Amboseli – Kenya’s Classic Kilimanjaro Safari

Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. In our opinion, it is one of the best places in the world to see elephants.

Set below the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli offers one of the most recognisable safari scenes in Africa — large elephant herds moving across open plains with Africa’s highest mountain rising behind them.

Amboseli may be smaller than the Maasai Mara, Serengeti or Tsavo, but it delivers a very special safari experience. This is open, beautiful country with swamps, plains, acacia woodland, dust, light and some of the best elephant viewing anywhere on earth.

For travellers who want elephants, scenery, photography and classic Kenya safari landscapes, Amboseli is a destination that should be high on the list.

5 Reasons to Visit Amboseli

1. The Land of Giants — Amboseli is one of the best places in Africa to see large elephant herds, including some of Kenya’s most impressive big tuskers.

2. Kilimanjaro Views — On a clear morning or evening, the sight of elephants walking below Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s most unforgettable safari scenes.

3. A Photographer’s Dream — Open plains, dramatic skies, dust, elephants, birdlife and mountain backdrops make Amboseli one of Kenya’s finest wildlife photography destinations.

4. Excellent Year-Round Wildlife Viewing — Permanent swamps and water sources attract wildlife throughout the year, making Amboseli a very reliable safari destination.

5. Perfect with Tsavo, Nairobi or the Coast — Amboseli combines beautifully with Tsavo, the Chyulu Hills, Nairobi, the Maasai Mara and the Kenya coast.

Places to Stay in Amboseli

You can also compare up to 3 different safari camps and lodges at once to help find the right camp or lodge for your trip, and we send your enquiry to 3 selected different property specialists, saving you the trouble of doing it yourself.

One of the things we love most about Amboseli is that there are several different ways to experience it.

You can stay inside the national park for easy access to the core wildlife areas, or you can stay in the surrounding private conservancies for a quieter and more exclusive safari experience.

Inside Amboseli National Park, the focus is usually on classic game drives, elephant viewing, open plains and the famous Kilimanjaro views.

Amboseli Safaris

We have tried to make things easier for you. Instead of looking through hundreds of different itineraries, camps and routes, have a look at the safari page where we have selected safari specialists to help you put together the right trip.

Our safari specialists have first-hand knowledge of Kenya and Amboseli, and can help advise you on the best place to stay depending on your budget, travel style and what you most want to experience.

An Amboseli safari can be combined beautifully with Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Chyulu Hills, Nairobi, the Maasai Mara or Diani Beach.

Best Time to Visit Amboseli

Amboseli can be visited throughout the year, but the best time for general wildlife viewing is usually during the drier months.

The dry seasons are generally June to October and January to March. During these months, wildlife is easier to see as animals gather around the swamps and permanent water sources.

Amboseli is especially good for elephants throughout the year. Even when the surrounding country is dry, the park’s swamps provide important water and grazing, which helps make wildlife viewing reliable.

Wildlife & Photography

For wildlife photographers, Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most rewarding destinations.

The combination of elephants, open plains, dust, swamps and Mount Kilimanjaro creates extraordinary photographic opportunities. Few safari scenes are more powerful than a line of elephants walking across the plains with Kilimanjaro behind them.

The Big Tuskers of Amboseli

The elephants are the heart of Amboseli.

This is one of the best places in Africa to spend time with elephant families and watch their behaviour at close range. You may see large breeding herds, young calves, impressive bulls and sometimes some of Kenya’s famous big tuskers.