Under 4 hours south of Nairobi, Amboseli is, by African standards, a small national park. What it lacks in size, however, Amboseli makes up for in location. Just across the border, in Tanzania, is Mount Kilimanjaro. Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Kilimanjaro to the south, is the scenic backdrop to every Amboseli safari. Kilimanjaro looms large and affects every aspect of Amboseli’s existence but, ironically, is harder to spot than Amboseli’s shy predators.
Amboseli safaris are popular for several reasons. Accessible by air and serviced by good roads from Nairobi, the park itself is easily navigable. Amboseli National Park has great safari accommodation options that range from Kenya Wildlife Service’s budget-friendly campsite to 5-star luxury safari lodges, and family-friendly safari-style hotels. For a more intimate experience, you can stay in one of the conservancies in the greater Amboseli ecosystem.
Elephants are not the only wildlife in Amboseli National Park although they are undoubtedly the stars of the show. Amboseli is home to four of the Big 5 safari animals (lions, leopards, buffalo, and elephants) as well as numerous other African animals. In addition to the megafauna, Amboseli’s wetlands and open plains are home to around 400 bird species.
Breathtaking scenery, large herds of elephants, big tuskers, and abundant birdlife, all in a compact and easily accessible game reserve make Kenya’s Amboseli National Park an incredible African safari destination.
-Elephants, elephants, elephants. Amboseli has one of the highest concentrations of elephants anywhere in Africa. They are accustomed to safari vehicles and so a safari in Amboseli is an excellent opportunity to see their natural behavior up close.
-Excellent conservation around Amboseli’s elephants means that Amboseli National Park safaris can almost guarantee big tuskers, a rarity in Africa.
-Mount Kilimanjaro. The backdrop to an Amboseli safari is Mount Kilimanjaro which can provide one of the most iconic east African photographic opportunities.
-Maasai cultural encounters and dances are an excellent way to deepen your appreciation of this fascinating African culture.
-Amazing wetlands. Wading elephants and buffalo and almost 400 species of birds.
-Accommodation caters to all budgets making Amboseli an excellent budget safari destination.
Amboseli National Park’s top attraction is undeniably the elephants. Not only does Amboseli boast one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Africa but it also hosts the longest-running elephant study in the world. For almost 50 years, the Amboseli Trust for Elephants has kept extensive records of births, deaths, and movements of these African safari giants. The conservation efforts have been so successful that Amboseli is one of the few places in Africa where you are likely to see big tuskers - large adult elephant bulls with large tusks. Another positive spinoff for your Kenya safari is that the elephants are well-habituated, meaning that you can get up close to these remarkable creatures.
Amboseli has an excellent selection of safari activities. From night game drives to walking safaris and cultural visits to local Maasai villages. The top attraction in Amboseli is, of course, the elephants.
While elephants are Amboseli’s top attraction, seeing them against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable safari experience. Just 30km from Amboseli National Park at the closest point, Kilimanjaro rises nearly 5000m above the Amboseli plains. Despite the proximity, Kilimanjaro - draped in the thick clouds - can be harder to spot than a leopard in dense bushveld.
To catch a glimpse of elephants grazing in front of Kilimanjaro head out early to Ol Tukai and Olokenya swamps. Another great spot is Observation Hill where you can see the whole of Amboseli and the surrounding mountains with 360-degree panoramic views.
Surrounding the Amboseli National Park are a number of private conservancies. The conservancies are run on Maasai land and share traversing rights. The Amboseli conservancies are often less busy than the main park and afford guests the opportunity to go off-road on game drives. This is a bonus when tracking shyer animals like cheetahs off the beaten track.
Amboseli Trust for Elephants – Cynthia Moss |
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The elephants of Amboseli have been the focus of a long research project run by the Amboseli Trust for Elephants. Founded in 1975 by Cynthia Moss, the trust has become one of the most important elephant research centers in the world. It was here that elephants’ infrasonic communications (‘tummy rumbles’) were first recorded and studied and where the true complexity of their social structures and interpersonal relationships, and the sophistication of their cognitive abilities, were revealed. |
Amboseli National Park is in the south of Kenya on the border with Tanzania, a stone’s throw away from Mount Kilimanjaro. A four-hour, 240 km / 150 mi, drive southeast of Nairobi will put you at the park's gate. Amboseli is in the Loitoktok District of Kenya. Tsavo National Park is to the east, and Arusha (the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit - the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire Park) is only 180 km away.
