Tawi Lodge With Mara Triangle Safaris

Tawi Lodge – A Sustainable Boutique Safari Retreat on the Edge of Amboseli National Park, with Uninterrupted Views of Mount Kilimanjaro

On a clear day, the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro appears to rise directly from the plains of Amboseli, and there is arguably no better place in the world to watch the sun rise over this iconic mountain than from the deck of Tawi Lodge. Located on the foothills of Africa’s highest mountain, just five minutes from the Kimana Gate (the eastern entrance to Amboseli National Park), Tawi Lodge is an award-winning, eco-friendly boutique lodge offering exclusivity, authentic safari experiences, and a sense of true tranquility.

The name “Tawi” means “blessings” in Swahili, and this intimate 13-cottage lodge is a blessing indeed for those seeking an uncrowded and private safari. Set on a 3,000 to 6,000-acre private concession known as the Tawi-Kilitome Conservancy, the lodge is designed for guests who want to get away from the busy vehicle parades that can sometimes overwhelm the national park. The camp was founded on the principles of sustainable tourism, holding a Gold Eco-Rating for its commitment to solar power, borehole water, and community partnerships, all while maintaining a low environmental impact.

Prime Location – A Private Conservancy at the Foot of Africa’s Roof
The lodge is situated on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in one of the richest game areas in Kenya. Because the property is located in a private concession, guests enjoy a significant safari advantage. You can enter the park quickly via Kimana Gate, but you also have exclusive access to the private conservancy, which allows for night game drives and off-road driving for closer wildlife encounters and better photography, privileges not allowed in the main national park.

Accessibility is straightforward. You can drive 250 km from Nairobi (approximately 4–5 hours), or take a 35-minute scheduled flight from Wilson Airport to the Amboseli Airstrip, followed by a short transfer to the lodge. The lodge also has its own airstrip for private charters.

Accommodation – Spacious, Eco-Chic Cottages with Private Decks and Fireplaces
Tawi Lodge consists of 13 spacious, traditional Makuti-roofed chalets (or 12–13 units, depending on configuration). Unlike standard hotel rooms, these are mini-lodges built from wood, stone, and thatch, designed and spaced to provide maximum privacy and a true sense of being in the wild.

• Luxury Eco-Cottages: Each cottage features a private wooden deck overlooking the savannah and Mount Kilimanjaro. The interiors are elegantly rustic, featuring a four-poster bed (like “a small piece of heaven”), a comfortable sitting area, and a dedicated fireplace for the surprisingly cool Amboseli nights.

• En-Suite Bathrooms: The bathrooms are spacious and well-appointed, offering both a deep soaking bathtub and a separate walk-in shower. You can often soak in the tub while watching wildlife wander past the deck.

• Family Cottages: Two of the cottages are joined by an extending veranda, making them perfect for families or small groups travelling together.

• In-Tent Amenities: Amenities include a minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, an in-room safe, and a dedicated butler service for that added personal touch.

Dining – Farm-to-Table Freshness with a View
Dining at Tawi is an experience that delights the senses. The central guest area is a double-storey lodge overlooking a natural waterhole. This is a “living theatre”; you can watch elephants, giraffes, zebras, and buffalos come to drink while you enjoy your breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

• Cuisine: The kitchen specialises in gourmet meals created from the freshest ingredients, including organic vegetables grown in the lodge’s own gardens. Menus feature a blend of international dishes and local Kenyan flavours, catering to all dietary requirements.

• Unique Dining Experiences: Beyond the main dining room, the lodge offers unforgettable bush experiences including:

  • Bush Breakfasts & Picnic Lunches: Enjoy a hearty meal in the heart of the wilderness during a full-day game drive.

  • Sundowner Cocktails: Watch the sun set over Kilimanjaro with a drink in hand at a scenic spot in the conservancy.

  • Bush Dinners & Boma Dining: A magical, lantern-lit dinner under the stars, often accompanied by traditional Maasai dance performances.

  • Private In-Room Dining: For those seeking a quiet evening, you can request to have your meal served on your private cottage deck.

Facilities & Amenities – Relaxation and Recreation in the Wild
Tawi Lodge offers a surprising array of facilities for its size, designed for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.

• Swimming Pool & Sun Terrace: A large, heated swimming pool with sun loungers on wooden decks overlooks the waterhole, allowing you to cool off while watching wildlife. A separate children’s pool is also available.

• Tawi Spa: A fantastic full-service spa offering massages, reflexology, manicures, pedicures, and beauty treatments. This is the perfect way to soothe tired muscles after a day of game drives.

• Main Lounge, Bar & Bush Bar: The spacious main lounge features a fireplace, a library on the mezzanine level, and a bar with mountain views. A unique “bush bar” is built around a large tortilis tree, offering an authentic setting for sundowners.

