Overview - Amboseli National Park

“Home of the African Elephant” Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, the Amboseli National Parks is one of Kenya's most popular parks. The name "Amboseli" comes from a Maasai word meaning "salty dust", and it is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulphur springs, the savannah, and woodlands. They can also visit the local Maasai community who live around the park and experience their authentic culture.

  • Best Time To Go June to September
  • High Season December to March & July to October
  • Size 390.6 sq km

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Excellent wildlife viewing with four of the Big Five present (no rhino)

  • Outstanding elephant sightings

  • Views of Kilimanjaro on clear days

  • Excellent birding, especially waterbirds in swamp habitat

  • Good range of accommodation catering to different budgets and styles

Cons:

  • The park gets very busy, especially in the high season

  • Big cats are relatively hard to spot

Best Time to Visit

Although Amboseli can be visited at any time of year it is recommended to go in the dry months, which are from June to October and January to February. The short rains peak in November and the long rains in April and May – these months are not recommended for wildlife viewing. During these wet months, animals tend to spread out and are less inclined to come to predictable water sources.

Views of Kilimanjaro are hit-and-miss, but chances are best early morning and late afternoon in the Wet season months from November to May, when the sky is clear of dust.

Wildlife

Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most popular parks and offers great wildlife viewing. The park is famous for its elephants, but most big safari animals can be spotted here. Black Rhino has, unfortunately, become extinct, but four of the other Big Five are present. The plains support an abundance of large herbivores including Wildebeest, Burchell's Zebra, grants Masai giraffe. Thomson's gazelle and Impalag can usually be found browsing from stands of acacia trees.

Weather & Climate

Conditions in Amboseli NP are hot and dry. Drought is common in this area, although when it rains it typically falls as short, heavy showers. During the day expect average temperatures of around 28°C/82°F and 15°C/59°F at night. Early morning activities, such as game drives, require warm clothing. Peak rainfall periods are in April and November. The ‘long rains’ usually fall from mid-March to mid-May while the ‘short rains’ are from late October to mid-December.

 
 

Wild Life

  •   Occasional
  •   Common
  •   Very Rare
  •   Rare
  •   None
  • Giraffe

      Common
  • Elephant

      Common
  • Zebra

      Common
  • Hippo

      Common
  • Leopard

      Rare
  • Buffalo

      Common
  • Hyena

      Common
  • Lion

      Occasional
  • White Rhino

      None
  • Black Rhino

      None
  • Wildebeest

      Common
  • Wild Dog

      Very Rare

Wild Life

  •   Occasional
  •   Common
  •   Very Rare
  •   Rare
  •   None
  • Giraffe

      Common
  • Elephant

      Common
  • Zebra

      Common
  • Hippo

      Common
  • Leopard

      Rare
  • Buffalo

      Common
  • Hyena

      Common
  • Lion

      Occasional
  • White Rhino

      None
  • Black Rhino

      None
  • Wildebeest

      Common
  • Wild Dog

      Very Rare

Best time to Visit- Amboseli National Park

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  •   Excellent
  •   Good
  •   Fair
  •   Poor

Amboseli can be visited at any time of year especially during dry months, which are from June to October and January to February. The short rains peak in November and the long rains in April and May – these months are not recommended for wildlife viewing. During these wet months, animals tend to spread out and are less inclined to come to a predictable water source

Mt. Kilimanjaro view chances are best early morning and late afternoon in the Wet season months from November to May, when the sky is clear of dust.

  • Best Time June to September & to January to February
  • High Season December to March & July to October
  • Low Season April to June
  • Best Weather June to September (Minimal Rainfall)
  • Worst Weather April

Any time of the year

Although Amboseli can be visited at any time of year it is recommended to go in the dry months, which are from June to October and January to February. The short rains peak in November and the long rains in April and May – these months are not recommended for wildlife viewing. During these wet months, animals tend to spread out and are less inclined to come to predictable water sources.
 

Dry Season

These are the coolest months and typically have bright, sunny days. It is very dry with practically no rain.

  • June & July – It is normally sunny. Expect average temperatures of around 25°C/77°F in the afternoon.
  • August & September – Daytime temperatures are on the rise until the rain breaks. Although temperature peaks are far higher, the average in September is about 26°C/79°F.

 

Wet Season

The Wet season is marked by the ‘short rains’ followed by the ‘long rains’. January and February is a drier interlude that splits the Wet seasons. Driving can be a challenge in April and May when rains cause road conditions to deteriorate.

  • October, November & December – The rains generally begin at some point in October and peak in November. Normally it doesn’t rain for the whole day; however, afternoon storms are common. The average temperature is 28°C/82°F during the day, but it increases before it rains.
  • January & February – The exact start and finish of this Dry period separating the Wet seasons are never predictable. February, though, is the hottest month, and the average afternoon temperature is 30°C/86°F (expect higher peaks).
  • March, April & May – The long rains generally start mid- to late-March. It seldom rains for the entire day, but afternoon showers can be expected. The wettest month is April. Expect temperatures in the afternoon to reach 28°C/82°F.

Safety

Crime issues are not a problem in any of the developed parks and reserves in Kenya. Amboseli is no exception, and in our opinion, is a very safe destination for visitors. However, if you are traveling independently around Kenya, you should exercise caution in cities and towns between parks. 

Medicine & Vaccines

Before a trip to Kenya, seek advice about required vaccinations from your doctor. For most people, malaria is the major concern. It is advisable to bring antimalarials, and to take other preventative measures such as covering up in the evening, and applying mosquito repellent with at least 30% DEET. Spraying the room every evening before bedtime is a good idea if you aren’t sleeping under a mosquito net. The risk of malaria is worst at the heights of the rainy seasons – from April to May and October to November.

Weather And Climate

 

Conditions in Amboseli NP are hot and dry. Drought is common in this area, although when it rains it typically falls as short, heavy showers. During the day expect average temperatures of around 28°C/82°F and 15°C/59°F at night. Early morning activities, such as game drives, require warm clothing. Peak rainfall periods are in April and November. The ‘long rains’ usually fall from mid-March to mid-May while the ‘short rains’ are from late October to mid-December.