Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park lies on the border between Kenya and Tanzania. It is almost 400 square kilometres in size and offers a magnificent view of the beautifully snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. This allows for some iconic pictures portraying African animals in front of the Africa’s highest lone-standing mountain. Kioko Lake is a lake in the middle of the park that often completely dries up during the dry season. The ashy earth that remains is called “amboseli” by the Maasai people. This is where the park’s name came from. During your time to Amboseli, you can also discover Maasai culture by visiting one of their villages.

The elephants

Due to its location at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and the underground waterways derived from it, there are lots of wetlands in Amboseli. The park is home to many animals but Amboseli is mostly famous for its large groups of free-roaming elephants and the fact that it’s easy to get close to them.

Up until 2020 the park was a safe haven to an incredible bull elephant named Tim, a supertusker. This mighty leviathan quickly became one of Amboseli’s major attractions because of his size and iconic tusks that reached the ground. He was around 50 years old at the time of his death in February 2020. Even if this icon is not with the park any longer, there are still other supertuskers roaming the park which will take your breath away.

The home of the Maasai

The Maasai are probably the most well-known African people in the world. And rightly so: their ancient traditions, customs, dances, clothes (we could go on and on) are truly fascinating. During a visit to a Maasai village in Amboseli National Park you can see for yourself. Talk the warriors, see them jump (and find out what that’s all about) and glimpse into their homes. This is an experience you don’t want to miss out on.

Activities in Amboseli National Park

• Game drives (must-do!)
• Guided nature walks
• Hot air balloon safari
• Visit a Maasai village
• Bird watching

How to get there

Amboseli National Park is a three-hour drive from Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. There are several airstrips which are serving Amboseli National park. It is only a 45 minute flight away from Nairobi.

Climate

Kenya has a cold season from June to November with average temperatures of 20°C during the day. Nights can get cold during this season, so it’s best to take a sweater.

Mid-October to November is the short rainy season, after which temperatures rise up to 30°C during the day from December to April. April and May come with showers again as this is the long rainy season. It normally doesn’t rain throughout the day as one sees sunny mornings with rain clouds building up towards the afternoons and evenings.

Best time to visit Amboseli National Park

We recommend visiting Amboseli National Park between June and November and between February and March.