Amboseli, Kenya: travel guide
Big elephant herds beneath the snows of Mount Kilimanjaro
Elephant country beneath Mount Kilimanjaro — Amboseli National Park offers Kenya's classic big-tusker and snow-capped-mountain backdrops.
About Amboseli
Amboseli is a national park in southern Kenya rather than a town, and its setting is memorable: flat, dusty plains and green swamps with Mount Kilimanjaro rising across the border in Tanzania. The park is known for its elephant herds, which include some impressive tusked bulls, and the mountain makes a backdrop for photographs when the cloud lifts.
Game drives also turn up buffalo, giraffes, zebras and hippos, with plenty of birds around the swamps. Beyond the park, community-run areas such as Kimana Sanctuary give a wider picture of the landscape and the Maasai people who live in it.
Amboseli works well as a short safari from Nairobi or as an add-on to the Mara or the coast. Clear mornings are most likely in the dry months, June to October and January to February, when the mountain is most often visible.
- Country
- Kenya
- Currency
- KES
- Time zone
- Africa/Nairobi
- Nearest airport
- ASV
Last updated
Top places to visit in Amboseli
Amboseli National Park
national park · 4.7 rating · about 6 h · check the fee at the gate
Famous for large elephant herds and big tuskers set against Mount Kilimanjaro, plus swamps rich in birds and plains game.
Kimana Sanctuary
conservancy · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A community-run wildlife conservancy on the elephant migration corridor between Amboseli, Chyulu and Tsavo.
Things to do
- Amboseli Full-Day Game Drive Safari · 8 h · from KES 14,000 per person
- Amboseli Sunrise Game Drive & Bush Breakfast Safari · 4 h · from KES 9,000 per person
- Maasai Village Cultural Visit (Amboseli) Cultural · 1.5 h · from KES 2,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Amboseli Big-Tusker & Kilimanjaro Day 9 h · from KES 14,000
Where to stay in Amboseli
- Ol Tukai (inside Amboseli)
Cluster of lodges in the centre of Amboseli with the best Kilimanjaro views.
Hotels
- Ol Tukai Lodge 4-star · KES 25,000 to KES 40,000 per night
- Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge 4-star · KES 24,000 to KES 38,000 per night
- Kibo Safari Camp 3-star · KES 14,000 to KES 22,000 per night
- AA Lodge Amboseli 3-star · KES 9,000 to KES 14,000 per night
Getting to Amboseli
Airport: Amboseli (ASV)
Getting around
- Offroad Vehicle
- Walking
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Frequently asked questions about Amboseli
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Amboseli?
- The highest-rated places in our Amboseli guide are Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary.
- Where should I stay in Amboseli?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Amboseli: Ol Tukai (inside Amboseli).
- How do I get around Amboseli?
- Ways to get around Amboseli covered in our guide: Off-road vehicle, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Amboseli?
- The nearest airport to Amboseli has the code ASV.