Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Amboseli National Park, in southern Kenya on the Tanzanian border, is best known for its postcard views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro rising above herds of elephants on the open plains.

Elephants and Kilimanjaro

Amboseli is one of the best places in Africa to see large, relaxed elephant herds at close range, including some of the continent’s biggest tuskers. On clear mornings and evenings, Kilimanjaro provides a spectacular backdrop for photography.

Open plains and birdlife

The park’s swamps, fed by underground water from Kilimanjaro, attract wildlife and more than 400 bird species. The open terrain makes for reliable sightings of lion, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, and plains game.

Getting there

Amboseli is roughly four hours by road from Nairobi and is often combined with the Maasai Mara and Tsavo on a Kenya safari circuit.