- Amboseli National Park
The Amboseli National Park lies at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro and covers an area of 392 km². The park ecosystem spreads across the Kenya-Tanzania border and is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants, among other wildlife species. Other attractions of the park include opportunities to meet the Masai people, and it also offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Amboseli combined both swampy springs and dry and dusty earth with an endless underground water supply filtered through thousands of feet of volcanic rock from the Kilimanjaro ice cap, which funnels into two clear water springs in the heart of the park.
Wildlife Encounters
Red Elephants of Tsavo: Covered in red dust from the park’s soil, they’re iconic to Tsavo.
Big Five: Lions (including the famous mane-less Tsavo lions), leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.
Rare Species: Gerenuks, fringe-eared oryx, and Somali ostriches.
Birdlife: Over 500 species, including migratory birds and endemic species.
Wildlife Highlights
Elephants: Amboseli is one of the best places in Africa to see elephants up close, including famous “super tuskers” with enormous ivory.
Other Animals: Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, buffalo, warthogs, and more.
Birdlife: 400+ species, including herons, kingfishers, eagles, and flamingos (seasonal).
Safari Experience
Top Lodges: Angama Amboseli (luxury), Amboseli Serena Lodge (classic), Tortilis Camp (eco-luxury)
Activities: Game drives, birdwatching, nature walks (in buffer zones), Maasai cultural visits
Accessibility: ~4-hour drive from Nairobi or 30–45 min by air
Best Time to Visit
June–October (dry season): Best wildlife viewing
January–February: Clear skies for Kilimanjaro views
March–May: Rainy season; greener landscapes but harder access
