Angama Amboseli officially opened at the beginning of this month in the heart of Kenya’s 2 300ha Kimana Sanctuary, one of the last havens for the continent’s Super Tuskers (elephants with tusks so large they nearly touch the ground and weigh over 45kg each).
The new property provides exclusive access to an area of Kenya renowned for its lush landscapes and density of wildlife, all anchored by the views of the iconic 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 and Co-Founder of Angama.
Set within a fever tree forest where some of Africa’s remaining Super Tuskers roam, Angama Amboseli offers ten spacious guest suites, including two sets of interconnecting family accommodations, each with views of Kilimanjaro from the bedroom to the shower.
The rooms have been designed as a private sanctuary, featuring a personalised 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, and an outdoor shower, as well as a set of outdoor rocking chairs.
Guests can enjoy flexible indoor-outdoor dining in the central guest area – with a food concept from Chef Sarah Saleheen of Boho Eatery, a Nairobi restaurant that focuses on sustainable food – complete with a baraza (Swahili for meetings) for evening gatherings around the fire.
The main lodge area houses a safari shop, games room, art gallery, weaving studio, and a photographic studio.
A unique vantage point for taking in the lodge’s location is the raised rim-flow swimming pool, ideally situated 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 unrivalled 360-degree views, especially of the elephants and other wildlife in the nearby marsh.
Guests can enjoy game drives to view a myriad of birds and other animals, including giraffes, zebras, buffalo, wildebeest, ostrich, warthog, hyena, lion and leopard – with a team of experienced guides.
Half- or full-day excursions into Amboseli National Park are offered, to see large herds of elephants, lion, cheetah, hippo, and flamingo, and include picnic lunches at private locations exclusive to Angama guests.
Angama Amboseli is easily accessible by 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.
Conservation partnership
The lodge has partnered with the Big Life Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to conserving the greater Amboseli ecosystem, working closely with local communities to ensure a harmonious balance between wildlife and people.
The partnership aims to protect this parcel of land, the most valuable part of the wildlife corridor, which is vital for the whole ecosystem.
Guests have the opportunity to visit Big Life HQ to learn more and witness conservation efforts in action. Big Life’s work in Kimana and the greater Amboseli ecosystem is supported by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, one of Kenya’s most important conservation organisations.
