- About
- Kenya
- Kenya + Tanzania
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Uganda
- Experiences
- Parks
- Travel Info
- Contacts
Location
The Amboseli National Park is located in Kenya’s southwest region. It lies close to the border of Tanzania and in the northwest direction of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Size
Amboseli National Park is 151 square miles in size.
History
Amboseli National Park was gazetted in1974 with the goal to protect its unique ecosystem. The park was then listed as a UNESCO heritage site in 1991. The park is famous for its incredible view of Mount Kilimanjaro, located in neighbouring Tanzania, and for its vast elephant herds.
Entrance Fees & Permits
The entrance fee into Amboseli National Park is USD 60 / 70 per person per day
Hours of Operation
The Amboseli National Park is open from 7am to 7pm each day of the week.
By Road
The Amboseli National Park is located in the south-west region of Kenya. Travel by road via the Mombasa Road and C102. The distance is 135 miles from Nairobi and will take around three and a half hours. There are four gates into Amboseli namely Meshanana gate, Iremito gate, Kimana gate and Kitirua gate.
By Air
Visitors can fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport into Amboseli Airport and the flight takes around 42 minutes, the distance calculated at 96 miles.
By Train
To get there by train, take the Madaraka Express from Nairobi to Emali, which is a 2.5-hour journey. From Emali, travel by road along the C102 towards Loitokitok and then follow signs to Amboseli National Park. The road trip from Emali to Amboseli is about 80 miles and typically takes 2–3 hours.
Weather & Climate
Consider visiting Amboseli National Park during the dry, winter months between late June and the end of August. The mild days see pleasant conditions and as the grass is low, the game drive is at its best. The short rains fall around November and December, with the long rains in March through the end of April. The longer grass that results makes animal sightings that much more challenging.
Avoiding Crowds
It is advisable to plan your safari to Amboseli National Park in the green season which falls around October, November and early December to avoid the crowds in Amboseli. If you are looking to travel in the spring, visiting in mid to late May and early June (summer) is a great idea.
Value for Money
There are many options when it comes to accommodation and safari packages in Amboseli. To get more for your money, it is a good idea to consider staying just outside the Amboseli National Park. As one of Kenya’s key safari parks, Amboseli may offer safari packages that offer a wide range of pricing and experiences.
Read more on the Best Time to Visit Amboseli National Park.
Read more on the Best time to visit Kenya.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is famous for its elephant sightings, massive herds dotting the landscape wherever you look! The “Big Five” call Amboseli home and there is a wonderful selection of plains game from kudu to wildebeest and the dik–dik. Cheetah can be spotted on the plains, while buffalo wallow in mud baths created around the savannas.
The Terrain
Amboseli boasts a terrain that shifts dusty, open savannas to seasonal lakes and wooded areas. Swamps and grasslands add to the colourful display that is the Amboseli.
Game Drives
Game drives are exceptional in Amboseli and are conducted in either open 4×4 vehicles or enclosed 4×4 vehicles that have a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing. Game drives are usually conducted early in the morning and late in the afternoon, with the option to step onto Observation Hill for dramatic views across the park.
Guided Walking Safaris
Qualified safari guides will take guests around the park on foot, offering a chance to witness plains game close up and predators in the distance. Stand on Observation Hill and take in the amazing views surrounding you. Many of the conservancies around Amboseli National Park will offer walking safaris to guests staying in lodges or camps in the conservancy.
Amboseli offers accommodations from intimate private camps to well-established larger hotel-style accommodations. While there is a wonderful selection of properties to be found within the Amboseli National Park, many classic and comfortable lodges and camps can be found just outside the gates to Amboseli. Game drives are conducted both in Amboseli and in the conservancy, where the accommodation is located.
