Magnificent view of Mount Kilimanjaro
USD250 - USD600 P/P
Vast herds of large-tusk Elephants
Jun - Sep
Jun - Oct, Jan - Feb
Location
The Amboseli National Park is located in Kenya’s southwest region. It lies close to the border of Tanzania and in the northwest direction of Mount Kilimanjaro
Size
Amboseli National Park is 151 square miles in size.
History
Amboseli National Park was gazetted in1974 with the goal to protect its unique ecosystem. The park was then listed as a UNESCO heritage site in 1991. The park is famous for its incredible view of Mount Kilimanjaro, located in neighbouring Tanzania, and for its vast elephant herds.
Entrance Fees & Permits
The entrance fee into Amboseli National Park is USD 60 / 70 per person per day
Hours of Operation
The Amboseli National Park is open from 7am to 7pm each day of the week.
By Road
The Amboseli National Park is located in the south-west region of Kenya. Travel by road via the Mombasa Road and C102. The distance is 135 miles from Nairobi and will take around three and a half hours. There are four gates into Amboseli namely Meshanana gate, Iremito gate, Kimana gate and Kitirua gate.
By Air
Visitors can fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport into Amboseli Airport and the flight takes around 42 minutes, the distance calculated at 96 miles.
By Train
To get there by train, take the Madaraka Express from Nairobi to Emali, which is a 2.5-hour journey. From Emali, travel by road along the C102 towards Loitokitok and then follow signs to Amboseli National Park. The road trip from Emali to Amboseli is about 80 miles and typically takes 2-3 hours.
Weather & Climate
Consider visiting Amboseli National Park during the dry, winter months between late June and the end of August. The mild days see pleasant conditions and as the grass is low, the game drive is at its best. The short rains fall around November and December, with the long rains in March through the end of April. The longer grass that results makes animal sightings that much more challenging.
Avoiding Crowds
It is advisable to plan your safari to Amboseli National Park in the green season which falls around October, November and early December to avoid the crowds in Amboseli. If you are looking to travel in the spring, visiting in mid to late May and early June (summer) is a great idea.
Value for Money
There are many options when it comes to accommodation and safari packages in Amboseli. To get more for your money, it is a good idea to consider staying just outside the Amboseli National Park. As one of Kenya’s key safari parks, Amboseli may offer safari packages that offer a wide range of pricing and experiences.
Read more on the Best Time to Visit Amboseli National Park.
Read more on the Best time to visit Kenya.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is famous for its elephant sightings, massive herds dotting the landscape wherever you look! The “Big Five” call Amboseli home and there is a wonderful selection of plains game from kudu to wildebeest and the dik-dik. Cheetah can be spotted on the plains, while buffalo wallow in mud baths created around the savannas.
The Terrain
Amboseli boasts a terrain that shifts dusty, open savannas to seasonal lakes and wooded areas. Swamps and grasslands add to the colourful display that is the Amboseli.
Game Drives
Game drives are exceptional in Amboseli and are conducted in either open 4×4 vehicles or enclosed 4×4 vehicles that have a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing. Game drives are usually conducted early in the morning and late in the afternoon, with the option to step onto Observation Hill for dramatic views across the park.
Guided Walking Safaris
Qualified safari guides will take guests around the park on foot, offering a chance to witness plains game close up and predators in the distance. Stand on Observation Hill and take in the amazing views surrounding you. Many of the conservancies around Amboseli National Park will offer walking safaris to guests staying in lodges or camps in the conservancy.
Amboseli offers accommodations from intimate private camps to well-established larger hotel-style accommodations. While there is a wonderful selection of properties to be found within the Amboseli National Park, many classic and comfortable lodges and camps can be found just outside the gates to Amboseli. Game drives are conducted both in Amboseli and in the conservancy, where the accommodation is located.
