National park
National park · UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Amboseli National Park
Big-tusked elephants beneath Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Southern Kenya
- Best: Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct
- Entry from US$90
- UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve
Overview
- Gazetted
- 1 November 1974
- Bird species
- 400+
- From Nairobi
- About 220 km
- Gates
- Iremito, Kimana, Meshanani
- Airstrip
- Kimana (Amboseli)
Amboseli lies at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro on the Tanzanian border. It was gazetted on 1 November 1974 and is a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve.
Springs fed by Kilimanjaro's snowmelt create swamps in an otherwise dry basin, drawing large elephant herds, buffaloes, hippos and plains game. The park is an Important Bird Area with more than 400 species.
Observation Hill (Nomatior) gives views over the swamps and the old lake bed, and nearby Maasai communities welcome visitors to their manyattas.
- Elephants and Kilimanjaro
Classic views of elephant herds below Africa's highest mountain, clearest at dawn.
- Observation Hill
Panoramic views over the swamps and plains.
- Maasai culture
Visit manyattas and cultural centres around the park.
Things to do
- Game drives
Swamps and plains, best early and late in the day.
- Night game driveUS$50
In selected parks, on prior arrangement.
- Birdwatching
Swamps and lake basin.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Dry months (January–February, June–October) are best; Kilimanjaro is often clearest early in the morning.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Wetter
- Dec: Good
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS Conservation Fees 2025 (Legal Notice 160 of 2025)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hoursChildren 5–17: KES 750 / KES 1,050 / US$45 / US$25 (citizen / resident / non-resident / African citizen). | US$90 | KES 2,025 | US$50 | KES 1,500 |
| Tsavo West – Amboseli packageper adult, one entry to each park | US$150 | KES 2,900 | US$80 | KES 2,200 |
| Tsavo East – Tsavo West – Amboseli packageper adult, one entry to each park | US$215 | KES 4,000 | US$115 | KES 3,000 |
| Night game driveper person, where offered, excluding entry | US$50 | KES 3,000 | US$50 | KES 3,000 |
- Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$90
- Foreign resident
- KES 2,025
- Rest of Africa
- US$50
- East African citizen
- KES 1,500
Children 5–17: KES 750 / KES 1,050 / US$45 / US$25 (citizen / resident / non-resident / African citizen).
- Tsavo West – Amboseli packageper adult, one entry to each park
- Foreign non-resident
- US$150
- Foreign resident
- KES 2,900
- Rest of Africa
- US$80
- East African citizen
- KES 2,200
- Tsavo East – Tsavo West – Amboseli packageper adult, one entry to each park
- Foreign non-resident
- US$215
- Foreign resident
- KES 4,000
- Rest of Africa
- US$115
- East African citizen
- KES 3,000
- Night game driveper person, where offered, excluding entry
- Foreign non-resident
- US$50
- Foreign resident
- KES 3,000
- Rest of Africa
- US$50
- East African citizen
- KES 3,000
- Fees are paid cashless through KWSPay on eCitizen. Children are aged 5–17.
- The Kenya Tourism Federation challenged these rates in the High Court in October 2025; KWS republished the same rates in 2026. Confirm the amount when you pay.
Getting there
- By roadFrom NairobiAbout 4–5 hours
Via Emali to Iremito Gate (about 204 km), or via Namanga to Meshanani Gate (about 220 km).
- By airFrom Nairobi (Wilson Airport)About 45 minutes
Light-aircraft flights to the Kimana airstrip.
- By roadFrom Tsavo West NPAbout 3–4 hours
Via Kimana Gate; the Tsavo West–Amboseli package covers both parks.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Gates open from 6:00 to 18:00 unless you are staying overnight.
- The park is single-use-plastic free.
- Keep at least 20 m from wildlife and stay on roads.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Amboseli's entry fee?
US$90 per non-resident adult, US$50 for African citizens, KES 2,025 for Kenya residents and KES 1,500 for East African citizens, per 24 hours.
When can I see Kilimanjaro from Amboseli?
The mountain is usually clearest at dawn and in the late afternoon, especially in the dry months.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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