Amboseli National Park Voyage Tips and guide

Amboseli National Park is in Kenya. This park is known for its herds of elephants.

This national park covers 767 km² and is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service.

There are over 900 African elephants in Amboseli plus huge herds of wildebeest. Wildebeests, zebras, Grant and Thomson's gazelles, impalas, giraffe gazelles, gemsboks and some black rhinos are also found here. Predators include lions, cheetahs, hyenas, African wild dogs and two species of jackals. In the center of Amboseli National Park there are palm thickets. Sour grasses, papyrus, rushes, salt-tolerant bushes and yellow-barked acacias grow around the numerous swamps that are fed by Kilimanjaro and, despite their extent changing with the seasons and from year to year, are very rich water resources.

This region is known for dramatic changes in climate, with temperatures soaring to 40°C, then dropping to 5° during the night. It is also a drier region than many others in Kenya.

Vehicle: less than 6 seats Ksh 300 per day, 6-12 seats Ksh 800 per day, 13-24 seats Ksh 1500 per day, 25-44 seats Ksh 3000 per day, 45 seats or more Ksh 5000 per day

Non-resident adult/child: US$40/20

Resident: Ksh 1000/500

Citizen: Ksh 200/100

Map of Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is relatively easy to navigate, but the roads are rough, dusty, and often corrugated. Most visitors get around by 4×4 safari vehicle, either with a guide or as part of an organized tour. A private driver–guide is the most convenient option, as they know the best wildlife routes, current road conditions, and safe viewing distances.

Self-driving is allowed, and the park’s layout is straightforward, but a 4×4 is strongly recommended year-round and essential in the rainy seasons (March–May and Nov). Roads around the seasonal Lake Amboseli can flood or turn muddy, and visibility may be poor due to heat haze or dust. Maps are available at the gate, but GPS reception can be patchy in some areas.

The main game-driving loops radiate outward from the Observation Hill area, passing through wetlands, acacia woodland, and open plains frequented by elephants, buffalo, zebras, lions, and cheetahs. Visitors may stop at designated viewpoints, picnic sites, and the hill itself for panoramic views of the park and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Walking is not allowed inside the park except at Observation Hill, where short walks around the hilltop are permitted. Cycling and motorbikes are not allowed on game-drive routes due to wildlife risks.

The park has several gates—Meshanani (from Namanga), Kimana, Kitirua, Iremito, and Kelunyet. Lodge transfers typically use Kimana Gate and Iremito Gate. Many lodges and camps outside the park arrange daily game drives, sundowners, and transport to and from gates.

If staying outside the park boundaries, expect longer transfer times, as the conservancy roads can be rough. Plan game drives around early morning and late afternoon, when wildlife is most active and temperatures are more comfortable.

Fuel stations are not available inside the park; stock up in Kimana, Namanga, or Emali before entering. Carry water, snacks, and sun protection, as distances between gates and rest areas can be long.

• Views of Mt. Kilimanjaro

The main purpose of a wildlife safari is to see the wild animals of Kenya in their natural habitat. Amboseli National Park is known for its large herd of over 900 free-roaming elephants. This is the best national park to see elephants. The best viewing times are early and late in the day as animals sleep in the hot midday sun.

• Night game viewing
• Trout fishing in ice-cold rivers
• Camping
• Wildlife viewing
• Hiking
• Nature trails
• Visiting a Masai village

There are no major shops inside Amboseli National Park itself, but small kiosks near the Kimana Gate and Iremito Gate sell basic supplies such as bottled water, snacks, sunscreen, and mobile airtime. Prices are higher than in nearby towns, so travelers usually stock up in Kimana, Namanga, or Emali before entering the park.

Several lodges and camps have small curio shops offering souvenirs such as Maasai beadwork, carved wooden animals (especially elephants), kangas and kikoys, postcards, and locally made jewelry. These are convenient but tend to be pricier than village markets.

Outside the park, especially around Kimana town and on the road toward Loitokitok, visitors will find Maasai craft stalls selling handmade beadwork, spears, shields, woven baskets, and traditional ornaments. Purchasing directly from artisans supports local communities and conservation initiatives in the region.

ATMs are not available near the park gates, so bring cash (Kenyan shillings). The nearest reliable ATMs are in Kimana and Namanga.

Amboseli’s dining options are centered around the lodges and tented camps, as there are no public restaurants inside the park. Most accommodations provide full-board or half-board meal plans, serving buffets or plated dishes that blend international cuisine with Kenyan staples such as ugali, rice, chapati, stewed greens, nyama choma (grilled meat), and chicken dishes.

Packed lunches are common for game drives and full-day excursions. These usually include sandwiches, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, pastries, and juice. If you have dietary restrictions, inform your lodge in advance, as sourcing specialty ingredients can be difficult in rural areas.

Outside the park, Kimana town has several small eateries (“hotels” in Kenyan English) serving affordable meals like beans and rice, chapati, beef stew, or roast goat. These are basic but good for travelers staying outside the park on a budget.

