Angama Amboseli lands in Kenya’s Kimana Sanctuary
Angama Amboseli has opened its doors in the heart of 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 ten suites inspired by the elephants, using a combination of canvas, concrete, rattan and even elephant dung, with earthy, neutral tones accented by shades of greens and red from the landscape. The new property provides exclusive access to an area of Kenya renowned for its lush landscape and density of wildlife, all anchored by 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,” says Steve Mitchell, co-founder and CEO of Angama. “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.”
Set within a Fever Tree forest where some of Africa’s remaining Super Tusker elephants roam, the spaciois suites include two sets of interconnecting family accommodations, each with views of Mount Kilimanjaro from the bedroom to the shower. Showcasing a fresh approach to safari lodge design, each suite has been designed as a private sanctuary, featuring a personalised drinks armoire, butler’s lobby, writing desk and a dressing area connecting the bedroom to a bathroom with a double vanity and double shower. The floor-to-ceiling screened doors lead to a private patio with a lounge area and an outdoor shower. A set of outdoor rocking chairs, an Angama signature, invites guests to linger and revel in the natural beauty of the Kimana Sanctuary and its views of the peaks beyond.
Guests at Angama Amboseli can enjoy flexible indoor-outdoor dining in the central guest area, with a food concept from chef Sarah Saleheen of Boho Eatery, a restaurant focused on conscious and sustainable food in Nairobi, 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 photographic studio for capturing Amboseli’s iconic scenes.
A unique vantage point for taking in the lodge’s striking 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 – provides panoramic vistas of the elephants and other wildlife in the nearby marsh.
Angama Amboseli offers an intimate experience with the elephants, alongside exclusive traversing rights and unrestricted game viewing in Kimana Sanctuary. Guests can venture out on game drives that take in a variety of birds and other animals including giraffes, zebras, buffalo, wildebeest, ostrich, warthog, hyena – even lion and leopard – with a team of experienced guides.
A 21st century conservation story, Kimana Sanctuary is part of a centuries-old migratory path that connects Amboseli National Park to the Chyulu Hills and Tsavo West National Park. The 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 also partners 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. This critical partnership aims to protect the 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.
