Amboseli National Park
Elephant herds studied continuously since 1972
- Region
- Safari
- Best months
- Jan to Feb, Jun to OctDry Seasons
- Park fee from
- USD 90Non-resident adult
- Where to stay
- 11 properties
What is Amboseli known for?
KWS Premium Park · Flat fees year-round · Elephants & Kilimanjaro
Amboseli National Park covers about 392 km² of southern Kenya near the Tanzanian border, below Mount Kilimanjaro. It is known for its elephants, studied by the Amboseli Elephant Research Project since 1972. Permanent swamps keep game close all year; the dry months, June to October and January to February, give the clearest morning views of Kilimanjaro.
Amboseli National Park is Kenya's most photographed wilderness, a place where the world's largest elephant herds stride across dust-pale plains beneath the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. Few images in wildlife photography are more powerful than Amboseli's big-tusked elephants silhouetted against Kilimanjaro at sunrise.
Covering approximately 392 km² in southern Kenya near the Tanzanian border, Amboseli is celebrated for its extraordinary elephant population, some of the largest and most studied herds on the continent, with tuskers whose ivory can sweep the ground. The Amboseli Elephant Research Project, operating since 1972, has made this one of the most scientifically significant wildlife sites in Africa.
The park's swamps, fed by underground water from Kilimanjaro's snowmelt, sustain a remarkable concentration of wildlife in an otherwise semi-arid landscape. Hippos, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, and an impressive array of birds congregate around Enkiama and Longinye swamps. The park also supports lion, cheetah, and leopard.
Amboseli sits within a broader Maasai landscape and offers genuine cultural encounters with local Maasai communities whose traditional way of life remains deeply connected to the land.
Amboseli National Park in pictures
When is the best time to visit Amboseli?
- January: Dry Seasons
- February: Dry Seasons
- March: Green Season
- April: Green Season
- May: Green Season
- June: Dry Seasons
- July: Dry Seasons
- August: Dry Seasons
- September: Dry Seasons
- October: Dry Seasons
- November: Green Season (this month)
- December: no season named
- Dry Seasons
- Green Season
- This month
Year-Round
Amboseli offers excellent game viewing throughout the year thanks to its permanent swamps.
Dry Seasons
Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct
Best game viewing as wildlife concentrates around water. Clear skies offer optimal Kilimanjaro views, best in the early morning before clouds form by mid-day.
Green Season
Mar to May, Nov
Lush vegetation, fewer tourists, lower rates. Kilimanjaro may be obscured by cloud but birding is exceptional. Short rains: November. Long rains: March–May.
How much are Amboseli park fees?
| Category | Non-resident | EA citizen | EA resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | USD 90 / 24hrs | KES 1,500 | KES 2,025 |
| Child, 5 to 17 | USD 45 / 24hrs | KES 750 | KES 1,050 |
| Under 5 | Free | Free | Free |
KWS Premium Park. Flat fee year-round, no seasonal variation. Payments via eCitizen portal, cashless only, no cash at gates. Valid 24hrs from entry. Under 5 FREE. Ages 5–17 pay child rate.
Park fees are not included in accommodation rates and are added at quotation stage. Effective October 2025, reverified annually.
Where to stay in Amboseli
Ultra-luxury, 1 property
Ultra-luxuryFull board
Soroi Amboseli
Tented Camp
A Soroi Collection camp in Amboseli National Park, priced on full-board and ground-package bases across real 2027 seasons. Full description and photography pending.
Luxury, 5 properties
LuxuryFull board
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Permanent Lodge · 92 rooms
Inside National Park, central
The largest and most established luxury property inside the park, 92 rooms in a striking architectural design inspired by the volcanic geology of the Amboseli basin, surrounded by an acacia grove that attracts abundant birdlife and elephant herds. Part of the Serena Hotels group and known for reliable, consistent quality across food, service, and game drive operations. The in-park location ensures immediate access to wildlife areas and the lodge's waterhole is visited by elephants throughout the day.
LuxuryFull board
Elewana Tortilis Camp
Luxury Tented Camp · 17 tents
Private Conservancy, park boundary
One of Amboseli's most consistently praised luxury properties, 17 tents on the edge of the national park with the most unobstructed view of Mount Kilimanjaro available from any camp in the ecosystem. Elewana's signature design sensibility brings warm, organic interiors and genuinely high culinary standards. The private conservancy location allows off-road driving for closer wildlife encounters. The guiding is exceptional and the early morning Kilimanjaro photography opportunities from the camp verandas are extraordinary.
