Explore Destination · Kenya
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli safari: Amboseli National Park is a small park, 392 km², in southern Kenya on the Tanzanian border. It is known for one view above all.
- CountryKenya
- Best timeJune to October and January to February are the dry months, with anima...
- TripsTailor-made for you
- Destinations nearbyMaasai Mara
Amboseli safari: what to know
Amboseli National Park is a small park, 392 km², in southern Kenya on the Tanzanian border. It is known for one view above all: elephants crossing an open plain with the snow-capped dome of Kilimanjaro behind them. The mountain is in Tanzania, but its best-known profile is seen from here.
What to know before you go
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The Amboseli elephants
Around 1,800 elephants use the Amboseli ecosystem. They have been studied continuously since 1972, making them among the best-known wild elephants anywhere, and because they have been relatively well protected the population includes old bulls with very large tusks. The animals are calm around vehicles, and watching a family group wade into a swamp to feed is the park's signature sight.
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Swamps in a dry land
Amboseli gets little rain. What keeps it alive is meltwater and rainfall from Kilimanjaro, which filters through volcanic rock and rises as springs that feed permanent swamps such as Enkongo Narok. These draw elephants, buffalo, hippo and more than 400 species of birds. The dry bed of Lake Amboseli fills only after heavy rain. Observation Hill, a short climb on foot, gives a view over the whole system.
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Practical notes
Kilimanjaro is usually clear at dawn and again near dusk, and hidden by cloud for most of the day, so early starts matter. The park is about four hours by road from Nairobi or a 40-minute flight, and can be combined with Tsavo or with northern Tanzania via the Namanga border.
When to visit Amboseli National Park
June to October and January to February are the dry months, with animals concentrated at the swamps and the clearest mountain views. The park is dusty late in the dry season. April, May and November are wet, and some tracks flood.
Where It Is
Amboseli National Park and the other places we travel to nearby.
Amboseli National Park
Trips to combine with Amboseli National Park
We do not have a ready-made itinerary in this style yet. These trips are a good starting point, and we adapt any of them for you.
Plan Your Safari to Amboseli National Park
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Questions about Amboseli National Park
Can you see Kilimanjaro from Amboseli?
Yes. Amboseli has the classic view of the mountain. It is most often visible at sunrise and in the late afternoon, and usually covered by cloud around midday.
What is Amboseli famous for?
Large elephant herds, including bulls with exceptionally big tusks, seen against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro.
How many days do you need in Amboseli?
Two nights is enough to cover the park and gives you two mornings for a clear view of the mountain.
Destinations nearby
Shall we plan your trip?
Tell us your dates and what you would like to see. A specialist in Arusha sends a route and a clear proposal within 24 hours.
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