Amboseli National Park, located in southern Kenya near Mount Kilimanjaro, is Kenya’s second top safari destination. This park is famous for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Kilimanjaro. At dawn, Kilimanjaro’s snowcapped peak glows under the sun’s first rays, creating a magical scene. In contrast, dusk offers a striking view with the mountain against a fiery sunset. Amboseli’s diverse habitats include open plains, acacia woodlands, and marshlands. Additionally, Lake Amboseli, often dry, turns lush during heavy rains, attracting migratory birds. Though rhinos are extinct here, visitors can spot various animals like zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes.

Activities in Amboseli

Big Five Viewing

Amboseli offers fantastic chances to spot four of the Big Five, excluding rhinos. Visitors can expect to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, and leopards. The park’s open plains make animal sightings easy. As you explore, you’ll witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Bird Watching

Amboseli is a haven for bird lovers. The park hosts a variety of bird species. During the rainy season, migratory birds arrive, making bird watching even more rewarding. Whether you’re an avid birder or just enjoy the sights, the park’s diverse avian population will impress you.

Views of Mount Kilimanjaro

Although Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, Amboseli provides breathtaking views of the mountain. The park’s flat terrain offers clear, uninterrupted vistas of the snow-capped peak. Whether it’s early morning or late afternoon, the view of Kilimanjaro’s towering summit is a highlight of any visit to Amboseli.

Getting There and Around

Reaching Amboseli from Nairobi takes about four hours by car, covering roughly 220 km. The park’s gravel roads make a 4×4 vehicle essential, especially during the wet season. Since there is no public transportation within the park, visitors must have their own transport.

For road travelers, the best route to Amboseli is through the southeastern gates via a newer tarred road from Emali on the Mombasa road (A109). Avoid the older route from Nairobi via the Namanga road (A104) as it is now in poor condition and rarely used.