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Amboseli NP
Overview
Wildlife
Birds
Best Time To Visit
Weather & Climate
Getting There
Malaria & Safety
Overview
Wildlife
Birds
Best Time
Climate
Getting There
Malaria & Safety
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience .
- Live Location
- View Photos
- Open Map
Best Time To Go
June to October, and January to February
High Season
December to March & July to October (can get busy)
Size
392 km² / 151 mi²
Altitude
1,124–1,169m / 3,688–3,835 ft
Amboseli is one of Kenya’s top wildlife destinations, known primarily for its large, free-roaming elephant herds set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. While rhinos are absent and leopards are rarely seen, elephants, lions, and buffalo —three of the Big Five —are commonly spotted.
The park teems with wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, and over 600 bird species, including flamingos and wetland birds that thrive in the park’s seasonal swamps. Cheetahs, though not part of the Big Five, are an exciting possibility and are occasionally seen in the open plains.
Amboseli is one of Africa’s most visually striking landscapes. At its heart, deep-green swamps fed by underground rivers from Mount Kilimanjaro create a lifeline for wildlife year-round. Surrounding them are vast open plains, golden grasslands, and acacia-dotted woodlands that stretch to the horizon. To the south, Mount Kilimanjaro rises dramatically beyond the border in Tanzania—snow-capped, towering, and timeless. When clouds lift at dawn or dusk, and the mountain reveals itself in full, the view is nothing short of spiritual.
- Game Drives – The park’s main highlight. Both guided and self-drive safaris offer rich game-viewing across open landscapes.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris – Drift silently over Amboseli at sunrise with Kilimanjaro glowing on the horizon—a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Observation Hill – The only place where guests can exit vehicles. Climb on foot for panoramic views and enjoy a peaceful picnic above the marshes.
- Bird Watching – Excellent year-round, especially around the swamps and seasonal lakes.
- Visit a Maasai Village – Gain cultural insight through authentic interactions with the Maasai community and their vibrant traditions
Amboseli enjoys a warm, dry climate, making it one of the most accessible parks in Kenya year-round. Daytime temperatures average around 28°c (82°f), while nighttime temperatures remain pleasantly mild at around 15°c (59°f). The Wet season stretches from November to May, bringing bursts of rainfall that briefly green the landscape, especially in February, when temperatures are at their peak. From June to October, the Dry season dominates, offering clear skies, cooler air, and dust-kissed sunrises that define the safari atmosphere.
The best time to visit Amboseli for wildlife viewing is during the dry months, from January to February and June to October. During these periods, the vegetation thins out, water becomes scarce, and animals gather around the swamps and open plains, making them easier to spot.
The clarity of light and open horizons also make these months ideal for photography, especially when Kilimanjaro emerges through the haze. However, these are also the busiest times in the park. For birdwatching, the months of December to March offer exceptional sightings, as migratory species join the already rich array of resident birds.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience .
Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations, famed for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and extraordinary access to wildlife. Although compact in size, the park offers a diverse range of habitats, from open plains and acacia woodlands to swampy wetlands fed by underground springs. This blend of scenery creates an ideal environment for wildlife encounters, making Amboseli a favourite among photographers, conservationists, and safari enthusiasts alike.
- Abundant
- Common
- Occasional
- Rare
- None
- Occasional
- Common
- Occasional
- Common
- Common
- Common
Amboseli is best known for its magnificent elephant herds, some of the most relaxed and photogenic in Africa. Protected for decades, these elephants often carry immense tusks, with the late Tim, a legendary supertusker, standing as the park’s most iconic resident until his passing in 2020. Sightings of elephants crossing the dusty plains at sunrise or wading through swamps at midday are both common and unforgettable.
The park also supports substantial populations of lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and buffalo, while grazers like wildebeest, plains zebras, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles are seen in abundance. Though leopards are elusive and rhinos are no longer present, for the keen-eyed, bohor reedbuck may be spotted blending into the grass. A signposted hyena den, just northeast of the airstrip, adds another unique highlight to the park’s wildlife offering.
Amboseli offers year-round game viewing, but the Dry season (June to October) is the most rewarding. During these months, water becomes scarce, and wildlife gathers around the park’s swamps, resulting in consistent and dramatic sightings. As animals move across the dry, open plains, dust trails catch the afternoon light, offering some of the best photography conditions in East Africa.
The short dry spell between January and February also offers excellent viewing opportunities, with thinner crowds and active wildlife behaviour between the rains. For photographers and purists, these windows provide Amboseli at its most visually powerful.
- View Photos
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience .
Notable Birds in Amboseli NP
Birding in Amboseli is excellent all year, thanks to the park’s substantial population of resident species. However, the peak birdwatching season is from December to March, when visibility is high and Palearctic migratory birds enrich the avian diversity. The wet seasons, particularly March to May and November to December, bring dramatic bird activity to the swamps, including large flamingo congregations and intensified calls from waterbirds. While November and April may see occasional rainfall disruptions, they also deliver some of the most dynamic birding experiences in East Africa.
Bird Species
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience .
