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Amboseli National Park Kenya flag

45 Tours 1 Hotels & Lodges

Starting from

$740PP

Overview

Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, the Amboseli National Parks is one of Kenya's most popular parks. It is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close carrying massive tusks. Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulphur springs, the savannah and woodlands. They can also visit the local Maasai community who live around the park and experience their authentic culture.

High Season
June to September and January to February
Best Time to Go
December to March and July to October

Pros & Cons

  • Excellent wildlife viewing
  • Four of the Big Five can be found easily except Rhino
  • Offers amazing elephant sightings
  • Views of Kilimanjaro on clear days
  • Excellent birding, especially waterbirds in swamp habitat
  • Excellent well-priced mid-range lodges
  • The park gets very busy, especially in the high season
  • Big cats are relatively hard to spot

Map in Kenya

Amboseli National Park map

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Wildlife & Animals

Amboseli National Park offers some of the best opportunities to see African wildlife because the vegetation is sparse due to the long, dry months. The protected area is home to African bush elephants, Cape buffalo, impala, Masai giraffe, Grant's zebra, and blue wildebeest. Amongst the predatory species, African wildcats, black-backed jackals, black-eared foxes, cheetahs, lions, and spotted hyenas are frequently spotted. After the Maasai targeted the rhinos, the remaining rhinos were relocated so at present Amboseli has no rhinos.

Elephant

Elephant

Abundant
Giraffe

Giraffe

Common
Hippo

Hippo

Common
Buffalo

Buffalo

Common
Zebra

Zebra

Abundant
Wildebeest

Wildebeest

Abundant
Hyena

Hyena

Common
Lion

Lion

Occasional

Wildlife Highlights

The park is famous for being the best place in the world to get close to free-ranging elephants carrying massive tusks and because they have been protected these elephants are quite calm when encountered during game drives. During the day the elephants mostly spend their time partially submerged, foraging in Ol Okenya swamp.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time for wildlife viewing is in the dry summer months of January and February and June to October for visiting Amboseli National Park. Wildlife is simpler to spot since vegetation is more slender and animals assemble around predictable water sources. The best time to visit the park to witness the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro from the park is in the rainy season, from November to May.

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Birds

Amboseli boasts of rich birdlife, with over 400 bird species recorded, including the globally threatened Madagascar Pond-Heron, Lesser Flamingo, Lesser Kestrel, and Possibly Africa’s most sought-after bird, the Shoebill which has an a-one-time record in the area and over 40 birds of prey. The grassland areas offer some interesting ground birds such as Hartlaub’s bustard and the localized Pangani longclaw. The acacia woodland holds some dry country specials such as steel-blue whydah, white-bellied go-away bird and the Von der Decken’s hornbill.

Madagascar Pond-Heron

Madagascar Pond-Heron

Rare & Endangered
Lesser flamingo

Lesser flamingo

Rare & Endangered
Shoebill

Shoebill

Occasional
Pangani longclaw

Pangani longclaw

Occasional

Best Time for Birding

To discover Amboseli an extremely useful bird-watching spot, one needs to arrive during or soon after the October-December rains. This is when local birds are joined by migrants from the Northern half of the globe, once in a while in genuinely enormous numbers. The months when precipitation is probably going to disturb your bird-watching plans are November and April.

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Best Time to Visit – Amboseli National Park

The best time for wildlife viewing is in the dry summer months of January and February and June to October for visiting Amboseli National Park. Wildlife is simpler to spot since vegetation is more slender and animals assemble around predictable water sources. The best time to visit the park to witness the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro from the park is in the rainy season, from November to May.

High Season
June to September and January to February
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

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Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around Amboseli National Park.

Birding Safari

Birding Safari

Eager bird-watchers won't be disappointed on an African safari! This gray crowned crane was seen in the core of the Serengeti, Tanzania.
Cultural

Cultural

It is possible to take part in a cultural safari if you desire to spend your time visiting local schools, clinics, orphanages, and markets.
Farm Visits

Farm Visits

An incredible addition to any safari is taking the time to visit some of the local farms or plantations and sample some local produce.
Game Drives

Game Drives

A game drive is an adventure that involves viewing wildlife from the comfort of a 4x4 open vehicle, providing you with a true safari experience.
Horse Riding

Horse Riding

For those who wish to explore the parks and game reserves by horse. These are the most well-known destinations; Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa.
Hot Air Balloons

Hot Air Balloons

A hot air balloon safari is a must-do adventure activity. It's easy to see why being inspired across the African landscape is such a memorable experience.
Night Drives

Night Drives

Night game drives provide an opportunity to observe wildlife in action at night. Predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards become active at night.
Photography

Photography

Photography safaris are frequently led by experienced photographers who are dedicated to capturing the best shot possible.
Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Market visits are worthwhile before or after a safari. Locally made and sourced items make excellent souvenirs and great way to keep memories alive.
Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris

A safari bush walk is the best way to get some exercise and experience nature up close. Set out on an adventure with the wild inhabitants of Africa.
Yoga

Yoga

Yoga, Pilates and mind/ body safaris are growing in popular. It is possible to begin the day with an hour or two of yoga prior to going on a game drive.

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