Amboseli National Park, formerly Maasai Amboseli Game Reserve, is in Kajiado County, Kenya. It is one of Kenya’s most popular parks. The name “Amboseli” comes from a Maasai word meaning “salty dust”, and it is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulphur springs, the savannah and woodlands. They can also visit the local Maasai community who live around the park and experience their authentic culture. Other attraction of the park includes opportunities to meet the Maasai people and also offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most popular parks, and offers great wildlife viewing. The park is famous for its elephants, but most big safari animals can be spotted here. Black rhino has unfortunately become extinct, but four of the other Big Five are present. The plains support an abundance of large herbivores including wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra and Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle. Masai giraffe and impala can usually be found browsing from stands of acacia trees.

Although Amboseli can be visited at any time of year it is recommended to go in the dry months, which are from June to October and January to February. The short rains peak in November and the long rains in April and May – these months are not recommended for wildlife viewing. During these wet months, animals tend to spread out and are less inclined to come to predictable water sources.

Views of Kilimanjaro are hit-and-miss, but chances are best early morning and late afternoon in the Wet season months from November to May, when the sky is clear of dust.

• Best Time June to September and January to February are best for general wildlife viewing (Little to no rainfall)
• High Season December to March & July to October (The reserve can get quite busy)
• Low Season April to June (Low season rates may apply)
• Best Weather June to September and January to February (Little rainfall)
• Worst Weather April (Wettest month)

Conditions in Amboseli NP are hot and dry. Drought is common in this area, although when it rains it typically falls as short, heavy showers. During the day expect average temperatures of around 28°C/82°F and 15°C/59°F at night. Early morning activities, such as game drives, require warm clothing. Peak rainfall periods are in April and November. The ‘long rains’ usually fall from mid-March to mid-May while the ‘short rains’ are from late October to mid-December.

Dry season –June to September

These are the coolest months and typically have bright, sunny days. It is very dry with practically no rain.

• June & July – It is normally sunny. Expect average temperatures of around 25°C/77°F in the afternoon.
• August & September – Daytime temperatures are on the rise until the rain breaks. Although temperature peaks are far higher, the average in September is about 26°C/79°F.

Wet season –October to May

The Wet season is marked by the ‘short rains’ followed by the ‘long rains’. January and February is a drier interlude that splits the Wet seasons. Driving can be a challenge in April and May when rains cause road conditions to deteriorate.

• October, November & December – The rains generally begin at some point in October and peak in November. Normally it doesn’t rain for the whole day; however, afternoon storms are common. The average temperature is 28°C/82°F during the day, but it increases before it rains.
• January & February – The exact start and finish of this Dry period separating the Wet seasons is never predictable. February, though, is the hottest month, and the average afternoon temperature is 30°C/86°F (expect higher peaks).
• March, April & May – The long rains generally start mid- to late-March. It seldom rains for the entire day, but afternoon showers can be expected. The wettest month is April. Expect temperatures in the afternoon to reach 28°C/82°F.