7 safari lodges
    Tsavo & Amboseli Ecosystem, Kenya
    Moderate
    Malaria: Moderate

    Safari in Amboseli National Park

    Famous for its large herds of elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. The park's diverse habitats, from dry lake beds to wetlands, support a wide array of wildlife including lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and a rich birdlife.

    Best timeJuly to October for the Great Migration in the Mara. January to February for dry season wildlife. Avoid long rains (April–May).
    Species
    111
    Big Five
    3/5
    Lodges
    7
    Area
    392 km²
    Recommended stay
    1-2 days
    Est.
    1974

    Amboseli National Park Map

    Park location and safari lodges

    The African Big 5

    3 of 5 found in Amboseli National Park

    Lion
    Elephant
    Buffalo
    Leopard
    Rhino

    Recent sightings at Amboseli National Park

    Sign in to report

    111 species recorded in Amboseli National Park12 threatened

    Book Safari Experiences in Amboseli National Park

    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Amboseli National Park

    Kenya is a safari powerhouse, and we believe there's never a bad time to visit, but timing can enhance your experience. For the iconic Great Migration river crossings, we love June through September,...

    January

    Now
    moderate

    Dry Season

    Expect warm, sunny days with cooler evenings. Rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for exploring.

    Predator activity is high as they take advantage of the dry conditions. Birding is good, though not at its peak.

    We love the clear skies and excellent game viewing this month, perfect for photographers.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    February

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Still very dry and warm, with temperatures often peaking. Water sources are scarce, concentrating wildlife.

    Calving season begins in the southern Masai Mara, attracting predators. It's a fantastic time for lion and cheetah sightings.

    We recommend heading south in the Masai Mara to witness the dramatic start of the calving season.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo West National Park
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    March

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The dry spell continues, though the first short rains might begin towards the end of the month.

    The migration is usually still in the southern Mara plains, with excellent predator action. Birding is improving.

    We find March offers a great balance of wildlife viewing and fewer crowds before the rains arrive.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Shaba National Reserve

    April

    low

    Long Rains

    This is typically the wettest month, with heavy, often afternoon, downpours. Landscapes turn lush and green.

    Wildlife disperses as water is plentiful. Game viewing can be challenging due to wet conditions, but birding is excellent.

    We enjoy the dramatic skies and the vibrant green scenery, though game drives require flexibility.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    May

    low

    Long Rains

    Rainfall usually decreases but can still be significant. The landscape is at its most verdant.

    The migration is typically in the western or central Mara. Birding remains superb, with resident and migratory species.

    We love the quiet tranquility and the photographic opportunities presented by the lush, green environment.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo East National Park
    Meru National Park

    June

    moderate

    Green Season

    The rains taper off, leading to cooler temperatures and clear skies. The landscape is still very green.

    The Great Migration begins its dramatic river crossings in the Mara. Predator sightings are excellent.

    We consider June one of the best months for witnessing the iconic Mara River crossings.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    July

    peak

    Green Season

    Cooler temperatures and dry conditions prevail. The landscape is drying out but still retains some green.

    The Great Migration is in full swing, with daily river crossings a highlight. Predator action is intense.

    We find July offers unparalleled wildlife drama with the peak of the migration and its river crossings.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park
    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    August

    peak

    Green Season

    Dry and cool, with sunny days. This is peak safari season for many.

    The migration continues its northern journey, with river crossings still possible. Excellent general game viewing.

    We recommend August for its reliable game viewing and the chance to see the migration in its full glory.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Tsavo West National Park

    September

    peak

    Green Season

    Dry and pleasant, with temperatures warming slightly. The landscape starts to show signs of the coming dry season.

    The migration begins to move south, but river crossings can still occur. Predator-prey interactions remain high.

    We love September for the continued excellent game viewing and the chance to catch the tail end of the migration.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Meru National Park

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The short rains usually begin this month, bringing brief, localized showers. Temperatures are warm.

    Wildlife begins to spread out again. Birding is excellent as migratory species arrive. Predator activity is still good.

    We find October offers a great opportunity for birdwatching and often fewer crowds than the peak months.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    The short rains can be unpredictable, with showers often occurring in the afternoon. Landscapes become greener.

    Wildlife is dispersed but accessible. The arrival of resident birds and the start of breeding plumage make for great birding.

    We appreciate the fresh green landscapes and the excellent birding opportunities this month.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo East National Park
    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    December

    high

    Dry Season

    The short rains usually end, leading to warmer, dry conditions. Expect sunny days and pleasant evenings.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources, making for good viewing. The migration is usually back in the southern Mara.

    We recommend December for its classic dry season game viewing and the festive atmosphere.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    January

    Now
    moderate

    Dry Season

    Expect warm, sunny days with cooler evenings. Rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for exploring.

    Predator activity is high as they take advantage of the dry conditions. Birding is good, though not at its peak.

