanjaro on the background with jumbos and dusty Amboseli, stayed at oltukai lodge amboseli what an excellent facility to stay while on safari i highly recommend.
My recent visit to Amboseli National Park in Kenya was nothing short of spectacular! Known for its iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large elephant herds, Amboseli exceeded all expectations, offering both breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters. Day 1: From the moment we entered the park, the sight of Kilimanjaro towering over the horizon was awe-inspiring. The first game drive set the tone for the trip, as we immediately came across a large herd of elephants grazing in the shadow of the mountain. The elephants in Amboseli are known for their impressive size, and seeing them up close was a humbling experience. As we explored further, we spotted giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests roaming the open plains. Our guide was exceptional, providing detailed insights into the behavior of the animals and the history of the park. We ended the day with a magical sunset, watching the sun dip behind Kilimanjaro. Day 2: The second day was filled with even more thrilling wildlife sightings. We started early to catch the sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro, which illuminated the landscape in a golden hue. The morning was packed with sightings of lions and cheetahs on the prowl, as well as hyenas scavenging in the distance. The park’s wetlands, fed by the melting snow of Kilimanjaro, were teeming with birdlife, and we enjoyed watching flamingos and herons while hippos wallowed nearby. The diverse range of animals and landscapes made the day’s game drives truly unforgettable. Day 3: On our final day, we took some time to visit a nearby Maasai village, which added a cultural dimension to our safari. Learning about the Maasai’s way of life and their close connection to the land was an enriching experience. Afterward, we enjoyed one last game drive where we encountered more elephants, as well as buffalo and gazelles. The sheer number of elephants we saw throughout the trip made Amboseli a truly special destination. The views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, combined with the abundance of wildlife, make Amboseli one of the most picturesque parks in East Africa. Final Thoughts: Me as Damasius Dominick, Tanzania Tour Operator from Dakado Tanzania Safari, the Brand of Dakado Global Services, I recommend that, Amboseli National Park is a photographer’s dream and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The combination of large elephant herds, diverse wildlife, and the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro makes this park a must-visit in Kenya. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned traveler, Amboseli offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Highly recommended!
Amboseli National Park is one a kind due to its swampy nature. The animals are in plenty, and the park is not too big so you do not have to spend hours and hours looking for wildlife. My favorite part is how some big animals like elephants look somewhat tiny because half of their bodies are submerged into the muddy water. The birdlife there is also incredible. The vastness of the park makes spotting animals easy and enjoyable. Last but not least are the overwhelming views of Mount Kilimanjaro. As a photographer, one would have amazing pictures taken against the backdrop and the elephants there are always in plenty so it is very easy to achieve spectacular shots. The lodges in Amboseli are beautiful positioned and cater to all types of travelers. Whether you’re traveling on a budget, midrange or luxury there are lodges and facilities to accommodate your travel needs. Airstrips are easily accessible for those who opt to fly in and balloon rides are also available for those who wish to experience the park from an eagles point of view.
As I stepped into this park, I was immediately captivated by the sheer beauty of the Landscape! The open savannah dotted with acacia trees and shimmering with golden grass that stretch as far as eye could gave me the best feeling. Amboseli National Park should always be in the bucket list of every traveler. I was able to have a look at the incredible array of wildlife. Every moment felt like a scene from wildlife documentary come to life! The highlight of my tour was elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat. Such an experience left me in awe!
Its one of the best national parks i have so far visited in Africa, but my heart still goes for Masai Mara and Serengeti, When i visited the park in the morning the water level was ok, and we experience tough water floods in the park, and our guide told us that it happen when there is too much sun shine and melt the snow and form water flow through the river to the park. We saw a lot of flamingos, Hyena and lot of Elephants grazing in the swamp.
