How to get to Amboseli National Park?

Amboseli National Park, located about a four-hour drive (240 km or 150 miles) southeast of Nairobi, is well-known for its herds of large tusked elephants.

Amboseli is a picturesque park in its own right, but it is best known for two things: majestic elephant herds and breathtaking vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Amboseli, Kenya's second most popular national park after the Masai Mara National Reserve, was designated as a UNESCO-Mab Biosphere Reserve in 1991.

During severe rains, the basin in the center of the park floods, drawing a slew of species. The reserve is a good location for viewing the Big Five, as well as lesser-known and rarer animal species. 

By flight

Amboseli has its own airport, Amboseli Airport, which handles domestic flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport. The flight lasts around 45 minutes to an hour.

International travelers can fly into Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and then transfer to Nairobi Wilson International Airport.

By road

Amboseli National Park is accessible by road from Nairobi. The distance between Nairobi and the park's main entry gate is approximately 230 kilometers (143 miles). The trip usually takes 4 to 5 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. Visitors have the option of hiring a private car, driving themselves, or booking safari packages that include transportation.

There are two ways from Nairobi. The first is via Namanga, approximately 240 kilometers from Nairobi, along the Nairobi-Arusha Road, arriving at the Meshanani Gate. This takes around 4-5 hours. The second route, via Emali, takes around 3-4 hours and covers roughly 228 kilometers from Nairobi via the Nairobi-Mombasa Road. The Kimana (Olkelunyiet) Gate connects Mombasa to Tsavo West National Park.

Another alternative is to book a private shuttle or cab from Nairobi to Amboseli. You may arrange private transfers through reliable tour operators, travel agencies, or taxi services to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free ride.

By bus

Amboseli may also be accessed from Nairobi by shared taxis, known as "shuttles," which provide a cost-effective option with fares ranging from $20 to $30 per person but need a longer trip time as the cab waits to reach full capacity.

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