How to get to Amboseli national park

Amboseli National Park is the second most visited national park in Kenya, after Masai Mara National Park. Located in Kajiado County, along the border between Kenya and Tanzania, it is 160 miles from Nairobi. The park is renowned for its scenic beauty and is home to a large population of elephants, with the majestic snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro providing a stunning backdrop. Visitors to Amboseli can enjoy a variety of activities, including game viewing, bird watching, and visits to local Maasai communities.

Amboseli National Park is situated in the Loitoktok district, within Kenya’s Rift Valley region. It lies 365 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, which is the most developed town near the park. Nairobi is a popular entry point for foreign tourists, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) located just 15 kilometers southwest of the city. Amboseli can be accessed by both road and domestic flights.

By Road

There are well-maintained roads from Nairobi leading to Amboseli National Park, with five entry gates: Airstrip Gate, Kulunyiet Gate, Iremito Gate, Meshanani Gate, and Kimana Gate. Below are the distances and approximate drive times from various locations:

• From Nairobi: 365 kilometers, 3-4 hours

• From Mombasa: 451.4 kilometers, 7-8 hours

• From Bungoma: 625 kilometers, 11-12 hours

• From Malindi: 530.1 kilometers, 8-9 hours

• From Kisumu: 559.5 kilometers, 10-11 hours

• From Nakuru: 394.1 kilometers, 7-8 hours

• From Hell’s Gate: 350 kilometers, 6-7 hours

• From Samburu National Reserve: 526 kilometers, 9-10 hours

• From Masai Mara National Reserve: 517.5 kilometers, 10-11 hours via Mombasa Road

• From Lake Nakuru National Park: 390 kilometers, 7-8 hours

These distances are helpful when planning an itinerary that includes Amboseli National Park. Most tourists visiting Amboseli for a safari typically use Nairobi as the main gateway, as it is easily accessible by both road and air.

Driving Routes to Amboseli National Park

• Via Meshanani Gate: A 2.5-hour drive from Nairobi via the Nairobi route.

• Via Kimana Gate: A 228-kilometer drive passing through Emali, eventually connecting to the Mombasa main route.

• Via Isinya: A 240-kilometer drive from Magadi Road in Nairobi, joining the Nairobi-Arusha route via Namanga town. From Namanga to Meshanani Gate, it takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

When traveling to Amboseli by road, both private and public transport options are available. Many bus companies offer daily services to Loitoktok, from where you can take a matatu or taxi for the final 51.3 kilometers to the park. Private vehicles offer a more comfortable and private experience.

Note: It is recommended to use a 4×4 vehicle when driving to Amboseli National Park, as the roads can be challenging.

By Air

Several airlines operate daily chartered flights from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Amboseli Airport. Some of the companies offering domestic chartered flights include:

• AirKenya (from Nairobi)

• Safarilink (from Nairobi and Tsavo West)

• Mombasa Air Safari (from Mombasa, Masai Mara, Malindi, and Diani Beach)

It is important to book your flight in advance to avoid delays and ensure availability. Ensure that you have the required travel documents, including a valid visa, passport, and yellow fever vaccination certificate, as well as sufficient funds for activities during your safari.

In conclusion, Amboseli National Park is easily accessible by both road and air, with Nairobi serving as the main entry point for most tourists. Whether traveling by road or air, careful planning will ensure a smooth journey to this iconic wildlife destination.