What does Amboseli mean? |
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The name "Amboseli" is derived from the Maa language. It is thought to be a corruption of the Maasai word “empusel” which, roughly translated means “salty, dusty place”. |
Amboseli National Park is a 392 km² (151 sq mi) area that was set aside for wildlife conservation in 1974. During the 1990s the use of community conservancies was pioneered in Amboseli with significant progress being made consistently since then. Today the Amboseli Ecosystem Trust oversees conservation areas, conservancies, and wildlife corridors which cover over 5000 km² of land, a delicate balance between government stakeholders, conservation organizations, communities, private owners, and tourism partners. Amboseli and the greater Amboseli ecosystem were declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1991, highlighting the importance between the landscape, wildlife, and people.
Anyone can visit the Amboseli National Park by entering the gate and paying the park and vehicle entry fees. Because of the proximity to Nairobi, Amboseli is popular with local Kenyans who flock to Amboseli during vacations, over weekends, and on public holidays. All guests must follow the government-set rules and regulations and will pay extra for activities like night drives and walking safaris. Visitors to Amboseli may not visit the conservancies on day trips.
The Amboseli Conservancies on the other hand are privately run. This means more expensive but also a more intimate safari experience. They subscribe to their own rules and are a little more flexible allowing bush walks, horse riding safaris, and night drives. Visitors who choose to stay in the conservancies are permitted to enter Amboseli National Park on day trips by paying the gate entry fees.
There are currently 20 Amboseli conservancies in various stages of development. Kimana Community Wildlife Sanctuary is Kenya’s first community-owned wildlife sanctuary. To the north of Amboseli, Selenkay Conservancy’s open plains and woodland are home to the exclusive Porini Amboseli Camp and Kitirua, between Amboseli and the Tanzania border, is an exclusive 120km² conservation hotspot famous for elephants and predators and serviced by the Tortilis Camp, which with a long history and comfortable accommodations is popular with family safaris.
Amboseli’s unique geography has defined the park by producing permanent swamps which are a magnet for both wildlife and birds. Elephants thrive here and the small size and excellent protection have meant that elephants can reach maturity without being poached. The big tuskers dominate the show. There are around 1500 of these swamp-loving elephants, one of the highest concentrations of elephants anywhere in Africa. Because of its small size and excellent infrastructure, Amboseli is considered an excellent all-year-round African safari destination.
On your Amboseli safari, you can expect to see many of the savannah wildlife – giraffes, Grant’s, and Thompson's gazelles, buffalo, hartebeest, waterbuck, eland, wildebeest, and Burchell’s zebra. In the drier areas, you will be lucky to spot gerenuk and fringe-eared oryx as well as bat-eared foxes, caracal, jackals, and serval cats. With relations between wildlife and communities improving, the Amboseli predators have made a comeback. You will see lions and hyenas though cheetahs and leopards remain elusive.
As many as 400 bird species have been counted at Amboseli National Park. The combination of seasonal lakes, permanent swamps, and dry plains make it a bird watchers utopia. There are about 47 species of raptors, including martial eagles, fish eagles, and secretary birds. Taveta golden weavers are common and the endangered Madagascan squacco heron is also present. Palearctic migrants make their appearance in the safari low season. With many of Amboseli’s tracks running close to bodies of water, water birds are abundant. Long-toed lapwings, rufous-bellied herons, crowned cranes, kingfishers, pelicans, hammerkops, and more. Birding safaris are recommended in the rainy season from November to April when birds are attracted to the abundance of water and food.
Amboseli National Park is a great African safari destination all year round. This is because of its small size and excellent roads. That said, there are some factors to consider. High season is more expensive than the low season and while game viewing is good all year round, animals are easier to spot when it's dry.
