Amboseli National Park Kenya: A safari beneath Mount Kilimanjaro

Updated on Feb 23, 2026 | Kenya eTA

Amboseli National Park Kenya is famous for its large herds of elephants, grazing in the open savannahs with the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. With the availability of Kenya eTA or Kenya online visa for tourism, foreign nationals can easily enter Kenya.

There are many places to visit and things to do in Kenya and one of the important places to visit and engage in endless activities in Amboseli National Park Kenya.

This postcard destination is located in southern Kenya near the border of Tanzania. Apart from the backdrop view of Mount Kilimanjaro, and large elephant herds, the park features wetlands, dry lake beds, open savannahs, and diverse wild animals like lions, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, and more than 400 species of exotic bird species.

Why Amboseli National Park Kenya is famous

Amboseli National Park Kenya is famous for its large elephant herds, visitors can have a glimpse of 50 elephants all at once in one location, and other wild animals with the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the backdrop, creating a dramatic scenery.

African elephants Amboseli National Park Kenya

The Amboseli National Park is home to large herds of African elephants with big tusks. You can say it is one of the best places in Africa to observe large herds of elephants, around 50 all at one place in their natural habitat, especially around the open plains of the savannahs and near the swamps.

The Amboseli elephants have been the center of study for decades now, their behavior, family structure and conservation. With snow covered Mount Kilimanjaro in the setting, the African elephants Amboseli National Park are a symbol of the rich wildlife heritage of Kenya.

African elephants Amboseli National Park Kenya Entry Fee

If you want to see the iconic African elephants, the entry fees for Amboseli National Park keeps on changing, here is the estimated rate according to 2024-2025 rates in effect:

  • Citizens of Kenya and their Residents: For Adults Fees is around KES 860 per person and for Children (3-17 years) it is around KES 215 per child
  • International Tourists (Non-residents): For Adults Fees is around USD 60 per person, and for Children (3-17 years) it is around USD 35 per child.
  • Children under 3 years: Entry is Free

Amboseli National Park Location in Kenya

Amboseli National Park is located in southern Kenya near the border of Tanzania. From the capital city of Kenya, i.e. Nairobi, Amboseli is easily reachable, private taxis, safari bus, and flights are available.

Region: Kajiado County in Southern Kenya

Coordinates: Its coordinates are approx 2.6484° S latitude, 37.2530° E longitude

Nearest Landmark: Near the Kenya-Tanzania border with views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Geography: This wildlife park is situated at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the tallest mountain in Africa, covered with snow and rich in biodiversity.

Distance from Nairobi: Approximately 230-250 km away from south of Nairobi. If you travel by road, it will take around 4-5 hours.

Amboseli National Park Kenya weather

The Amboseli National Park Kenya weather experiences semi-arid climate, which is dry and warm all-year round.

  • Temperature during daytime: Around 25-30°C (77-86°F)
  • Temperature at Nighttime: Becomes cool at night, especially the early morning hours are very cold.

Types of Seasons you can expect

The types of seasons you can expect on your visit to Amboseli National Park Kenya are the dry and wet / rainy season.

Dry seasons

  • June-October: This is considered the best time for wildlife viewing as the temperature remains cool.
  • January-February: These months are expected to be hot and dry.

Rainy seasons

  • March-May (Long rainy season): In these months you can expect long rains, and sometime heavy showers
  • November-December (Short rainy season): These months experience less rainfall.

How to reach Amboseli National Park Kenya?

Depending on your budget, tourists can choose to reach Amboseli National Park by road or air.

By Road

  • From Nairobi: Approximately 230-250 km away from south of Nairobi. If you travel by road it will take around 4-5 hours.
  • Route: Start from Nairobi → via Emali → to Amboseli

Tourists can take a private car, safari vehicle or tour bus, especially if you have booked a safari tour package.

By Air

  • Charter flights are scheduled on a daily basis from Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
  • Duration: By Flight it takes around 45-60 minutes to reach the airstrip near Amboseli park
  • Airstrips inside/near the park: Amboseli, Satao, and Ol Tukai.

Entry Gates to Amboseli Park

  • Main gates: For wildlife safari, the main gates are Meshanani and Kimana.
  • The most convenient way to take a tour of Amboseli National Park is choosing the Amboseli National Park Tour Package from a reliable safari operator.

Do you need a visa to visit Kenya?

Yes, foreign travelers entering Kenya are required to obtain Kenya eTA (or Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization) which is an online visa. The travelers need to check whether their country is eligible or not, after that apply through the Kenya visa website online, submit the application online and receive it via your mail ID.

