The best time to visit Amboseli National Park

Written by: Faith K. Benson, Local Expert

What time of year should I visit Amboseli National Park?

While Amboseli National Park is beautiful all year round, the best time to go is during the dry months, which are from June to October and January to February. During this time, there is little to no rainfall, and wildlife congregates around the watering holes making it easier for safari goers to spot them during game drives. There is also less vegetation so the park’s African bush elephant, impala, lion, cape buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, Grant’s zebra, blue wildebeest, and hyena will not be camouflaged.

Less rain also means fewer insects – including mosquitoes – so malaria is much less of an issue in the dry season. But the savannah can get quite dry and dusty on occasion in Amboseli during peak season; the park sits in the shadow of Kilimanjaro, so the lakebed of Amboseli is known for being somewhat of a dust bowl.

Dust devils dance across the plains, which seem desertlike at times. Even its name reflects its dryness – coming from the Masaai word for ‘salty dust’. The crystallized salt, deposited on the soil surface as a result of the evaporation of rainwater filling the basin of the Lake Amboseli, can on occasion, create the effect of a mirage. But take heart – in addition to the dust, you’ll enjoy bright blue skies and sunshine.

It is worth noting that the dry season is peak season, bringing with it crowds of tourists the world over who come to see the Great Migration in the Masai Mara. Those same tourists often book complimentary trips to Amboseli, so you will be sharing space with several other travelers.

Amboseli National Park is also Kenya’s most popular national park (after the Masai Mara), so you’ll need to book early to secure accommodation during these months. Don’t expect to have the wildlife all to yourself at this time of year. Costs, too, will be higher during peak season.

What can I expect if I visit Amboseli during the wet season?

Visiting Amboseli during the wet season has its pluses and minuses. The short rains take place in November and December, followed by a half-dry, half-humid season in January and February. Then, the long rains occur from April to early June.

Views of Mount Kilimanjaro are never a guarantee, but chances are best during the early morning hours and late afternoon of the rainy season from November to May.

Another bonus to traveling to Amboseli National Park during the rainy season is that most lodges offer reduced rates, although fees such as park entrance, meals, transfers, and activities remain the same. During the rains, the flora and fauna receive much-needed sustenance, the result of which is abundant, lush landscapes.

This is also when many newborns come into the world, so you’re bound to see a mother with its young during the rainy season, whether it be a baby elephant frolicking alongside mom or a tiny giraffe sticking close to home. Flocks of migratory birds descend upon East Africa during the rainy season too, so birders will have a field day with their binoculars. Amboseli is home for many species including African ibis, flamingo, ostrich, and kingfisher.

There are cons, too, to visiting Amboseli during the wet season. The torrential downpours that occur during the long rainy season can make the roads muddy, thus creating difficulty for your driver to access the park at times. This is particularly true during the heavy rains of March – June, however, the mud can be avoided by flying into the park rather than traveling there by road, although that of course will increase your carbon footprint.

Whether you go during the dry season or the rainy season, you’re almost certain to see elephants, as Amboseli is one of the best places to spot elephants in East Africa. A herd of these gentle giants moving slowly past the peak of Kilimanjaro is an iconic image which you’ll almost certainly be privy to on your visit, no matter what time of year you go. So, pack your insect repellent, sun hat, hiking shoes, sun screen, and camera and prepare to enjoy. Rainy season or dry season, the best time to visit Amboseli National Park is largely dependent on the type of experience you want to have.

How many days do I need to spend in Amboseli National Park?

Amboseli is a great choice for first-time visitors to Kenya. Its small size allows you to see nearly every aspect of the park in about two days’ time. What’s more, its proximity to Nairobi means you don’t have to endure a long-haul flight with a very long drive or another long flight.