During the low rainy season, from November to May, Amboseli is lush and green. Because the rain washes all the dust out of the air, this is a great time for photography. There are clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro. This is also the best time for bird watching as the seasonal migrants have arrived. The short rains are heaviest in November and the long rains are from April to May. Due to the wet, Amboseli is quieter, and rates are lower too.
Like most of East Africa, the best game viewing is during the high-season dry months from June to October. At this time of year, the grass is shorter and the bush is dry. Safari animals are easier to spot and they tend to congregate around water sources. The downside of the high season is that Amboseli National Park does get crowded and prices are at a premium.
High / Peak Season: June to October |
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Low / Wet Season: November to May |
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Kenya sits on the equator. The climate is therefore stable without truly distinct seasons that are experienced in the northern hemisphere.
In Kenya’s summer from June to November, temperatures range between 20°C / 68°F and 34°C / 93°F. Winter safari temperatures, from December to May range from 18°C / 64°F to 29°C / 84°F.
Kenya has two rainy seasons: mid-March to June affectionately called the “long rains” and then the “short rains” from October to December.
Amboseli National Park and the greater Amboseli ecosystem have an excellent array of safari options from budget-tented camps to luxury safari lodges. It really does have something for everyone. When you use a safari tour company, your park fees and transfers are usually included in the price of the tour making the logistics a lot simpler. For a more in-depth look at the costs of a Kenya Safari - click here.
The price ranges below are meant as a rough guide. They include things like park fees, accommodation, meals on safari, game drives, and transfers. Prices exclude flights to East Africa, extras like alcoholic drinks, laundry, and telephone calls, and tips for drivers, guides, and porters.
Kenya Low Season and High Season Per Person per Night
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Kenya Safari Camp Prices
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*Prices in US$ value at the time of publishing but exchange rates do fluctuate.
International flights will arrive at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO). This is the busiest transport hub in East Africa. Located 11 miles/18 km from Nairobi’s central business district, Jomo Kenyatta is serviced by airlines from around the world. Almost all Kenya safaris will start here.
15 km/9 miles from Jomo Kenyatta, is Wilson Airport (WIL). Kenya Fly-in safaris to Amboseli all depart from Wilson. It is a good idea to leave enough time between your international arrival and domestic departure as it can take up to 90 minutes to travel between the two airports. Be aware that these are small propeller-powered light aircraft that carry between 15 and 40 passengers. Baggage allowance is limited to around 15kg (including carry-on luggage). Make sure that you know what to expect when booking with one of our safari travel experts and check these details before you depart.
There are several entrances to Amboseli National Park. These are Iremito, Empuseli (or airport gate), Kulinyiet, Meshanani, and Kitirua Gates. The gate that you use will depend on where you have booked your safari campsite or lodge. The Amboseli Airport is located at Empuseli Gate and is the only airport that directly services the park.
Road transfers are easily organized as part of your Amboseli safari package. Traveling by road to Amboseli via the shortest route - 228 km / 140 mi - will take between 3 and 4 hours, or you can plot a more scenic 460 km / 286 mi trip via Tsavo East and West which will take about 8 hours.
Safari vehicles in Kenya generally fall into two categories; Safari Tour Minibuses or 4X4 Safari Jeeps. The Amboseli safari experience is no different.
The Safari Tour Vans are more budget-friendly and seat around 7 people. They come standard with a pop-up game viewing roof and sliding windows, a UHF radio for relaying and receiving game spotting info, and a cooler box. The Safari Vans lack the clearance of a 4X4 and there are luggage restrictions.
The Safari Jeeps are usually Toyota Land Cruisers or less commonly Land Rovers. These vehicles also seat around 7 people and have luggage restrictions but they do have 4X4 capabilities. If you are going to one of the privately run conservancies you are likely to be in a Safari Jeep. Safari Jeeps can be either closed or open-sided but will also have pop-up roofs, UHF radios, and cooler boxes.