    We love the clear skies and excellent game viewing this month, perfect for photographers.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    February

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Still very dry and warm, with temperatures often peaking. Water sources are scarce, concentrating wildlife.

    Calving season begins in the southern Masai Mara, attracting predators. It's a fantastic time for lion and cheetah sightings.

    We recommend heading south in the Masai Mara to witness the dramatic start of the calving season.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo West National Park
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    March

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The dry spell continues, though the first short rains might begin towards the end of the month.

    The migration is usually still in the southern Mara plains, with excellent predator action. Birding is improving.

    We find March offers a great balance of wildlife viewing and fewer crowds before the rains arrive.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Shaba National Reserve

    April

    low

    Long Rains

    This is typically the wettest month, with heavy, often afternoon, downpours. Landscapes turn lush and green.

    Wildlife disperses as water is plentiful. Game viewing can be challenging due to wet conditions, but birding is excellent.

    We enjoy the dramatic skies and the vibrant green scenery, though game drives require flexibility.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    May

    low

    Long Rains

    Rainfall usually decreases but can still be significant. The landscape is at its most verdant.

    The migration is typically in the western or central Mara. Birding remains superb, with resident and migratory species.

    We love the quiet tranquility and the photographic opportunities presented by the lush, green environment.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo East National Park
    Meru National Park

    June

    moderate

    Green Season

    The rains taper off, leading to cooler temperatures and clear skies. The landscape is still very green.

    The Great Migration begins its dramatic river crossings in the Mara. Predator sightings are excellent.

    We consider June one of the best months for witnessing the iconic Mara River crossings.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    July

    peak

    Green Season

    Cooler temperatures and dry conditions prevail. The landscape is drying out but still retains some green.

    The Great Migration is in full swing, with daily river crossings a highlight. Predator action is intense.

    We find July offers unparalleled wildlife drama with the peak of the migration and its river crossings.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park
    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    August

    peak

    Green Season

    Dry and cool, with sunny days. This is peak safari season for many.

    The migration continues its northern journey, with river crossings still possible. Excellent general game viewing.

    We recommend August for its reliable game viewing and the chance to see the migration in its full glory.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Tsavo West National Park

    September

    peak

    Green Season

    Dry and pleasant, with temperatures warming slightly. The landscape starts to show signs of the coming dry season.

    The migration begins to move south, but river crossings can still occur. Predator-prey interactions remain high.

    We love September for the continued excellent game viewing and the chance to catch the tail end of the migration.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Meru National Park

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The short rains usually begin this month, bringing brief, localized showers. Temperatures are warm.

    Wildlife begins to spread out again. Birding is excellent as migratory species arrive. Predator activity is still good.

    We find October offers a great opportunity for birdwatching and often fewer crowds than the peak months.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    The short rains can be unpredictable, with showers often occurring in the afternoon. Landscapes become greener.

    Wildlife is dispersed but accessible. The arrival of resident birds and the start of breeding plumage make for great birding.

    We appreciate the fresh green landscapes and the excellent birding opportunities this month.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo East National Park
    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    December

    high

    Dry Season

    The short rains usually end, leading to warmer, dry conditions. Expect sunny days and pleasant evenings.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources, making for good viewing. The migration is usually back in the southern Mara.

    We recommend December for its classic dry season game viewing and the festive atmosphere.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    January

    Now
    moderate

    Dry Season

    Expect warm, sunny days with cooler evenings. Rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for exploring.

    Predator activity is high as they take advantage of the dry conditions. Birding is good, though not at its peak.

    We love the clear skies and excellent game viewing this month, perfect for photographers.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    February

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Still very dry and warm, with temperatures often peaking. Water sources are scarce, concentrating wildlife.

    Calving season begins in the southern Masai Mara, attracting predators. It's a fantastic time for lion and cheetah sightings.

    We recommend heading south in the Masai Mara to witness the dramatic start of the calving season.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo West National Park
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    March

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The dry spell continues, though the first short rains might begin towards the end of the month.

    The migration is usually still in the southern Mara plains, with excellent predator action. Birding is improving.

    We find March offers a great balance of wildlife viewing and fewer crowds before the rains arrive.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Shaba National Reserve

    April

    low

    Long Rains

    This is typically the wettest month, with heavy, often afternoon, downpours. Landscapes turn lush and green.

    Wildlife disperses as water is plentiful. Game viewing can be challenging due to wet conditions, but birding is excellent.

    We enjoy the dramatic skies and the vibrant green scenery, though game drives require flexibility.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    May

    low

    Long Rains

    Rainfall usually decreases but can still be significant. The landscape is at its most verdant.

    The migration is typically in the western or central Mara. Birding remains superb, with resident and migratory species.

    We love the quiet tranquility and the photographic opportunities presented by the lush, green environment.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo East National Park
    Meru National Park

    June

    moderate

    Green Season

    The rains taper off, leading to cooler temperatures and clear skies. The landscape is still very green.

