Day Safari to Amboseli National Park: Kilimanjaro, Elephants & Private Game Drive
A full-day private safari from Nairobi to Amboseli delivers close-up encounters with large bull elephants, sweeping plains under Kilimanjaro, and guided game drives with lunch at Oltukai Lodge. Practical, family-friendly, and driven around wildlife viewing in a pop-up roof vehicle.
The Experience
Before You Go
Start at Dawn
Pickup is typically around 05:00—early light improves visibility and increases wildlife activity, so plan sleep and breakfast accordingly.
Hydration & Sun Protection
Bring sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and a refillable bottle—bottled water is provided but extra is useful for a long day in the sun.
Bring Optics and a Zoom Lens
A 200–400mm lens or good binoculars make the difference when elephants or predators are at a distance from the vehicle.
Respect Distance and Silence
Remain seated during sightings, keep voices low, and follow your guide’s instructions to avoid disturbing animals.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Observation Hill for a short climb and panoramic views across the park and Kilimanjaro
- •Kimana Wildlife Sanctuary nearby, where community-led conservation supports seasonal wildlife corridors
Wildlife
- •African elephant
- •lion
Conservation Note
Conservation here focuses on protecting elephant corridors and working with Maasai communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict; visitors help by minimizing disturbance and supporting local concessions.
Amboseli became a protected area in the 1970s and has long sat at the intersection of Maasai pastoral lands and floodplain ecosystems fed by Kilimanjaro’s meltwaters.
What to Bring
Binoculars (8x–10x)Essential
Helps spot distant elephants, predators, and birds across the plains.
Telephoto Camera Lens (200–400mm)
Captures close-up wildlife shots from the vehicle without disturbing animals.
Sun Hat & SunscreenEssential
Long exposure to sun on the open plains makes UV protection essential.
Light Layer or WindbreakerEssential
Pre-dawn drives are cool; layers are useful as temperatures rise quickly with the sun.
Common Questions
What time does the tour start and finish?
Pickup is typically around 05:00 from Nairobi and the full-day tour returns in the early evening, totaling about 10 hours.
Is this suitable for children and infants?
Yes—families are welcome; infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap per operator policy.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Amboseli is best known for large elephant herds and bulls with big tusks; you’ll also commonly see buffalo, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, and various predators like lions and cheetahs.
What’s included in the tour price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Nairobi, transport in a pop-up roof safari vehicle, bottled water, a professional driver/guide, park fees, and buffet lunch at Oltukai Lodge.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
10 hours
Location
Amboseli, Kajiado County
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal walking; appropriate for most fitness levels though the day includes long periods in the vehicle
Ready to Explore Amboseli?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
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