1. Overview
Amboseli National Park, located in southern Kenya at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, is one of the country’s most visited parks, famed for its large elephant herds, scenic landscapes, and birdlife.
The park is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) under strict conservation rules to protect its fragile ecosystem and ensure visitor safety.
All visitors are expected to follow these regulations to help maintain Amboseli’s unique beauty and biodiversity.
2. Park Operating Hours
- Opening Time: 6:00 AM
- Closing Time: 6:00 PM
- Last Entry: 4:30 PM
No entry or exit is permitted outside these hours. Driving or movement within the park after dark is strictly prohibited unless on a KWS-authorized activity (e.g., night patrol).
3. Entry & Park Fees
- Entry is only allowed through designated gates:
Main (Meshanani) Gate, Kimana Gate, Iremito Gate, and Kelunyet Gate. - Visitors must present valid eCitizen payment confirmation or KWS receipt at the gate.
- Keep your entry receipt visible for inspection at all times.
- Tickets are valid for 24 hours from the time of entry.
- Re-entry on the same day is only allowed with prior approval by the warden.
4. Driving Rules
Amboseli’s open plains and marshlands are fragile; driving rules are designed to protect them and the wildlife that depends on them.
- Speed Limit:
- 50 km/h on main roads
- 30 km/h on game-viewing tracks
- Stay on designated roads and tracks – off-road driving is strictly prohibited.
- Do not block or crowd animals, especially elephants or predators; maximum 5 vehicles per sighting.
- Keep a minimum distance of 25 meters from all wildlife.
- No honking, revving, or shouting near animals.
- Right of way belongs to animals and ranger vehicles.
- Driving into swampy or restricted areas is prohibited to prevent habitat damage.
5. Wildlife Etiquette
Amboseli is a sanctuary — respect the animals and their space.
- Do not feed, chase, or provoke animals.
- Never get out of your vehicle except at designated picnic or viewing points.
- Keep all noise to a minimum — no loud music, shouting, or clapping.
- Avoid using camera flashes near wildlife, especially elephants and birds.
- Do not imitate animal calls or use playback audio.
- Stay at least 100 meters away from elephant herds and avoid cutting them off when they cross roads.
6. Photography & Filming
- Amateur photography for personal use is allowed.
- Professional filming or drone use requires advance authorization from KWS and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
- Drones are generally prohibited without express written permits.
- Filmmakers must follow KWS filming guidelines, which emphasize minimal disturbance to wildlife and restricted equipment access in sensitive habitats.
7. Visitor Conduct
- Remain in your vehicle except at designated stops (Observation Hill, picnic sites, gate areas).
- Smoking is discouraged and only allowed at designated sites; dispose of cigarette butts properly.
- Do not litter — carry all waste out of the park.
- Alcohol consumption is not allowed during game drives.
- Do not pick or damage vegetation, remove rocks, or collect animal parts (bones, feathers, etc.).
- Pets are not allowed in the park.
- Avoid close approach to ranger outposts or restricted research zones without permission.
- Always follow ranger or warden instructions.
8. Camping & Picnicking Rules
Amboseli offers both public and special campsites under KWS supervision.
- Camp only at designated sites (e.g., Nyati, Amboseli, and Kiboko public camps).
- Special campsites require advance booking through KWS.
- Fires are allowed only in designated fire pits and must be extinguished completely before leaving.
- Keep camps clean and food stored securely to avoid attracting wildlife.
- Avoid playing loud music or using bright lights after dark.
- Maintain a safe distance from wildlife; never feed animals around camp.
- Respect other campers’ privacy and quiet hours (9:00 PM – 6:00 AM).
9. Safety & Health
- Always travel with a registered guide or ranger in remote areas.
- Keep windows partially closed when elephants are nearby.
- Carry sufficient water and fuel — facilities inside the park are limited.
- Avoid approaching swamp edges on foot due to potential hazards (hippos, crocodiles).
- Use insect repellent and sunscreen.
- Carry your own first-aid kit and travel insurance details.
- In case of emergency, contact:
- Amboseli Main Gate Ranger Station or
- KWS Emergency Hotline: +254 (0) 20 2379407 / 0726 610 508
10. Conservation & Community Guidelines
Amboseli’s long-term survival depends on responsible tourism and respect for its communities.
- Support local Maasai initiatives by buying crafts or visiting cultural centers ethically.
- Stay in eco-certified lodges that employ and benefit nearby residents.
- Minimize plastic use — carry reusable bottles and bags.
- Avoid products made from wildlife parts.
- Use water and electricity sparingly in camps and lodges.
- Report any illegal activities (poaching, grazing, off-road driving) to rangers immediately.
- Participate in tree-planting or carbon-offset programs where available.
11. Penalties for Violations
Breaking park regulations can result in:
- Fines up to KES 20,000 for minor offenses (speeding, littering, off-road driving).
- Expulsion from the park for serious misconduct.
- Confiscation of equipment or vehicles for illegal filming, drone use, or wildlife harassment.
- Repeat offenders may face prosecution under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (2013).
12. Responsible Travel Commitment
By visiting Amboseli, travelers become part of its conservation story.
Follow the rules, support local communities, and choose sustainable operators.
Your actions — from staying on the road to buying local crafts — help protect the elephants, flamingos, and savannah landscapes that make Amboseli extraordinary.
Quick Reference Summary
| Category | Rule Summary |
|---|---|
| Hours | 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; last entry 4:30 PM |
| Speed Limit | 50 km/h on roads, 30 km/h on game tracks |
| Off-Road Driving | Prohibited |
| Vehicle Distance | Keep 25–100 m from animals |
| Littering & Feeding | Strictly prohibited |
| Photography | No flash or drones without permit |
| Camping | Only at designated sites; fires in pits only |
| Noise & Music | Not allowed during game drives or at night |
| Cultural Respect | Support Maasai communities ethically |
| Penalties | Fines, eviction, or prosecution for violations |