An ambush is a surprise attack by monsters lying in wait in a concealed position. Travelling surface areas or dungeons inhabited by higher leveled monsters than a player's character level greatly increases the risk of being ambushed. You will never be ambushed by a monsters' group of gray con, therefore it is safe to travel those areas filled with monsters lower (-5) than a player's character level. After an ambush triggers, it respawns at another hidden location, so it cannot be 100% safe to follow a previously taken path. When camping, a player can be ambushed as well, it can happen anywhere, on the surface areas or in a dungeon. Higher tier camping materials decrease the risk of being ambushed. You will not be ambushed by just standing AFK, but the ambush can spawn beneath and will trigger when you move.