It was first gazetted as a Game reserve and in 1974 as a National Park.
Vegetation is mainly open wooded grassland and swamps.
Both roads are tarmac up to the two towns. From Namanga to Amboseli and from Emali to Amboseli, are 75 and 64 km respectively. The condition of this road is similar to the other two. Many of the park viewing roads are murrum maintained roads. However, Four Wheel drive vehicles are recommended as they offer safer and better viewing.