Amboseli National Park

Amboseli sits at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro on the Kenya–Tanzania border. Kilimanjaro itself is in Tanzania, but the classic views of Africa’s highest mountain are from the Kenyan side, across Amboseli’s open plains and swamps.

The park is famous for its elephants. Long-term research here means the families are relaxed around vehicles, so you can watch them closely as they cross the dusty plains to the green, spring-fed swamps.

Why visit Amboseli National Park

Amboseli is one of the best places in Africa to see large elephant herds up close, including some of the continent’s big-tusked bulls. Add the backdrop of snow-capped Kilimanjaro and it is a photographer’s dream.

It is also compact and easy to combine with the Masai Mara, Tsavo or the coast.

Animals you can see

Large elephant families and big-tusked bulls
Lion, cheetah and spotted hyena
Cape buffalo and hippo in the swamps
Maasai giraffe, zebra and wildebeest
Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle, eland
Waterbirds including pelicans and flamingos on seasonal lakes

Best time to visit

June to October and January to February are the driest months, with the best game viewing. Kilimanjaro is usually clearest early in the morning and late in the afternoon — clouds often hide it at midday. The long rains (April–May) make some tracks muddy.

How many days do you need?

We recommend 2–3 days in Amboseli National Park.

Things to do

Game drives across the plains and swamps
Observation Hill for panoramic views of the swamps
Sunrise and sunset photography of Kilimanjaro
Visit to a Maasai community
Guided walks in neighbouring conservancies

Where to stay

There are lodges inside the park and tented camps in the surrounding group ranches and conservancies. Midrange lodges inside the park keep you close to the swamps; conservancy camps offer walks and a more private feel.