🗺️ Overview
Tortilis Camp is located in a private 30,000-acre conservancy on the western edge of Amboseli National Park, near the Kitirua Conservancy. It offers panoramic views of Kilimanjaro, direct access to less-crowded wildlife areas, and some of the best elephant encounters in East Africa.
It is named after the Acacia Tortilis tree, which is abundant in the region and symbolizes the harmonious blend of nature and comfort that defines the camp.
Built in 1993 by renowned safari operator Stefano Cheli, Tortilis was Kenya’s first eco-lodge and has received international acclaim — including the Tourism for Tomorrow Award.
📍 Location & Getting There
| Setting | Kitirua Conservancy (West Amboseli) |
|---|---|
| View | Direct views of Mt. Kilimanjaro from camp |
| Distance to Park | ~15 minutes to Amboseli NP main gate |
| Nearest Airstrip | Amboseli Airstrip (~45 mins transfer by game drive) |
✈️ How to Get There:
- By Air: Scheduled flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Amboseli Airstrip (approx. 45 mins), followed by a 45-minute game drive transfer
- By Road: 4.5–5 hours from Nairobi via Emali-Loitoktok route
- Private Charter: Available to Kitirua Conservancy for direct access
Transfers are included in full board packages.
🏨 Accommodation: Tents & Villas
Tortilis Camp has a total of 18 tents, including family units and a private house, all positioned for maximum privacy and Kilimanjaro views.
Tent Categories:
| Type | Features |
|---|---|
| 16 Luxury Safari Tents | Spacious, with king or twin beds, en-suite bathrooms, private verandas |
| 1 Family Tent | Two en-suite bedrooms with a shared living area, ideal for families |
| 1 Private House | 2-bedroom exclusive-use villa with pool, private guide and chef |
All units include:
- En-suite bathrooms with hot showers
- Solar-powered lighting and charging
- Stunning views of Kilimanjaro or surrounding bush
- Hardwood floors, classic safari furniture, large verandas
🛏️ Maximum guests: ~40 total capacity
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
Tortilis Camp is known for its farm-to-table gourmet cuisine. Much of the fresh produce is sourced from the on-site organic garden.
Dining Options:
- Alfresco dining under the stars
- Bush breakfasts and sundowner setups
- Private dining on tent verandas (on request)
- Picnic lunches for full-day excursions
🍷 A curated wine list is available, and meals are adapted to special dietary needs.
🦁 Activities & Safari Experience
Tortilis Camp offers exclusive access to both Amboseli NP and Kitirua Conservancy, creating a unique blend of traditional park safaris and private, flexible wildlife experiences.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Game Drives | In both Amboseli NP and the private conservancy |
| Night Drives | Only in Kitirua Conservancy (not permitted in the park) |
| Guided Bush Walks | Led by Maasai guides in the conservancy |
| Cultural Visits | Maasai village experiences |
| Bird Watching | 400+ species including raptors, flamingos, and kingfishers |
| Sundowners | Scenic locations with Kilimanjaro views and drinks |
| Elephant Tracking | Amboseli’s elephants are part of long-term research projects |
🚙 All game drives are in custom 4×4 open-sided Land Cruisers.
🌿 Sustainability & Community
Tortilis Camp is a flagship eco-property under the Elewana Collection and is known for:
- 100% solar power
- Organic vegetable garden and composting
- Partnership with Elephant Research and Conservation organizations
- Long-standing collaboration with local Maasai communities
- Plastic-free initiatives
The camp is Gold-rated by EcoTourism Kenya, emphasizing its dedication to low-impact, high-value tourism.
