6 daysNairobi
6 Days Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli Budget Group Safari
5.0(95)Free cancellation
from$1,436
Photo: M. Disdero, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia CommonsAmboseli National Park
Southern Kenya
Amboseli is one of the most photographed parks in Africa: elephant families crossing dusty plains with the snow capped summit of Kilimanjaro behind them. The park is small, about 390 square kilometres, and mostly flat, but springs fed by Kilimanjaro's snowmelt keep green swamps going all year, and those swamps draw elephants, buffaloes, hippos and birds.
Amboseli's elephants have been studied since 1972 by the Amboseli Elephant Research Project, one of the longest wildlife studies in the world. Generations of close but respectful observation have made them unusually relaxed around vehicles.
What to see
- Elephants: Big families and some of Kenya's largest tuskers, often wading into the swamps to feed.
- Kilimanjaro: Africa's highest mountain rises just across the border in Tanzania. It is usually clearest at dawn and sometimes at sunset.
- Observation Hill: A short climb to a viewpoint over the Enkongo Narok swamp, the plains and, on clear days, the mountain.
- Other wildlife: Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos and more than 400 bird species. There are no rhinos.
When to go
June to October and January to February are driest, when animals stay close to the swamps. Kilimanjaro is often clearest in the dry months, but clouds can roll in at any time of year by mid morning, so be out at sunrise. The long rains in April and May turn the plains green and can make some tracks impassable.
How it fits into a safari
Amboseli is often the first stop on the classic 7 day circuit, or the start of a southern route to Tsavo and the coast. See our Kenya safari itineraries.
| Route | Drive time |
|---|---|
| Nairobi to Amboseli | 4 to 5 hours |
| Amboseli to Tsavo West | About 3 hours |
| Amboseli to the Masai Mara | About 9 hours via Nairobi, so many safaris fly |
| Amboseli to Lake Naivasha | About 6 hours |
Where to stay
- Inside the park: A few lodges close to the swamps, convenient for early drives.
- Community conservancies: Camps on Maasai land around the park offer walks, night drives and views of Kilimanjaro, with fees supporting local communities.
Tip: Ask for an early start: the first hour of light gives the best chance of a clear Kilimanjaro behind the elephants.
Honest downsides
- Dust: In the dry months the lake bed turns to fine dust, so bring a scarf and protect your camera.
- Cloud: Kilimanjaro can stay hidden for a whole stay, especially from March to May and in November.
- No rhinos: If the Big Five matter to you, add Nakuru, Ol Pejeta or Nairobi National Park.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Amboseli National Park
Every tour here includes Amboseli National Park in its itinerary. Best rated first.
6 days
4 daysMombasa
4 Days Safari from Mombasa to Amboseli and Tsavo West and East
5.0(42)Free cancellation
from$1,600
5 days
3 days
6 days
5 daysCombine it with
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Amboseli National Park: questions
When can you see Kilimanjaro from Amboseli?
Usually early in the morning, before clouds build up. Late afternoon can also clear. Dry months give the best odds.
How many days do you need in Amboseli?
Two nights gives a full day of game drives and two chances at a clear sunrise view of Kilimanjaro.
Are there rhinos in Amboseli?
No. For rhinos, visit Lake Nakuru, Ol Pejeta or Nairobi National Park.
How much is the Amboseli entry fee?
US$90 per non resident adult per day, under the Kenya Wildlife Service tariff that took effect on 1 October 2025.