    The Great Migration begins its dramatic river crossings in the Mara. Predator sightings are excellent.

    We consider June one of the best months for witnessing the iconic Mara River crossings.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    July

    peak

    Green Season

    Cooler temperatures and dry conditions prevail. The landscape is drying out but still retains some green.

    The Great Migration is in full swing, with daily river crossings a highlight. Predator action is intense.

    We find July offers unparalleled wildlife drama with the peak of the migration and its river crossings.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park
    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    August

    peak

    Green Season

    Dry and cool, with sunny days. This is peak safari season for many.

    The migration continues its northern journey, with river crossings still possible. Excellent general game viewing.

    We recommend August for its reliable game viewing and the chance to see the migration in its full glory.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Tsavo West National Park

    September

    peak

    Green Season

    Dry and pleasant, with temperatures warming slightly. The landscape starts to show signs of the coming dry season.

    The migration begins to move south, but river crossings can still occur. Predator-prey interactions remain high.

    We love September for the continued excellent game viewing and the chance to catch the tail end of the migration.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Meru National Park

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The short rains usually begin this month, bringing brief, localized showers. Temperatures are warm.

    Wildlife begins to spread out again. Birding is excellent as migratory species arrive. Predator activity is still good.

    We find October offers a great opportunity for birdwatching and often fewer crowds than the peak months.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    The short rains can be unpredictable, with showers often occurring in the afternoon. Landscapes become greener.

    Wildlife is dispersed but accessible. The arrival of resident birds and the start of breeding plumage make for great birding.

    We appreciate the fresh green landscapes and the excellent birding opportunities this month.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo East National Park
    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    December

    high

    Dry Season

    The short rains usually end, leading to warmer, dry conditions. Expect sunny days and pleasant evenings.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources, making for good viewing. The migration is usually back in the southern Mara.

    We recommend December for its classic dry season game viewing and the festive atmosphere.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve
    Planning & reference

    We love Amboseli for its unparalleled views of Mount Kilimanjaro rising majestically above the plains, creating a truly iconic safari backdrop. The sheer number of elephants, often seen wading through the park's permanent swamps, is sensational and offers incredible photographic moments. It is a place where the raw beauty of nature feels both grand and intimately accessible.

    Gate Times

    Amboseli National Park gates typically open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM daily. We strongly recommend pre-booking and paying for your park entry online via the KWS e-citizen portal; cash payments are no longer accepted at the gates, which can cause frustrating delays. Always confirm the latest KWS regulations before your visit.

    Tipping

    Tipping is customary and a thoughtful way to show appreciation for excellent service. For your safari guide, we suggest around $20-30 per person per day, given directly at the end of your safari. For camp staff, a communal tip box is often available, where we recommend $5-10 per person per day. Rangers encountered on guided walks can be tipped $5-10. Always tip discreetly and remember it is not mandatory but greatly appreciated.

    Dress Code

    We always advise packing neutral colours like khaki, olive green, and muted browns to blend into the environment and avoid attracting unnecessary attention from wildlife. Layering is key; mornings and evenings are cool, sometimes chilly, especially on open game vehicles, while midday can be quite warm. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential. We avoid bright colours like red or white, which can stand out too much.

    Photography

    Amboseli offers sensational photographic opportunities, particularly with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. We recommend a telephoto lens (300mm or more) for those iconic elephant shots and a wide-angle for the vast landscapes. Drones are strictly prohibited unless you have a specific, pre-approved KWS permit, which is rare for tourists. Always respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and never using flash photography at night, as it can disturb nocturnal animals.

    Etiquette

    Safari etiquette is crucial for everyone's enjoyment and wildlife welfare. We always keep our voices low on game drives to avoid disturbing animals and fellow visitors. Staying inside your vehicle is mandatory unless you are on a guided walk with an armed ranger. Never attempt to feed or approach wildlife, and always follow your guide's instructions. In camp, respect quiet hours, especially early mornings and evenings, and be mindful of other guests.

    What to Bring

    Binoculars (essential for wildlife viewing)
    Camera with a long lens (300mm+) and spare batteries
    Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
    High-SPF sunscreen
    Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (moderate malaria risk)
    Lightweight, quick-drying clothing in neutral colours
    Warm fleece or jacket for cool mornings/evenings
    Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
    Reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste
    Power bank for charging devices
    Small first-aid kit with personal medications
    Copy of passport and visa

    Temperature

    23.05°C

    73°F · Range: 17.85–29.09°C

    Rainfall

    89.6 mm

    Moderate rain · 10.6 rainy days

    Humidity

    64.4%

    Sunshine

    10.9 hrs/day

    Wind Speed

    4.81 m/s

    17.3 km/h

    Based on 5 years of weather data · Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API

    Amboseli National Park Reviews