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
Amboseli National Park is open all year round, but the best times to visit are during the dry months, specifically from June to October and January to February. These periods offer optimal game viewing as wildlife gathers near shrinking water sources, and the skies remain mostly clear. While Mount Kilimanjaro may be shrouded in haze during the dry season, early mornings and late afternoons often provide fleeting but spectacular views. During the wet season (November to May), the park transforms into a lush, green, and less crowded area, and Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak often appears in crystal clarity, especially after rain.
Best Time
June to October and January to February (Ideal for game viewing, minimal rain)
High Season
December to March and July to October (Expect higher visitor traffic)
Low Season
April to June (Quieter months with potential for reduced rates)
Best Weather
June to September and January to February (Dry, sunny days)
Worst Weather
April (Heaviest rainfall; access can be challenging)
- View Photos
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
Conditions in Amboseli National Park are generally hot and dry, with rain falling in short, heavy bursts. Daytime temperatures average around 28 °C (82°F), while nighttime temperatures cool to about 15 °C (59°F). Early morning game drives can feel chilly, so layered clothing is recommended. The long rains typically fall from mid-March to mid-May, and the short rains occur between late October and mid-December.
These calmest and clearest months offer the best conditions for wildlife viewing and photography. Rain is rare, and skies stay mostly cloudless.
- June & July – Crisp mornings and sunny afternoons. Average highs are around 26°C/79°F.
- August and September – Temperatures rise gradually, peaking near 27 °C (81°F), and the plains become dry and dusty.
- October – Hot and increasingly humid, first showers may arrive later in the month, bringing relief and colour to the landscape.
The rains come in two phases, transforming Amboseli into a lush, vibrant landscape. Afternoon showers are common but rarely last all day. Wildlife remains active, and birdlife peaks with the arrival of migratory species.
- November & December – Short rains and quick, powerful afternoon storms are frequent, especially in Novembe Temperatures average 28 °C (82°F) but rise before rainfall.
- January and February—Drier period. It is often hot and dry, although the timing can vary. February is typically the hottest month, with temperatures reaching 30 °C (86°F) or higher.
- March, April & May – There are long rains, beginning mid- to late March. April is the wettest month, with frequent afternoon showers; daytime temperatures average 30 °C (86°F).
- Live Location
- View Photos
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
Most international visitors arrive via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), located 15km (9mi) southeast of Nairobi. Kenya’s second major gateway is Moi International Airport (MBA), 9km (6mi) west of Mombasa, serving mostly domestic and some regional flights.
From Nairobi, Amboseli National Park is approximately 215km (134 mi) away via Emali, with access through Iremito Gate—a drive of around 4 hours. An alternative route leads to Kimana Gate, roughly 240km (149 mi) from Nairobi, taking about 4.5 hours.
If you combine parks on a road safari, Amboseli is also accessible from Tsavo West National Park, with a drive of around 200km (125 mi) via Emali and Mtito Andei. It’s also possible to reach Chyulu Gate in Tsavo West via a rough but scenic track from Kimana. For rail travellers, the Nairobi–Mombasa railway line stops at Emali, where transfers to Amboseli can be arranged.
- Main Park Location
International Flights
To compare airlines and fares to Kenya, visit:
Major international carriers flying into NBO include:
- Kenya Airways
- British Airways
- KLM
- Turkish Airlines
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
Scheduled flights to Amboseli depart from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km (4 mi) south of Nairobi. These flights are typically included in safari packages or can be booked separately.
Main domestic carriers:
- AirKenya – From Nairobi (Wilson Airport)
- Safarilink – From Nairobi, Tsavo West, and Chyulu Hills
- Mombasa Air Safari – From Mombasa, Malindi, Diani Beach, and Masai Mara
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Please see our Getting There – Kenya and FAQ sections for up-to-date information on passports, eTA (electronic travel authorisation), vaccinations, and health entry requirements.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
Amboseli is regarded as one of Kenya’s safest destinations for travellers, especially during a well-organised tour. The park is exceptionally secure, with crime virtually nonexistent within its borders. However, urban centres such as Nairobi and Mombasa may present the usual petty theft risks, so it’s wise to take standard precautions in the city. Rest assured, during your organised safari, you will be well-cared-for, with professional guides ensuring your security at all times.
For the most up-to-date safety information, consult your government’s travel advisories.
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Before your trip, consult your healthcare provider about the recommended vaccinations and preventive measures. Malaria is present in the region, especially during the rainy seasons (March–May and November–December), so taking antimalarials is advisable. Supplement this protection by covering up in the evenings and using a DEET-based mosquito repellent. Standard travel vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever (if applicable) are also recommended.
Wildlife viewing in Amboseli is incredibly safe when you adhere to expert guidance. Always follow your guide’s instructions and observe the park rules to ensure a respectful and secure encounter with nature. Whether on a game drive or a walking safari, strict adherence to established protocols guarantees your safety and that of the wildlife.
Discover Amboseli Safari Tours
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Kenya:
Private tour,
Mid-Range,
- 12 days
- 6 places
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Private tour,
Luxury,
- 12 days
- 6 places
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Kenya:
Private tour,
Semi-Luxury,
- 12 days
- 6 places
