Elephant Lodges In Amboseli-Lodges Amidst A 1000 Herds Of Elephant

This is the newest property, and lies in the heart offantastic views with terraces opening out to green
Amboseli National Park. An impressive wooden walklawns and mt. Kilimanjaro.
way across green lawns and between acacia treesTortillis Camp
leads guests to an airy reception area which hasThis select camp of 15 tents offers a special blend of
been artfully designed using natural materials.rustic style and luxurious comfort. It is without
Guest stay in chalet-style, single story blocks whichquestion the nicest place to stay in Amboseli. When
have been built using local gum trees and pale slate.you arrive at tortillas (easy by plane and a long,
There are a total of 80 good-sized rooms each withdusty, bumpy road by vehicle) you walk in the
a sitting area, a giant mosquito net enclosing the twinspacious lounge and dining area. You feel you need
beds, and ensuite bathrooms with showers. Roomsgo no further. Beautifully thatched roofs soar
have a good view towards Mt. Kilimanjaro or overoverhead; the sides are open to the breeze and to
the wetlands.the wraparound view. Dominating the horizon is
There is a large and attractive swimming pool withsnow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro rising massively out of
shady areas to sit and a pool bar for snacks andthe acacia plains. Animals can be seen browsing in the
drinks. Guests can watch animals from the open-airshrub land and converging on small waterhole. Below,
Elephant bar which looks over the wetlands, playnestled under spreading acacia tortillis trees are the
board games in the lounge, or use the library whichthatch-covered tents. There is the welcome green of
commands a lovely view of mt. Kilimanjaro. You canwatered lawns and a blue swimming pool beckons.
go on bird walks in the property or attend a lectureA stone path winds down the hill (a hot walk in the
given but some one attached to the Amboselimidday sun). The tents are wonderful-spacious, cool
elephant research station.and with an oversized large veranda where you could
Other services in the Oltukai lodge in amboseli parkeasily while away an afternoon just enjoying your
24 hour telephone service, two rooms designed toprivate view and listening to the hundreds of birds
accommodate the disabled, pre-booked game drives,which have flocked to this green oasis. The tents
masai dancing in the evenings.have been cleverly arranged so that each has a view
Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodgeand you are not aware of your neighbors. There are
This older lodge was built in 1973 and needslarge comfortable beds and pleasant ensuite
refurbishing. It can accommodate 200 and is often fullbathrooms. Solar panels provide the hot water and
of tour groups. It is outside the Amboseli Nationalelectricity.
Park, about 20 minute drive from the nearest gate. ItThe meals at tortillis to be good-fresh, tasty and
is also near a Masai village. You have a fantasticvaried, with an emphasis on delicious pasta. Some of
wide-open view of Mt. Kilimanjaro from rooms'the vegetables and herbs are grown right in camp.
#80-90, the Hemmingway Tower Bar, and theTortillis is placed just outside of the park (near Kitirua
swimming pool. The decor combines lava stone withgate) and guest is able to go for guided game walks.
dark wood and high ceilings. Room rondavels areYou go out early in the morning with an extremely
spread through grounds. It is near the Kenyaknowledgeable and friendly Masai guide. The ground
departure point for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.between the trees is depressingly dry and dusty but
Special Offerings at the lodgeyou were treated to Kilimanjaro clearly etched
Light plane ride over Mt. Kilimanjaro, camel rides, bushagainst a morning sky and the thrill of getting close
banquets, day trips with picnics to chyulu Hills andto giraffe, grant's gazelles and zebra. A large herd of
mzima springs, bird walks.elephant kicks up dust in the distance. For those who
Mt. Kilimanjaro Safari Clubdon't come with their own transport, Tortillis has 4
This older lodge resembles a large tented camp, butwheel vehicles and drivers. Guests can arrange to go
without canvas. There are approximately 100 doublefor hilltop cocktails at sundown.
rooms in concrete and thatched cottages and newerThe owners, stephano and max cheli and liz peacock,
"K" wing with cottages built of wood. Unfortunately,are known for providing high quality, personalized
each room practically touches the next, and work issafaris. They have kept the camp small to ensure
in progress on the water table which has causedthat each guest is looked after in a very special way.
flooding in some cottages. There is a pleasant diningThe camp is managed as a conservation project and
room, but only the new rooms in "K" wing arethe owners work closely with the Masai people and
appealing with many windows, private terraces andthe Kenya Wildlife Service.
bright fabrics. Rooms # K-9, K-10 AND K-12 have