Amboseli & Chyulu Hills Holidays

Safaris in Amboseli National Park take place in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro and under the watchful eye of its many elephants

In Amboseli, parades of spear-tusked elephants march across the plains against a backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Its snow-topped peak towers over the protected reserve, which is carpeted in scrubby savannah pocketed with verdant marshes where hippos wallow. It’s not hard to see why the park was named Amboseli – Salty Dust – by the Maasai people. This wide-open landscape lends itself to superb wildlife viewing, inhabited by pockets of grazing zebras, buffalo and wildebeest that are preyed upon by big cats. It’s the thousand-strong herd of elephants that really steals the show though, making Amboseli one of best places in the world to see these gentle giants.

Known as the Green Hills of Africa, a title bestowed by Ernest Hemingway, the nearby Chyulu Hills are a complete contrast. Here, the extinct volcanic terrain forms a mountain range that rises in a mass of dense forest, craters and cones. What the two parks do share, though, is staggering views of cloud-cloaked Kilimanjaro. Come to the Chyulu Hills for birdwatching at Lake Jipe and to explore Leviathan, one of the longest lava tubes in the world. While on safari, you’re also bound to see plenty of grazing beasts, from antelope to elands, as well as giant forest hogs and giraffes.

Want to capture views of Kilimanjaro and experience Kenya’s top elephant sightings? Then let our Africa gurus arrange a visit to Amboseli and Chyulu Hills with expert local guides.

Read more

Amboseli & Chyulu Hills Hotels

Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Amboseli & Chyulu Hills

Tawi Lodge

Superb staff and charming thatched cottages await at this tranquil lodge at the foot of Mount Kil...

Porini Amboseli Camp, Selenkay Conservancy

A small, remote and eco-responsible bush camp in the Selenkay Conservancy.

Ol Tukai Lodge

This lovely, comfortable lodge has an incredible setting inside Amboseli National Park.

Elewana Tortilis Camp

Stay in a luxury safari tent set beneath a traditional makuti roof, with views of Mount Kilimanja...

Seek out wildlife in the shadow of Mount Kilamanjaro on Amboseli safaris

On Amboseli safaris, it’s all about seeing that iconic image of one of the park’s elephant herds crossing in front of the ice-capped Mount Kilamanjaro for yourself. We have a handful of Kenya itineraries that visit Amboseli National Park, including small group safaris, where you’ll travel with a group of other travellers. There’ll be just 6 of you in each 4x4 vehicle so you’ll be guaranteed a window seat as you head out on your Amboseli safari. For a more private experience, you can upgrade one of our small group safaris and have your own drive/guide, or create a bespoke experience, visiting the parks you want to see and staying at the lodges of your choice.

Our recommended Amboseli itineraries

  • chevron down
    • Kuoni recommended
    • Name (A-Z)
    • Rating (High to Low)
    • Rating (Low to High)
    • Price (High to Low)
    • Price (Low to High)
  • {{ filter.text }}
  • Clear all

Amboseli Balloon Safari

Enjoy aerial views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Amboseli National Park on this sunrise hot-air balloon adventure. You will be collected from your lodge early morning. It will still be dark when you leave so, as you travel to the launch site, you may see some of Amboseli’s nocturnal creatures such as porcupines.

After a safety briefing from your pilot, the balloon is inflated just as the early colours of dawn start to break. As the balloon lifts off, you will get a 360-degree view of Amboseli’s diverse landscape of desert, bush and swamplands. Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro dominates the skyline. It conveniently blocks bad weather creating ideal wind conditions for flying.

Gently gliding just a few hundred feet above the ground is a magical experience. Aside from the occasional burst of gas from the burner into the balloon, it’s peaceful and tranquil and provides a different perspective to view wildlife. Amboseli is famous for its vast herds of elephants, but you may also see giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and the gerenuk antelope that stands on its hind legs to reach leaves from the trees. You will also get to view some Maasai villages from the air. Upon landing, the chase team will take you back to their base for a traditional Champagne celebration. As you look out over Mount Kilimanjaro, indulge in a spread of baked goods, fruit and plenty of Kenyan coffee. The whole experience takes about 5 hours.

Read more