• Additional Amenities: The lodge also features a gift shop selling local crafts, conference facilities for corporate retreats, children’s play areas and babysitting services, complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas, and free on-site parking.

Wildlife & Activities – The Famous Elephants of Amboseli
The wildlife here is exceptional. Amboseli National Park is world-famous as “Elephant Country”, home to over 1,000 elephants, many of which have been studied for decades, making them incredibly relaxed and habituated to vehicles. These elephants are considered to be among the largest in Africa.

Viewing the “Elephant Kings”: You can watch massive bulls, matriarchs, and families with young calves wallow in the swamps, feed on the plains, or cross the dry lake beds with the magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background.
Other Wildlife: The park and conservancy are also home to lions, cheetahs (sighted fairly frequently), buffalos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, and over 400 species of birds including pelicans, flamingos, and crowned cranes.
Tawi Lodge offers a variety of activities to immerse you in this stunning environment:

• Game Drives (Included): Expert local guides (often Maasai) lead twice-daily game drives in custom 4×4 safari vehicles into Amboseli National Park. These are typically early morning and late afternoon for the best light and wildlife activity.

• Night Game Drives (Included in some packages): Explore the private Tawi Conservancy after dark to spot elusive nocturnal wildlife like leopards, hyenas, civets, and aardvarks.

• Guided Bush Walks (Included): Stretch your legs and learn about the smaller wonders of the bush, from animal tracks and medicinal plants to insects. This is a wonderful way to break up a day of driving.

• Hot Air Balloon Safaris (Extra Cost): For a truly unforgettable adventure, take to the skies at sunrise. You’ll float silently over the savannah with a bird’s-eye view of the herds and Kilimanjaro, followed by a champagne breakfast upon landing.

• Cultural Visits (Extra Cost): Immerse yourself in the local Maasai culture with a visit to a nearby village (manyatta), where you can learn about their traditions, beadwork, and semi-nomadic way of life.

• Camel Rides: Enjoy a scenic and unique ride across the conservancy on camelback—great for families and photography lovers.

Pricing Information (Sample Rates – Confirm at Booking)
Note: All rates are per person per night and are subject to change based on season and booking package. Rates usually include full board, drinks, and activities. Park fees are generally extra.

• Very High Season (21 Dec – 05 Jan): Single $1,275 | Double $975 | Triple $925 | Child $600.

• High Season (01 Jul – 31 Oct): Single $1,235 | Double $875 | Triple $825 | Child $550.

• Mid Season (06 Jan – 31 Mar, 01 Jun – 30 Jun, 01 Dec – 20 Dec): Single $1,010 | Double $685 | Triple $635 | Child $430.

• Low Season (01 Apr – 31 May): Single $770 | Double $520 | Triple $470 | Child $320.

Typical Package Inclusions: Accommodation, all meals (full board), selected local drinks (house wine, beer, soft drinks & spirits), game drives, bush walks, night drives, camel rides, sundowners, laundry, and airstrip transfers.

Exclusions: Park and conservancy fees, champagne, premium spirits, and hot air balloon safaris.

Sustainability – A Gold Eco-Rated Leader
Tawi Lodge is a pioneer in sustainable tourism. A pioneer in sustainable tourism, the lodge was the first in the area to be connected to the national electricity grid and prides itself on its eco-friendly credentials.

• Gold Rating: The lodge has been awarded a Gold Eco-Rating from Ecotourism Kenya, the highest level possible.

• Energy & Water: The lodge operates entirely on solar power, with water sourced from a borehole. Great care is taken to respect the fragile ecosystem.

• Community: The lodge is part of a community-run conservancy that promotes harmonious development for wildlife and the Maasai people. It supports the African Wildlife Foundation and local schools.

Why Choose Tawi Lodge?

• Prime Location in a Private Conservancy: Access the Amboseli ecosystem without the crowds, with the privilege of night game drives and off-road driving.

• The “Elephant Lodge” of Amboseli: One of the best places on earth to watch iconic herds of big-tusk elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop.

• Intimate & Exclusive Boutique Camp: With only 12-13 spacious cottages, you are guaranteed a private and highly-personalised safari experience.

• Gold Eco-Rated Luxury: A multi-award-winning, Gold Eco-Rated lodge recognised by Ecotourism Kenya.

• Stunning Amenities & Spa: Relax in a heated pool overlooking a wildlife waterhole, enjoy unique spa treatments, and sip drinks at the famous Tortilis Tree Bush Bar.

• Unforgettable Safari Activities: Includes expert-guided game drives, night drives, bush walks, and camel rides – a rare and wonderful experience.

• Superior All-Inclusive Value: Rates typically include full board, all game activities, and drinks, making for a hassle-free escape.