Amboseli National Park in Kenya is home to the majestic elephants of Amboseli. These giants, with their impressive size and intricate social structure, captivate all who encounter them. The park's diverse vegetation provides a perfect habitat for these elephants to thrive. Amboseli's elephants are known for their enormous size, with males reaching heights of up to four meters and weighing six tons. They live in tight-knit family units led by a matriarch, who plays a vital role in guiding and protecting the group. The elephants communicate through a range of vocalizations, showcasing their emotional intelligence and strong bonds. However, these magnificent creatures face challenges such as human encroachment and poaching. Conservation efforts are crucial for their protection. Responsible tourism plays a significant role in raising awareness and supporting elephant conservation. Visitors to Amboseli National Park can witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat and contribute to their preservation. The elephants of Amboseli symbolize the grandeur of nature and remind us of the importance of safeguarding wildlife. Let us cherish and celebrate these magnificent giants, ensuring a future where they continue to inspire awe and wonder for generations to come.
We did 4 days of safari it was really mind blowing. Amboseli, Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Amboseli is what impressed me the most. We saw tons of animals: elephant, giraffe, leopard, cheetah, hyena, jackal, hippo and lion and lionesses. The lodges we stayed in were all beautiful. Our very professional guide, who also spoke Italian well, showed us everything that was possible to see. I recommend this experience to everyone
The location of Amboseli National Park makes it a huge attraction for inclusion in a Kenya safari holiday. The whole park is overlooked by the world famous views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro is undoubtedly best seen at dusk or dawn when low hanging clouds thin out to reveal the iced summit of this continent’s highest mountain. This backdrop has contributed to this park being amongst the most visited in Kenya, which has brought its own drawbacks. On my last visit I stayed in the beautiful Kibo Safari camp. Magnificent views of the Kili, large herds of elephants and plain game. Its a park I can always recommend!
Great sightings at Amboseli National Park on my holiday experience during December. Amboseli is a popular safari destination in Kenya with a super view of Mount Kilimanjaro-the highest mountain in Africa. Many wildlife attractions included; different bird species, lions, many buffaloes, big tusked elephants, zebras, giraffes, cheetah, and many more.
What amazing views from Amboseli, this is breathtakingly beautiful views while in Kenya. We call it the floor of Africa but we call it the Majestic Kilimanjaro
Driving to Amboseli from Nairobi
Amboseli is just under four hours away, in vehicle, in normal conditions.
Driving to Amboseli from Kilimanjaro International Airport
The drive from JRO to Amboseli is just under three hours, in normal conditions, and from Arusha to Amboseli is closer to four hours.
Domestic flights to Amboseli
Safarlink offers daily flights from Nairobi Wilson to Amboseil. The direct flight time is 45 minutes. Air Kenya also offers daily flights.
The following airlines travel to Amboseli National Park
Regional services within Kenya. At Airkenya safety and security are of paramount importance. As one of Africas leading aviation companies Airkenya aspires to reach new heights of service delivery. At Airkenya our diverse operations are looked into with eagle eyes. Our aircraft are thoroughly inspected by highly trained engineers to ensure our passengers enjoy consistently smooth safe flights. Our excellent maintenance facilities have been approved by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority in accordance with international airworthiness safety standards. This together with our dedicated ground team has secured Airkenya an impressive track record for safety. Visit website
Also flies to:
Mombasa Air Safari is a Kenya coast scheduled airline. MOMBASA AIR SAFARI has been based at Mombasa's Moi International Airport since 1974. Our offices at Mombasa and Diani Beach Ukunda Airport are open during normal business hours. Our agent in Malindi Southern Sky Safaris have offices in the centre of Malindi. Our fleet consists of five aircraft with a seat capacity exceeding 100 seats. We have our own maintenance capability based at Moi International Airport Mombasa. Visit website
Also flies to:
Premier safari airline and charter. Safarilink is Kenya's premier safari airline with a network of connecting domestic scheduled services to all the best safari destinations within Kenya and across the border into northern Tanzania. From it's base at Wilson Airport, Nairobi SafariLink provides daily scheduled flights to Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo West, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Lewa Downs, Samburu, Lamu, Kilimanjaro, Loisaba, Migori and Diani Beach. Additionally it can also provide private charter flights if a client's particular requirement as regards destination or timing cannot be met by the scheduled services. Visit website
Also flies to:
Amboseli map
Nearby parks and game reserves
Related articles
Latest photos
