Amboseli National Park is a small-sized park located in the south of Nairobi. Covering an area of only 39,206 hectares (151 sq. mi / 392 sq. km), it extends north into Tanzania, forming the core of an 8,000 sq. km ecosystem.
In the background, Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, towers at 5,885 meters above sea level, creating an everlasting, beautiful scenery that makes Amboseli one of the most popular national parks in Kenya. The name “Amboseli” is a Maasai word meaning “salty dust,” referring to the volcanic ash that covered the area millions of years ago due to eruptions from Kilimanjaro. It is also one of the most famous places in the world to view giant elephants up close.
This park is a magnet for nature lovers who not only flock to see its magnificent wildlife but also explore up to five different ecosystems, including wetlands with sulfur springs, the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, woodlands, and savannah. The park’s neighborhood is also the natural home of the legendary Maasai people, who offer authentic cultural exhibitions to park visitors.
Apart from being home to free-ranging elephant herds, Amboseli also harbors thousands of other wildlife species and provides perfect opportunities to gaze at the expansive skies and swampy springs.
The two water springs located in the heart of Amboseli are fed by endless underground water sources and provide a lifeline to the hundreds of thousands of wildlife that call this park home.
Amboseli Park’s ecosystem is largely dominated by grasslands and savannah; however, other habitats include dry lake beds, thorny bushes, acacia forests, marshlands, and swamps.
Amboseli Park Entry Fees
As with any other national park in Kenya, entry fees are required for those visiting this scenic park. Below are the respective fees charged for different categories of visitors (per person/per day):
Wildlife
The highlight of Amboseli is definitely its elephants, but there’s more! In addition to elephants, there are over 56 animal species, including large herds of Cape buffaloes, Grevy’s and Burchell’s zebras, white-bearded wildebeests, elands, hartebeests, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, hippos, waterbucks, jackals, giraffes, and wild dogs.
During the day, most of these animals gather around the Ol Okenya Wetland, while elephants move majestically with their impressive ivory, foraging and submerging in the swamp.
Other elusive and nocturnal wildlife, which may be seen in the evening or at night, include leopards, cheetahs, and mongooses. Lions, hyraxes, dik-diks, lesser kudus, nocturnal porcupines, spotted and striped hyenas, and many more can also be spotted.
Birding in Amboseli National Park
With about 600 recorded bird species, Amboseli National Park is undoubtedly one of Kenya’s most important birding destinations. The park is surrounded by wetlands, which provide a perfect habitat for water-dwelling bird species such as pelicans, crowned cranes, herons, and cattle egrets.
Pink flamingos occupy the park during the rainy months of March, April, May, October, November, and December.
Grassland-dwelling birds include Hartlaub’s bustard, the Rufous chatterer, African jacana, and the localized Pangani longclaw. The acacia woodlands are home to bird species that prefer dry areas, such as the Von der Decken’s hornbill, white-bellied go-away-bird, and the steel-blue whydah.
Other Conservancies Near Amboseli National Park
Selenkay Conservancy
The 15,000-acre Selenkay Conservancy is located 16 kilometers north of Amboseli’s northern border. It is one of the oldest community-led conservancies in Kenya. After acquiring the land from the Maasai people, the Kenyan government established this conservancy to encourage wildlife conservation, as poaching was previously rampant in the area. This initiative has provided an alternative source of livelihood, aside from subsistence farming, for the local communities.
Selenkay’s ecosystem extends into Amboseli from the north, offering spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, best seen at dusk when the skies are clear. Here, visitors can get clear views of Kilimanjaro’s ice-covered summit when the long-hanging clouds subside, creating perfect opportunities for photography in the early mornings or late evenings.
Just like Amboseli, Selenkay Conservancy is home to thousands of elephants, which can be seen in both bull groups and family units.
Access to this conservancy is easy, with well-maintained roads leading to its heart. Only one tourist safari camp has been set up in this remote area, where wildlife is not as accustomed to human presence, making it ideal for intrepid travelers.
Kitirua Conservancy
Kitirua is magical! Spanning 30,000 acres, it is 50% larger than its counterpart, Selenkay Conservancy. It is located along the Amboseli-Tanzania border, providing easy access to Amboseli’s wetlands and grazing lands.
Other Tourist Activities in Amboseli National Park
Maasai Cultural Tour
The Maasai people have historically inhabited this area, making it worthwhile for tourists to visit their villages, where they can be entertained and learn about Maasai culture and traditions. The Maasai continue to live a pastoral lifestyle, far from modern life. They showcase their vibrant traditional dances, songs, and stories. Their unique clothing, art and craft, diet, and language are also fascinating to experience.
Sinet Delta
Sinet Delta is one of the few lakes located south of Amboseli National Park. In addition to offering prolific views of Mount Kilimanjaro, it is a fantastic bird-watching destination and a perfect spot for bird lovers. The thick vegetation also attracts many giraffes, adding to the beauty of the area.
Elephant Research Camp
Elephants are undoubtedly Amboseli’s main attraction, drawing thousands of tourists from around the world. The Elephant Research Camp was established to offer behind-the-scenes experiences on elephant care, conservation policies, and more. However, the camp is not open to the public, though prior arrangements can be made for a limited number of visitors on specific days of the week.
Nature Walk
Nature walks are available in Amboseli National Park, guided by armed ranger guides. If you need a break from the safari jeep, you can stretch your legs and explore the wilderness of Amboseli, teeming with wildlife, birdlife, and breathtaking views.
Observation Hill
Located in the western part of Amboseli, Observation Hill is a cone-shaped hill that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding swamps and plains. Here, you can step out of your safari jeep, take a walk, and capture majestic photos of the distant Mount Kilimanjaro.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Hot air balloon safaris are a must-do activity in Amboseli National Park, offering an opportunity to admire the beautiful wildlife and breathtaking scenery from the sky. The famous hot air balloon rides take place over the vast savannah grasslands, the Nyika Plateau, and tropical forests in the heart of Amboseli.
Visiting Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is a compact gem that invites everyone to explore! The park is small enough, close to Nairobi, and can be visited within one or two days. It is also strategically located in the heart of safari-land, near both northern Tanzania and southern Kenya’s famous destinations, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Kilimanjaro National Parks. In Kenya, you can combine a visit to Amboseli with safaris to Tsavo East and West, Maasai Mara, Nakuru, or even a beach vacation in Mombasa.
Close to Amboseli National Park, the small but beautiful Chyulu Hills await visitors. Hiking around this volcanic and dramatic hill offers distant views of Mount Kilimanjaro and abundant wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and a variety of antelope species.
Best Time to Visit Amboseli National Park
While Amboseli National Park can be visited year-round, the best time for wildlife viewing and scenic beauty is during the dry seasons, from June to October and December to February. During this time, animals congregate around water holes near game tracks and marshes, which also attract predators looking for their next meal.
Getting to Amboseli National Park
By Road
The main Nairobi-Namanga gate road is 240 km long. It is a well-paved road that passes along the Nairobi-Arusha highway via the Meshanani Gate. However, the last 75 km between Namanga and the Meshanani Gate is not tarmacked.
The shorter route is 228 km long, passing via Emali along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. The Nairobi-Emali section is tarmacked, while the final 64 km from Emali to the Remito Gate is not.
Access to Amboseli National Park is mainly via Tsavo West, and the park can be entered through the Kimana (Olkelunyiet) Gate.
By Air
Amboseli can also be easily accessed by aircraft, with several airstrips in and around the park. The main airstrip is located at Empusel Gate, while another airstrip for light aircraft is at Olekelunyiet Gate. Additional airstrips are situated in Namanga town.