Amboseli National Park safari lodges & tented camps – Distance from Park Entrance
| Lodge or Hotel | Distance to park entrance (in miles) |
| Amboseli Sopa Lodge | 11.5 miles from the Kimana Gate in the park’s south east |
| Tulia Amboseli Camp | 12.2 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east |
| Amboseli Serena | 9 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east |
| Kibo Safari Camp | 1 mile from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east |
| Ol Tukai Lodge | 10 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east |
| Satao Elerai Camp | 5 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east |
| Tortilis Camp | 19 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east |
| Porini Amboseli Camp | 86 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east |
| Tawi Lodge | 2 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east |
| Kilima Safari Camp | 0.3 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east |
| AA Lodge Amboseli | 5 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east |
| Sentrim Amboseli Camp | 5 miles from Kimana Gate in the park’s south east |
Walk to Observation Hill
Visitors can step outside their game drive vehicle or take a break from their safari walk and stand on this former volcanic landmark and take advantage of the incredible views surrounding you.
Visit a Local Maasai Village
Experience life as a local as you embrace the culture and traditions of local Maasai as they share their daily life with you, from the foods they prepare to their traditional dances.
Bird Watching Experiences
Spend time between late spring and late fall bird watching in the Amboseli. There are over 400 species and sightings include flamingos and herons, weavers to horn bills.
Mount Kilimanjaro
One of the key draws of Amboseli National Park is the breathtaking view of the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. While the mountain is located in neighbouring Tanzania, it is said that one of the best views of Kili is from the Amboseli National Park.
The dry, winter months of July and August make the most ideal time to visit Amboseli National Park. At this time the grass is low due to the lack of rain and game viewing is at its best. Visiting in late spring (May) or early late fall (October/November) will ensure you avoid the crowds.
With options from comfortable 3-star camps and lodges to larger hotel-style lodges and luxury tented camps, pricing can range from around $400 to around $1500 per person sharing, per day. Safari packages will include game drive experiences either within the Amboseli National Park or a private conservancy the accommodation is located in.
Visitors can reach Amboseli National Park by road from Nairobi, a three and a half hour transfer. Guests can also opt to fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, which is 96 miles from Amboseli or a 42-minute flight.
The incredible number of elephant herds is definitely a draw for Amboseli National Park, with the fact that arguably the best view of Mount Kilimanjaro is from the Amboseli National Park.
Elephants are easily spotted in Amboseli, with other “Big Five” favourites such as buffalo, lion and leopard often spotted on game drives. Enjoy incredible bird life with over 400 species to be found and a myriad of plains game from wildebeest to zebra and the much-loved giraffe.
The park is open from 7am to 7pm.
Guests usually pre-book their safari experience with their safari provider, allowing a smooth arrival into Amboseli National Park. Availability needs to be considered too, so it is definitely advisable to pre-book an Amboseli National Park visit.
A guided safari or game drive is the best way to traverse Amboseli National Park. Drives are usually conducted in either open 4×4 vehicles or enclosed 4×4 vehicles with a pop-up roof.
There are many established safari lodge groups located in Amboseli National Park, such as Serena and Sopa, as well as a few smaller camps and lodges offering a more intimate experience. There are several lodges and camps located just outside the park’s gates, and safari activities are conducted both in Amboseli National Park and in the conservancies in which they are located. Accommodation options include Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli Sopa Lodge and Kibo Safari Lodge. Located just outside the park is Tawi Lodge and Tortilis Camp.
Amboseli National Park is located far from any major city or town, and dining is enjoyed at the camp or lodge where guests are staying. Most accommodation offers three meals a day with local culinary delights sure to impress every guest.
Guests staying in or just outside Amboseli National Park can enjoy cultural visits with local Maasai in nearby villages, learning traditions and embracing entertaining dancing during their visit. An option for a hot air balloon ride over the Amboseli is something not to be missed.
Contact Natural World Kenya Safaris to book your dream African safari holiday in Kenya safari, Tanzania safari, combined Kenya & Tanzania safari, Zanzibar beach vacation, Uganda gorilla trekking & Rwanda trekking tour. Start your tour from Nairobi, Mombasa, Malindi/Watamu, Kilifi, or Diani beach and explore our premium national parks, game reserves & private wildlife conservancies.
