🗺️ Overview
Ol Tukai Lodge is one of Kenya’s most iconic safari lodges, set deep in the heart of Amboseli National Park — world-famous for its massive elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The lodge offers a rare balance of luxury and authenticity, making it a favorite for photographers, honeymooners, wildlife lovers, and family travelers alike.
📜 Background & History
Ol Tukai Lodge was established on a site that once hosted filmmakers and researchers documenting African elephants in the 1960s and 70s. It was officially opened in the early 1990s and has since gained a strong reputation for:
- Being one of the best spots in Africa to see elephants up close
- Offering unmatched views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Its commitment to conservation and eco-tourism
The lodge blends cultural elegance, natural immersion, and modern hospitality — making it a landmark destination in Amboseli.
📍 Location & How to Get There
Location: Centrally located inside Amboseli National Park, near the base of Observation Hill, with wide savannah plains and swamps directly in view.
🛣️ Getting There:
- By Road: Approximately 4–5 hours drive from Nairobi via Emali or Namanga routes.
- By Air: Scheduled flights land at Amboseli Airstrip, just 10–15 minutes from the lodge. Transfers are provided on request.
- By Train: You can also take the Nairobi–Mombasa SGR train to Emali Station, then drive about 2 hours to the lodge.
🚐 Transfer Tip: The lodge offers road, train, and flying packages with transfers included for added convenience.
🛏️ Room Types at Ol Tukai Lodge
Ol Tukai features 80 luxurious chalet-style rooms, all tastefully designed with handcrafted African artifacts and modern finishes. Rooms are spaced across beautifully landscaped gardens with walking paths, shade trees, and unobstructed views.
Room Categories:
- Kilimanjaro View Rooms
- Direct views of Mt. Kilimanjaro
- Large windows and private verandas
- Garden View Rooms
- Overlook the lush gardens and have proximity to the pool and spa
- Slightly more shaded and tranquil
All rooms include:
- En-suite bathrooms
- Solar-heated showers
- In-room safe and wardrobe
- Coffee/tea-making facilities
- Mosquito-repellent ointment
- Private veranda with seating
💰 2025 Room Rates & Packages
🇰🇪 2025 Ol Tukai Lodge Rates for Residents (KES)
🏨 Rack Rates – Accommodation Only (Full Board)
| Season | Single | Double | Triple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season (Apr 1 – May 31) | 17,000 | 25,000 | 35,000 |
| High Season (Jan 3 – Mar 31, Nov 1 – Dec 23) | 20,000 | 30,000 | 40,000 |
| Peak Season & Easter (Jul 1 – Oct 31, Dec 24 – Jan 2) | 25,000 | 36,000 | 54,000 |
🚐 Ground Package Rates – Includes Transfers & 2 Game Drives Daily
| Season | First Night (Per Person) | Extra Night (Per Person) | Single Supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season | 25,000 | 20,000 | 4,000 |
| High Season | 28,000 | 22,000 | 5,000 |
| Peak Season & Easter | 30,000 | 23,000 | 5,000 |
Children:
- Under 2 years: Free
- Ages 2–11 sharing with parents: 50% (Rack) / 70% (Ground Package)
🌍 2025 Ol Tukai Lodge Rates for Non-Residents (USD)
🏨 Rack Rates – Accommodation Only (Full Board)
| Season | Single | Double | Triple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season (Apr 1 – May 31) | $260 | $330 | $420 |
| High Season (Jan 3 – Mar 31, Nov 1 – Dec 23) | $290 | $530 | $740 |
| Peak Season & Easter (Jun 1 – Oct 31, Dec 24 – Jan 2) | $330 | $600 | $800 |
🚐 Ground Package Rates – Includes Transfers & 2 Game Drives Daily
| Season | First Night (Per Person) | Extra Night (Per Person) | Single Supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season | $330 | $270 | $110 |
| High Season | $370 | $330 | $110 |
| Peak Season & Easter | $420 | $330 | $110 |
Children:
Ages 2–11 sharing with parents: 50% (Rack) / 70% (Ground Package)
Under 2 years: Free
🧳 What’s Included & Excluded
✅ Inclusions:
- Accommodation in chalet-style rooms
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- 2 game drives per day (for package bookings)
- Transfers (depending on selected package)
- Use of pool and public spaces
- Daily housekeeping
❌ Exclusions:
- Amboseli National Park entry fees
- Drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Spa services
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
- Extra excursions (e.g., Maasai village visits)
🧖 Amenities & Facilities
Ol Tukai Lodge offers world-class amenities to ensure maximum comfort after your safari outings.
Highlights:
- Infinity Pool shaded by acacia trees
- Full-service bar with a curated wine list
- Fine-dining restaurant serving African and international cuisine
- Spa and massage treatments
- Gift shop with local crafts and safari essentials
- Conference facilities
- Birdwatching garden and nature trails
- Evening entertainment (Maasai dancers and talks)
⭐ Summary of Reviews
Ol Tukai consistently ranks as one of the top lodges in Amboseli across travel platforms.
✅ Pros:
- Unrivaled Kilimanjaro views from many rooms
- High elephant activity directly in front of the lodge
- Spacious, well-appointed rooms
- Excellent food with good variety
- Professional and welcoming staff
- Photographer-friendly layout and lighting
❌ Cons:
- WiFi can be inconsistent during peak times
- Premium pricing during high season
- Not all rooms have equal Kilimanjaro views — request in advance
Average Rating: 4.5 to 4.7 stars on most platforms
❤️ Why Choose Ol Tukai Lodge?
Ol Tukai Lodge is perfect for you if:
- You want front-row seats to Amboseli’s elephants
- You value comfort without losing touch with nature
- You want guaranteed Kilimanjaro views
- You prefer a well-established lodge with a proven track record
- You’re a photographer or birder seeking ideal positioning
It’s also a top pick for honeymooners, returning safari-goers, and families wanting a polished safari base.
📝 Booking Tips
- Book 3+ months in advance for July–October or Christmas travel
- Ask for a Kilimanjaro view room if available
- Consider combining your stay with other parks like Tsavo or Masai Mara
- Request special diets or honeymoon packages during booking
📞 Contacts (as of 2025)
- Reservations Cell: +254 721 363 163
- Lodge Cell: +254 726 249 697
- Email: emarketing@oltukailodge.com
🔚 Final Word
Ol Tukai Lodge stands out as one of Kenya’s most iconic safari stays. With luxury comforts, wildlife right outside your window, and the awe-inspiring presence of Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop, it’s a place that promises not just a stay — but a lifelong memory.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, family vacation, or photography expedition, Ol Tukai delivers the perfect balance of elegance and wilderness.