Amboseli lies south of Nairobi at the foot of Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. The snow capped peak of Kilimanjaro rising above a saucer of clouds dominates every aspect of the reserve and provides a backdrop to a spectacular display of wildlife –lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, cheetah, buffalo and a host of plains game.

The Tanzania border runs along its base and also forms the boundary of the park. Amboseli has five main wildlife habitats: open plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush area, swamps and marshland, and a temporary lake, Lake Amboseli, that floods when the area receives heavy rainfall and attracts an amazing variety of birds.

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The nearby Chyulu Hills are a chain of volcanic hills ideal for activities such as hiking and horse riding safaris.