Plizio Visual Lab
Amboseli National Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Animal habitat
Amboseli National Park covers an area of 392 square kilometers in southern Kenya, situated directly on the border with Tanzania. The area was first set aside as a reserve for the Maasai people in 1906, before being reorganized as a national reserve in 1948 and finally gazetted as a national park in 1974. It is globally famous for its massive herds of African elephants and the iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, located just across the border. The landscape is defined by the dry bed of Lake Amboseli, which only fills with shallow water during seasons of exceptionally heavy rainfall. Within its boundaries are five distinct habitats, ranging from open savannahs and acacia woodlands to rocky thorn bush and marshes fed by volcanic springs from the mountain. Conservation programs in the park focus on maintaining the delicate balance between the migratory patterns of wildlife and the land use of the local Maasai communities.
- Location: Kenya
- Top sights: Noomotio Observation Point · Swamp · Tesaire Community Wildlife Conservancy
- Nearby: Loitokitok (37 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 56 | 48 | 80 | 120 | 80 | 19 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 60 | 117 | 107 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The best season for Amboseli National Park is the dry season from June to October, when elephant herds gather around water sources. Sightings are especially rewarding during this time.
Best time of day
Early morning and late afternoon are well-suited for viewing, as animals are most active then. The impressive backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro makes these times even more magical.
Etiquette
Always keep a safe distance of at least 20 meters from wildlife. Exiting vehicles is usually only allowed at designated stops.
What to bring
A good pair of binoculars and a camera with zoom are essential to capture the elephants and the landscape. Lightweight, earth-toned clothing and a hat protect you from the sun.
Getting there
The park is reachable from Nairobi via paved roads in about four hours. There are several gates, with Kimana Gate being the most common entry point.
What to expect
Wildlife viewing takes time - set aside several hours to enjoy the herds in peace. Often it is waiting at a waterhole that yields the most unforgettable moments.
Geography
Facts
- The park covers a total area of approximately 39,206 hectares.
- UNESCO designated the park as a Biosphere Reserve in 1991.
- Over 400 species of birds, including pelicans and flamingos, are found here.
- The elephant population is estimated at more than 1,600 individuals.
- The average elevation of the park is 1,189 meters above sea level.
- The Enkongo Narok and Olokenya marshes provide permanent water sources.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Amboseli National Park (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Amboseli National Park famous for?
It is famous for its large elephant herds and unobstructed views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
When is the best time to see Kilimanjaro?
Early morning or just before sunset, when the clouds usually clear from the summit.
Can you stay overnight in the park?
Yes, there are several lodges and campsites available inside and just outside the park boundaries.
What other animals can be found there?
Besides elephants, you can often see giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, buffaloes, and over 400 bird species.
What is the terrain like?
It is flat and dusty with swamps fed by meltwater from Mount Kilimanjaro.
Amboseli National Park: where is it located?
Amboseli National Park is located in Kenya.
Amboseli National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Noomotio Observation Point, Swamp, Tesaire Community Wildlife Conservancy.
Amboseli National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Amboseli National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Amboseli National Park covers an area of 392 square kilometers in southern Kenya, situated directly on the border with Tanzania.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Kenya →
History & landmarks
City Market Nairobi
A historic market hall in Nairobi known for selling handicrafts, flowers, and fresh produce.
Nairobi Terminus (SGR)
The ultra-modern main railway station in Nairobi for the new Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Mombasa.
Nyayo National Stadium
A large multi-purpose stadium in Nairobi often used for sports and national celebrations.
UAP Old Mutual Tower
A major skyscraper located in the financial district of Nairobi.
🗺️
Nairobi Railway Station
The historic central railway station of Nairobi on the old Uganda Railway line.
Britam Tower
The tallest building in Kenya and a prominent feature of the Nairobi skyline.
Times Tower
A skyscraper in Nairobi that was the tallest building in Kenya for many years.
Parliament Buildings Kenya
The seat of the Kenyan National Assembly and Senate, known for its distinctive clock tower.
Nature
🗺️
Lake Magadi
An extreme soda lake.
🗺️
Athi River
A major river in Kenya.
🗺️
Lake Bogoria
A volcanically active soda lake.
Lake Ol Oropil
Small lake in the Rift Valley.
Lake Ole Nado
Small soda lake.
🗺️
Lake Baringo
A freshwater lake in the Rift Valley.
🗺️
Lake Kamnarok
A lake in the Kerio Valley.
Kerio River
Flows through Kerio Valley.
More places
Uhuru Gardens
The largest memorial park in Kenya, marking the exact spot where the Kenyan flag was first hoisted on December 12, 1963.
Karen Blixen Museum
The former farmhouse of Danish author Karen Blixen, famous for her book 'Out of Africa', which now provides insights into the colonial era.
Great Rift Valley
A geological phenomenon of global importance.
Kerio Valley
Deeply incised Rift valley.
🗺️
Kacheliba Plains
Flat landscape in the northwest.