LuxuryFull board
Ol Donyo Lodge
Luxury Lodge · 10 rooms
Chyulu Hills Private Conservancy (between Amboseli & Tsavo)
One of the most architecturally remarkable lodges in East Africa, 10 rooms built into the Chyulu Hills with views across to Kilimanjaro and Tsavo that define the meaning of 'horizon.' The private 275,000-acre conservancy allows horseback safaris, walking safaris, and night drives across a landscape that feels genuinely remote. Known for its extraordinary star bed experience, beds wheeled onto the roof under the open sky, and the highest quality guiding in southern Kenya. Not technically inside Amboseli but the most elevated luxury option in the ecosystem.
LuxuryFull board
Satao Elerai Camp
Tented Camp & Cottages · 12 units
Elerai Conservation Area, private conservancy, 12km south of park
The closest property to Kilimanjaro in Kenya, Satao Elerai sits on its own 5,000-acre private conservancy outside the park's southern boundary, offering extraordinary mountain views alongside strong community involvement credentials. A hybrid of tents and stone cottages, each with a private veranda facing the mountain. The conservancy's elephant population is drawn to a waterhole directly in front of camp. Known for intimate, personalised service and a genuine commitment to community benefit.
LuxuryFull board
Tawi Lodge
Luxury Eco-Lodge · 12 rooms
Kimana Conservancy, private land near SE park entrance
An architecturally elegant eco-lodge on a private conservancy adjacent to the park's south-eastern entrance, 12 thatched stone cottages with Kilimanjaro views, a stunning infinity pool, and one of the strongest wellness and spa offerings in the Amboseli ecosystem. Particularly popular with honeymooners and wellness-focused travellers. The private land provides off-road driving access and the conservancy's waterhole attracts large elephant herds. Consistently rated among Amboseli's finest properties for service quality.
Show all 5 luxury staysShow fewer
LuxuryFull board
Ol Donyo Lodge
Luxury Lodge · 10 rooms
Chyulu Hills Private Conservancy (between Amboseli & Tsavo)
One of the most architecturally remarkable lodges in East Africa, 10 rooms built into the Chyulu Hills with views across to Kilimanjaro and Tsavo that define the meaning of 'horizon.' The private 275,000-acre conservancy allows horseback safaris, walking safaris, and night drives across a landscape that feels genuinely remote. Known for its extraordinary star bed experience, beds wheeled onto the roof under the open sky, and the highest quality guiding in southern Kenya. Not technically inside Amboseli but the most elevated luxury option in the ecosystem.
LuxuryFull board
Satao Elerai Camp
Tented Camp & Cottages · 12 units
Elerai Conservation Area, private conservancy, 12km south of park
The closest property to Kilimanjaro in Kenya, Satao Elerai sits on its own 5,000-acre private conservancy outside the park's southern boundary, offering extraordinary mountain views alongside strong community involvement credentials. A hybrid of tents and stone cottages, each with a private veranda facing the mountain. The conservancy's elephant population is drawn to a waterhole directly in front of camp. Known for intimate, personalised service and a genuine commitment to community benefit.
LuxuryFull board
Tawi Lodge
Luxury Eco-Lodge · 12 rooms
Kimana Conservancy, private land near SE park entrance
An architecturally elegant eco-lodge on a private conservancy adjacent to the park's south-eastern entrance, 12 thatched stone cottages with Kilimanjaro views, a stunning infinity pool, and one of the strongest wellness and spa offerings in the Amboseli ecosystem. Particularly popular with honeymooners and wellness-focused travellers. The private land provides off-road driving access and the conservancy's waterhole attracts large elephant herds. Consistently rated among Amboseli's finest properties for service quality.
Mid-range, 5 properties
Mid-rangeFull board
AA Lodge Amboseli
Permanent Lodge · 100 rooms
Amboseli Ecosystem, outside park, Kimana area
The largest accommodation option in the ecosystem, 100 rooms outside the park near Kimana Gate in the AA Hotels group. Offers a full resort experience with pool, restaurant, and bar, making it well-suited to families who want more amenities than a tented camp provides. The proximity to the park allows morning and afternoon game drives while returning to lodge-level comforts. A particularly good option for large groups and conference/incentive travel.
Mid-rangeFull board
Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Permanent Lodge · 83 rooms
Inside National Park, Enkiama Swamp area
A well-established midrange lodge inside the park near the productive Enkiama Swamp, 83 rooms in a circular layout with views of the surrounding plains and good elephant and waterfowl sightings from the grounds. Part of the Sopa Hotels group, known for dependable quality and excellent value. The swamp-adjacent location ensures year-round wildlife including hippos, waterfowl, and large elephant herds. A reliable choice for families and groups visiting on a midrange budget.
