Amboseli

Amboseli

Amboseli National Park is best known for its impressive elephant herds and spectacular scenery, with Mount Kilimanjaro rising across the border in neighbouring Tanzania. The park’s open plains, wetlands and acacia woodland attract a wide variety of wildlife, making Amboseli a fantastic safari destination.

On a clear day, the views of Kilimanjaro can be truly spectacular, especially in the early morning. However, the mountain is often hidden by clouds, so a clear view cannot be guaranteed.

The best wildlife viewing is found in the southern part of the park, around the Olodoare Plains, Oltukai, Longinye Swamp, Observation Hill Swamp and Lake Kioko. Here, elephants, wildebeest, zebras and gazelles are commonly seen, while lions, cheetahs and hyenas are regularly spotted. The swamps also attract a wide variety of waterbirds.

You can enter Amboseli via Kimana Gate (Olkelunyiet). As most lodges are located nearby, we recommend entering (and exiting) Amboseli via this gate.

Approx. 2 hours | 81 km

The drive to Emali train station will take about two hours. Go on board the iconic Madaraka Express to Mombasa.

The train departs at Emali at 09:30 AM. Enjoy a smooth, air-conditioned ride with guaranteed seating and no traffic stress all the way to the coast. The route passes right through Tsavo National Park, so you can spot elephants, giraffes or zebras from your window. You’ll arrive at the Mombasa SGR station in Miritini at 14:00 PM.

When you have booked your accommodation at the coast with us, you’ll be picked up by your accommodation taxi service and taken to your hotel (approx. travel time 1 hour to Diani).

Approx. 7 hours | 307 km

Get an early start, as today is a long driving day. Leave Amboseli via Kimana Gate and follow the paved C102 towards Emali. From Emali, join the Nairobi–Mombasa highway towards Nairobi. Take the city bypass around Nairobi and continue towards Lake Naivasha.

Google Maps may suggest the alternative route via Namanga and Athi River (C103), but don’t trust it blindly. Although this route may look shorter, the road is in bad condition and can easily damage your car. Stick to the route via Emali, which is fully paved and the best option for this journey.

Approx. 5 hours | 203 km

When driving back to Nairobi after your visit to Amboseli, we recommend driving to Emali via the little village of Makutano.

From Emali, you’ll join the Mombasa-Nairobi highway. The A109/A8 highway between Mombasa and Nairobi is busy with cars, buses, and slow-moving trucks. Construction work is common here and adds to your travel time. Also, be wary of other cars practising dangerous overtakes, and please don’t copy their behaviour. Your Land Cruiser is limited to 80 km/hour. Best to sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.

Approx. 7 hours | 310 km

Depart early, as it’s a long driving day. From Amboseli, head to Emali town and join the Nairobi–Mombasa highway. Follow it all the way to Voi, where you’ll branch off towards the park entrance. The A109 highway between Nairobi and Mombasa is busy with cars, buses, and slow-moving trucks. Construction work is common here and adds to your travel time. Also, be wary of other cars practising dangerous overtakes, and please don’t copy their behaviour. Your Land Cruiser is limited to 80 km/hour. Best to sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.

Voi is a convenient stop to refuel and stock up on supplies before you head into the wilderness again.