The Amboseli National Park and the greater Amboseli ecosystem have accommodations to suit every budget. If you are on a shoestring budget, you can get a Kenya Wildlife Services campsite for as little as US$30 per person per night. Luxury Lodges, budget lodges, family-friendly too, Amboseli has it all.
When packing for your Amboseli Kenya safari, remember that your luggage will be restricted to 15kg for a fly-in safari. Paying careful attention to your packing list of lightweight but sensible is key. The way to think about your Amboseli safari packing list is in layers.
Early morning game drives in open vehicles can be chilly, to begin with. You will need a warm hat and perhaps even gloves and a scarf if you are prone to cold. A lightweight puffer jacket or fleece with a hard or soft shell should do the trick. Things do warm up quickly so it’s important to be able to shed your jacket and have something lightweight and cool underneath. A cool shirt that is breathable is essential. Zip-off trousers can easily convert from trousers to shorts, leaving you cool and comfortable. When evening falls and you head out on a game drive, think of this process in reverse.
Color-wise you keep your palette to natural hues beige, greens, browns, and khakis are best. You want to avoid both black, white, and anything loud. White gets grubby very quickly, black gets very hot and attracts mosquitoes at night and loud colors like bright yellow or red frighten animals and attract bees.
Closed comfortable shoes are best for your days on safari and a good pair of sneakers or trainers are perfect. Unless you plan on doing any actual hiking, hiking boots are unnecessary. For time spent in camps and lodges, a pair of slip-slops can be a comfortable addition.
Visited by thousands of safari enthusiasts every year, the Amboseli National Park is a safe safari destination.
Being on safari in Kenya is a magical experience. Kenyans are open, friendly, and welcoming. Here are a few helpful tips and suggestions to keep in mind while you are on safari.
Though most of your travel expenses will be inclusive, it’s a good idea to take some cash for extra purchases like curios and gifts. US dollars are widely accepted but it is also a good idea to have some Kenyan shillings in supply. Major credit cards are usually accepted at larger establishments and cash can be obtained from ATMs in big cities.
Tipping is customary in Kenya. How much is at your discretion and depends on the quality of service and your satisfaction, 10% is a good baseline to work from.
Your safari guides are trained, and extremely knowledgeable, and their top priority is to keep you safe in the wild. Always listen to their advice about how to behave and what to do while on safari.
Kenya is conservative and high emphasis is placed on modesty, good manners, and courtesy.
Taking photographs is a sensitive subject so it is a good idea to always ask permission before you snap. Many people will expect money in exchange for your snap.
Our month-by-month is a rough guide to the weather of Kenya and while we try to be as accurate as possible, shifting weather patterns do make the weather difficult to predict. Ditto the movements of wild animals that follow their own rhythms.
One of the warmest months in Amboseli, January is the best time for birding enthusiasts. Late afternoon showers are common in short bursts and migratory birds from Europe and North Africa flock to the shallow lakes and swamps. January is also the start of the calving season.
The explosion of life that started in January continues through February until March. February is comparatively quiet and a great time for predators and prey. Expect wide open spaces and an 'exclusive' feel particularly in the private conservancies that are part of Amboseli.
March is a muddy month. Many lodges begin to close for the low season while heavy afternoon thundershowers keep things dramatic with occasional flooding.
April is a "long rain" month. Typically cool (but still warm by European standards), April is a wet, low-season month. This is a quiet time with great budget rates and a quieter safari experience.
May is still wet and cool and by this stage, many roads are more like muddy rivers. Rivers on the other hand flood their banks and getting around is slow and sticky. May is definitely the month for a fly-in safari.
The long rains come to an end in June. A much drier month, June in Amboseli is the start of the high season. Cooler weather and lush green landscapes make this one of the best times for an Amboseli safari.
July is pleasant, warm, and dry. Wildlife in general stays close to their watering holes making July an excellent Amboseli safari month. Be prepared for crowds as this is the Kenyan safari high season.
Cool and dry, August is the month for great safari sightings.
Still dry, September in Amboseli National Park is all about the exceptional safari game viewing.
Hot and dry, October is often the hottest month. Animals stick close to watering holes waiting for the November rains.
