Amboseli is a Kenya Wildlife Service park near the Tanzanian border, with open plains, swamps and acacia woodland. It is known for its elephant herds and its backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Country
- Kenya
- Type
- National park
- Approx. area
- 392 km²
- Best time
- July to September
- Suggested stay
- 2–3 days
- Main gateway airport
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to Amboseli
- Large elephant herds and the site of the longest-running wild elephant study
- Views of Mount Kilimanjaro across the border
- Permanent swamps within dry plains
- More than 400 bird species
- Visits to surrounding Maasai communities
Best time to visit Amboseli
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Amboseli is July to September.
Dry season; elephants and other animals gather around the swamps fed by Kilimanjaro groundwater.
Peaks of the two rainy seasons; cloud can hide Kilimanjaro for days at a time.
A short dry spell, often with clearer early-morning views of Kilimanjaro.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15–30 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| February | 16–30 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| March | 17–30 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 17–27 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 16–26 | some rain | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| June | 15–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 14–24 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 14–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| September | 14–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 15–28 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| November | 16–28 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 16–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Amboseli includes lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, gazelles, eland and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
Reached by road from Nairobi via Namanga or Emali in about 4-5 hours; light aircraft use an airstrip at Kimana near the park.
Trips to Amboseli
Plan by travel style
- Amboseli for families
- Amboseli for a honeymoon
- Amboseli for photographers
- Amboseli for a first safari
- Amboseli on a budget
- Amboseli for luxury travel
Compare with
- Amboseli vs Lake Nakuru
- Amboseli vs Tsavo East
- Amboseli vs Tsavo West
- Amboseli vs Masai Mara
- Amboseli vs Samburu
- Amboseli vs Ol Pejeta
Travelling to Amboseli from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Amboseli?
Generally July to September. Dry season; elephants and other animals gather around the swamps fed by Kilimanjaro groundwater.
How many days do I need in Amboseli?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Amboseli?
Reached by road from Nairobi via Namanga or Emali in about 4-5 hours; light aircraft use an airstrip at Kimana near the park.
Is there malaria in Amboseli?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Amboseli National Park · Magical Kenya - Amboseli National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Amboseli normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.