Amboseli delivers world-class free-ranging elephant viewing against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro. Its compact size, strong patrol infrastructure, and easy access from Nairobi make it one of Kenya's most rewarding destinations for first-time and short-trip travellers.
Landscape and water sources
Against a backdrop of looming Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli offers lush primeval swamps alongside wide, dry plains. 'Amboseli' is an English corruption of the Maa word Empusel, meaning 'salty, dry place', but underground streams flowing from Kilimanjaro's melting ice cap keep parts of the park well supplied with water, attracting elephants and birds.
Parts of the forested swamp have been fenced off to allow the vegetation to regrow. During the long rains (March-April), the dry plain can become a shallow lake, filled with wading birds (400 species here alone). Because it is quite small, Amboseli is easy for rangers to patrol and is very well kept.
Who Amboseli is for
Amboseli is a great choice for first-time safari-goers. Its compact size lets you see virtually every aspect in about two days, and proximity to Nairobi means you don't have to follow a long-haul flight with a long drive. Short-haul flights between Wilson Airport and the Amboseli airstrip take less than an hour.
Its closeness to Nairobi means many Kenyans drive through for weekends and school holidays; you may experience traffic congestion at Easter and Christmas, so we plan your trip with that in mind.
What to see in the park
Amboseli teems with wildlife — lion, cheetah, wildebeest, Masai giraffe, zebra, buffalo, and more. The mighty tuskers parading before the snow-capped mountain are a photographer's dream. It's hard to take a bad photo at Amboseli.
It's also one of the best spots in Africa for seeing great herds of free-ranging elephants. The park sits at the foot of Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Things to do
Elephant Research Camp — the large elephant population offers wonderful research opportunities. Located in the heart of the park, the camp continues the work of Dr Cynthia Moss, subject of many books and documentaries.
Ol Okenya Swamp — guaranteed free-ranging elephant sightings as they forage and enjoy the cool waters. Visit one of several Maasai villages to meet and learn about these pastoral people (your guide can arrange a visit and you can buy beaded work as a souvenir).
Observation Hill — a great spot to leave the vehicle and stretch your legs for scenic vistas of lakes, marshes, plains, and wildlife, plus captivating Kilimanjaro views. Sinet Delta — for the finest birdwatching in the area plus more photogenic Kilimanjaro views.
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