Email, call +254704001122, or chat on +254788287151 with our tour managers today.
You can also visit our offices in Westlands Nairobi (head office), Nairobi Airport office, Diani beach office, Mombasa CBD office, or Mombasa Airport office.
Our friendly staff are happy to help you plan your dream vacation.
Amboseli day tour to see wildlife, including vast elephant herds & views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Out of Nairobi Day Trip
Tour includes:Amboseli 2 day safari tour on a wildlife trip departing from Nairobi.
From Nairobi to Nairobi
Tour includes:Amboseli tour with Mount Kilimanjaro views on 3 days, 2 nights trip departing Nairobi.
Nairobi to Nairobi With Possible Mt Kilimanjaro Peak Views
Tour includes:Departing Nairobi, you’ll spend 3-days & 2-nights amongst the magnificent elephant herds of Amboseli.
Nestled at the floor of Mount Kilimanjaro, you’ll enjoy unlimited game drives and close-up views of the world famous peak.
This flight safari to Amboseli National Park will maximize your game viewing time.
See Mt. Kilimanjaro from the air, then great herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe and more.
AA Amboseli Lodge is built in a three-tier architectural design and is strategically located 2 km from Amboseli National Park’s main gate (Kimana Gate)
Amboseli Sopa Lodge is built on a rustic, well spaced cottages meander through the vast expanse of mature gardens and houses 83 guest rooms.
Sentrim Amboseli offers luxury guest accommodation and services. It is bordering the Amboseli National Park, 3 km from Kimana gate.
Kibo Safari Camp is a luxury tented camp in Amboseli National Park at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Ol Tukai Lodge is set at the floor of Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest mountain) in Amboseli National Park, Kenya.
Amboseli Serena Lodge is in the heart of the Amboseli National Park, framed against the glorious backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, the spectacular Mt.Kilimanjaro.
Named after the Swahili word for ‘peaceful’, the Tulia Amboseli Camp depicts just this in its classic and cozy design and tranquil setting. Tulia Camp is located just outside Amboseli National Park and comprises 20 classic, large tents all offering amazing views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
A waterhole lies in front of the lodge offering entertainment to guests either dining in the intimate canvas-walled and reeded roof restaurant, or relaxing in the lounge. With great sunset views, sundowners around the campfire is a popular activity for guests enjoying their stay at Tulia Amboseli Camp.
Bordering Tanzania, the Amboseli National Park lies in southern Kenya, commanding views of Mt Kilimanjaro and home to a selection of incredible safari accommodations within its fences and just outside.
Tawi Lodge is one a luxurious option for any safari-goer to consider when looking to stay in this region. The Lodge is set on a private conservancy a short drive to Amboseli, offering an intimate experience immersed in wilderness and wildlife. The main area comprises a small reception area with a lounge complete with a fireplace and a dining area boasting tall, thatched ceilings. The bar is set in a cozy corner and if guests head upstairs, they can enjoy a nightcap or early morning coffee in a second small sitting area which boasts a viewing deck, overlooking the Lodge’s gardens.
There is an inviting swimming pool that is lit up at night, set in a stone paving offering the perfect place to unwind in between safari experiences. From the pool, sunbeds provide a comfortable viewing point over a waterhole laid out below the Lodge. Accommodation comprises 13 luxury stone rooms, large and comfortable with an impressive en-suite bathroom. One of the absolute highlights for guests staying at Tawi Lodge has to be that early morning, pre-game drive coffee on their private porch, gazing out at the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Guests can enjoy massages and spa treatments and find the perfect gift in the little souvenir shop.
Kilima Safari camp is located inside Kenya’s popular Amboseli National Park, a little way from the Kimana Gate. The main Camp area is impressive in size and layout, with a welcoming reception set under an impressive ceiling and long walkways amid manicured gardens.
