Amboseli for families

Amboseli is a good choice for families.

Suitability: ★★★★★

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.

Why Amboseli for families?

• It is a malaria area, so check with your paediatrician and choose lodges with mosquito nets.
• A short domestic flight can replace a long road transfer.
• Some camps and activities have minimum ages, so confirm with the provider before booking.

What awaits you in 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

Wildlife you may encounter: lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and hippos.

Suggested time on the ground: 2 to 3 days. Reached by road from Nairobi via Namanga or Emali in about 4-5 hours; light aircraft use an airstrip at Kimana near the park.

Activities that fit

game drives, birdwatching, cultural visits and camping.

When to go

The best period overall is July to September. For quieter months and often better value, try March and May.

Dry season; elephants and other animals gather around the swamps fed by Kilimanjaro groundwater.

Other destinations for families

• Addo South Africa
• Ngorongoro Tanzania
• Pilanesberg South Africa
• Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
• Akagera Rwanda
• Kruger South Africa

Full Amboseli guideBest safaris for families

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.