Amboseli National Park, in southern Kenya on the Tanzanian border, is famous for its elephants and for its views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. Swamps fed by snowmelt from Kilimanjaro draw elephants, buffalo, hippo and thousands of birds, even in the dry season.
What you can see in Amboseli
- Elephants: Amboseli’s herds are well studied and relaxed around vehicles, which makes for superb photography.
- Kilimanjaro views: the summit is often clearest at sunrise and just before sunset.
- Birdlife: pelicans, flamingos, crowned cranes and many raptors gather around the swamps.
- Other wildlife: lion, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and hyena are regularly seen.
Best time to visit Amboseli
June to October is dry and ideal for game viewing, because animals concentrate near water. January and February are also good. The long rains in April and May bring cloud and mud, and Kilimanjaro is more often hidden.
Getting to Amboseli
Amboseli is a comfortable 4 to 5 hour drive from Nairobi, which makes it popular as a first stop before the Masai Mara. Flights from Wilson Airport are also available.
Safaris that include Amboseli
- 6-Day Amboseli, Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara Safari
- 12-Day Kenya Safari & Diani Beach Holiday
- 9-Day Wildebeest Calving Safari, Tanzania & Kenya
Request a quote for a private Amboseli safari or add it to a longer Kenya itinerary.