Overview
Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s top safari destinations, famous for its iconic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, huge elephant herds, dramatic swamps, and excellent birdlife. Whether you want luxury, romance, family fun, an eco-stay, or adventure on a budget, there’s something for every traveler here. Most accommodations sit within the park, along the boundaries, or in nearby conservancies, offering a range of experiences and price points.
1. Luxury Lodges & Upscale Tented Camps
Top-tier comfort, personalized service, outstanding guiding, and the best views—these are the properties to book for a truly special safari:
- Tortilis Camp (on a private conservancy): Luxury tents with Kilimanjaro views, private guides, pool, gourmet food, eco-credentials.
- Elewana Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge (inside park): Moorish-inspired architecture, lush grounds, pool, spa, cultural performances.
- Ol Tukai Lodge (inside park): Panoramic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, stylish rooms, famous for elephant sightings.
- Tawi Lodge (on a private conservancy): 12 elegant cottages, views of Kilimanjaro, fine dining, private decks, eco-conscious.
- Kibo Safari Camp (near Kimana Gate): Luxury tents, large pool, beautiful landscaping, Maasai cultural visits.
- Satao Elerai Camp (private conservancy): Spacious tents with open views, private verandas, supports community projects.
- Amboseli Sopa Lodge (on the edge of the park): Spacious family cottages, gardens, big pool, lovely dining verandas.
- Kilimanjaro Safari Lodge (outside park): Boutique luxury, superb views, private chalets, tranquil setting.
- Zebra Plains Amboseli Camp (Kimana area): Boutique camp, luxury tents, personalized guiding, romantic bush dinners.
- LImpopo Safari Lodge (Enkongo Narok): Secluded, luxurious tented suites, tailored service.
2. Mid-Range Camps & Lodges
For those wanting comfort and style without the price tag of five-star stays:
- AA Lodge Amboseli (Kimana Gate): Affordable luxury, comfortable chalets and tents, pool, family-friendly.
- Amboseli Kimana Camp (Kimana Gate): Tented camp, excellent guiding, eco-friendly focus.
- Sentrim Amboseli Lodge (inside park): Spacious tents and cottages, pool, great for families and groups.
- Amboseli Eco Camp (Kimana area): Eco-friendly tents, guided walks, affordable rates.
- Amboseli Bush Camp (near Kimana): Quiet setting, cozy tents, bush dinners, birding.
- Mawenzi Lodge (Kimana): Comfortable rooms, friendly staff, close to main gate.
- Oltome Mara Camp Amboseli (Namanga area): Newer camp, tents and cottages, good for groups.
- Kibo Safari Camp (also luxury): More basic tents available, wide range of amenities.
- Elerai Safari Camp (Elerai Conservancy): Stunning views, solar-powered, guided walks.
3. Eco-Lodges & Sustainable Camps
Prioritizing low-impact stays, community engagement, and authentic experiences:
- Satao Elerai Camp (also luxury): Leader in conservation and community support.
- Tawi Lodge (also luxury): Solar power, supports Maasai community, Green Africa award.
- Amboseli Eco Camp: Off-grid power, permaculture, bird-friendly gardens.
- Porini Amboseli Camp (Selenkay Conservancy): Small, eco-focused, private concession, excellent guiding.
- Ol Tukai Lodge: Sustainable operations, plastic-free, community partnerships.
- Kilimanjaro Eco Lodge (Kimana): Eco-cabins, farm-to-table food, guided walks.
- Maasai Simba Camp (Kimana): Community-run, immersive cultural experiences.
- LImpopo Safari Lodge: Solar power, eco-building, supports local schools.
4. Family & Group-Friendly Options
Great for kids, multi-generational trips, or larger groups, these properties offer extra space, activities, and family amenities:
- Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge: Family suites, kids’ menus, playground, pool.
- Amboseli Sopa Lodge: Large family cottages, playground, garden walks.
- Kibo Safari Camp: Family tents, children’s activities, swimming pool.
- AA Lodge Amboseli: Family cottages, children’s play area.
- Sentrim Amboseli: Family rooms, big grounds, pool.
- Ol Tukai Lodge: Family chalets, babysitting on request.
- Mawenzi Lodge: Triple and quadruple rooms, central location.
