Amboseli National Park

Location

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

Size

Amboseli National Park covers 151 square miles.

History

The park was gazetted in 1974 to protect its unique ecosystem and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Amboseli is world-renowned for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its large herds of elephants.

Entrance Fees & Permits

The entrance fee for Amboseli National Park is USD 60 to 70 per person per day.

Hours of Operation

The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

How to Get There

By Road

Amboseli is about 135 miles from Nairobi, a drive of around 3.5 hours via Mombasa Road and C102. There are four gates: Meshanana, Iremito, Kimana, and Kitirua.

By Air

Fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Amboseli Airport. The 96-mile flight takes approximately 42 minutes.

By Train

Take the Madaraka Express from Nairobi to Emali (2.5 hours), then drive 80 miles via C102 to reach the park, which takes another 2–3 hours.

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from late June to August. These months bring mild weather and better visibility for wildlife. Short rains occur in November–December, while the long rains fall from March through April, making animal sightings harder.

Avoiding Crowds

Visit during the green season (October–early December) or in mid to late May and early June to enjoy fewer crowds.

Value for Money

There are numerous accommodation and safari options. Staying just outside the park often provides more value. As a premier safari destination, Amboseli offers packages for a range of budgets and preferences.

Wildlife and Landscape

Popular Wildlife Sightings

Amboseli is best known for its elephants, often seen in large herds. The “Big Five” can be found here, along with kudu, wildebeest, dik-dik, cheetah, and buffalo. Watch for cheetahs on the plains and buffalo enjoying mud baths.

The Terrain

The park features a mix of dusty savannas, seasonal lakes, swamps, woodlands, and grasslands—creating a rich tapestry of habitats.

Experiences

Game Drives

Experience game drives in open or enclosed 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs for optimal viewing. Drives are best in the early morning or late afternoon. Visit Observation Hill for stunning panoramic views.

Guided Walking Safaris

Explore the park on foot with a qualified guide. These safaris offer close-up sightings of plains game and distant views of predators. Many conservancies around the park offer walking safaris to guests staying in their lodges or camps.

Adventure In The Wild Safaris is proud to offer unforgettable journeys through Amboseli National Park with experienced guides and custom-tailored safari experiences.