Tucked in the 5,700-acre Kimana Sanctuary, where some of the last ‘Super Tusker’ elephants roam, Angama Amboseli is raising the bar for tourism as a sustainable conservation model
Nairobi, Kenya – 29 February, 2024:Angama Amboseli, situated in Kenya’s Kimana Sanctuary near Mount Kilimanjaro, opened in November 2023, embracing human-wildlife coexistence along a migratory route. Developed by Angama Mara’s team, this eco-lodge is East Africa’s first community-owned conservancy, offering immersive experiences inspired by ‘Super Tusker’ elephants. With 10 guest suites, the lodge provides a private sanctuary with outdoor amenities and Mount Kilimanjaro views, designed to preserve the environment and support community upliftment.
A 21ST CENTURY CONSERVATION STORY
Angama Amboseli partners with the Big Life Foundation to champion conservation tourism, utilizing a unique leasing model to ensure local Maasai community ownership of the land. This innovative approach directs lease fees back to the community, securing over $11 million in funding commitment over 25 years. Collaboration with the Maasai community includes employment opportunities, lease payments, and investments in healthcare and education. Additionally, Angama Amboseli empowers Maasai women through its Weaving Studio, fostering cultural exchanges and creating connections between guests and the local community through authentic handcrafted items and rich Kenyan artistry.
THE ‘SUPER TUSKERS’ OF THE LAND
Kimana Sanctuary is home to some of the last remaining ‘Super Tuskers’ in Africa, elephants with tusks nearly reaching the ground, weighing nearly 50 kg each. These majestic creatures, once abundant, have become scarce due to poaching, making them rare ambassadors of their species. Angama Amboseli provides a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, where conservation and coexistence converge seamlessly.
Architect Jan Allan incorporated the essence of the Super Tuskers into the lodge’s design, from sweeping curves to sustainable use of elephant dung mixed with concrete. Every detail pays homage to the elephant population, including a specially crafted drinking trough for resident herds. Guests can also enjoy panoramic views of the Tuskers and Mount Kilimanjaro from the Mnara viewing tower.
Angama Amboseli prioritizes sustainability by being a single-use plastic-free lodge and implementing waste repurposing programs. All recyclable waste is sent to Nairobi for proper disposal, aligning with the lodge’s commitment to environmental conservation.
Rates at Angama Amboseli start from USD 1,650 (currently approx. £1,330) per person per night on a full board basis, inclusive of guided safaris in Kimana and Amboseli, guided walks, laundry, WiFi, on-site guest experiences, and child-minding.
Angama Amboseli is easily 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.
