Amboseli National Park is often called Kenya’s best park for close wildlife encounters, and for good reason. With its open landscapes, lush wetlands, and the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, Amboseli offers an ideal stage for some of Africa’s most iconic creatures.
At Woodsly Adventures, we’ve guided countless safaris through Amboseli, and here are the top 10 animals you’re most likely to see—plus why they make the experience unforgettable.
1. African Elephant
Amboseli is world-famous for its elephants. With over 1,500 individuals, many of them studied and named, these giants roam freely across the park’s plains and swamps.
- Often seen in large family groups
- Easy to photograph due to open terrain
- Look for calves playing in the water
👉 Book our Amboseli Elephant Safari for the best elephant-viewing experiences.
2. African Lion
While Amboseli isn’t primarily known for big cat concentrations, it still has resident lion prides.
- Most active early morning or at dusk
- Often seen stalking zebra or wildebeest
- Hear their roars echoing at night from nearby camps
3. Giraffe (Masai Giraffe)
These gentle giants are frequent sights in Amboseli’s savannah and acacia woodland.
- Often seen feeding in small groups
- Graceful and photogenic against Kilimanjaro’s backdrop
4. Buffalo
Large, powerful, and social, Cape buffalo are almost always spotted in Amboseli.
- Usually found wallowing near the marshes
- Move in herds that can reach dozens
- Considered one of the “Big Five”
5. Hippopotamus
Amboseli’s swamps and waterholes provide the perfect habitat for hippos.
- Best seen during mid-morning as they bask
- Sometimes spotted grazing near water at dusk
- Look for them in Longinye and Enkongo Narok swamps
6. Zebra
Plains zebra are everywhere in Amboseli and often travel in massive herds.
- Typically mixed with wildebeest and gazelles
- Great for photography due to their contrast with the grasslands
7. Cheetah
Cheetahs are less commonly seen than lions, but Amboseli’s open plains offer great conditions for sightings.
- Active during the day
- Look for them perched on termite mounds
- Guides from Woodsly Adventures know the hot spots
8. Wildebeest
Large herds of wildebeest migrate through Amboseli, especially during the dry season.
- Often seen galloping or grazing
- Mingle with zebras, creating lively scenes of movement
9. Hyena (Spotted Hyena)
Both predator and scavenger, spotted hyenas are frequently seen in Amboseli.
- Active in the early morning and late evening
- Listen for their eerie whoops at night
10. Birdlife (Bonus!)
Though not mammals, Amboseli is home to over 400 bird species. From the lilac-breasted roller to the massive martial eagle, the park is a birdwatcher’s dream.
👉 See our full Birdwatching in Amboseli guide for more.
Animals You Might Also Encounter
- Warthogs: Often seen trotting with tails up
- Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelles: Graceful and numerous
- Baboons and Vervet Monkeys: Active near lodges and forests
- Caracal and Serval Cats: Rare but possible with luck
Combine Your Safari for More Wildlife Diversity
If you want to see animals Amboseli doesn’t host (like rhinos), you can combine your safari with:
- Masai Mara Safari: For migration and rhinos
- Tsavo National Park: For red elephants and leopards
- Wasini Island Marine Park: For dolphins, coral reefs, and marine life
- Mombasa Beach Retreat: For some post-safari relaxation
Final Thoughts
Amboseli is the perfect destination to experience a variety of African wildlife in a single park. From giant elephants to elusive cheetahs, it delivers on every front.
At Woodsly Adventures, we offer personalized safaris tailored to your wildlife interests. Let us help you spot all 10 of these animals—and much more.