The short summer rains begin in November. Though wet, the afternoon showers are short and followed by clear skies making for an otherworldly drama. This is also the start of the birding season.
December is quieter than the peak-season months but the national park can get busy with festive season tourists.
Mount Kilimanjaro looms large over Amboseli’s landscape. The mountain is intrinsic to the geography and ecology of the Amboseli ecosystem. Kilimanjaro’s ice melts and flows underground through volcanic rock and fills Amboseli’s wetlands.
The dominant feature of Amboseli National Park is the wetlands which attract both animals and birds in an otherwise dry habitat. The seasonal Lake Amboseli is usually a dry dust bowl, but in the central area, you will find lake Kioko. Further east is Longinye swamp and to the south Enkongo Narok swamp. These permanent water sources, filled with water from Kilimanjaro, are vital to the animals of Amboseli, drawing them like a magnet, especially in the dry peak season safari months. In the wet, low-season safari months the dusty plains between the swamps are lush with pasture, and the dust bowl that is the Amboseli Lake fills with shallow water.
The south of Amboseli, towards Mount Kilimanjaro, has more woodland which provides browsing for the Masai Giraffe and good bush cover for predators.
The first people of the Amboseli area were hunter-gatherers. They were displaced by the Bantu-speaking Kamba and Chagga peoples who began arriving around fifteen hundred years ago. The first Maasai people, who migrated south from modern-day Sudan, began to arrive in the early 17th century.
Scottish explorer Joseph Thomas was the first European explorer to document his journey through the Njiri Plain to Lake Amboseli, which, even in 1883 was completely dry. Only 25 at the time, Joseph walked with a 150-strong entourage of helpers and blazed the trail for all the explorers who followed.
In 1899, the British colonial government, in an attempt to confine the Maasai, created the Southern Maasai Reserve which stretched from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro and as far west as the Mara River. In 1948 they created, with the intent of protecting wildlife decimated by hunting, the Amboseli Reserve. Acknowledging the Maasai’s nomadic ways, however, they granted them grazing and traversing rights in the park. In 1961 when Kenya gained independence, Amboseli came under the local Kajiado District Council. This lasted until 1974 when population expansion, encroachment, and an upswing in tourism prompted President Jomo Kenyatta to put the reserve in the hands of the National Parks Service. This arrangement excluded the Maasai from the reserve and the life-giving water of the Amboseli wetlands. The kickback from this arrangement was met with widespread poaching and the decimation of Amboseli’s rhino and lion populations.
Since then, Amboseli has been pioneering human-wildlife relations through conservation and conservancy initiatives. Today the value of safari tourism is being widely embraced by Maasai communities and populations of wildlife are rebounding. A boon for the Maasai has been leasing their land directly to safari operators which gives important cash incentives but also creates jobs and other income-generating opportunities.
Amboseli Culture: Maasai
The people of Amboseli are the Maasai. Increasingly these tall, proud and semi-nomadic people are involved with tourism and conservation. Their unique history and affinity with the Kenyan landscape make visiting a Maasai village a must. The greater Amboseli ecosystem is dotted with Maasai villages many of which will welcome visitors who are interested in learning more about their way of life. Experience their unique dress, accessories, dances, and ancient rituals, and meet their fiercely independent warriors.
The Amboseli National Park is a must-see for every traveler to Kenya, and the close encounters with elephants and views of Kilimanjaro are incredible.
We feature affordable Amboseli safari packages that range from 4-day safaris to epic Africa Overland Tours that include Amboseli National Park on longer journeys to multiple countries. There is a variety of budget Amboseli Safaris to choose from, including camping and lodge safaris, small group tours, family safaris, overland tours, luxury camping safaris, and more.
For an affordable Private Safari to Amboseli contact African Budget Safaris. Our experienced travel consultants are experts at designing tailor-made safaris for your unique needs and budget.
Use the Google map to explore Amboseli National Park.
Fly to Amboseli and back, camping in the exclusive Selenkay Conservancy. Take 4x4 game drives, a night drive and bush walk in the private reserve and 4x4 drives in Amboseli National Park.