Welcome to Amboseli National Park - Amboseli National Park

Overview of Amboseli Park

Amboseli National Park, located in southern Kenya, is one of the most iconic safari destinations in Africa. Renowned for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the park offers exceptional wildlife encounters, especially with its large herds of elephants that roam freely against the backdrop of Africa’s tallest mountain. Covering approximately 392 square kilometers, Amboseli is home to diverse habitats, including savannahs, swamps, and dry lake beds, making it a prime location for wildlife photography and safaris.

If you’re planning a trip to Amboseli, choosing the right season, activities, and accommodations will enhance your safari experience. This guide will provide detailed information to help you plan your perfect visit to Amboseli National Park.

Getting to Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park Location

Amboseli National Park lies in Kajiado County, Kenya, near the Tanzania border. It is about 240 km (150 miles) southeast of Nairobi and is easily accessible by road or air.

How to Get to Amboseli

By Road:

Route 1: Nairobi – Emali – Kimana – Amboseli (4-5 hours)
- Take the Mombasa Road (A109) from Nairobi to Emali, then branch off to Loitokitok Road (C102) towards Kimana Gate.
Route 2: Nairobi – Namanga – Meshanani Gate (4-6 hours)
- Ideal for those coming from Arusha, Tanzania.

By Air:

Amboseli Airstrip serves charter and scheduled flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL).
Major airlines operating flights to Amboseli: Safarilink, AirKenya, and Fly ALS.

Amboseli Scenic Flights

Some operators offer scenic flights over Mount Kilimanjaro, giving breathtaking aerial views of the park.

Best Time to Visit Amboseli

Best Time to Visit Amboseli for Wildlife Viewing

Dry Season (June – October, January – February):
- Best for clear wildlife sightings as animals gather around water sources.
- Dry roads and minimal vegetation make spotting wildlife easier.
Wet Season (March – May, November – December):
- The park is lush and green, making it great for birdwatching.
- Expect occasional heavy rains, which may make some roads difficult to navigate.

Amboseli National Park Weather

Daytime Temperatures: 25-30°C (77-86°F)
Early Morning/Night Temperatures: 10-15°C (50-59°F)
Rainiest Months: April and November

Amboseli National Park Entrance & Fees

Amboseli National Park Entrance Fee 2024 (Rates per person per day):

Non-resident Adults: $80
Non-resident Children: $40
Kenyan Citizens & Residents: Ksh 1,500 (Adults), Ksh 500 (Children)
Vehicle Entry Fees: Ksh 400 – Ksh 5,000 (depending on vehicle type)

Amboseli National Park Rules

Do not exceed 40 km/h (25 mph) inside the park.
No feeding or disturbing wildlife.
Stay inside the vehicle except at designated viewing points.
No littering or off-road driving.

Wildlife & Ecosystem of Amboseli

Wildlife in Amboseli

Amboseli is home to over 50 mammal species, including:
- Elephants (world-famous large tuskers)
- Lions, cheetahs, and hyenas
- Giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and wildebeest
- Hippos in the swampy areas

Amboseli Elephants

The park is famous for its elephant research programs, led by Dr. Cynthia Moss, who has studied elephant family structures for decades.

Amboseli Bird Watching

Over 420 bird species inhabit Amboseli, including flamingos, herons, eagles, and secretary birds.

Amboseli National Park Vegetation

Dominated by savannah grasslands, acacia woodlands, and permanent swamps sustained by underground water from Kilimanjaro.

Safari Activities in Amboseli

Amboseli Game Drives

Best times: Early morning (6:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00 PM).
Guided or self-drive options available.

Amboseli Balloon Safaris

Available seasonally, offering aerial views of Kilimanjaro and wildlife.

Amboseli Walking Safaris

Conducted in private conservancies like Selenkay Conservancy.

Cultural Experiences

Visit Maasai villages to learn about Maasai traditions, beadwork, and dances.

Where to Stay in Amboseli

Luxury Lodges:

Ol Tukai Lodge – Great for luxury stays with Kilimanjaro views.
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge – Famous for its swimming pool and Maasai-themed decor.

Mid-Range Lodges:

Kibo Safari Camp – Offers spacious tented accommodations near Kimana Gate.
AA Lodge Amboseli – Great value with modern amenities and a pool.

Budget Camps:

Kimana Amboseli Camp – A community-run, affordable camp.
Sentrim Amboseli Camp – Budget-friendly tents with en-suite facilities.

Camping Sites:

Kimana Community Campground – Public campsite near Amboseli’s entrance.

8. Amboseli vs. Other Safari Destinations

Amboseli vs. Masai Mara

Feature	Amboseli	Masai Mara
Landscape	Open plains, swamps, Kilimanjaro views	Rolling savannahs, riverine forests
Wildlife	Elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes	Big Five, wildebeest migration
Best Time to Visit	June – October	July – October (migration)
Experience	Scenic, peaceful	High wildlife density

Amboseli vs. Tsavo

Feature	Amboseli	Tsavo
Landscape	Swamps, open plains, dry lake beds	Vast wilderness, volcanic landscapes
Wildlife	Large elephant herds, lions, cheetahs	Big Five, red elephants, rare antelope species
Accessibility	Easier from Nairobi	Split into two parks, vast terrain

9. Conclusion

Amboseli National Park is a must-visit destination for safari lovers, offering unforgettable wildlife experiences, spectacular views of Kilimanjaro, and unique safari activities. Whether you prefer luxury lodges, budget camps, or self-drive adventures, Amboseli provides something for every traveler. Plan ahead, book early, and enjoy one of Kenya’s most breathtaking parks!

