Angama Amboseli has officially opened in Kenya’s 5,700-acre Kimana Sanctuary, one of the last havens for the continent’s Super Tusker elephants. Continuing the “slow safari” concept championed at its sister property, Angama Mara, the lodge features 10 suites using a combination of canvas, concrete, rattan and elephant dung. The new property provides exclusive access to an area of Kenya known for its lush landscape and density of wildlife, all anchored by the views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
“An oasis within the Amboseli ecosystem, the safari experience here will complement the wide open plains of the Maasai Mara perfectly, and be a gentle addition to any itinerary to East Africa. We are excited to bring the Angama brand of hospitality to this corner of Kenya, and to partner with Big Life Foundation and the local community landowners to sustain this fragile conservation area,” said Steve Mitchell, CEO & co-founder of Angama.
Set within a Fever Tree forest where some of Africa’s remaining Super Tusker elephants roam, Angama Amboseli offers 10 guest suites, including two sets of interconnecting family accommodations. Each suite features a personalized drinks armoire, butler’s lobby, writing desk, and a dressing area connecting the bedroom to the bathroom, featuring a double vanity and a double shower. The floor-to-ceiling screened doors lead to a private patio with a lounge area featuring a set of outdoor rocking chairs, and an outdoor shower.
Guests at Angama Amboseli can enjoy flexible indoor-outdoor dining in the central Guest Area, complete with a baraza for evening gatherings around the fire. The nearby Studios house a safari shop, games room, art gallery, weaving studio, and a photo studio for capturing Amboseli’s scenes.
A unique vantage point for taking in the lodge’s striking location is the raised rim-flow swimming pool, ideal for both wildlife and mountain viewing. Featuring a special drinking trough below, the pool was designed especially for resident herds of elephants that frequently visit the area to drink.
While Angama Amboseli’s infinity pool offers some of the best views from the ground, the new Mnara, or viewing tower, offers 360-degree views of elephants and other wildlife in the nearby marsh.
One of Kimana Sanctuary’s highlights is the presence of the Super Tuskers, elephants with tusks so large they nearly touch the ground and weighing over 100 pounds each, a rare phenomenon in Africa. These creatures often graze near the lodge and are a draw for those seeking awe-inspiring wildlife experiences.
Guests can venture out on game drives that take in a myriad of birds and other animals including giraffes, zebras, buffalo, wildebeest, ostrich, warthog, hyena—even lion and leopard—with a team of experienced guides.
Visiting guests can also embark on half- or full-day excursions into the Amboseli National Park, where they can witness large herds of elephants, lion, cheetah, hippo, flamingo, and more including picnic lunches at private locations secured for Angama guests.
Kimana Sanctuary is part of a centuries-old migratory path that connects Amboseli National Park to the Chyulu Hills and Tsavo West National Park. This wildlife corridor forms a unique “pinch point” between farmland and an active highway crossing, showcasing the complexities of modern conservation and the coexistence of humans and wildlife.
The lodge partners with the Big Life Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving the Greater Amboseli ecosystem, working closely with local communities. This partnership with Big Life aims to protect this little parcel of land, which is vital for the whole ecosystem. Guests can visit Big Life HQ to witness conservation efforts in action. Big Life’s work in Kimana and the Greater Amboseli ecosystem is supported by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Rates at Angama Amboseli are inclusive of guided safaris in Kimana and Amboseli, guided walks, laundry, Wi-Fi, on-site guest experiences, and more.
Angama Amboseli is accessible via daily Safarilink flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the sanctuary’s private airfield (four-person minimum), private charters to and from the Maasai Mara, or by car via a three-and-a-half hour drive from Nairobi.
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