Amboseli Safari

Amboseli National Park is an interesting place. Wholey part of Kenya, its one great attraction is its exceptional views of Mount Kilimanjaro, situated across the border in Tanzania. The largest free-standing mountain in the world – and the largest in Africa – towers above the plains, its snowy peak quite frequently covered by cloud. But it provides a jaw-dropping backdrop to an Amboseli safari and sets the scene for giants.

The iconic views of Amboseli, with Kili in the background, include herds of elephant, some of whom boast the largest tusks in Africa. The park is ideal for year-round game-viewing, as its grassy plains are dotted with low scrub making it easy to spot large game like elephant, buffalo and lion. Other popular wildlife to spot in Amboseli include cheetah, leopard and wild dog, as well as giraffe and a variety of antelope species. Birders are encouraged to keep an eye out for raptors! 

Amboseli is situated south-east of Nairobi and is best accessed via a short flight over the plains. It is not a large park, but it offers spectacular views and exceptional game-viewing, plus there is a variety of safari accommodation on offer – including lodges and tented camps. 

We recommend combining a stay in Amboseli with a migration safari in the Masai Mara, but it’s also easily accessible from Tanzania, so a cross-border trip to the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater is entirely possible. If you’re looking for an intimate stay, then consider adding on a couple of nights at neighboring Chyulu Hills National Park, which enjoys ancient volcanic, hilly terrain.   

Best Time to Visit Amboseli

The best time to visit Amboseli is normally in the dry season months between May and August, however game-viewing continues to be superb throughout the year. The wetter period from late November into February brings forth much new life to the region and is more popular with birders.