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For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni
For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni 

Things to do in Kenya

Elephants and Kilimanjaro views: Tortilis Camp Amboseli

Stay in a luxury safari tent set beneath a traditional Makuti roof, with views of Mount Kilimanjaro …

By Hein Prinsloo
Chief Operating Officer, Elewana Collection

The star feature at Tortilis Camp is the view of Mount Kilimanjaro, which you can see from the veranda of your tent. Being on the Amboseli side of the peak, known as the rain shadow of Kilimanjaro, means you get clear views of Africa’s highest mountain. You’ll stay in a luxury safari tent set beneath a traditional Makuti palm-frond roof in an area shaded by acacia tortilis trees, which the camp is named after.

We’re located in the 30,000-acre Kitirua Conservancy on the western edge of Amboseli National Park. Kitirua is a joint venture with the local Maasai people, who are paid a lease fee which goes back into community projects and conserving the landscape and wildlife. Most of the staff in Tortilis Camp are actually from the Maasai community and guests can join them on a visit to one of the nearby villages. It’s a very respectful, considerate glimpse into local life and a highlight for guests.

Enjoy game drives into Amboseli National Park to see the herds of tusked elephants and get that famous shot of the animals backed by Kilimanjaro. Our expert guides know many of the individual elephants by sight and their family relationships. You’ll also see plenty of plains game, probably some lions and leopards, as well as dry-land species unique to the arid, Amboseli area like the gerenuk. Back at camp, you might spot the odd bushbuck, impala and vervet monkey while you’re relaxing by the pool, in the dining area or under the shade of tortilis trees in our gardens.

Being in a conservancy means we can offer special activities not allowed in the national park. Our guides, who’ve lived in the area all of their lives, can take you on a walking safari to spot animal tracks and native plant species. There’s also the chance to have a bush meal under the trees with a beautifully set-up table and a private chef, dining with views of Kilimanjaro. My most memorable experience at Tortilis was the hot air balloon flight and watching the sunrise from the sky – the pilot turned off the burner and we just floated quietly above a parade of elephants.

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  • Places to stay
  • Scenery
  • Wildlife

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Alfred & Hein Prinsloo

Hein Prinsloo originally hails from South Africa but has been living in East Africa for the past 18 years, working in remote locations such as Botswana’s Okavango Delta and northern Tanzania. As an avid fly fisherman, mountain biker and birder, Hein loves to travel with his family and has visited over 34 countries. His most memorable experiences include watching the Great Migration, hiking in Patagonia and seeing mountain gorillas in Uganda.
Hein Prinsloo, Chief Operating Officer, Elewana Collection Kenya

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Becky, who's travelled extensively in Kenya. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the safari rangers, local village chiefs and camp managers you'll be talking about for years to come. Start planning today, call us, email an enquiry or arrange a phone or video appointment for ideas and advice.

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