Amboseli National Park has five official entry gates, each serving a different direction and purpose depending on your point of arrival, accommodation, and travel route. These gates are manned by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and are open daily.
Understanding which gate to use can streamline your journey, avoid unnecessary detours, and ensure timely access to game drives and lodges.
📍 1. Kimana Gate (Main Gate)
🔹 Location:
- Eastern side of Amboseli, off the Emali–Loitokitok Road
- Closest gate to Nairobi, accessible via Emali, Kajiado, or Namanga
🔹 Best For:
- Visitors coming by road from Nairobi (approx. 4.5 hours drive)
- Access to Kimana Sanctuary, Kimana Group Ranch, and luxury lodges like Tortilis Camp, Satao Elerai, Kibo Safari Camp, and AA Lodge
- Fly-in visitors landing at Amboseli Airstrip (20–30 min transfer)
🔹 Road Conditions:
- Mostly tarmacked from Emali to Kimana Town, then graded gravel to the gate
🔹 Notes:
- It’s the busiest and most developed gate
- Fuel stations and shops available in nearby Kimana Town
📍 2. Meshanani Gate (Northwestern Gate)
🔹 Location:
- Northwest corner of the park, accessed via Namanga or Magadi
🔹 Best For:
- Visitors traveling from Namanga (Kenya–Tanzania border town)
- Lodges and camps on the northwestern edge like Ol Tukai Lodge or nearby conservancies
- Ideal for self-drive safaris from Nairobi via Magadi–Namanga–Meshanani route
🔹 Road Conditions:
- From Namanga to Meshanani is mostly gravel and can be dusty or bumpy
🔹 Notes:
- Scenic approach with views of open plains and sometimes elephants before entry
- Less traffic than Kimana, but no major town or amenities nearby
📍 3. Iremito Gate (Northern Gate)
🔹 Location:
- Direct north of the park, between Kimana and Meshanani Gates
🔹 Best For:
- Visitors staying in central Amboseli lodges like Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, and KWS Bandas
- Fastest access to the central swamps and Observation Hill
🔹 Road Conditions:
- Gravel, with occasional washouts in rainy seasons—check conditions in advance
🔹 Notes:
- Often used by tour operators familiar with the region
- Not ideal for first-time self-drivers unless familiar with local roads
📍 4. Kitirua Gate (Southern Gate)
🔹 Location:
- Southern boundary of the park, near the Kenya–Tanzania border
🔹 Best For:
- Wildlife researchers, off-the-beaten-path travelers
- Those coming from or heading toward Loitokitok or Tanzania’s Enduimet Wildlife Management Area
🔹 Road Conditions:
- Remote and rarely used
- Best accessed with 4×4 vehicles, especially in the rainy season
🔹 Notes:
- Minimal facilities
- A strategic gate for cross-border conservation and monitoring elephant movement
📍 5. Airstrip Gate (Amboseli Airstrip Access Point)
🔹 Location:
- East-central Amboseli, near Ol Tukai and Serena Lodge
🔹 Best For:
- Fly-in safaris via local airlines (e.g., AirKenya, Safarilink) from Nairobi Wilson Airport
- Camps offering airport pick-ups directly into the park
🔹 Notes:
- Not a public gate in the traditional sense, but a logistical entry point for passengers landing at the airstrip
- Park fees still apply and are checked by KWS rangers on arrival
🎟️ Park Entry Hours & Requirements
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (daily)
- Entry is not allowed after 6:00 PM
- Park Fees:
- Citizens: KES 800 (adult), KES 215 (child)
- Residents: KES 1,030 (adult), KES 515 (child)
- Non-residents: USD 60 (adult), USD 35 (child)
- All payments must be made cashless via MPesa, card, or eCitizen
🗺️ Gate Comparison Summary
| Gate Name | Best For | Road Access | Nearby Landmarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kimana Gate | Nairobi arrivals, luxury lodges, airstrip transfers | Good tarmac + gravel | Kimana town, Amboseli Airstrip |
| Meshanani Gate | Namanga route, self-drivers from Nairobi | Gravel, scenic | NW plains, community conservancies |
| Iremito Gate | Central park lodges, swamp access | Gravel, some washouts | Observation Hill, Ol Tukai area |
| Kitirua Gate | Remote access, research, cross-border movement | 4×4 required | Kenya–Tanzania border zones |
| Airstrip Gate | Fly-in safari guests | Not for driving access | Amboseli Airstrip, central lodges |
🛑 Important Tips Before Entry
- ✅ Always check gate conditions—some routes are impassable during the rainy season
- 🗺️ Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps) if driving yourself
- 🚐 Tour operators know the fastest entry points—coordinate with your lodge
- 📞 Call ahead to confirm gate hours and conditions, especially during rainy months
- 🎟️ Carry proof of payment (e.g., eCitizen receipt or card confirmation)
- 🧭 Plan your arrival to enter early and exit before dark
🧭 Final Thoughts
Knowing the right entry gate to Amboseli National Park can be the difference between a smooth arrival and a frustrating detour. Whether you’re self-driving, joining a safari package, or flying in, this guide helps you choose the optimal gate based on your route, lodge, and travel goals.