Amboseli & Tsavo
Exploring your destinations
Amboseli
Elephants beneath Kilimanjaro
Amboseli is small, dusty and flat, and it produces some of the best elephant viewing in Africa. Short grass and open ground mean you see whole herds moving at once, rather than glimpses through thick bush.
Behind them, on a clear morning, is Kilimanjaro.
Plan My SafariThe Elephants
Amboseli's elephants have been studied continuously since the early 1970s, making this one of the longest-running studies of any wild mammal population. Many elephant families are known individually to researchers.
For visitors, the practical result is that elephants are often relaxed around vehicles. They can walk past at close range without concern, which is not true everywhere.
The Mountain
Kilimanjaro sits across the border in Tanzania and dominates the southern horizon when it is visible.
It is usually clearest shortly after dawn and again late in the afternoon. Cloud often builds through the middle of the day, and during rainy periods the mountain can remain hidden for days.
Observation Hill gives one of the best views across the swamps towards Kilimanjaro.
The Swamps
Meltwater from Kilimanjaro runs underground and surfaces in Amboseli as permanent swamps. This is why the park holds water and wildlife through the dry season while much of the surrounding country does not.
The swamps draw elephants, buffalo, hippo and large numbers of birds. Much of the best game viewing happens around them.
What Else Is There
Lion, cheetah, spotted hyena, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest are all present. Predator numbers are lower than in the Mara, so Amboseli is not the place to come primarily for big cats.
Birding is strong, especially around the swamps and seasonal lake bed.
The surrounding land is Maasai community territory, and some conservancies on the park boundary offer cultural visits and guided activities.
Getting There
Amboseli is about four hours by road from Nairobi, largely on tarmac, or a short flight to the park airstrip.
It combines naturally with Tsavo West, making a sensible route towards the coast.
How Long to Stay
Two nights is usually right. The park is compact and can be covered comfortably in that time.
Safaris
Trips that include Amboseli
Plan an Amboseli Safari
Tell us your dates
Send us your dates and whether Kilimanjaro views are a priority. We will suggest the right place to stay and how to combine Amboseli with the rest of your trip.