Mid-rangeFull board
Kibo Safari Camp
Tented Camp · 80 tents
Amboseli Ecosystem, Kimana Gate area
One of the larger midrange tented camps in the ecosystem, 80 tents in a well-organised camp near the Kimana Gate with good access to the park and a sociable, resort-camp atmosphere. Known for value-for-money full-board packages and efficient service. The size makes it suited to groups and organised tours. The Kilimanjaro views from the camp grounds are excellent on clear mornings, and the camp's proximity to the Kimana Gate means very short morning drives to prime elephant-viewing areas.
Mid-rangeFull board
Oltukai Lodge
Permanent Lodge · 48 rooms
Inside National Park, acacia grove, central
A characterful mid-tier lodge in the heart of the park, 48 rooms in a shaded acacia grove that is itself a wildlife habitat, with giraffe and elephant wandering through the grounds. Writers have described Oltukai as 'a home for the gods' for its Kilimanjaro views and peaceful setting. An Eco-rated lodge with a distinctive collection of African art. Known for good guiding and an authentic park atmosphere without the ultra-luxury price tag.
Mid-rangeFull board
Sentrim Amboseli
Tented Camp · 60 tents
Inside National Park, Kimana Gate area
A practical, honest midrange option inside the park, 60 permanent tents with en-suite facilities and access to shared game drives into the park's productive wildlife areas. Part of the Sentrim Hotels group, known for clean, comfortable accommodation at accessible price points. Well-positioned for families and budget-conscious travellers who want to be inside the park. The Kilimanjaro backdrop from the camp is impressive on clear mornings.
Show all 5 mid-range staysShow fewer
Mid-rangeFull board
Kibo Safari Camp
Tented Camp · 80 tents
Amboseli Ecosystem, Kimana Gate area
One of the larger midrange tented camps in the ecosystem, 80 tents in a well-organised camp near the Kimana Gate with good access to the park and a sociable, resort-camp atmosphere. Known for value-for-money full-board packages and efficient service. The size makes it suited to groups and organised tours. The Kilimanjaro views from the camp grounds are excellent on clear mornings, and the camp's proximity to the Kimana Gate means very short morning drives to prime elephant-viewing areas.
Mid-rangeFull board
Oltukai Lodge
Permanent Lodge · 48 rooms
Inside National Park, acacia grove, central
A characterful mid-tier lodge in the heart of the park, 48 rooms in a shaded acacia grove that is itself a wildlife habitat, with giraffe and elephant wandering through the grounds. Writers have described Oltukai as 'a home for the gods' for its Kilimanjaro views and peaceful setting. An Eco-rated lodge with a distinctive collection of African art. Known for good guiding and an authentic park atmosphere without the ultra-luxury price tag.
Mid-rangeFull board
Sentrim Amboseli
Tented Camp · 60 tents
Inside National Park, Kimana Gate area
A practical, honest midrange option inside the park, 60 permanent tents with en-suite facilities and access to shared game drives into the park's productive wildlife areas. Part of the Sentrim Hotels group, known for clean, comfortable accommodation at accessible price points. Well-positioned for families and budget-conscious travellers who want to be inside the park. The Kilimanjaro backdrop from the camp is impressive on clear mornings.
Itineraries featuring Amboseli National Park
What to pair with Amboseli
Places to pair with Amboseli on the same trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Anything not answered here, a consultant answers directly. More planning questions are on the FAQ page, and before you fly, read Kenya eTA and entry requirements.
Best game viewing as wildlife concentrates around water. Clear skies offer optimal Kilimanjaro views, best in the early morning before clouds form by mid-day.
No. Park fees are not included in accommodation rates and are added at quotation stage. KWS Premium Park. Flat fee year-round, no seasonal variation. Payments via eCitizen portal, cashless only, no cash at gates. Valid 24hrs from entry. Under 5 FREE. Ages 5–17 pay child rate.
Amboseli National Park is Kenya's most photographed wilderness, a place where the world's largest elephant herds stride across dust-pale plains beneath the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. Few images in wildlife photography are more powerful than Amboseli's big-tusked elephants silhouetted against Kilimanjaro at sunrise.
Plan your Amboseli safari
Start here and add the regions around it, or let us suggest a route. A consultant takes it from there.