Amboseli National Park is one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya, celebrated for its diverse and accessible wildlife. Known especially for its large herds of elephants, the park also offers sightings of the majority of the Big Five, with lions, buffaloes, and elephants frequently encountered. Although black rhinos are no longer present and leopards are a rare sight, the vast open plains of the park are an ideal habitat for spotting cheetahs. Additionally, these plains are home to a wealth of large herbivores including wildebeest, plains zebra, and both Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Amboseli National Park is renowned for its elephants, which are often seen in large herds traversing the dusty plains at dawn and dusk. During the hotter hours, many elephants gather in the park’s swamps, where they can be spotted partially submerged as they forage. The park’s successful anti-poaching initiatives have allowed these elephants to flourish, sporting impressive tusks and showing ease around safari vehicles. Regular sightings of cheetahs and lions add to the park’s allure, and there is also a notable spotted hyena den located northeast of the airstrip. Additionally, visitors should be on the lookout for the elusive bohor reedbuck, often camouflaged in the tall grasses.
Amboseli National Park welcomes visitors all year, but wildlife viewing is most rewarding during the Dry season, from June to October. This period sees animals frequently gathering at marshes and dependable water sources. As they move across the sandy terrain under dry conditions, the stirred-up dust provides spectacular photo opportunities, particularly in the late afternoon light. Moreover, the brief dry interval between the rainy seasons, from January to February, also presents excellent wildlife watching prospects.
Amboseli National Park is a premier destination for bird-watching throughout the year, with the best viewing times from December to March. The park hosts a variety of resident bird species visible throughout the year. From November to April, the area becomes a haven for migratory birds, significantly enhancing the variety of species present. Bird-watchers should note, however, that November and April are the months most likely to experience rainfall, which could interfere with bird-watching endeavors.
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In Amboseli, the Wet season unfolds in two parts: the short rains followed by the long rains, with January and February providing a brief respite from precipitation. Traveling within the park becomes challenging in April and May due to the deterioration of road conditions caused by rainfall.
November & December – Short Rains: Rainfall reaches its peak in November, often accompanied by afternoon storms, although it rarely lasts the entire day. The average daytime temperature is 28°C/82°F, but it tends to rise just before rain.
January & February – Dry Interval: The exact start and end of this dry spell, which separates the rainy seasons, remain unpredictable. Nonetheless, February emerges as the hottest month, with an average afternoon temperature of 30°C/86°F (with higher peaks anticipated).
March, April & May – Long Rains: The extended rainy season typically begins in mid-to late March. Although rainfall seldom persists all day, afternoon showers become more frequent. April usually experiences the heaviest rainfall, with afternoon temperatures reaching 30°C/86°F.
When visiting Kenya, you’ll likely land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), conveniently located 15 km/9 mi southeast of Nairobi, the country’s capital. Another option is Moi International Airport (MBA), situated 9km/6 mi west of Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city.
Amboseli National Park is positioned 215km/134 mi southeast of Nairobi, requiring approximately a 4-hour drive*. If you’re planning a cross-country road trip, you can access Amboseli from other parks as well. The distance from Tsavo West National Park (via Emali and Mtito Andei) is approximately 200km/125 mi, taking about 3 to 4 hours* by car. Alternatively, you can reach Tsavo West’s Chyulu Gate via a rugged track from Kimana.
It’s advisable to check Skyscanner to explore airlines serving Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and to compare ticket prices. Alternatively, you can book your flight to Kenya through airline websites such as Kenya Airways, British Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and others.
You have the option of charter flights for inter-park travel, which can be organized as part of your tour package. Domestic flights from Nairobi depart from Wilson Airport (WIL), situated 6km/4 mi south of the city. Scheduled flights to Amboseli are available through several domestic carriers:
AirKenya (Departures from Wilson Airport in Nairobi)
Safarilink (Departures from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, as well as Tsavo West and Chyulu Hills)
Mombasa Air Safari (Departures from Mombasa, Masai Mara, Malindi, and Diani Beach)
Please refer to our “Getting There” and FAQ sections on the Kenya page for detailed information on passport, visa, vaccination, and other entry requirements.
We believe that Amboseli National Park is exceptionally safe for visitors. Crime is not a major worry in Kenya’s established parks and reserves. Nevertheless, it’s wise to practice common safety measures in urban areas, where petty theft may occur. For more information on safety precautions in cities and urban areas, please refer to the relevant section below. It’s worth noting that safety incidents are extremely uncommon, and you’ll be well looked after during an organized tour, shielding you from any potential concerns.
Watching wildlife is generally safe, especially when you’re part of an organized tour. It’s crucial to follow your guide’s instructions carefully and to acquaint yourself with the park’s rules. For more information, please consult the ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ section below.
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