Overview
Amboseli lies at the foot of Kilimanjaro, across the border from Tanzania. Swamps fed by snowmelt keep it green, attracting long-studied elephant families with some of Africa’s largest tusks.
Amboseli lies at the foot of Kilimanjaro, which rises across the border in Tanzania. Swamps fed by water from the mountain stay green all year and draw large elephant herds, which have been studied here since the 1970s.
The classic photograph of elephants with Kilimanjaro behind is taken here, usually early in the morning before clouds cover the summit.
Highlights
- Elephants with Kilimanjaro behind
- Swamps full of birdlife
- Observation Hill views
- Easy link from Arusha
Things to do here
Wildlife to look for
- Elephant
- Lion
- Buffalo
- Hippo
- Flamingo
Good to know
Best time to visit
June – October, January – February
Getting there
About 4 hours by road from Nairobi, or via the Namanga border from Arusha.
Where to stay
Lodges and camps facing Kilimanjaro.
How long to stay
2 nights
Key facts
- Size
- About 390 km²
- UNESCO
- Biosphere Reserve
- Known for
- Elephants, views of Kilimanjaro, swamps
Seasons
Dry seasons (June – October, January – February)
Animals gather at the swamps and Kilimanjaro is often clear.
Rainy months
Green and quieter; the mountain is more often in cloud.
Practical tips
- Be out at sunrise: Kilimanjaro is usually clearest early.
Questions about Amboseli National Park
June – October, January – February.
Itineraries visiting Amboseli National Park
More places nearby
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