Amboseli National Park (often called Amboseli National Reserve) is one of Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations, world-renowned for its close-up elephant encounters and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Overview
Location: Southern Kenya, near the Tanzania border
Size: ~392 km² (relatively small, but ecologically rich)
Famous for: Huge herds of elephants, dramatic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and diverse landscapes

Top Highlights
Elephants of Amboseli
Amboseli is home to some of Africa’s largest tusked elephants

The Amboseli Elephant Research Project, one of the longest-running studies of elephants in the world, operates here
Elephants are highly visible, often crossing the open plains in large, matriarch-led herds

Mount Kilimanjaro Backdrop
While Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, Amboseli offers the best views of the mountain from Kenya
Best seen in the early morning or late afternoon when skies are clearest

Wildlife
In addition to elephants:
Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalo, and hippos
Over 400 species of birds, especially in the marshes and seasonal lakes
Diverse Ecosystems
Dry open plains

Seasonal lakes (notably Lake Amboseli)
Swamps fed by underground springs from Kilimanjaro’s melting snow

Acacia woodlands

Practical Info
Category Details
Best time to visit June–October (dry season, easy wildlife viewing)
January–February (warm and relatively dry)
How to get there ~4–5 hrs by road from Nairobi
Charter flights available to Amboseli airstrip
Park fees ~$60–$70 per adult per day (subject to change and nationality)
Accommodation Budget camps, mid-range lodges, luxury safari camps (e.g. Tortilis Camp, Ol Tukai Lodge)