AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Soak up the magnificent views of Kilimanjaro and enjoy close encounters with the elephant population in beautiful Amboseli.
Amboseli National Park is a top safari spot in Kenya, and this is enhanced by the natural habitat. With Kilimanjaro nearby, it is fascinating to watch the animals moving across the plain with the snow-capped mountain in the background. This gives it a particularly special feel.
The meltwater from the mountain glaciers flows down, meaning that there are swamps all the year round providing cooling spots for the game here and providing much needed drinking water. The acacia trees and rocky thorn bush are a source of food and shade for various animals and the antelope, buffalo and zebra feed the predators such as lion and cheetah. Probably the most famous site in Amboseli are the elephants and the park has a thriving population of these magnificent beasts.
Amboseli allows visitors to get a feel for the Maasai and their way of life. The ranches where they graze their cattle are scattered around the national park. The tribes interact very little with the game and it is wonderful to see how they find a balance between their traditions, the progress of the lodges and respect for the natural environment.
WHERE TO STAY
Our favourite luxury hotels
ol Donyo Lodge
ol Donyo Lodge is a pioneer amongst safari lodges, and a forerunner of sustainable tourism: by working with the local Maasai people, it has been able to blend conservation and livelihood benefits. This Relais & Chateaux Lodge is located on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills, blending a contemporary and traditional design. Each suite at ol Donyo Lodge look out over the suite’s plunge pool and across the rolling plains to Mount Kilimanjaro. All six suites, plus a two-bedroom family suite, have star beds, where you can sleep out under the canopy of stars with the sound of the Mara.
Angama Amboseli
Nestled within the Kimana Sanctuary, Kenya’s inaugural community-owned conservancy, lies an intimate lodge known as Angama Amboseli. This sanctuary is celebrated for its vibrant scenery and exceptional concentration of wildlife, with the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro serving as a majestic backdrop. Set amidst a fever tree forest, this haven is home to some of Africa’s few remaining Super Tuskers, elephants adorned with tusks so immense they gracefully brush the earth as they amble. Angama Amboseli offers a serene start or finish to any East African safari adventure.
Satao Elerai Safari Camp
In a quiet, unspoilt setting on the 5000-acre private Elerai Private Conservancy Satao Elerari sits to the south-east of Amboseli National Park at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro with stunning views of the park in one direction and of the mountain in the other. The camp has 12 comfortable en-suite mountain-facing tents and five spacious lodge-style suites, constructed using locally-sourced Acacia wood and makuti thatch. Enjoy day and night game drives and guided walks, visit the local Masai community or relax by the pool and soak up views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tortilis Camp
Named after the natural forest of flat-topped acacia tortilis thorn trees that give it shade, the charming Tortilis Camp is situated on a sprawling private concession. Guests can expect elegant accommodation and endless views stretching to the majestic snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru in Tanzania. The camp’s beautifully-appointed tents are spacious, with comfortable beds, lovely ensuite bathrooms and a private veranda. The guest areas of the camp include a cosy sitting room, bar and dining area, all exquisitely furnished with natural materials and covered with thatched roofs.
Tawi Lodge
The picturesque Tawi Lodge lies on a beautiful private concession at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The lodge offers magnificent views from both its main guest areas and its beautifully appointed 13 cottages. Each cottage boasts romantic four-poster beds, a lovely ensuite bathroom with a Victorian bath and a shower, a fireplace and a personal bar. A butler service is provided for that added personal touch. A waterhole, visible from the convivial bar areas, a dining room, sitting rooms and a spa all offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a spot of game viewing from the comfort of the lodge.