1. Introduction
Nestled on the edge of Amboseli National Park, with sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Elewana Tortilis Camp is one of Kenya’s most celebrated safari lodges.
It stands out not just for its setting and service, but for its commitment to conservation, community partnerships, and sustainable tourism.
Located in the private Kitirua Conservancy, adjacent to the south-western boundary of Amboseli, Tortilis Camp offers an exclusive, uncrowded safari experience — where guests can explore both the National Park and the conservancy’s private wildlife areas.
Named after the flat-topped Acacia tortilis tree, which dominates Amboseli’s skyline, the camp perfectly blends luxury, eco-conscious design, and authentic African atmosphere.
2. Location and Access
- Location: Kitirua Conservancy, southwestern edge of Amboseli National Park, Kenya
- Coordinates: Approximately 2°39′ S, 37°15′ E
- Altitude: 1,180 meters above sea level
- Distance from Nairobi: 230 km (4–5 hours by road)
- Nearest Airstrip: Amboseli Airstrip – 45 minutes’ drive through the park
- Access:
- By road: Via Emali or Namanga through Meshanani Gate
- By air: Daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to Amboseli Airstrip, connecting with the camp’s transfer vehicles
The transfer drive doubles as a mini game drive, often featuring elephants, giraffes, or cheetahs along the way.
3. Setting and Design
Tortilis Camp occupies a tranquil hillside facing Mount Kilimanjaro, offering one of the clearest and most dramatic views of the mountain in all of Amboseli.
The camp’s design blends classic safari charm with low-impact architecture:
- Thatched roofs and canvas walls maintain cool interiors while blending with the environment.
- Open-air lounge and bar with panoramic vistas.
- Locally sourced stone, thatch, and wood used throughout construction.
- Solar power for electricity and hot water (80–100% solar-powered).
The property lies within 30,000-acre Kitirua Conservancy, a vital wildlife corridor linking Amboseli with the larger ecosystem — ensuring privacy, exclusivity, and minimal vehicle density.
4. Accommodation
Tented Suites
- 16 spacious tents (including one family tent and one private house)
- Each tent features:
- King or twin beds with mosquito netting
- En-suite bathroom with flush toilet and hot shower
- Private veranda with seating and Kilimanjaro view
- Hardwood furnishings and neutral earth tones
Private House
- Ideal for families or small groups.
- Two en-suite bedrooms, shared living area, and private dining veranda.
- Dedicated guide and private safari vehicle.
Family Tent
- Two interconnected en-suite tents under one thatch roof.
- Perfect for parents with children or small groups.
5. Dining and Cuisine
Tortilis Camp is known for its farm-to-table cuisine, inspired by Mediterranean and African flavors.
- Ingredients are sourced from the camp’s organic garden, featuring fresh vegetables, herbs, and salads.
- Meals are served al fresco whenever possible, overlooking Kilimanjaro.
- Bush breakfasts and sundowner picnics are a highlight.
- Special diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) accommodated with advance notice.
Signature experience: Dining outdoors as Kilimanjaro glows pink at sunset — accompanied by fresh bread, local produce, and a glass of South African wine.
6. Safari Experience
Guests at Tortilis Camp enjoy exclusive access to both the private Kitirua Conservancy and Amboseli National Park, offering a combination of privacy and variety unmatched in the region.
Game Drives
- Conducted in open-sided 4×4 Land Cruisers with expert local guides.
- Morning and afternoon drives through Amboseli and Kitirua Conservancy.
- Opportunities for Big Five sightings (elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhino occasionally).
- Especially renowned for elephants, cheetahs, and birdlife.
Night Drives
- Allowed only within Kitirua Conservancy, offering a chance to see nocturnal species such as civets, genets, aardwolves, and serval cats.
Walking Safaris
- Guided by Maasai trackers through the conservancy.
- Learn about tracks, plants, and local ecology from experts who grew up in the area.
Cultural Visits
- Visits to neighboring Maasai villages supported by the camp’s community partnerships.
- Authentic encounters with Maasai traditions, crafts, and daily life.
Sundowners
- Served at scenic viewpoints in the conservancy — often with Kilimanjaro glowing in the background.
7. Wildlife Highlights
Tortilis Camp sits at the crossroads of Amboseli’s most productive habitats — swamps, open plains, and woodlands — making game viewing exceptional year-round.
Signature sightings include:
- Elephant herds from the Amboseli Elephant Research Project (the most studied elephants in the world)
- Lions and cheetahs frequently seen hunting on the plains
- Hyenas, jackals, zebra, wildebeest, and giraffes
- Over 400 bird species, including raptors, herons, and cranes
Best time to visit:
- June to October (Dry Season): Excellent for big game and photography.