- Bongo Safari Lodge: Group accommodation, campfires, outdoor games.
- Kimana Camp: Safe for children, flexible meal plans.
5. Budget-Friendly Camps, Hostels & Guesthouses
For travelers who want adventure and savings, basic but safe and welcoming:
- Kimana Amboseli Tented Camp: Budget tents, meals included, friendly staff.
- Nyati Safari Camp: Basic bandas and tents, affordable safaris.
- Amboseli Backpackers (Kimana): Dorm beds, self-catering kitchen, social.
- Mrefu Eco Camp: Cheap tents, eco-friendly, hot showers.
- Wildebeest Eco Camp: Basic tents, communal spaces, bonfires.
- Kibo Guest House (Kimana town): Simple rooms, local hospitality.
- Maasai Simba Camp (also eco): Dorms and camping for budget travelers.
- Amboseli Green Camp: New, basic, great for overlanders.
- Community Campsites (Kimana, Olgulului, Selenkay): BYO tent, basic facilities, affordable fees.
6. Self-Catering Cottages & Private Villas
Perfect for families, long stays, or travelers who like to cook for themselves:
- Kibo Safari Camp: Offers some self-catering cottages.
- Ol Tukai Lodge: Has family villas with kitchenettes.
- Kimana Banda: Kenya Wildlife Service bandas, basic but affordable.
- Amboseli Simba Cottage: Private, fully equipped kitchen, garden.
- Selenkay Adventure Camp: Private use for groups, bring your own supplies.
- Olgulului Community Bandas: Affordable, local-run, self-cater.
- Private Airbnb villas: Options available in Kimana, Selenkay, Namanga areas.
- Great Rift Valley Escapes: Homes with lake views (slightly further afield).
7. Public & Private Campsites
For overlanders, backpackers, or those wanting to sleep under the stars:
- Kimana Community Campsite: Secure, pit latrines, close to Kimana Gate.
- Ol Tukai Campsite: Inside the park, book through KWS.
- Selenkay Adventure Camp: Wild camping, private concession, great for groups.
- KWS Bandas & Campsites: Bookable via Kenya Wildlife Service; basic but scenic.
- Olgulului Community Campsite: Local guides, simple facilities.
- Nyati Campsite: Basic, shaded, BYO gear.
- Private Campsites at Main Lodges: Book ahead for exclusivity.
Amboseli Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | Eco/Ethical | Park Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tortilis Camp | Conservancy | Luxury Tented | $400–$800 | Kili views, pool, private guides | Yes | Yes | Yes | Private gate |
| Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Inside Park | Luxury Lodge | $250–$400 | Pool, spa, culture, family suites | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes |
| Ol Tukai Lodge | Inside Park | Lodge | $230–$350 | Elephant & Kili views, family units | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tawi Lodge | Conservancy | Boutique Eco | $350–$700 | Private decks, gourmet, eco-award | Yes | Yes | Yes | Near Park |
| Kibo Safari Camp | Kimana Gate | Tented Camp | $180–$320 | Pool, family tents, cultural visits | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes |
| Satao Elerai Camp | Conservancy | Eco-Luxury Tented | $350–$600 | Views, community, sustainability | Yes | Yes | Yes | Private gate |
| Amboseli Sopa Lodge | Edge of Park | Lodge | $160–$280 | Big pool, garden, family cottages | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes |
| AA Lodge Amboseli | Kimana Gate | Mid-Range Lodge | $120–$180 | Affordable, pool, family units | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes |
| Sentrim Amboseli | Inside Park | Lodge/Camp | $120–$200 | Spacious, family-friendly, pool | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Porini Amboseli Camp | Conservancy | Eco Camp | $350–$600 | Small, exclusive, top guiding | Yes | No | Yes | Private gate |
| Kimana Amboseli Camp | Kimana | Budget Camp | $30–$70 | Basic tents, meals, budget | Yes | No | Some | Yes |
| Nyati Safari Camp | Kimana | Budget Camp/Banda | $30–$70 | Simple, local feel, affordable | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Kimana Banda (KWS) | Kimana | Self-Catering | $20–$40 | BYO food, basic, secure | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Maasai Simba Camp | Kimana | Community/Eco | $60–$120 | Cultural, eco, immersive | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
*pppn = per person per night. Prices are estimates and may vary by season.