Amboseli National Park History in Kenya

The history of Amboseli National Park is tied to the Maasai people, who are the indigenous people of Kenya. They are pastoralists, rear cattle for a living. The park was declared a game reserve in 1948 and in 1974 it was officially declared a national park by the government of Kenya, the main reason was to protect the wildlife and to control animal hunting.

In the 1970s, Amboseli was used as the center for scientific research and conversation for elephants. Due to its rich biodiversity, consisting of elephants, other wildlife, and dramatic landscape, and views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the indigenous community living here, Amboseli is world famous.

Places to visit in Amboseli National Park Kenya

Amboseli National Park Elephants

Here is a list of the important places to visit in Amboseli National Park Kenya that you must include in your bucket list:

Observation Hill: From here, you will be able to see stunning aerial views of the park, swamps, wildlife and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Enkongo Narok & Longinye Swamps: A water source for the elephants, hippos, buffaloes and birds.

Lake Amboseli (popular for its Dry Lake Bed): This is a seasonal lake, during the dry months, the lake becomes a white salt pan, making it a spectacular spot to click photos.

Elephant Research Camp: An elephant study center will have to view it from a distance.

Open Savannah Plains: Ideal game drive spot to view the lions, giraffes, cheetahs and zebras, just a few distance away.

Maasai Cultural Areas (near the park): Heritage tour of the Maasai village, learn about the Maasai tribe, their culture and traditions.

Things to do in Amboseli National Park Kenya

Here is a list of the things to do in Amboseli National Park Kenya that you must include in your bucket list:

Game Drives: Thrilling game drive experiences: Encounter with the elephants, cheetahs, lions, buffaloes, zebras and giraffes, a few steps away.

Elephant Viewing & Photography: Close encounter with large herds of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the backdrop, making it the perfect spot for photography.

Visit Observation Hill: Watch the stunning aerial views of the park, swamps, wildlife and Mount Kilimanjaro, from here.

Bird Watching: This park is a home to more than 400 different bird species, making it a haven for bird lovers.

Nature Walks (outside the park): Engage in guided walks outside the park area.

Maasai Cultural Visits: Take a heritage tour of the Maasai village, learn about the Maasai tribe, their culture and traditions.

Sunrise & Sunset Viewing: Don't miss the sunset and sunrise viewing with spectacular scenery, perfect for photography

Lodges in Amboseli National Park Kenya

Amboseli National Park has some of the best lodges, resorts and camps to stay, from luxury to budget friendly options.

List of popular lodges in Amboseli

Here is a list of some of the lodges you can choose for your stay in Amboseli:

Luxury & Mid-Range Lodges:

Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli

This premium classic safari lodge offers comfortable stay with views of Mount Kilimanjaro and frequent spotting of the elephants near the park.

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

This mid-range lodge is popular for its Maasai (indigenous community of Kenya) inspired decor, pool and thrilling game drives.

Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli

This is a luxury eco-friendly camp, offering personalized services and guided game drives.

Tawi Lodge

This boutique lodge offers picturesque views of Kilimanjaro and plays an important role in conservation.

Angama Amboseli

This high-end luxury lodge is located in the Kimana Sanctuary, offering easy access to wildlife and has partnered in the conservation efforts.

Mid-Range & Budget Options

Sentrim Amboseli

This mid-range lodge is near the park gate, offering a comfortable stay.

Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp

This safari camp is situated near the Kimana Gate and offers a comfortable stay with all the amenities, meals and activities available as well.

Kilima Safari Camp

This safari camp with decent prices is known to offer good service for stay.

Elerai Camp

This safari camp is within a private conservancy, so guests will have a close encounter with the wild, wild animals roaming freely nearby.

Kimana Amboseli Camp

This budget friendly stay is located near Kimana Gate.

Other Nearby Stays

Other options to stay include Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Oilepo Amboseli, Penety Amboseli Resort, and Porini Amboseli Camp. There are other lodges and camps as well which have good reviews, near Amboseli region, ideal for those who want to stay near the park.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many elephants are in Amboseli National Park?

The population of elephants in Amboseli National Park keeps on varying every year, according to a recent survey it is estimated that around 1,500 to 1,800 African elephants live here.

How much does it cost to enter Amboseli National Park?

Citizens of Kenya and their Residents Adults Fees KES 860 per person and Children (3-17 years) KES 215 per child. International Tourists (Non-residents) Adults Fees is USD 60 per person, and for Children (3-17 years) USD 35 per child. For Children under 3 years Entry is Free.

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