Amboseli National Park
Elephants Under Kilimanjaro
Africa's most iconic image. Amboseli National Park offers the unforgettable sight of elephant herds roaming beneath the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa's highest mountain. This classic East African vista defines the romance of the African safari.
Quick Facts
- Location: Kajiado County, southern Kenya (near the Tanzanian border)
- Size: 392 km²
- Distance from Nairobi: ~240 km (4 hours by road)
- UNESCO status: Biosphere Reserve
- Best time to visit: June–October and January–February (dry seasons)
Why Amboseli is Special
- Elephants: Amboseli has some of Africa's largest elephant herds with well-studied, individually named families
- Kilimanjaro Views: The park offers the most spectacular views of Kilimanjaro of any East African destination
- Swamp Ecosystem: Underground springs from Kilimanjaro create year-round swamps attracting enormous wildlife concentrations
- Research Legacy: Cynthia Moss's legendary Amboseli Elephant Research Project has studied the park's elephants since 1972
Wildlife You'll See
- Elephants: Large family herds — some of the most relaxed and approachable in Africa
- Big Cats: Lions and cheetahs in the open plains
- Plains Game: Wildebeest, zebras, Maasai giraffes, impalas, warthogs
- Birds: Over 400 species including pelicans, flamingos, and African fish eagles
Top Things to Do
- 🐘 Elephant Encounters: Get remarkably close to enormous, peaceful elephant families
- 📸 Kilimanjaro Photography: Morning light on Kilimanjaro with elephants in the foreground
- 🦅 Bird Watching: The swamps attract thousands of waterbirds
- 🏘 Maasai Cultural Visit: Authentic interactions with the local Maasai community
Where to Stay
- Luxury: Tortilis Camp, Ol Tukai Lodge, Elewana Tortilis Camp
- Mid-range: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Kibo Safari Camp
- Budget: Amboseli Sopa Lodge, OlKejuado Camp
The Amboseli Experience
There is no more humbling or beautiful wildlife experience in East Africa than watching a family of giant elephants move slowly through the savannah with Kilimanjaro's white summit glowing in the background. Amboseli is photography heaven, wildlife paradise, and cultural heartland all in one.
Come for the elephants. Stay for the mountain. Leave forever changed.
Recommended Tours
3-Day Amboseli & Kilimanjaro Views
Experience elephant herds against the iconic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park, combined with authentic Maasai cultural encounters on this unforgettable 3-day...
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See Elephants Under Kilimanjaro
Book your Amboseli safari and capture Africa's most iconic image — elephant herds beneath Africa's highest peak.