How to Plan an Amazing 2-Day Amboseli National Park Safari from Nairobi

Are you dreaming of an African adventure? Then Kenya’s Amboseli National Park is the perfect place to start! Located in southern Kenya, near the Tanzania boarder, Amboseli is likely best known for its elephant population and stunning views of Kilimanjaro—the tallest mountain in Africa.

For those wanting to experience this amazing park without having to commit to a week-long safari, a 2-day Amboseli National Park safari is a great option. A quick two-day trip will still allow adventurers to check out the park’s incredible wildlife, in addition to its unparalleled views of Kilimanjaro.

Below, we’ll provide everything you need to know about how to plan an amazing two-day Amboseli National Park safari from Nairobi.

1. Getting to Amboseli from Nairobi

The quickest and easiest way to reach Amboseli from Nairobi is by taking a private car/van. Depending on traffic, the drive should take about 4–5 hours. Companies like Dirac Africa Tours offer private transfers from Nairobi to Amboseli starting at $250.

Alternatively, you can reach the park by taking an intercity bus from Nairobi which makes multiple stops along the way and will take about 6–7 hours. Intercity bus tickets are generally much cheaper than a private transfer, but the itinerary can be unpredictable. Some buses make multiple stops along the way, limiting your amount of time for game drives. Because of this, it is important that you book your tickets ahead of time and confirm the departure time and stops with your chosen company before booking your tickets.

2. Where to Stay in Amboseli National Park

Once you arrive in Amboseli, you’ll need to decide where you would like to stay. Here are three top-rated lodging options:

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

The 5-star Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge has stunning views of the national park and a large pool overlooking Kilimanjaro. It offers luxurious rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a spa. Prices start at $225/room/night. You can book your stay at here.

Oltukai Lodge

Oltukai Lodge is one of the most mid-range popular lodges in Amboseli, offering comfortable rooms and delicious food at reasonable prices. They offer game drives as well as an amazing view of Kilimanjaro. Prices start at $150/room/night and you can book your stay here.

Kilima Camp

Kilima Camp offers the perfect ambiance for experiencing a safari while still being able to relax in style at the end of the day. They offer 11 comfortable tents nestled perfectly into the surrounding area, offering panoramic views and an intimate setting for their guests. Prices start at $127/room/night and you can book your stay here.

3. What to Do on Your Amboseli National Park Safari

Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to explore! Here are some of the best things to do during your two-day safari:

• Go on a game drive! Seeing animals in the wild is one of the best reasons to visit the park—and it’s one of the main attractions for any safari. With 49 species of mammals and over 600 species of birds, you won’t be disappointed! You’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, lions, leopards, cheetahs and more.
• Visit Observation Hill. For those wanting another opportunity to spot animals in their natural habitat (and enjoy a bird’s eye view), visiting Observation Hill is a must! It is located near the lodge and offers spectacular views of the savannahs below.
• Learn about local culture. For those wanting to learn about the local Masai people and their culture, tours with Masai are offered daily in the park. This is a great way to experience life as a Masai warrior and get an introduction into their way of life.
• Marvel at Mt. Kilimanjaro. On clear days, you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of Mt Kilimanjaro—the tallest mountain in Africa. Many visitors find that the best time to view Mt Kilimanjaro is sunrise or sunset (or both).

4. Final Thoughts: Is a 2-day Amboseli National Park Safari Worth It?

The answer that is totally up to you! While it may be easier (and cheaper) to choose an all-inclusive week-long safari that combines several parks into one package, many people find that a two-day trip to Amboseli is well worth it for the wildlife viewing opportunities and breathtaking views alone.

For those who are short on time or are only able to take just two days away from their Nairobi basecamp, Amboseli National Park offers an amazing combination of views and wildlife for an incredible introduction into safari life. No matter what type of traveler you are—from budget backpacker to luxury safari faniac—you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience at this one-of-a-kind park!

Ready to start planning your own two-day Safari? Get started today by booking your activity here.