A herd of elephants walking with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.

Amboseli National Park

Land of Giants at the Foot of Kilimanjaro

Amboseli is the Africa you've always dreamed of. It's where massive herds of elephants, some of the largest in Africa, roam against the backdrop of the world's tallest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. The park's dry, dusty plains are fed by underground springs from the mountain's ice cap, creating lush green swamps that attract a high concentration of wildlife.

Best time to go

June to October & January to February

Location

South-east Kenya, near Tanzania border

Size

392 km² (151 mi²)

Good for

Elephant Herds, Views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Photography

Wildlife

Famous for its large elephant population and rich birdlife in the wetlands.

Scenery

Unforgettable, postcard-perfect views of Mount Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak.

About Amboseli

Amboseli National Park, formerly Masai Amboseli Game Reserve, is in southern Kenya. It’s known for its large elephant herds and views of immense Mount Kilimanjaro, across the border in Tanzania. Observation Hill offers panoramas of the peak and the park’s plains and swamps. Varied wildlife includes giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and hundreds of bird species. The western section is dominated by vast Lake Amboseli, which is dry outside the rainy season.

The park's name, "Amboseli," comes from a Maasai word meaning "salty dust," an apt description for the dry season. However, this dust transforms with the rains and is contrasted by the permanent swamps, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports a remarkable variety of life. It's a photographer's paradise, where the light and landscape conspire to create moments of pure magic.