Observation Hill
Amboseli National Park, Kenya
The cone-shaped volcanic mount of Observation Hill is the highest hill in Amboseli National Park and the only viewpoint to afford panoramic views of the entire park. On a clear day, you can look out across neighboring Tanzania to the snow-crowned peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, and admire an aerial view over Lake Amboseli and the surrounding plains.
Most tours of Amboseli National Park include a stop at Observation Hill, and it’s the only spot where you’ll be allowed to get out of the vehicle and explore on foot. Climb the natural staircase up to the summit to gaze out over the Amboseli plains, where you might see free-roaming herds of elephants, zebras, and other wildlife. Guided safari tours and game drives set out from the many lodges in and around Amboseli National Park, and multi-day tours from Nairobi are also an option.
You’ll need to climb about 100 natural steps to reach the summit of Observation Hill.
There are restrooms available at the bottom of Observation Hill, close to the parking lot.
The hill is exposed, so be sure to bring sun protection and plenty of water for the walk.
It’s a gently sloping and manageable walk for those with average mobility, but it’s not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Amboseli National Park is more than 125 miles (200 kilometers) south of Nairobi, or about a 3.5-hour drive. There’s no public transportation, so you’ll need to rent a car, hire a private driver, or join a tour. Within the park, it can take up to an hour to drive to Observation Hill, depending on your starting point. On arrival, the only way to the top is to walk.
The best time to visit Amboseli National Park is during the dry season (January-February and June-October), when the cooler weather is ideal for game drives and safaris. Observation Hill is a popular spot to watch the sunrise or sunset, and the clouds often clear around dusk and dawn, providing the highest chance of a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Amboseli National Park is most famous for its large herds of elephants, and elephant sightings are nearly guaranteed. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a photo of them with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Keep a lookout for other wildlife in the park, including zebras, warthogs, Grant’s gazelles, waterbucks, elands, and Coke’s hartebeests, along with the jackals, lions, leopards, and hyenas. Bird lovers also have a chance to spot up to 400 bird species.
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