National park · Amboseli, Kenya
Amboseli National Park
A national park below Kilimanjaro, where elephants gather at the swamps in the dry season, at the heart of the wider Amboseli safari region.
The destination
The park below the mountain.
Amboseli National Park lies in southern Kenya, below Kilimanjaro, which rises across the border in Tanzania. It was gazetted as a national park in 1974 and is part of a UNESCO Man and Biosphere reserve.
Two of the lodges we have selected, Ol Tukai Lodge and Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, are inside the park. Many other camps called Amboseli are outside it, on the community land and conservancies around its edges.
The park's management arrangements are currently before Kenya's courts. We confirm practical details such as fees and gate times when we plan your trip.
At a glance
- Type
- National park
- Gazetted
- 1 November 1974
- Designation
- UNESCO Man and Biosphere reserve
- Gates
- Iremito, Kimana and Meshanani
- Gate hours
- 6am to 6pm, unless staying overnight
In the park
Ways to explore.
Photo: Ol Tukai LodgeDays in the park are spent on its roads, by vehicle, with a guide. KWS asks visitors to stay on established roads and in their vehicles.
Game drives
KWS lists big game viewing as the park's main activity. Ol Tukai Lodge says elephants gather at the swamps in the dry season.
Birdwatching
KWS lists more than 400 bird species in the park, and both lodges inside the park offer birding outings.
Observation Hill
Both Ol Tukai Lodge and Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge take guests up Observation Hill, for sundowners or breakfast with views over the park.
When to go
The park through the year.
A high season for wildlife viewing, according to KWS, with short grass and mostly sunny weather.
The long rains. KWS says animals can be harder to see and many park roads may need four-wheel drive.
The other high season in KWS guidance, with short grass that makes wildlife easier to see. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Source: Kenya Wildlife Service.
Where to stay in Amboseli National Park
Our selection of camps and lodges.
Photo: Serena HotelsAmboseli Serena Safari Lodge
View the propertyA solar-powered lodge inside Amboseli National Park, with views of Kilimanjaro.
Photo: Ol Tukai LodgeOl Tukai Lodge
View the propertyA lodge of chalets inside Amboseli National Park, facing the wetlands and Kilimanjaro.
Related destinations
In Amboseli.
Africa, Private & Personal
Thinking of Amboseli National Park?
Tell us how you like to travel, and we will help you choose between staying inside the park or beside it, and plan your days there.
- Phone & WhatsApp
- +254 795 887765
- Office
- The Piano Building, Brookside Drive, Nairobi