Amboseli National Park – Kenya

Amboseli National Park

The giants here are the great herds of elephants—hundreds of them.

Protected from poachers, they carry their massive tusks with pride as they gather at predictable watering holes, delighting the many who come to Amboseli National Park to view these noble creatures.

Amboseli is known as the best place in Africa for getting up close to free-ranging elephants. The population is so robust here that sightings are guaranteed!

It’s just one of many reasons the park is the second most popular in Kenya—only the Masai Mara draws more visitors.

Amboseli is also a photographer’s paradise. Those wonderful photos you’ve seen of elephants seemingly posing in front of snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro? They were taken here.

Kilimanjaro, the largest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, towers over the park like a stately and photogenic sentinel. And when the clouds burn off at dusk or dawn, you’ll be treated to visions of its snowy peak.

But elephants aren’t the only attraction. On your game drives across Amboseli’s great horizons, you’ll likely spot wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, gazelle, and of course, cheetahs and lions.

Don’t overlook the smaller mammals either—hyena, foxes, jackals, vervet monkeys, and yellow baboons abound.

Birdlife here is also diverse and spectacular, especially around the park’s marshes and lakes. Expect to see pelicans, kingfishers, crakes, egrets, and the rare Madagascar heron. Raptors are abundant too, with 47 species spotted including falcons and harrier eagles.

The vast skies and diverse terrain encompass five distinct wildlife environments: wetlands, savannah, woodlands, thorn-bush, and the dry bed of Lake Amboseli.

The very name “Amboseli” is derived from a Maasai word meaning “salty dust.”

Surrounding the park are Maasai communities. You may visit their villages to experience authentic African culture and traditions.

About Amboseli National Park

Size: 392 square kilometers (151 sq. miles) — not a large park, which actually makes wildlife viewing more concentrated and accessible.

Location: Northwest of Mt. Kilimanjaro, along the Kenya-Tanzania border. It’s relatively close to Kenya’s coastal beaches, making it ideal for a 1-day getaway.

Climate: Generally hot and dry, with average daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F).

When to Go: The park is open year-round.

Best Time to Visit: During the dry season (June–October), when wildlife gathers at water sources and visibility is optimal.

Operating Hours: Daily from 06:00 to 18:00 hrs.

Getting There

By Road: Book a tour with Adventure In The Wild Safaris from Mombasa or Nairobi. Access from Mombasa is via Tsavo West National Park and the Kimana Gate.

Note: Some roads in the park become impassable during the rainy season due to muddy volcanic soil.

By Air: The park has one airstrip for light aircraft near Empusel Gate.

Things to Do and See

The Elephants

Amboseli’s elephants are easily spotted in the early mornings and evenings as they roam the plains. During the day, you can observe them foraging and bathing in Ol Okenya Swamp.

Elephant Research Camp

Thanks to the pioneering work of Dr. Cynthia Moss, the elephants of Amboseli are among the most studied in the world. Echo, a legendary matriarch, was studied for almost 40 years and became the subject of numerous documentaries.

Observation Hill

Shaped like a pyramid, this is one of the few places in the park where you can get out of your vehicle. At the top, enjoy sweeping views of the plains, marshes, and Kilimanjaro.

Sinet Delta

Near Observation Hill, the Sinet Delta is a birdwatcher’s haven. As you head south, watch for giraffes feeding in the brush and stunning views of Kilimanjaro.

The Maasai People

Several Maasai communities reside near Amboseli. Adventure In The Wild Safaris can arrange for you to visit and experience their traditional culture, attire, and lifestyle.

Customize Your Safari

Your safari experience with Adventure In The Wild Safaris is tailored to your interests and expectations. Whether it’s wildlife, photography, culture, or all three—just let us know how you’d like your adventure designed.

Visit Amboseli National Park

Amboseli offers everything a safari-goer could want—diverse wildlife, iconic elephants, Maasai culture, and the grandeur of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The photos and memories you’ll take from here are truly unforgettable.

Join Adventure In The Wild Safaris on a visit to Amboseli—either as a quick excursion or part of a longer Kenya tour. We have departures from Nairobi, Mombasa, and other beach resorts.