National Park · Southern Kenya
Amboseli National Park
The classic Kenyan image — large elephant herds walking beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, just across the Tanzanian border.
How to get there
By road from Nairobi, roughly four hours southeast, or by scheduled light aircraft.
What to find
Big elephant herds, swamps that stay green year-round, and some of the most reliable Kilimanjaro views in East Africa.
Overview
Amboseli National Park covers about 392 km² at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, just across the border in Tanzania. It's the heart of a larger UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and its dusty plains, open woodland and swamps fed by Kilimanjaro's snowmelt create one of Africa's most photographed landscapes.
Amboseli is famous for its elephants. The Amboseli Elephant Research Project has studied the same families since 1972, making them some of the best-known elephants on Earth, including some of the last big-tusked 'tuskers'.
Highlights
- Large elephant families against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro
- Green swamps that attract wildlife even in the dry season
- Observation Hill, with sweeping views over the swamps and plains
- Lion, cheetah, buffalo, hippo and more than 400 bird species
- Maasai cultural visits in the surrounding community lands
Things to do
Game drives
Early morning drives offer the clearest mountain views.
Observation Hill
A short walk to a viewpoint over the park.
Maasai village visits
Community-run cultural visits.
Best time to visit
The dry seasons (June to October and January to February) are best for wildlife and clear mountain views. Kilimanjaro is often hidden by cloud by mid-morning, so start early.
Getting there
About 4 to 5 hours by road from Nairobi, or a short scheduled flight to the park's airstrip.
Where to stay
Lodges and tented camps inside the park and in the neighbouring conservancies, many with Kilimanjaro views.
Amboseli
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Kenya →
Good to know
- Dawn is the best time for photos of elephants with the mountain behind.
- Combine with Tsavo West for a southern Kenya circuit.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.