Amboseli National Park safari from Nairobi
Big elephant herds walking under Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli is 4 to 5 hours from Nairobi, and 2 or 3 days gives you the clear early mornings when the mountain shows.
Compare more trips, lodges and prices on our Amboseli safari packages page.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Distance from Nairobi | About 240 km, 4 to 5 hours by road |
| Ideal length | 2 days, 1 night minimum. 3 days for the best Kilimanjaro light |
| Managed by | Kenya Wildlife Service |
| Entry fee, non-resident adult | $90 per 24 hours (KWS premium park) |
| Headline wildlife | Elephant herds, buffalo, hippo, lion, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, and swamp birds |
| Best months | June to October and January to February. Kilimanjaro is clearest at dawn |
| Big Five | Four of five. No rhino |
Why go
Amboseli is the classic elephant-and-Kilimanjaro photograph. The park's swamps, fed by snowmelt from the mountain, hold water all year, so elephants, buffalo and hippos gather there even in the dry season. Observation Hill gives a view over the swamps and plains.
Sample 2-day itinerary
| When | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | 05:00 pickup in Nairobi, drive to Amboseli, lunch at the lodge, afternoon game drive to the swamps |
| Day 2 | Sunrise drive for the clearest Kilimanjaro views, breakfast, return to Nairobi by late afternoon |
Getting there
The road heads south from Nairobi on the Namanga route or via Emali on Mombasa Road. Allow 4 to 5 hours with a comfort stop. Your Land Cruiser is also your game-drive vehicle once you reach the park gate.
Amboseli entry fees 2026
| Visitor | Adult, per day | Child, per day |
|---|---|---|
| East African citizen | KSh 1,500 | KSh 750 |
| Kenya resident | KSh 2,025 | KSh 1,050 |
| African citizen | $50 | $25 |
| Non-resident | $90 | $45 |
Park fees are charged per person per day, so a 3-day safari pays them three times. We list them separately in every quote, so you can see exactly where the money goes.
How the trip runs
A private safari from Nairobi in a pop-up roof vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide, on the dates you choose. Every quote is built for your group size, dates and lodge budget, and confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay anything.
| Usually included | Paid separately |
|---|---|
| Pickup in Nairobi and return | Park or reserve entry fees, unless your quote includes them |
| Pop-up roof safari vehicle with driver-guide | Drinks, tips and optional activities |
| Game drives on the itinerary | Visa or electronic travel authorisation |
| Lodge or camp at the level you choose, if you want it arranged | Flights, if you choose to fly |
Combine it
Pair Amboseli with Tsavo West for a 4 to 5 day southern circuit, or start with a Nairobi National Park morning. See all Kenya safaris from Nairobi, or the half-day Nairobi National Park safari from $300 per group (your group only, park fees paid separately).
Quick answers
Can you see Kilimanjaro from Amboseli?
Yes, on clear days, most often at sunrise and late afternoon. Cloud often covers the summit at midday.
How far is Amboseli from Nairobi?
About 240 km, 4 to 5 hours by road.
How much is the Amboseli entry fee?
Non-resident adults pay 90 US dollars per 24 hours. Kenyan citizens pay KSh 1,500 and Kenya residents KSh 2,025.
Related pages
Book this safari
Send the date, the group, and the pickup. We confirm availability on WhatsApp or email, with the tour price and the park fees to budget. See our deposit and cancellation policy.