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Located within the 5,700-hectare Kimana Reserve, where some of the last 'Super Tusker' elephants freely roam, Angama Amboseli sets a new standard for tourism as a sustainable model for nature conservation.
Finding its place in the pristine Kimana Reserve in Kenya, amidst the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro and the abundance of vineyards, Angama Amboseli officially opened in November 2023. Going beyond conventional boundaries, this lodge adapts to the complex realities of human-wildlife coexistence, as it sits along the historical migration route traversed by animals traveling between Amboseli National Park, Chyulu Hills, and Tsavo West National Park. Teeming with people and domestic animals during the day, the active path transforms into the domain of wildlife at night.
Developed by the team behind the sister property Angama Mara, this new eco-destination is a testament to the captivating beauty of East Africa and its wildlife richness, representing the country's first community-owned conservation. Driven by a passion for protection and sustainability, Angama Amboseli promises a breathtaking experience inspired by the 'Super Tusker' elephants that grace the landscape.
Angama Amboseli can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests in 10 guest suites, including two sets of interconnected family rooms. Each suite pays homage to the magnificent elephants of the region and is designed to feel like a private sanctuary, with outdoor terraces featuring spacious lounging areas, open-air showers, and Angama's signature swings. Guests can expect to be mesmerized by views of Mount Kilimanjaro throughout their stay. Every aspect of the lodge is carefully crafted to preserve its surroundings, with trees integrated into and around the buildings, providing an idyllic base for unique wildlife experiences while gently contributing to community upliftment through ecologically sensitive luxury.
CONSERVATION STORY IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Angama Amboseli proudly promotes conservation tourism through an innovative partnership with the Big Life Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to preserving the broader Amboseli ecosystem. Through a unique and unconventional model, Angama Amboseli strategically leases instead of purchasing land, ensuring that the local Maasai community retains ownership. By working with Big Life on land management and conservation, this approach directs significant lease payments back to the 844 family members who own the land and provides a minimum financial commitment of over $11 million over the next 25 years, underscoring the resort's deeply rooted commitment to eco-tourism. At the heart of this success is an engaging collaboration with the Maasai community, a key conservation partner benefiting from direct support through employment opportunities, lease payments, tourism revenue, and investments in health and education. Visitors wishing to learn more about regional conservation can opt for an educational visit to Big Life's headquarters or patrol with rangers in the Reserve.
Additionally, Angama Amboseli proudly empowers women from the Maasai community through significant employment in its weaving studio. This initiative not only involves creating authentic and unique items for lodge guests but also serves as a platform for sharing Kenya's rich artistry. By fostering these cultural exchanges, guests receive unique handmade treasures and become active participants in deepening their exploration of local traditions, forging lasting connections between visitors and the local community.
'SUPER TUSKERS' OF THIS REGION
The Kimana Reserve preserves some of the last genetic links to the continent's magnificent 'Super Tusker' elephants—elephants with tusks weighing almost 50 kg that are so long they nearly touch the ground. Once widespread across Africa, these elephants have become rare due to poaching, making them rare and precious ambassadors of their species—a delight for those seeking awe-inspiring wildlife encounters. As one of the last refuges in the world where these elephants roam freely, Angama Amboseli offers a unique experience where coexistence and conservation harmoniously intersect.
According to architect Jan Allan, Angama Amboseli proudly celebrates the preservation of these iconic creatures, paying homage to Super Tusker elephants through the very essence of lodge design. From sweeping curves to unprecedented and sustainable use of elephant dung mixed with concrete as a building material, every detail tells a story and pays tribute to the abundant elephant population in this ecosystem. Guests can also elevate their views from the Mnara lookout, boasting panoramic views of elephants, Mount Kilimanjaro, and other wildlife in the nearby marshland. In addition to exclusive access to traversing and unlimited wildlife viewing in the Kimana Reserve, visitors can expect to see a plethora of species.
At its core, Angama Amboseli is a lodge free of single-use plastics and has ensured programs for repurposing inevitable waste through the creation of building materials and more, as well as sending all recyclable waste to Nairobi for proper disposal.
Prices at Angama Amboseli start at $1,650 USD per person per night based on full board, including guided safaris in Kimana and Amboseli, guided walks, laundry, WiFi, on-site guest experiences, and childcare.
Angama Amboseli is easily accessible via daily Safarilink flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to the reserve's private airstrip (minimum four people), private charters to and from Maasai Mara, or by car from Nairobi.
For more information, visit www.angama.com/stay/angama-amboseli.
