Amboseli, Kenya

Amboseli National Park, located around a four-hour drive (240 km or 150 miles) southeast of Nairobi, is renowned for its iconic herds of large-tusked elephants and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which towers across the border in Tanzania. As Kenya’s second most popular national park after the Masai Mara, Amboseli offers a scenic landscape that becomes particularly vibrant during heavy rains, when the central basin floods and draws diverse wildlife. Designated a UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve in 1991, Amboseli is a prime destination for spotting the Big Five and a range of rare and unique species, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Amboseli National Park is a wildlife-rich paradise, famous not only for its impressive elephant herds but also for offering visitors a chance to see a wide variety of other remarkable animals. Lions, cheetahs, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests roam the plains, while hippos can often be found in the swamps that are fed by underground rivers from Mount Kilimanjaro. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted with the more than 400 species of birds recorded in Amboseli, including pelicans, kingfishers, and the African fish eagle.

The best time to visit Amboseli is during the dry seasons, from June to October and January to February. During these periods, wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot animals. The dry season also offers clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. However, the rainy season, from March to May and November to December, brings lush landscapes and vibrant vegetation, which attract migratory birds and other wildlife, providing a unique, green backdrop to the park’s iconic scenery.

Amboseli on the map

Ask about this place