What to Expect in Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is often overlooked by tourists in favor of the Masai Mara National Park. And we’re here to clear the air. Amboseli National Park is Kenya’s hidden gem, and we’d love for you to experience it! If you would like to photograph elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the backdrop, Amboseli National Park is where that dream can come to reality. Keep reading to learn more about this destination.
Why Amboseli is the Perfect Starting Point
If you’re planning an overland safari across Kenya and Tanzania, Amboseli is a fantastic first stop! It’s just a short flight or a 4-5 hour drive from Nairobi, making it incredibly accessible for international travelers flying in and out of Kenya’s capital. From here, you can journey south toward Tanzania’s iconic parks like Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and beyond. This makes Amboseli a natural starting point for a round-trip safari that loops back to Nairobi.
What to Expect in Amboseli
In terms of landscape, Amboseli is a mix of all things stunning: plains, wetlands, acacia woodlands and volcanic terrain. The weather is warm and dry for most of the year; you can expect the early mornings and evenings to be cooler. And, photographers, rejoice! Light in Amboseli is magical. Especially during sunrise and sunset, when Kilimanjaro will be glowing in the background.
Wildlife You’ll See
Amboseli is not a Big Five park in the traditional sense (it lacks rhinos), but it delivers in a big way when it comes to encouraging wildlife.
Common Sightings during a safari in Amboseli:
- Elephants (lots of them!)
- Lions
- Cheetahs
- Hyenas
- Buffalo
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Wildebeests
- Hippos (in the wetlands)
Sample 3-Day Itinerary in Amboseli National Park
You’ve booked a trip to Amboseli National Park. What will it look like? Here’s a sample itinerary for spending 3 days in this destination.
Day 1: Arrival + First Game Drive
- Arrive at Amboseli by road or air (from Nairobi or another park)
- Check into your lodge
- Afternoon game drive with chances to see elephants, lions, and hyenas
- Sundowners with Kilimanjaro views
Day 2: Safari Adventure
- Early morning game drive (when wildlife is most active)
- Visit Observation Hill for panoramic views of the park
- Picnic lunch in the bush or return to the lodge
- Afternoon drive through the swamps to see hippos, water birds, and more elephants
- A cultural visit to a Maasai village
Day 3: Sunrise Safari and Departure
- Sunrise game drive with your last chance to see Amboseli’s famed wildlife
- Breakfast at the lodge
- Check out
Where to Stay in Amboseli
Amboseli offers different types of accommodations:
Luxury Lodges
- Elewana Tortilis Camp. An eco-friendly lodge that offers unbeatable views.
- Ol Tukai Lodge. This has a great location in the center of the park. The rooms in this lodge are super comfy.
- Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge. This is a beautiful lodge with Maasai-inspired decor. We especially recommend it for families.
Mid-Range Options
- Kibo Safari Camp. Well-rated tented camp with great value and views.
- AA Lodge Amboseli. Comfortable and affordable; great service.
Budget Camps
- Sentrim Amboseli. Good amenities for the price with close access to the park.
- Kimana Camp. Basic but well-located for those looking to experience Amboseli on a budget.
When to Visit Amboseli
We recommend visiting during the dry season, which is June through October. This is great for seeing wildlife as it gathers around water sources. Another short dry season is January to February, when you can expect clear skies and excellent conditions for photography.
Although April and May are the green season, you can still visit. However, keep in mind you may experience muddy game drives!
Ready to Experience Amboseli?
If what to expect in Amboseli has captured your attention, it’s about time you book your trip! Let’s chat and see which of our Amboseli safaris is for you—and your family.
