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Three giraffes standing in golden African savannah grassland at dawn
National Parksavannah

Amboseli National Park

Elephants against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro

Amboseli offers the most iconic African image: elephants with snow-capped Kilimanjaro rising behind them. The park has one of Africa's best-studied elephant populations and reliable big cat sightings.

Key Facts

Size

392 km²

Established

1974

Elevation

1,100 m

Elephant Population

~1,800 (well-studied families)

Park Fees

$60 per adult per 24 hours

Distance from Nairobi

240 km (4-5 hours)

Wildlife

Signature Species

Big tusker elephantsKilimanjaro backdropSwamp wildlife

High Probability

Elephant(Big tuskers and family groups)
Guaranteed
Buffalo
Guaranteed
Zebra
Guaranteed
Birds (400+ species)
Guaranteed
Lion
Very Likely
Giraffe
Very Likely
Wildebeest
Very Likely
Hippo(In swamps)
Very Likely
Hyena
Very Likely

Moderate to Rare

Cheetah
Likely

Best Time to Visit

Recommended: June-October for clear Kilimanjaro views and concentrated wildlife

Dry Season

June-October

high crowdsRecommended
Conditions: Dry, clear Kilimanjaro views
Wildlife: Concentrated at swamps

Short Dry

January-February

moderate crowdsRecommended
Conditions: Clear, warm
Wildlife: Good elephant viewing

Long Rains

March-May

low crowds
Conditions: Wet, Kilimanjaro often hidden
Wildlife: Green but dispersed

Short Rains

November-December

moderate crowdsRecommended
Conditions: Light rain
Wildlife: Good, some dust

Is Amboseli National Park Right for You?

Best for

Photographers, elephant lovers, iconic Africa images

What You Gain

  • +Iconic Kilimanjaro backdrop
  • +Well-habituated elephant families
  • +Excellent photographic opportunities
  • +Compact park, easy game viewing

What You Trade

  • -Can be dusty and crowded
  • -Small park size limits diversity
  • -Kilimanjaro often hidden by clouds (afternoon)
  • -No rhino

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Activities

Available

  • Game drives
  • Walking safari

    In conservancies

  • Maasai village visits

Not Available

  • Night drives

Practical Information

Getting There

Fly from Nairobi (45 min) or drive (4-5 hours)

Typical Stay

2-3 nights

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