Amboseli National Park safari lodges & tented camps – Distance from Park Entrance
Lodge or Hotel Distance to park entrance (in miles)
Amboseli Sopa Lodge 11.5 miles from the Kimana Gate in the park’s south east
Tulia Amboseli Camp 12.2 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east
Amboseli Serena 9 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east
Kibo Safari Camp 1 mile from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east
Ol Tukai Lodge 10 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east
Satao Elerai Camp 5 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east
Tortilis Camp 19 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east
Porini Amboseli Camp 86 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east
Tawi Lodge 2 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east
Kilima Safari Camp 0.3 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east
AA Lodge Amboseli 5 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east
Sentrim Amboseli Camp 5 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east
Walk to Observation Hill
Visitors can step outside their game drive vehicle or take a break from their safari walk and stand on this former volcanic landmark and take advantage of the incredible views surrounding you.
Visit a Local Maasai Village
Experience life as a local as you embrace the culture and traditions of local Maasai as they share their daily life with you, from the foods they prepare to their traditional dances.
Bird Watching Experiences
Spend time between late spring and late fall bird watching in the Amboseli. There are over 400 species and sightings include flamingos and herons, weavers to horn bills.
Mount Kilimanjaro
One of the key draws of Amboseli National Park is the breathtaking view of the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. While the mountain is located in neighbouring Tanzania, it is said that one of the best views of Kili is from the Amboseli National Park.
When is the best time to visit Amboseli National Park?
The dry, winter months of July and August make the most ideal time to visit Amboseli National Park. At this time the grass is low due to the lack of rain and game viewing is at its best. Visiting in late spring (May) or early late fall (October/November) will ensure you avoid the crowds.
How much does a safari in Amboseli National Park cost?
With options from comfortable 3-star camps and lodges to larger hotel-style lodges and luxury tented camps, pricing can range from around $400 to around $1500 per person sharing, per day. Safari packages will include game drive experiences either within the Amboseli National Park or a private conservancy the accommodation is located in.
How to get to Amboseli National Park?
Visitors can reach Amboseli National Park by road from Nairobi, a three and a half hour transfer. Guests can also opt to fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, which is 96 miles from Amboseli or a 42-minute flight.
What makes an Amboseli National Park safari so special?
The incredible number of elephant herds is definitely a draw for Amboseli National Park, with the fact that arguably the best view of Mount Kilimanjaro is from the Amboseli National Park.
What animals can I see in Amboseli National Park?
Elephants are easily spotted in Amboseli, with other “Big Five” favourites such as buffalo, lion and leopard often spotted on game drives. Enjoy incredible bird life with over 400 species to be found and a myriad of plains game from wildebeest to zebra and the much-loved giraffe.
When is Amboseli National Park open?
The park is open from 7am to 7pm.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Amboseli National Park
Guests usually pre-book their safari experience with their safari provider, allowing a smooth arrival into Amboseli National Park. Availability needs to be considered too, so it is definitely advisable to pre-book an Amboseli National Park visit.
What’s the best way to see Amboseli National Park?
A guided safari or game drive is the best way to traverse Amboseli National Park. Drives are usually conducted in either open 4×4 vehicles or enclosed 4×4 vehicles with a pop-up roof.
What hotels, lodges, and camps are near Amboseli National Park?
There are many established safari lodge groups located in Amboseli National Park, such as Serena and Sopa, as well as a few smaller camps and lodges offering a more intimate experience. There are several lodges and camps located just outside the park’s gates, and safari activities are conducted both in Amboseli National Park and in the conservancies in which they are located. Accommodation options include Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli Sopa Lodge and Kibo Safari Lodge. Located just outside the park is Tawi Lodge and Tortilis Camp.
What restaurants are near Amboseli National Park?
Amboseli National Park is located far from any major city or town, and dining is enjoyed at the camp or lodge where guests are staying. Most accommodation offers three meals a day with local culinary delights sure to impress every guest.
What attractions are near Amboseli National Park?
Guests staying in or just outside Amboseli National Park can enjoy cultural visits with local Maasai in nearby villages, learning traditions and embracing entertaining dancing during their visit. An option for a hot air balloon ride over the Amboseli is something not to be missed.
