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+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip

Southern Kenya

Amboseli National Park

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Why visit Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is an extraordinary destination for those seeking an immersive safari experience combined with breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, Amboseli offers one of the most iconic backdrops in all of Africa, with the snow-capped summit rising majestically above the sprawling plains.

The park is renowned for its large herds of elephants, which roam freely through the acacia woodlands and open grasslands. These elephants, some of the largest in Africa, are a highlight for visitors, and Amboseli provides a rare opportunity to observe their social interactions up close. The park’s compact size allows for an intimate safari experience, where you’re never far from nature’s most spectacular displays.

Beyond the elephants, Amboseli is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, buffalo, zebras, and giraffes. The park’s wetlands, fed by the melting snow from Mount Kilimanjaro, attract hundreds of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. The landscape shifts dramatically from dry, open plains to lush swamps, offering a unique variety of ecosystems within a relatively small area.

Did you know?

Amboseli National Park’s underground water system is fed by the snowmelt from Mount Kilimanjaro. This unique phenomenon creates year-round swamps in an otherwise arid landscape, sustaining Amboseli’s rich wildlife and birdlife populations

What to eat

The Maasai around Amboseli traditionally construct their homes, known as manyattas, using a unique mixture of mud, sticks, and cow dung. These homes are designed to be temporary, reflecting their semi-nomadic lifestyle as they move with their livestock to find fresh grazing land.

Highlights of Amboseli National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro Backdrop: Amboseli offers one of the most iconic and photogenic landscapes in Africa, with the towering Mount Kilimanjaro providing a stunning backdrop to the park’s wildlife. Early morning and late afternoon views of the snow-capped peak are particularly breathtaking.
Large Elephant Herds: Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant population, some of the largest in Africa. These elephants are often seen crossing the plains in family groups, providing exceptional opportunities for close-up viewing and photography.
Unique Swamp Ecosystems: The park’s underground water sources, fed by Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowmelt, create lush swamps in an otherwise arid region. These wetlands support a diverse range of wildlife and are particularly vital for the elephants and hippos that wallow in the cool waters.
Diverse Wildlife Viewing: In addition to elephants, Amboseli is home to a wide array of animals, including lions, cheetahs, buffalo, zebras, and giraffes. The park’s relatively open terrain makes wildlife easy to spot, and its small size ensures you’ll never be far from the action.
Birdwatching Paradise: With over 400 bird species, Amboseli is a fantastic destination for birdwatchers. The park’s wetlands attract a variety of birds, including pelicans, herons, African fish eagles, and flamingos during certain seasons.
Maasai Culture: The Maasai people, who live around Amboseli, offer visitors a chance to experience their traditional way of life. You can visit Maasai villages (manyattas), witness traditional dances, and learn about their connection to the land and wildlife, providing a cultural dimension to your safari experience.

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Amboseli National Park

Kilimanjaro from Amboseli National Park

Cheetah's hunting in Amboseli National Park

Where to stay

Best hotels in Amboseli National Park

Nothing but the best. Browse our handpicked, tried-and-tested luxury hotels.

Luxury Tented Safari Camp

Angama Amboseli, Amboseli National Park

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Luxury Safari Camp

Tortilis Camp, Amboseli National Park

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Luxury Safari Camp

Angama Mara, Maasai Mara

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Good to know

Getting to Amboseli National Park

Getting to the Maasai Mara from Nairobi is most convenient by air. Multiple daily flights operate from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, taking around 45 minutes to reach the airstrip within Amboseli.

Is Amboseli a good destination for families?

Yes, Amboseli National Park is an excellent destination for families, especially those interested in a relaxed, wildlife-rich safari experience. Here are a few reasons why it’s family-friendly:

Exceptional Wildlife Viewing
Amboseli is known for its abundant wildlife, including large elephant herds, which are easy to spot in the park’s open plains. The compact size of the park means shorter game drives, which are ideal for families with young children.
Scenic Landscapes
With the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, Amboseli offers stunning landscapes that make for great family photos and memorable experiences without needing long journeys.
Educational Experiences
Many camps, like Tortilis Camp, offer Maasai-guided bush walks and cultural interactions. These experiences are educational and fun for children, as they can learn about wildlife tracking, local plants, and Maasai traditions.
Family-Friendly Lodges and Camps
Camps in Amboseli, including Tortilis Camp, often offer family-friendly accommodations and activities. Some camps provide Junior Ranger programs or flexible meal times, catering specifically to families.
Birdwatching and Diverse Ecosystems
Amboseli’s unique ecosystem includes swamps, acacia woodlands, and open plains, giving children a chance to see a wide variety of animals and over 400 bird species in different habitats.

Which destinations combine well with Amboseli?

Amboseli National Park combines beautifully with several other destinations in Kenya and Tanzania, creating a diverse and well-rounded East African safari experience. Here are some ideal combinations:

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
- Known for the Great Migration (July-October) and abundant big cat sightings, Maasai Mara offers a contrasting ecosystem with vast savannahs and riverine landscapes. This is ideal for a varied safari experience with excellent game viewing and cultural interactions.
Tsavo National Park, Kenya
- Tsavo is Kenya’s largest national park, known for its red-dusted elephants and dramatic landscapes, including volcanic hills and the lush Mzima Springs. It’s easily accessible from Amboseli, providing diverse scenery and wildlife in a short drive.
Chyulu Hills, Kenya
- Located between Amboseli and Tsavo, Chyulu Hills offers stunning volcanic landscapes, rolling hills, and horseback safaris. It’s less crowded and provides unique activities like hiking and scenic views of Kilimanjaro, complementing Amboseli’s wildlife focus.
Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
- Samburu offers a more rugged and remote safari experience with unique northern species like Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, and beisa oryx. Combining Amboseli’s elephants and Kilimanjaro with Samburu’s distinct wildlife makes for an enriching safari itinerary.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
- A cross-border trip to Tanzania’s Serengeti allows for a seamless experience of the Great Migration across both Maasai Mara and Serengeti. Amboseli’s elephant herds pair well with Serengeti’s vast herds of wildebeest and zebras.
Diani Beach, Kenya
- After a safari in Amboseli, a few days on Diani Beach offer a perfect blend of relaxation on Kenya’s stunning coastline. Pristine beaches, coral reefs, and water activities provide a restful complement to the safari adventure.

When to go

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

There is a short dry season between December and February which is fantastic for bird watchers as it’s then that the migratory species arrive in the park.