Kenya safari destination
Amboseli National Park
Giant elephant herds crossing open plains beneath snow-capped Kilimanjaro. Plan a safari to one of Kenya’s most photographed national parks.
Location
Kajiado County, Kenya
Size
About 392 sq km
Ideal stay
2 to 3 days
Best time
June to October
Famous for
Elephants and Kilimanjaro
Beneath Kilimanjaro's shadow
Amboseli National Park is Kenya’s most iconic elephant safari destination. It lies in southern Kajiado County, close to the Tanzanian border, where the snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro rises above open plains, dry lake beds and bright green swamps.
The park is home to some of Africa’s largest and best-known elephant herds, studied continuously since 1972. Spring-fed swamps keep water on the plains all year, drawing buffalo, lion, hippo and hundreds of bird species even in the driest months. Add Maasai communities living alongside the wildlife, and Amboseli becomes one of the most rewarding stops on any Kenya safari.
Why Amboseli belongs on your Kenya itinerary
Six reasons travellers put this compact park at the top of their list.
Kilimanjaro views
Africa's highest mountain rises above the plains, clearest at sunrise and late afternoon.
Iconic elephant herds
Some of the largest tuskers in Africa, part of one of the longest-running elephant studies anywhere.
Big game on open plains
Elephant, buffalo, lion, giraffe and zebra are easy to spot across short grass and swamp edges.
Permanent swamps
Spring-fed wetlands fed by Kilimanjaro keep wildlife close to water all year round.
Living Maasai culture
Maasai communities live alongside the park and welcome visitors to their villages.
Rich birdlife
More than 400 bird species recorded across the marshes, lake beds and acacia woodland.
When to visit Amboseli National Park
Amboseli rewards visitors in every season. Choose the window that matches what you most want to see.
June to October
Peak dry season
Wildlife gathers around the swamps and Kilimanjaro is at its clearest. Book early for these months.
January to February
Short dry spell
Warm, dry weather and excellent game viewing between the two rainy seasons.
March to May
Long rains
The quietest time to visit, with dramatic skies, green plains and the lowest rates of the year.
November to December
Short rains
Fresh scenery, migrant birds and quieter camps before the festive season.
Wildlife you can expect to see in Amboseli
From giant elephant herds to lions resting by the swamps, these are the animals most visitors meet on a game drive.
Elephant
Big tuskers and close-knit family herds, the reason most people come.
Lion
Often found resting in the shade near the swamps during the heat of the day.
Buffalo
Large herds graze the permanent marshes, usually with egrets close by.
Giraffe
Maasai giraffe browse the acacia woodland on the edges of the plains.
Zebra
Plains zebra move across the open grassland alongside wildebeest.
Things to do in Amboseli National Park
Game drives are the heart of any visit, but there is more to fill your days between them.
Guided game drives
Track elephant herds across the plains with the unmistakable outline of Kilimanjaro behind them.
Kilimanjaro photography
Catch the mountain in the clear light of early morning, before cloud builds.
Observation Hill
Climb for panoramic views across the swamps and plains.
Maasai village visits
Learn about Maasai culture and daily life on a guided visit.
Birdwatching
Explore wetlands full of resident and migratory species.
Planning your trip to Amboseli
Practical details to help you decide how to get there and where to stay.
Getting to Amboseli
- By road: about 240 km south-east of Nairobi, usually a drive of four to five hours.
- By air: scheduled light aircraft fly from Nairobi to airstrips in and near the park in under an hour.
- Combined routes: Amboseli pairs naturally with Tsavo West, Lake Naivasha and the Maasai Mara.
Where to stay
- Inside the park: lodges and tented camps close to the swamps for early game drives.
- Private conservancies: quieter camps on community land bordering the park, often with walking safaris.
- Every budget: we match lodges to your style, from comfortable mid-range to luxury.
Amboseli safari tours
Itineraries that include Amboseli National Park, from short elephant safaris to longer circuits across Kenya and Tanzania.
- 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, Amboseli
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 11 Days 10 Nights
Amboseli National Park FAQs
Quick answers to the questions travellers ask us most often about visiting Amboseli.
Where is Amboseli National Park?
Amboseli is in Kajiado County in southern Kenya, close to the border with Tanzania and about 240 km south-east of Nairobi. It sits at the northern foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
How many days do you need in Amboseli?
Two to three days is ideal. It gives you several morning and afternoon game drives, the best chance of clear Kilimanjaro views, and time for a Maasai village visit.
What is the best time to visit Amboseli?
The dry seasons from June to October and from January to February offer the best game viewing and the clearest mountain views. The rainy months are quieter and better value.
Can you see Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli?
Yes. Kilimanjaro dominates the southern skyline. The summit is often clearest early in the morning and late in the afternoon, and can be hidden by cloud in the middle of the day.
Can you see the Big Five in Amboseli?
Elephant, buffalo and lion are seen regularly. Leopard is rarely sighted and rhino is not usually found in Amboseli, so many travellers combine it with parks such as the Maasai Mara or Lake Nakuru.
Can Amboseli be combined with other parks?
Yes. Amboseli is often combined with Tsavo West, Lake Naivasha and the Maasai Mara in Kenya, or with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater on a Kenya and Tanzania safari.
Start planning your Amboseli safari
Tell us your travel dates and we will build an Amboseli itinerary around the season and the experiences you want most.