National ParkFeatured Destination
Amboseli National Park
Kenya 392 km² (151 mi²) Est. 1974
About Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park offers one of Africa's most iconic views — large herds of elephants with their tusks silhouetted against the snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Situated in southern Kenya at the foot of Africa's highest peak, this relatively compact park is one of the best places in the world to get close to free-ranging elephants.
Covering 392 square kilometres, Amboseli's diverse habitats include dried-up lake beds, wetlands fed by Kilimanjaro's underground springs, savannah, and woodlands. The Amboseli Elephant Research Project, running since 1972, has made these elephants among the most studied in Africa, with individual family histories spanning five decades.
2
Safari Tours
4.5
Avg Rating
4/5
Big Five
52
Years Protected
Highlights
- Iconic elephant herds against Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop
- One of the best places in Africa to observe elephants at close range
- Relatively compact park making it easy to explore in a day
- Rich wetland habitats attract diverse birdlife (over 400 species)
- Close proximity to Nairobi (4-hour drive)
Considerations
- Dusty conditions in dry season with strong afternoon winds
- Limited tree cover means less shade and habitat variety
- Can feel crowded at popular viewing spots
- Kilimanjaro often obscured by clouds after mid-morning
Wildlife
Big Five Status
🦁
Lion
occasional
🐆
Leopard
rare
🐘
Elephant
common
🦬
Buffalo
common
🦏
Rhino
Not present
Notable Species
Lion
Occasional
Leopard
Rare
Elephant
Common
Cape Buffalo
Common
Cheetah
Occasional
Giraffe
Common
Zebra
Common
Wildebeest
Common
Hippo
Common
Grant's Gazelle
Common
Hyena
Common
Jackal
Common
Kori Bustard
Occasional
Lilac-breasted Roller
Common
Common Occasional Rare
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal
Climate Overview
Getting There
Amboseli is approximately 240 km (4 hours) south of Nairobi via the Namanga road. Daily flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport take about 45 minutes to Amboseli airstrip. The park can be combined with a cross-border trip to Tanzania via Namanga.
Nearest Airport
Amboseli Airstrip
Nearest City
Namanga
Drive Time
4 hours
Amboseli National Park
2 tours available