Kenya safari destination
Amboseli National Park
Big elephant families cross open plains while the snowcap of Kilimanjaro fills the sky behind them. Plan your Amboseli safari with our family-run team in Nairobi.
Location
Kajiado County, Kenya
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
Two to three nights
Famous for
Elephants and Kilimanjaro
Best light for photos
Sunrise and late afternoon, when the cloud lifts off the summit.
A small park with Africa’s biggest backdrop
Amboseli sits in Kajiado County on Kenya’s border with Tanzania, at the northern foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountain is in Tanzania, but the classic views of it are from here, across dry lake beds, short-grass plains and swamps that stay green all year.
That water comes from Kilimanjaro. Snowmelt filters through volcanic rock and rises as springs, keeping elephant, buffalo and hippo close even in the driest months. Researchers have followed Amboseli’s elephant families since 1972, and the herds are famously calm around vehicles.
Where your guide will take you
- Enkongo Narok swamp
- Longinye swamp
- Observation Hill
- Lake Amboseli
- Sinet Delta
- Kimana gate area
The animals you came to see
Game drives here are about elephants first, but the swamps and plains hold far more.
Elephant
Lion
Buffalo
Giraffe
Zebra
Hippo
More than game drives
Hover or tap a card to see how each experience fits into your days in the park.
Guided game drives
Guided game drives
Kilimanjaro photography
Kilimanjaro photography
Observation Hill
Observation Hill
Maasai village visit
Maasai village visit
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Sundowners
Sundowners
When to visit Amboseli
Amboseli is good all year. The season you pick shapes what you see, how busy it is and what you pay.
January to February
Short dry season
Warm, clear days and strong game viewing between the two rains.
March to May
Long rains
Green plains, dramatic skies, fewer vehicles and the lowest lodge rates of the year.
Best time
June to October
Peak dry season
Wildlife crowds the swamps and Kilimanjaro is often clear. Book early for July and August.
November to December
Short rains
Brief afternoon showers, fresh grass and migrant birds before the holidays.
Sample itinerary
A classic 3-day Amboseli safari
A relaxed shape for a first visit. We adjust the lodge, the pace and the extras to suit you, or extend it with Tsavo West, Lake Naivasha or the Maasai Mara.
Day 1
Nairobi to Amboseli
Leave Nairobi after breakfast for the drive south, about four to five hours. Check in at your lodge for lunch, then head out on an afternoon game drive towards the swamps.
Day 2
A full day in the park
Start at sunrise for the clearest view of Kilimanjaro. Spend the morning around Enkongo Narok swamp, climb Observation Hill, and add a Maasai village visit before an evening drive.
Day 3
Morning drive and onward
One last early drive, then breakfast and the road back to Nairobi, or continue to your next park or the coast.
Planning your trip
The practical details, so you can decide how to travel and where to stay.
Getting there
Road or air, from Nairobi.
- By road: about 240 km from Nairobi, usually four to five hours in a safari vehicle.
- By air: light-aircraft flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport take about an hour.
- Combined routes: Amboseli pairs well with Tsavo West, Lake Naivasha, the Maasai Mara or the coast.
Where to stay
Lodges, camps and conservancies.
- Inside the park: lodges and tented camps near the swamps, ideal for early starts.
- Conservancies: quieter camps on community land next to the park, some with guided walks.
- Any budget: we match lodges to your style, from comfortable mid-range to luxury.
Park entry fees are charged by Kenya Wildlife Service per person, per day. Ask us for the current rates when you request your quote.
Amboseli safari tours
Ready-made trips that include Amboseli, from short elephant safaris to longer Kenya and Tanzania circuits.
Amboseli questions, answered
Can’t see your question here? Our Nairobi team is available 24/7.
Talk to Serval Tours and Travel
- +254 792 335842 (call or WhatsApp)
- info@servaltoursandtravel.com
- Blessed House, Thika Road, Nairobi
- P.O. Box 22122-00100, Nairobi
- Available 24/7
Where is Amboseli National Park?
Amboseli is in Kajiado County in southern Kenya, on the border with Tanzania and at the northern foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is about 240 km south-east of Nairobi.
How many days do you need in Amboseli?
Two to three nights is ideal. It gives you four or more game drives and a good chance of a clear morning view of Kilimanjaro. Many guests add Tsavo West, Lake Naivasha or the Maasai Mara.
What is the best time to visit Amboseli?
June to October and January to February are the driest months, when wildlife gathers at the swamps and the mountain is often clear. March to May brings the long rains, lower rates and fewer visitors.
Can you see Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli?
Yes, on clear days. Early morning and late afternoon give the best chance, as cloud often builds around the summit by midday.
Can you see the Big Five in Amboseli?
Elephant, buffalo and lion are seen regularly and leopard occasionally. Rhino are not found in Amboseli, so add Lake Nakuru or Ol Pejeta if rhino are a priority.
How do you get to Amboseli from Nairobi?
Most guests travel by road in a safari vehicle, a drive of about four to five hours. Scheduled light-aircraft flights from Wilson Airport take about an hour.
Is Amboseli good for a family safari?
Yes. The open plains make animals easy to spot and drives can be kept short, which suits children well. Some camps set minimum ages, so tell us your children’s ages and we will choose a lodge that welcomes them.
Can Amboseli be combined with other parks?
Yes. Amboseli combines well with Tsavo West and Tsavo East, Lake Naivasha, the Maasai Mara or a beach stay at Diani, and several of our itineraries continue into Tanzania.
Start planning your Amboseli safari
Tell us your dates, group size and budget. We’ll come back with an Amboseli itinerary built around the season and the experiences you want most.