- November to May (Green Season): Lush landscapes, bird migrations, and newborn wildlife.
8. Facilities and Amenities
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Lounge & Bar | Open-air, with views of Kilimanjaro; stocked with local and international beverages. |
| Swimming Pool | Shaded by acacia trees; overlooks the conservancy plains. |
| Gift Shop | Offers locally made crafts and safari essentials. |
| Massage & Spa Tent | Offers holistic treatments using natural oils. |
| Wi-Fi Access | Available in common areas (limited bandwidth). |
| Laundry Service | Complimentary for guests staying 2+ nights. |
| Solar Power & Eco-Water Systems | Sustainable, off-grid energy and waste recycling systems. |
9. Sustainability and Conservation
Tortilis Camp is part of the Elewana Collection, a portfolio committed to low-impact, high-value tourism that benefits both wildlife and local communities.
Sustainability Practices
- Fully solar-powered operation.
- Organic garden supplying the kitchen.
- Wastewater recycling for gardens.
- Plastic-free policy and refillable water bottles.
- Locally sourced building materials and staff.
Community Partnerships
- Employs staff from neighboring Maasai communities.
- Supports Kitirua Conservancy, a wildlife corridor maintained through lease agreements with local landowners.
- Partners with Amboseli Ecosystem Trust and Big Life Foundation for anti-poaching and ranger support.
By staying at Tortilis, guests contribute directly to the protection of Amboseli’s elephants and the livelihoods of Maasai landowners who safeguard the surrounding conservancies.
10. Awards and Recognition
- EcoTourism Kenya Gold Certified Lodge
- Travel + Leisure Global Vision Award for Sustainable Tourism
- TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award
- Featured in Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, and Safari Awards Africa
11. Rates and Packages (Indicative)
| Season | Dates | Approx. Rate (USD pppn) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Season | July – October, December – February | 900 – 1,200 | All-inclusive: meals, drinks, game drives, park & conservancy fees |
| Low Season | March – June, November | 650 – 800 | As above, often with stay-pay offers |
Note: Rates vary by season and special offers. Children under 12 often receive reduced rates; private vehicles available at extra cost.
12. Ideal For
- Honeymooners: Private, romantic atmosphere with Kilimanjaro sunsets.
- Wildlife Photographers: Predictable animal movements, scenic backdrops.
- Families: Family tent and private house options.
- Eco-conscious Travelers: Carbon-neutral, sustainable lodge operations.
- Luxury Safari Seekers: Personalized service, gourmet dining, and exclusivity.
13. Practical Tips
- Park Entry: Guests access Amboseli NP via Kitirua gate or Meshanani Gate. Park fees are included in most packages.
- Packing: Bring sunscreen, wide-brim hat, neutral-colored clothing, and binoculars.
- Electricity: Available 24 hours (solar); charging outlets in rooms.
- Health: Malaria area — take precautions.
- Children: Recommended minimum age: 5 years (some restrictions on walking safaris).
- Best Stay Duration: 2–3 nights to fully explore Amboseli and Kitirua.
14. How Tortilis Compares to Other Amboseli Lodges
| Feature | Tortilis Camp | Ol Tukai Lodge | Amboseli Serena Lodge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Private Kitirua Conservancy (edge of park) | Inside Amboseli NP | Inside Amboseli NP |
| Experience | Exclusive, low-density, private access | Central park, busier | Centrally located, family-oriented |
| Eco-Credentials | Gold-rated, solar-powered | High | High |
| Price Range (pppn) | $700–$1,200 | $350–$1,000 | $300–$800 |
| Activities | Game drives, walks, night drives, cultural visits | Game drives | Game drives |
| Best For | Luxury eco-tourism | Elephant & Kilimanjaro photography | Families, all-inclusive stays |
15. Contact Information
Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli
- Website: www.elewanacollection.com/tortilis-camp-amboseli
- Email: reservations@elewana.com
- Phone: +254 (0)730 127 000 / +254 (0)720 912 589
- Managed by: Elewana Collection, Nairobi
- Coordinates: -2.639° S, 37.255° E
16. Final Thoughts
Elewana Tortilis Camp epitomizes the best of Amboseli — where luxury meets wilderness, and conservation meets comfort.
Here, you’ll wake up to Kilimanjaro glowing in the sunrise, sip coffee while watching elephants at dawn, and end the day with sundowners over acacia plains.
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