High-end lodges often emphasize fresh produce and offer multi-course meals, bush breakfasts, or themed dinners under the stars.

Most lodges supply safe drinking water, either purified or bottled. Tap water is not recommended. For game drives, carry at least 1–2 liters per person, especially during the hotter months when temperatures on the plains can be extreme.

Soft drinks, bottled water, and juices can be found at gate kiosks and in Kimana town. Common Kenyan sodas include Stoney, Krest, Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Sprite.

Lodge bars typically stock Kenyan beers such as Tusker, White Cap, Pilsner, and Summit, as well as wine and basic spirits. Sundowners (evening drinks served in scenic spots) are a popular part of the safari experience.

Nightlife is minimal inside the park, but some lodges host low-key evening gatherings around the bar or campfire. Outside the park, Kimana town has a few local pubs, though travelers should use taxis or lodge transport when out after dark.

Non-alcoholic options include excellent Kenyan tea, fresh fruit juices, and locally grown coffee, often served in lodge lounges or dining areas.

Mid-Range

• Ol Tukai Lodge
• Kibo Safari Camp
• Amboseli Soap Lodge
• Amboseli Serena Lodge
• Amboseli Kimana Lodge
• Little Amanya Camps

Splurge

• Tortillis Camp
• Tawi Lodge
• Ol Kanaju Camp

Amboseli is generally a safe park for visitors, but it is a true wilderness with large animals and challenging terrain. Sensible precautions and listening to your guide are essential.

Wildlife is the main safety concern. Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds, and while they are often calm, they can be dangerous if approached too closely. Keep your distance, remain inside your vehicle during game drives, and never block an animal’s path. Lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, hippos, and hyenas also roam freely throughout the park. Do not walk anywhere unless it is a designated area or part of an escorted activity from your lodge.

Most lodges and camps—especially those outside the park—are unfenced, meaning wildlife can move through the grounds. After dark, always request an escort from lodge staff and never walk alone. Flashlights are essential for navigating paths at night.

The plains can be extremely dusty and dry, particularly during the dry season. This can affect people with respiratory issues; carry water, use sunglasses, and consider a scarf or buff for dusty drives. In contrast, during the rainy seasons (March–May and Nov), roads can become muddy or flooded, making some tracks difficult or unsafe to drive. A 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended year-round.

Heat and sun exposure are significant concerns in Amboseli’s open landscape. Wear a hat, apply sunscreen generously, and drink plenty of water, especially on long game drives. Dehydration can occur quickly in the midday heat.

Mosquitoes are present, particularly near the swamps and in the evenings. Use insect repellent and sleep under a mosquito net. Malaria prevention medication should be discussed with a doctor before travel.

If self-driving, avoid driving at night both inside and outside the park. Wildlife, livestock, poor visibility, and unlit roads can make night travel dangerous. Fuel is not available inside the park, so fill up in Kimana, Emali, or Namanga before entering.

Crime inside Amboseli is extremely rare, but use standard precautions: keep valuables out of sight, lock your vehicle, and secure belongings at your lodge.

Finally, weather around Mount Kilimanjaro can change rapidly. Sudden storms may bring lightning, strong winds, or flash flooding along seasonal riverbeds. Guides will know which areas to avoid when weather threatens.

With common-sense safari precautions and adherence to park regulations, Amboseli is a very safe and rewarding destination.

• Tsavo West National Park. A short drive east of Amboseli, this vast wilderness offers lava fields, underground springs at Mzima, rhino sanctuary viewing, and rugged volcanic scenery. A perfect complement to Amboseli’s open plains.
• Tsavo East National Park. Known for its dramatic red-dust elephants and endless plains, Tsavo East is ideal for travelers continuing toward the Kenyan coast or seeking a more remote safari experience.
• Chyulu Hills National Park. A beautiful volcanic landscape of rolling green hills, lava tubes, and cloud forests. Excellent for hiking, horse riding, and scenic walks, with clear views of Kilimanjaro on bright days.
• Kimana Sanctuary. A community-run conservancy bordering Amboseli, known for peaceful elephant sightings and less-crowded game drives. A great buffer area between the park and local Maasai communities.
• Loitokitok. A small border town at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Useful for resupply, cross-border travel planning, or views of Kili from closer range.
• Namanga & Tanzania border. Convenient for travelers heading south into Tanzania toward Kilimanjaro, Arusha, or onward to Serengeti and Ngorongoro (official entry requirements apply).
• Nairobi. About 4–5 hours away. Kenya’s capital combines museums, markets, restaurants, and the unique Nairobi National Park, where lions roam within sight of the skyline.
• Maasai Mara National Reserve. If combining Kenya’s major safari circuits, travelers often continue to the Mara for Big Cat sightings and the Great Migration (July–October).
• Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate National Park. For those heading toward the Rift Valley lakes. Perfect for hiking, cycling, boat trips, and geothermal landscapes.