Amboseli National Park

Location

The Amboseli National Park is located in Kenya’s southwest region, close to the border with Tanzania and northwest of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Size

Amboseli National Park covers an area of 151 square miles.

History

Amboseli National Park was gazetted in 1974 to protect its unique ecosystem and was later listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The park is famous for its incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its vast elephant herds.

Entrance Fees & Permits

The entrance fee is USD 60–70 per person per day.

Hours of Operation

Amboseli National Park is open daily from 7am to 7pm.

How to Get There

By Road

Travel via Mombasa Road and C102. The park is 135 miles from Nairobi, taking approximately 3.5 hours. Main gates include Meshanana, Iremito, Kimana, and Kitirua.

By Air

Flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Amboseli Airport take around 42 minutes, covering 96 miles.

By Train

Take the Madaraka Express from Nairobi to Emali (2.5 hours). From Emali, travel by road along C102 toward Loitokitok to reach Amboseli (80 miles, 2–3 hours).

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Visit during the dry winter months (late June to August) for mild days and low grass ideal for game drives. Short rains occur in November–December and long rains in March–April, making sightings more difficult.

Avoiding Crowds

Green season (October–early December) offers fewer crowds. Spring visits (mid–late May to early June) are also recommended.

Value for Money

Consider staying outside the park for better pricing options. Amboseli offers a wide range of safari packages and accommodations.

Wildlife

Popular Wildlife Sightings

Amboseli is famous for elephants and the Big Five. Plains game such as kudu, wildebeest, and dik-dik are abundant. Cheetah and buffalo are often spotted in the savannas.

The Terrain

The park features dusty open savannas, seasonal lakes, wooded areas, swamps, and grasslands, creating a diverse and colorful landscape.

Experiences

Game Drives

Conducted in open or enclosed 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs for optimal viewing. Early morning and late afternoon drives often include Observation Hill for panoramic views.

Guided Walking Safaris

Qualified safari guides offer walking tours around the park and nearby conservancies. Guests can witness plains game up close and enjoy sweeping views from Observation Hill.