Amboseli National Park Safaris

Iconic elephants, golden plains, and Africa’s greatest backdrop – discover Amboseli’s unforgettable safari magic.

High Season

July to October and January to February

Size

Approx 392 square kilometres

Altitude

1,180 metres

above sea level

Amboseli National Park Safari Holidays

Where Elephants Roam Beneath Kilimanjaro

Set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations.

With its vast open plains, seasonal swamps, and world-renowned elephant herds, it offers a classic safari experience with cinematic views and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Why Visit Amboseli National Park?

Amboseli is the kind of place where postcards come to life. Located in southern Kenya near the Tanzanian border, this park is famous for its unbeatable views of Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa’s highest peak — rising behind wandering elephants. The park’s name, derived from a Maasai word meaning “salty dust,” gives a clue to the dry, shimmering terrain that dominates much of the landscape.

But Amboseli is far from desolate. Its ecosystem is incredibly diverse, ranging from open savannah and acacia woodland to lush wetlands fed by underground water channels from Kilimanjaro's melting snows. This unique blend of habitats draws a staggering variety of wildlife and birds.

Unlike busier parks like the Masai Mara, Amboseli offers a more intimate, slower-paced safari. With fewer vehicles and wide horizons, it's perfect for those who want to absorb the atmosphere, watch behaviour unfold, and photograph animals against the stunning backdrop of Kilimanjaro’s snowy cap.

Wildlife and Nature

Amboseli is one of the best places in Africa to observe large elephant herds — particularly impressive older bulls with enormous tusks, thanks to long-standing protection efforts. Researchers from the Amboseli Elephant Trust have studied these herds for decades, helping to conserve one of the last truly wild elephant populations.

The park is also home to lions, cheetahs, hyenas, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and a wealth of antelope species. Birdlife is exceptional, with over 400 recorded species — from majestic crowned cranes and herons to colourful bee-eaters and birds of prey.



Marshes and swamps play a key role in Amboseli’s ecosystem, supporting hippos and crocodiles, especially during the dry season when water sources become lifelines for all wildlife.

Best Time to Visit Amboseli

The best time to visit Amboseli is during the dry seasons: January to March and June to October.

During these months, wildlife viewing is superb, as animals concentrate around water sources, and the skies are usually clear — perfect for those iconic Kilimanjaro shots.

The green season (November–December and April–May) brings fewer tourists, vibrant landscapes, and excellent birdwatching. However, some roads can become challenging after heavy rains.

For photographers and keen wildlife watchers, early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light and activity levels — and you’ll often be treated to breathtaking silhouettes of wildlife against the mountain.

Safari Experiences in Amboseli

Amboseli is ideal for a variety of immersive safari experiences. The park is famed for:

• Classic game drives: Perfect for spotting elephants, predators, and birdlife across different habitats.
• Photographic safaris: Capture unforgettable scenes with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.
• Cultural encounters: Visits to nearby Maasai communities can be arranged respectfully and responsibly.
• Scenic viewpoints: Observation Hill offers panoramic views over the swamps and plains — especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
• Birdwatching: The wetlands and seasonal lakes attract a diverse range of resident and migratory birds.

Our expert guides tailor each safari to your interests, whether it’s your first safari or your fifth.

Where to Stay in Amboseli

Amboseli offers a range of accommodation to suit different preferences and budgets, all set within or just outside the park boundaries. Options include:



• Eco-luxury lodges: With panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and private plunge pools.
• Tented camps: Offering that classic under-canvas safari feel with the comfort of ensuite bathrooms.
• Boutique bush retreats: Smaller properties focused on sustainability and authentic charm.

At Awake in the Wild, we work only with lodges and camps that meet our ethical and sustainability standards. Whether you're looking for solar-powered luxury or a simple campfire safari experience, we’ll match you to the perfect base.

A Selection of our Amboseli Safari Accommodation

We have access to a wide range of handpicked accommodation options in Amboseli National Park — from rustic eco-camps and authentic bush lodges to stylish tented retreats with sweeping views of Kilimanjaro. If you don’t see the exact lodge or camp you’re looking for, just let us know — we’re able to arrange a variety of stays to suit different tastes, travel styles, and budgets.

Average Weather and Climate in Amboseli

Amboseli enjoys a warm, semi-arid climate with two main seasons: dry and wet. Thanks to its relatively low altitude and open plains, daytime temperatures are typically warm year-round, though early mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cool — especially from June to August.

• Dry Season (June to October):
  This is the most popular time to visit, with little to no rainfall, low humidity, and excellent visibility for spotting wildlife. Daytime highs reach around 28°C, with clear skies and chilly mornings averaging 15°C.
• Short Rains (November to December):
  Rain falls in brief, often dramatic bursts, turning the landscape green and attracting migratory bird species. Safari conditions are still good, and the park is quieter.
• Long Rains (March to May):
  The heaviest rainfall occurs during these months, particularly in April. Some areas may become muddy or difficult to access, but the park bursts into lush greenery and offers a different kind of photographic beauty.
• Hot Season (January to March):
  While technically part of the wet season, January and February are typically drier and warmer, with temperatures reaching 30–32°C during the day.

No matter the time of year, Amboseli’s unique setting beneath Mount Kilimanjaro makes for dramatic weather shifts and stunning photo opportunities — from misty mornings to golden afternoon light over the plains.

Combine with Other Destinations

Amboseli pairs effortlessly with other safari hotspots like Tsavo East and West, or even Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara. For those looking to venture further, it’s also a fantastic first stop before heading into Tanzania’s Serengeti.

The park’s location near Nairobi makes it easily accessible, whether you’re on a short safari or a multi-park adventure.

Talk to us about creating a custom itinerary.

Travelling from the UK to Amboseli

Most travellers from the UK fly into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. From there, it's a short domestic flight to Amboseli’s airstrip or a 4–5 hour road transfer — both offering scenic journeys through rural Kenya.



We take care of all flights, transfers, and timing so your safari flows smoothly from touchdown to tent. Whether you’re after a direct route or a scenic drive with stopovers, we’ll design a travel plan that fits.

Discover the Wild, Your Way: Tailor Your Amboseli Safari with Us

A safari in Amboseli isn’t just a holiday — it’s a chance to witness Africa’s most iconic landscape, from great herds of elephants to the silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro at sunset. Whether you want a short, focused trip or a longer journey combining Amboseli with the Masai Mara or Tanzania, we’ll create an itinerary that’s designed entirely around you.

Talk to us about the experiences you’ve always dreamed of. We’ll match you with handpicked lodges, expert local guides, and authentic adventures that bring Amboseli to life.

Speak to one of our safari specialists today — call us or fill out our quick enquiry form, and let’s start planning your tailor-made adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions