Explore Kenya

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations, renowned for its stunning scenery and large elephant herds. Located in the southern part of the country near the Tanzanian border, the park sits at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, which provides a breathtaking backdrop for visitors.

The park is relatively small compared to some of Kenya’s other national parks, covering about 392 square kilometers. However, its size doesn’t limit its biodiversity. Amboseli is home to an abundance of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and many bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

What makes Amboseli unique is its vast open plains, swamps, and seasonal lakes that create a picturesque landscape. The park’s marshlands, fed by underground rivers from Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowmelt, attract animals year-round, offering excellent game-viewing opportunities. The elephants here are especially famous, known for their size and for being some of the most studied elephant populations in the world.

Cultural experiences with the local Maasai communities are another highlight of visiting Amboseli. Visitors can learn about their traditional lifestyle, enjoy performances, and purchase handcrafted souvenirs.

With its incredible wildlife, stunning views of Kilimanjaro, and rich cultural encounters, Amboseli National Park offers an unforgettable African safari experience.

Where to Stay in Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites.

These are some of the top places to stay in and around Amboseli National Park

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

This luxury lodge is located within the park and offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The lodge is designed in a Maasai-inspired style and provides all the modern comforts, including a swimming pool, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and guided game drives. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking both comfort and proximity to wildlife.

Tortilis Camp

Tortilis Camp is a luxury tented camp located just outside the park’s Kimana Gate. The camp offers eco-friendly accommodation with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding savannah. Each tent is spacious and comes with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas. The camp is known for its excellent service, gourmet meals, and guided walking safaris led by expert guides.

Ol Tukai Lodge

Situated inside Amboseli National Park, Ol Tukai Lodge is a popular mid-range option. It’s well-known for its prime location that offers close encounters with elephants and panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The lodge offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool, a well-stocked bar, and both indoor and outdoor dining areas. It’s a great place for families, couples, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Kibo Safari Camp

Kibo Safari Camp is a tented camp located just outside the park’s main gate. It provides comfortable, budget-friendly accommodation with fantastic views of Kilimanjaro. The camp has spacious tents with en-suite bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant that serves both international and local dishes. Kibo is known for its warm hospitality and relaxed ambiance, perfect for budget travelers looking for comfort.

Satao Elerai Camp

Satao Elerai Camp is a luxurious, eco-friendly camp located on a private conservancy near Amboseli. The camp offers a more exclusive and serene experience, away from the crowds, with sweeping views of Kilimanjaro and the savannah. Guests can enjoy guided game drives and walking safaris on the conservancy, as well as excursions into Amboseli. The camp’s elegant, spacious tents and cottages provide a tranquil retreat for nature lovers.

Tawi Lodge

Located in a private conservancy near the park, Tawi Lodge is an eco-lodge that combines luxury with sustainability. It offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro and features spacious cottages with private verandas. The lodge has a swimming pool, a spa, and a fine dining restaurant. It’s perfect for those looking for an intimate and eco-conscious safari experience with access to both Amboseli and the conservancy.

Amboseli Sopa Lodge

This lodge is located on the foothills of Kilimanjaro, offering panoramic views of the mountain and easy access to the park. Amboseli Sopa Lodge is a mid-range option with comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and excellent dining options. The lodge's peaceful gardens and proximity to wildlife make it an ideal place for relaxation after game drives.

Kimana Amboseli Tented Camp

For budget travelers, Kimana Amboseli Tented Camp offers an affordable yet comfortable stay close to the park. The camp has basic but clean tents with shared facilities, a restaurant, and friendly staff. It’s a good choice for those looking for a more rustic and authentic camping experience without breaking the bank.

Campsites in Amboseli

If you’re looking for a more adventurous, budget-friendly option, Amboseli National Park has public campsites where you can set up your tent. Camping offers a unique experience of being immersed in nature, with the sounds of the African wilderness all around. However, facilities at the campsites are basic, so this option is best suited for experienced campers.

No matter your preference, Amboseli National Park offers a range of accommodations that cater to different tastes and budgets, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience with the magnificent backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Top Tourist Activities in Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park offers many exciting tourist activities, making it one of Kenya’s top safari destinations.

Here are some of the must-do activities in Amboseli

Game Drives

Amboseli is famous for its wildlife-rich game drives. Visitors have the chance to spot large herds of elephants, often in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. Lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and hyenas are also commonly seen. The park’s open plains and swampy areas provide ideal game-viewing opportunities, particularly during early morning or late afternoon drives.

Elephant Watching

Watching the massive elephant herds that roam freely is one of the park’s most iconic experiences. Amboseli is renowned for its elephant population, and it offers some of the best opportunities to observe these majestic animals up close, including calves and older tuskers. The elephants are often found near the swamp areas, where they cool off and feed.

Bird Watching

Amboseli is a birdwatcher’s haven, boasting over 400 species of birds. The park’s wetlands attract many water birds, including pelicans, kingfishers, herons, and flamingos. The varied habitats of the park also support raptors like eagles and falcons, making it an exciting place for avid birders.

Photography

With the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro and the abundant wildlife, Amboseli is a photographer's dream. Early morning and late afternoon light provide dramatic views of animals against the mountain's snow-capped peak. The wide, open plains and reflective swamp areas create picturesque scenes that captivate both amateur and professional photographers.

Cultural Visits to Maasai Villages

A visit to a Maasai village offers a rich cultural experience, allowing tourists to learn about the Maasai people, their traditions, and their way of life. Visitors can participate in traditional dances, see how the Maasai build their homes, and even purchase authentic Maasai beadwork and crafts as souvenirs.

Guided Nature Walks

For a more intimate connection with the landscape, guided nature walks outside the park boundaries offer a different perspective. Walking with Maasai guides, visitors can learn about the local flora and fauna, track animal footprints, and hear about the traditional uses of plants in Maasai culture.

Scenic Flights over Amboseli and Mount Kilimanjaro

For a truly breathtaking experience, tourists can take a scenic flight over Amboseli and Mount Kilimanjaro. These flights provide a bird’s-eye view of the park’s vast landscapes, wildlife, and the towering majesty of Kilimanjaro, making for an unforgettable adventure.

Visit Observation Hill

Observation Hill is one of the few elevated spots in Amboseli, offering panoramic views of the entire park, including the swamps, grasslands, and Kilimanjaro in the distance. It's a perfect spot to relax, enjoy a picnic, and soak in the scenic beauty of the park.

Sundowner Experience

Many lodges and camps in Amboseli offer a classic safari tradition known as the sundowner, where tourists enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the African savanna. This is a peaceful way to end the day after a thrilling safari, with Mount Kilimanjaro often visible in the backdrop.

Amboseli National Park is a perfect destination for those seeking an unforgettable wildlife safari, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences all in one.

Kenya Safaris

Stay Updated to our newsletter and 

Travel With Us

Quick Links

  • Destinations
  • National Parks
  • Our Safaris
  • Travel Assistance

Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Blog

Lets Talk

stunningtravelrw@gmail.com
Office: +250 788 842 000,
Mobile: +250 788 312 724

Our Location

CHIC Building Basement Floor -3
AE01 Use gate 4 near Inyange Distributors

Copyright © 2024- Designed by Style-up Systems