Elewana Tortilis Camp With Mara Triangle Safaris

Elewana Tortilis Camp – Kenya’s Original Eco-Lodge with Unrivalled Views of Mount Kilimanjaro

Nestled on a gentle hill within the 30,000‑acre Kitirua Private Conservancy on the western edge of Amboseli National Park, Elewana Tortilis Camp is one of Kenya’s most celebrated safari retreats. The camp takes its name from the flat‑topped Acacia tortilis tree, a species synonymous with East African landscapes, and it lives up to that name by offering guests uninterrupted, front‑row views of the majestic snow‑capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. As the first “eco‑lodge” of its size in Kenya, Tortilis Camp has operated 100% on solar power since it opened, winning the prestigious Tourism for Tomorrow award for its pioneering commitment to sustainability.

Prime Private Conservancy Location

The camp is situated on the western edge of Amboseli National Park, within the exclusive 30,000‑acre Kitirua Private Conservancy. This prime location offers guests a unique advantage: while most lodges are clustered around the park’s eastern entrance, Tortilis occupies a quieter, less‑visited part of the ecosystem, with only 10% of the park’s vehicles venturing into this area.

The lodge is positioned at an elevation of 1,120 m (3,675 ft), providing sweeping, panoramic views across the plains. It is approximately a 45‑minute drive from the Amboseli Airstrip, which is served by scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, or a 4–5‑hour scenic drive from Nairobi.

Authentic, Eco‑Luxury Accommodation

Elewana Tortilis Camp features 17 makuti‑thatched tents, spaced generously across the property to ensure complete privacy. Each tent is a secluded sanctuary, decorated in an “early explorer” style with polished wooden floors, Persian rugs, and warm, uncluttered interiors that keep your attention firmly on the breathtaking landscape beyond.

• Standard Tents (16 units): Each features a spacious bedroom with a king‑size or twin beds, an en‑suite bathroom with double basins and a shower, and a private furnished veranda overlooking the plains and Kilimanjaro.

• Family Tent: A dedicated two‑bedroom tent with two en‑suite bathrooms, a larger shared veranda, and a private pool separate from the main camp, ideal for families or small groups.

• Private House: The most secluded option, a two‑bedroom house with a central living area, its own dining facilities, and dedicated staff; also features a private pool and is located on the hill away from the main camp.

Dining – Gourmet Cuisine Overlooking a Vibrant Waterhole

The main lounge, bar, and dining area are housed under a high thatched roof, exquisitely built with natural materials. The dining room and bar terrace look directly out over an active waterhole, where elephants, zebras, giraffes and other wildlife gather throughout the day.

A free cooked‑to‑order breakfast is served each morning, featuring both continental options and hot dishes. Lunch and dinner are gourmet affairs, with the kitchen known for its outstanding variety and fresh, locally sourced ingredients – including top‑notch Italian cuisine. Dietary requirements, including vegetarian options, are readily catered for. A well‑stocked bar offers cocktails, wines, beers and spirits.

Unforgettable Safari Activities

Tortilis Camp is renowned for the quality of its safari experience, led by a team of highly qualified, award‑winning guides (all certified by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association – Gold, Bronze or Silver level). The head guide has been with the camp since it opened, and the team has a combined guiding experience of over 80 years. The guides have intimate knowledge of the Amboseli ecosystem, knowing individual elephants and their family histories, as well as the territories of resident lions, leopards and other local fauna.

• Game Drives: Included in most packages. Morning and afternoon game drives take place both inside Amboseli National Park and within the private 30,000‑acre Kitirua Conservancy, where guests can enjoy off‑road driving and exclusivity. The camp has an elite fleet of custom‑designed, open‑viewing 4×4 safari vehicles.

• Guided Walking Safaris: Led by local Maasai guides who have walked these plains since childhood, these walks offer an insight into tracks, medicinal plants, micro‑ecosystems, and the traditional Maasai way of life.

• Sundowners & Bush Meals: A safari tradition – stop at a scenic spot with a gin and tonic in hand as the sun sets behind Kilimanjaro. Bush breakfasts and private bush dinners can also be arranged.

• Maasai Cultural Visits: Guests can visit a local Maasai homestead (manyatta) to learn about traditional life, beadwork and customs.

Facilities & Amenities

• Outdoor Swimming Pool: Located within lush green gardens, shaded by palms and acacia trees, with bar service, sun loungers, and board games. A private pool is also available for the Family Tent and Private House.

• Spa & Wellness Centre: An on‑site spa tent offering massages, manicures, pedicures, and other treatments (at an additional cost) – the perfect way to unwind after a day on safari.

• Boutique Gift Shop: Sells locally crafted souvenirs, Maasai jewellery, Kenyan clothing, and safari essentials.

• Complimentary Wi‑Fi: Available in the main lounge area.

• 24‑Hour Front Desk & Concierge: Assisting with bookings, transfers, and any special requests.

• Free Private Parking: For self‑drive guests.

• Family‑Friendly: Welcoming atmosphere, interconnecting family accommodations, and child policies (children under 4 stay free when sharing with adults).

Pioneering Sustainability & Gold Eco‑Rating

Elewana Tortilis Camp was the first “eco‑lodge” of its size in Kenya, and today it proudly holds a Gold Eco‑Rating from Ecotourism Kenya.

• 100% Solar Powered: The entire camp runs on solar energy, keeping its environmental footprint exceptionally light.

• Community Employment: Approximately 60% of the camp’s staff are drawn from the local community, trained from scratch to become professional guides, barmen, and waiters. With each employed individual in Kenya supporting an average of eight dependants, the camp’s 40‑odd local staff potentially support between 300 and 400 community members.

• Water Conservation: The camp sources its water sustainably and uses it responsibly.

• Wildlife & Habitat Conservation: By operating within a private conservancy, the camp directly supports wildlife protection and habitat preservation.

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. Park entry fees and conservancy fees may be extra. Please verify directly with the camp or your travel agent.

• Typical Price Range (High Season, Full Board): Approximately USD $650–$950 per person per night, depending on accommodation type and season.

• Inclusions: Accommodation, all meals (full board), morning and afternoon game drives, guided walking safaris, sundowners, and airstrip transfers (where applicable).

• Exclusions: Park entry fees (approx. USD $60–$80 per adult per day for non‑residents), conservancy fees, spa treatments, Maasai village visit fees, premium drinks, and gratuities.

Why Choose Elewana Tortilis Camp?

• Unrivalled Kilimanjaro Views: Sweeping, uninterrupted vistas of Africa’s highest peak from your tent’s veranda, the dining terrace, and the pool.

• Private 30,000‑Acre Conservancy Access: Exclusive off‑road game drives and night safaris within Kitirua Conservancy, far from the crowded park gates.

• Pioneering Eco‑Luxury: Kenya’s original eco‑lodge, now Gold Eco‑rated and 100% solar powered – luxury with a conscience.

• Award‑Winning Guiding Team: KPSGA‑certified guides with over 80 years of combined experience, who know individual elephants by name.

• Outstanding Elephant Viewing: Located in the heart of “elephant country,” home to over 1,000 elephants, including some of the largest tuskers in Africa.

• Authentic Maasai Hospitality: Deep community ties, with visits to local manyattas and a staff drawn primarily from the surrounding area.

• Family‑Friendly: Spacious family accommodations, child‑friendly staff, and a private pool option.