Situated in a private conservation area six miles southeast of Amboseli National Park, Elerai Camp offers a quiet safari escape in a community-focused environment, offering spectacular views of famous Mt. Kilimanjaro. The vastness of Amboseli can be seen from the Camp while the romantic backdrop of ‘Kili’ creates the perfect location for dining under the stars. Meals are created by talented chefs who include local fruit and vegetables in their dishes.
Located just outside Kenya’s Amboseli National Park lies the five-star, eco-focused Tortilis Camp. Set among Acacia Tortilis Woodlands, the Camp sits in a shaded and serene setting, a brilliant luxury safari experience. The Camp has an exquisite dining area located on a polished wooden deck, opening out to a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, which includes a view of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Food is simply sensational, with top chefs creating unforgettable meals. The comfortable sitting area is neat and elegant, with a bar offering a variety of beverages to quench all thirsts.
Accommodation is simply breathtaking at Tortilis Camp, the details in each tent are carefully thought out and beautifully arranged with classic Kenyan decor and design. The swimming pool is set away from the main area offering a peaceful place to unwind amid a lush garden, board games and a pool bar on site catering to guests’ needs. There are spa treatments for those safari-goers looking for a little pampering during their stay, and that perfect souvenir can be purchased at the boutique gift shop located at Tortilis Camp. Babysitting facilities are on offer for younger visitors.
Porini Amboseli Camp is conveniently located near the gates of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park in the Selenkay Conservancy. Privately set-out tents are connected by a main camp area, a large tent comprising intricate wooden dining tables covered in traditional Masai table cloths, standing on colourful carpets lying on a screeded floor. There is a small sitting area with a simple bar available and a friendly team on hand at all times. Guests have a chance to sit around a crackling fire pit in the evenings while Masai warriors tell stories of traditions and culture.
The tents are peaceful canvas rooms looking out over the surrounding savannah with three water holes located nearby, offering the amazing opportunity for guests to watch wildlife come to drink at any time of the day. Porini Amboseli Camp offers complimentary Wi-Fi in the camp’s main office and a small craft shop where local souvenirs can be purchased.
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season (December– February and June - August) when conditions are especially good for trekking to view mountain gorillas. Game drives in the national parks are also fruitful during this time.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Uganda safari. Dress in layers and bring a warm sweater for morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sunhat and gardening gloves are also a good idea; the jungle is dense and thick.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda with basic accommodations starting at $96 per person, per day, plus the Uganda gorilla trekking permit which costs $700 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips range from $10 to $20 per person per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
If you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek in Uganda, your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas or in regions close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Uganda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Uganda live at between 4,900 to 7,500 feet. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the country’s mountain gorillas, has a high point of 8,550ft.
The best time to go on a gorilla trek in Rwanda is during the dry season (June - September) when conditions are best for trekking to view the country’s highlight: the fascinating mountain gorillas.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Rwanda gorilla trek. Dress in layers and don’t forget a sweater for chilly morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, broken-in hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sun visor and protective gloves – such as gardening gloves - are also useful.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda with basic accommodations starting at $720 per person, per day, plus the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit which costs $1,500 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips for your guide are $25 per person, per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa, particularly if you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek. Your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas. Cross-border travel into the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Burundi is not safe, however, so steer clear of this.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Rwanda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Rwanda live at between 8,000 to 13,000 feet. Volcanoes National Park has a high point of 15,000ft.
Contact us for more information
For more information about our safari excursions, or to book your dream safari trip with Natural World Kenya Safaris, simply get in touch with our friendly travel advisors. Give us a call on +254 704 001 122 or leave your details on our contact us page, and we'll reply as quickly as possible.
© Natural World Kenya Safaris. Developed By MonkeyFish Marketing.
Book This Safari
Book This Excursion/Tour
Customize this Excursion
Customize this Safari
We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our site, you consent to cookies.
Manage your cookie preferences below:
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.
Google reCAPTCHA helps protect websites from spam and abuse by verifying user interactions through challenges.
Google Tag Manager simplifies the management of marketing tags on your website without code changes.
Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.
Service URL: policies.google.com (opens in a new window)
You can find more information in our Cookie Policy.
