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.
THE ELEPHANT
Amboseli’s proximity to Mount Kilimanjaro and its underground water sources creates a wetland-rich environment. While the park hosts a variety of animals, it is most famous for its large herds of freely roaming elephants and the ease with which visitors can observe them.
Until 2020, the park was fortunate to be home to Tim, a remarkable bull elephant with exceptionally long tusks that reached the ground. His immense size and iconic tusks made him a prominent attraction in Amboseli. Tim was approximately 50 years old when he passed away in February 2020. Although he is no longer present, the park continues to be inhabited by other impressive supertuskers.
Amboseli National Park is open to visitors year-round, but the Dry season, from June to October, offers the most rewarding wildlife viewing experiences. During this time, animals often congregate near marshes and reliable water sources. As they traverse the sandy landscape under dry conditions, the dust they kick up creates stunning photo opportunities, especially in the late afternoon light. Additionally, the short dry period between the rainy seasons, from January to February, also provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Amboseli National Park is an excellent year-round destination for bird-watching, with the peak viewing season occurring from December to March. The park supports a diverse range of resident bird species that can be observed year-round. From November to April, the area becomes a sanctuary for migratory birds, further enriching the variety of species present. However, bird-watchers should be aware that November and April are the months most likely to experience rainfall, which may impact bird-watching activities.
450+
Nov to Apr
During these months, it’s cooler and sunny most of the time. There’s almost no rain.
In June and July, it’s usually sunny, and the temperature is around 79°F in the afternoon.
It gets hotter during the day in August and September until it starts to rain. Even though it can get very hot, the average temperature in September is around 81°F.
October is very hot and humid, but the rain helps to cool things down.
Amboseli has two rainy seasons: the short rains and the long rains. January and February are usually dry. Traveling in the park in April and May is hard because the roads get bad from the rain.
In November and December, it rains a lot, especially in the afternoons. It’s usually 82°F during the day, but it can get hotter before it rains.
January and February are dry, but it’s hard to say exactly when they start and end. February is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 86°F.
The long rainy season starts in mid-March or late March. It doesn’t rain all day, but there are more afternoon showers. April is the rainiest month, and it’s still hot, with an average temperature of 86°F.
When visiting Kenya, you’ll likely arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), conveniently located 15 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, the country’s capital. Alternatively, you can choose Moi International Airport (MBA), situated 9 kilometers west of Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city.
Amboseli National Park is situated 215 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, requiring approximately a 4-hour drive.* If you’re planning a cross-country road trip, you can also access Amboseli from other parks. The distance from Tsavo West National Park via Emali and Mtito Andei is approximately 200 kilometers, taking about 3 to 4 hours by car. Additionally, you can reach Tsavo West’s Chyulu Gate via a rugged track from Kimana.
To travel to Kenya, look for flights arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and compare the best deals that fit your travel plans. Once you’ve booked your flight ticket, please share the details with your travel consultant before confirming the safari trip to ensure everything aligns perfectly. Below is a list of airlines flying to Kenya.
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.
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.
THE ELEPHANT
Amboseli’s proximity to Mount Kilimanjaro and its underground water sources creates a wetland-rich environment. While the park hosts a variety of animals, it is most famous for its large herds of freely roaming elephants and the ease with which visitors can observe them.
Until 2020, the park was fortunate to be home to Tim, a remarkable bull elephant with exceptionally long tusks that reached the ground. His immense size and iconic tusks made him a prominent attraction in Amboseli. Tim was approximately 50 years old when he passed away in February 2020. Although he is no longer present, the park continues to be inhabited by other impressive supertuskers.
Amboseli National Park is open to visitors year-round, but the Dry season, from June to October, offers the most rewarding wildlife viewing experiences. During this time, animals often congregate near marshes and reliable water sources. As they traverse the sandy landscape under dry conditions, the dust they kick up creates stunning photo opportunities, especially in the late afternoon light. Additionally, the short dry period between the rainy seasons, from January to February, also provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Amboseli National Park is an excellent year-round destination for bird-watching, with the peak viewing season occurring from December to March. The park supports a diverse range of resident bird species that can be observed year-round. From November to April, the area becomes a sanctuary for migratory birds, further enriching the variety of species present. However, bird-watchers should be aware that November and April are the months most likely to experience rainfall, which may impact bird-watching activities.
450+
Nov to Apr
During these months, it’s cooler and sunny most of the time. There’s almost no rain.
In June and July, it’s usually sunny, and the temperature is around 79°F in the afternoon.
It gets hotter during the day in August and September until it starts to rain. Even though it can get very hot, the average temperature in September is around 81°F.
October is very hot and humid, but the rain helps to cool things down.
Amboseli has two rainy seasons: the short rains and the long rains. January and February are usually dry. Traveling in the park in April and May is hard because the roads get bad from the rain.
In November and December, it rains a lot, especially in the afternoons. It’s usually 82°F during the day, but it can get hotter before it rains.
January and February are dry, but it’s hard to say exactly when they start and end. February is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 86°F.
The long rainy season starts in mid-March or late March. It doesn’t rain all day, but there are more afternoon showers. April is the rainiest month, and it’s still hot, with an average temperature of 86°F.
When visiting Kenya, you’ll likely arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), conveniently located 15 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, the country’s capital. Alternatively, you can choose Moi International Airport (MBA), situated 9 kilometers west of Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city.
Amboseli National Park is situated 215 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, requiring approximately a 4-hour drive.* If you’re planning a cross-country road trip, you can also access Amboseli from other parks. The distance from Tsavo West National Park via Emali and Mtito Andei is approximately 200 kilometers, taking about 3 to 4 hours by car. Additionally, you can reach Tsavo West’s Chyulu Gate via a rugged track from Kimana.
To travel to Kenya, look for flights arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and compare the best deals that fit your travel plans. Once you’ve booked your flight ticket, please share the details with your travel consultant before confirming the safari trip to ensure everything aligns perfectly. Below is a list of airlines flying to Kenya.
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.