Most Common FAQs on Amboseli National Park

1. How big is Amboseli National Park?

Answer:
Amboseli National Park covers 392 square kilometers (151 square miles). However, the greater Amboseli ecosystem extends beyond the park boundaries into private conservancies and Maasai land, making it a larger area for wildlife movement.

2. Is Amboseli National Park worth visiting?

Answer:
Absolutely! Amboseli is famous for its:

Breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Large herds of elephants, including tuskers.
Diverse wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and hippos.
Rich Maasai culture with opportunities for village visits.
Easier game viewing due to its open landscape.

It’s one of the best parks in Kenya for photography and wildlife encounters.

3. How many days should I spend in Amboseli?

Answer:

1 Day: Best for a quick visit but can be rushed.
2 Days: Ideal for game drives and photography.
3+ Days: Recommended for an in-depth experience, exploring private conservancies, and cultural interactions.

Most travelers spend 2-3 days to fully appreciate the park.

4. What are the best gates to enter Amboseli National Park?

Answer:
Amboseli has five main entrance gates:

Kimana Gate – Most popular, near lodges like Kibo Safari Camp.
Meshanani Gate – Closest for visitors coming from Nairobi via Namanga.
Iremito Gate – Used by visitors from the eastern side.
Airstrip Gate – Near Amboseli Airstrip, used by fly-in guests.
Kitirua Gate – Least used, mainly for visitors staying in Kitirua Conservancy.

5. Can I do a self-drive safari in Amboseli?

Answer:
Yes, Amboseli is one of the best parks in Kenya for self-drive safaris because:

The terrain is flat and open, making navigation easy.
Wildlife is easy to spot due to the sparse vegetation.
Roads are generally accessible except during heavy rains when some areas get muddy.

A 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially during the wet season.

6. Can I see Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli?

Answer:
Yes! Amboseli offers the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Kenya. However:

Mornings (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM) and late afternoons (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) are the best times for a clear view before clouds form.
Lodges like Ol Tukai Lodge, Elerai Camp, and Tortilis Camp offer unobstructed views of the mountain.

7. Is Amboseli National Park safe?

Answer:
Yes, Amboseli is very safe for tourists. However:

Follow park rules – stay in your vehicle except at designated areas.
Avoid driving at night – park gates close at 6:30 PM.
If camping, ensure you follow safety guidelines for wildlife encounters.
Always use a licensed guide or driver for guided safaris.

8. Are there picnic spots inside Amboseli?

Answer:
Yes! Amboseli has designated picnic areas where visitors can take a break during game drives. Popular ones include:

Observation Hill – Offers panoramic views of the park.
Noomotio Picnic Site – Located near swampy areas where elephants gather.

7. Are there crocodiles in Amboseli?

Answer:
No, Amboseli does not have resident crocodiles due to its shallow swamps and dry environment. The park is better known for elephants, hippos, and water birds.

8. Can I visit Amboseli for a day trip?

Answer:
Yes! Amboseli is a great destination for a day trip, especially for visitors coming from Nairobi or Arusha, Tanzania. However, to fully enjoy the park and see its diverse wildlife, an overnight stay is recommended.

9. What type of terrain should I expect in Amboseli?

Answer:
Amboseli has a diverse landscape including:\n- Open grasslands – Great for spotting lions and cheetahs.\n- Swamps – Home to elephants, hippos, and water birds.\n- Acacia woodlands – Provide shade for giraffes and leopards.\n- Dry lake beds – Remnants of Lake Amboseli, creating a dusty, desert-like scenery.

10. Are drones allowed in Amboseli National Park?

Answer:
No, drones are not permitted in Amboseli National Park unless you have special permission from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for documentary or research purposes.

11. What should I wear for an Amboseli safari?

Answer:
Wear light, breathable clothing in neutral colors (khaki, beige, or green) to blend with the environment. Bring a warm jacket for morning game drives and a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.

12. Are night safaris allowed in Amboseli?

Answer:
Night safaris are not allowed inside the main park, but some private conservancies around Amboseli, like Selenkay Conservancy, offer night game drives.

13. Can I camp inside Amboseli National Park?

Answer:
Yes! Amboseli offers several campsites, including:\n- Kimana Community Campground (budget-friendly)\n- Public campsites managed by KWS\n- Luxury tented camps for glamping

14. Are there any cultural experiences in Amboseli?

Answer:
Yes! Many lodges and safari companies offer Maasai cultural visits, where you can learn about Maasai traditions, beadwork, and daily life.

15. What type of power outlets do lodges in Amboseli use?

Answer:
Most lodges and camps in Amboseli use Type G power outlets (same as the UK). It’s recommended to bring a universal travel adapter.

16. Is Amboseli National Park safe for tourists?

Answer:
Yes, Amboseli is very safe for tourists. However, always follow park regulations, stay inside your vehicle during game drives, and avoid wandering alone in remote areas.

17. Are there restaurants inside Amboseli National Park?

Answer:
No, there are no standalone restaurants inside the park, but most lodges and camps offer full-board meals. If you’re on a self-drive safari, carry snacks and water.

18. Can I see the Great Migration in Amboseli?

Answer:
No, the Great Wildebeest Migration happens in Masai Mara and Serengeti, not in Amboseli. However, Amboseli has seasonal migrations of zebras and antelopes.

19. What vaccinations do I need before visiting Amboseli?

Answer:

Yellow Fever vaccine (required if coming from an endemic country)\n- Malaria prophylaxis (highly recommended)\n- Routine vaccines like Hepatitis A, B, and Typhoid

20. Are credit cards accepted in Amboseli lodges and camps?

Answer:
Most high-end lodges accept credit cards, but budget camps and community-run facilities may only accept cash (Kenyan Shillings or USD). It’s best to carry some cash for small expenses.