2025 Resident Rates (KES Per Person Per Night)
🏕️ Full Board Package (Excludes Activities/Transfers)
| Season | Sharing | Single |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Mar – 31 Mar 2025 | KES 27,300 | KES 39,900 |
| 1 Apr – 31 May 2025 | KES 25,300 | KES 36,900 |
Includes:
- Meals (B/L/D)
- Soft drinks, tea/coffee, beer, house wines, selected spirits
- Laundry
🚙 Game Package (Includes Transfers & Activities)
| Season | Sharing | Single |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Mar – 31 Mar 2025 | KES 39,400 | KES 51,900 |
| 1 Apr – 31 May 2025 | KES 37,900 | KES 49,600 |
Includes all Full Board amenities plus:
- Two daily scheduled game drives
- Transfers to/from Amboseli Airstrip
👨👩👧👦 Child Policy
| Age | Rate |
|---|---|
| 0 – 5.9 yrs | Free (sharing with adults) |
| 6 – 17 yrs (1 adult) | Pays 50% of per-person sharing rate; adult pays single rate |
| 6 – 17 yrs (2 adults) | Pays 75% of per-person sharing rate |
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Occupancy: Safari tents are ideal for 2 adults maximum
❌ Exclusions
- Premium alcohol
- Extra/picnic meals
- Park and conservancy fees (KWS entry to Amboseli)
- Insurance & medevac
- Flights
- Gratuities & personal expenses
🌿 Eco-Credentials
Tortilis Camp is a pioneer in eco-tourism:
- 100% solar powered
- Locally sourced food and materials
- Winner of Tourism for Tomorrow
- Partner of Elephant Research Program
- Minimal impact design with natural materials
📊 Pros and Cons
| Average Rating | 4.8 / 5 (TripAdvisor, Google, SafariBookings) |
|---|
✅ Pros:
- Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Access to both private conservancy and park
- Exclusive safari experiences like bush walks and night drives
- Eco-conscious without compromising luxury
- Excellent guiding and personalized service
- Intimate, boutique-style lodge
❌ Cons:
- Premium price point
- Not within park boundaries (but very close)
- Limited self-drive options
👫 Who It’s Best For
| Traveler Type | Why Tortilis is Ideal |
|---|---|
| Couples & Honeymooners | Romantic setting, privacy, exclusive villas |
| Families | Spacious family tents, private guides & pools |
| Wildlife Photographers | Kilimanjaro backdrops, close elephant encounters |
| Eco-Conscious Travelers | Solar power, minimal impact, authentic conservation |
❤️ Who It’s Perfect For
| Traveler Type | Why Tortilis Works |
|---|---|
| Photographers | Iconic light, Kilimanjaro, close elephant sightings |
| Honeymooners | Privacy, luxury, romantic dining setups |
| Families | Spacious family tent & private house options |
| Eco-Tourists | 100% solar, minimal impact, community driven |
| Repeat Safari Goers | Access to both park and exclusive conservancy |
📞 Contact & Booking
While part of the Elewana Collection, bookings can be made directly or via your preferred tour operator.
- Operator: Elewana Collection
- Phone: +254 730 127 000
- Email: info@elewana.com
- Check-in: 12:00 PM | Check-out: 10:00 AM
FAQs – Click to Read More
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions – Tortilis Camp, Amboseli
1. Is Tortilis Camp open year-round?
Yes. Tortilis Camp operates all year, including during the low season (April–May). However, seasonal pricing applies, and some activities may vary depending on weather conditions.
2. What is the minimum age for children at the camp?
There is no strict minimum age, but for safety and practicality, children under 6 are recommended to stay with guardians at all times. The Private House and Family Tent are best suited for families with young kids.
3. Is Wi-Fi available at the camp?
Yes, but limited. Wi-Fi is available in the main lounge and bar area only. Signal strength may vary due to the remote location. There is no Wi-Fi in the tents, preserving the natural, unplugged safari atmosphere.
4. What power facilities are available in the tents?
Tortilis is 100% solar-powered. Tents are equipped with solar-powered lighting and charging points for phones, tablets, and small devices. Hair dryers and other high-voltage devices are not recommended.
5. Can special dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes. The camp can cater to most dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly menus — but guests must notify the lodge in advance, preferably at the time of booking.
6. Are private game drives available?
Yes. While the Game Package includes scheduled group drives, guests can upgrade to a private vehicle for an additional fee. This is ideal for photographers, honeymooners, or families seeking flexibility.
7. Can I access Amboseli National Park from the camp?
Absolutely. Tortilis is located just outside the park in Kitirua Conservancy, and park entry is included in scheduled game drives. You will still need to pay the KWS park fees (unless otherwise bundled).
8. Is the camp wheelchair accessible?
Tortilis is not fully ADA-compliant but can accommodate mobility-challenged guests with advance notice. Some tents and paths may not be suitable for wheelchairs without assistance.
9. Can I request a specific tent with a better view?
Yes. All tents have excellent Kilimanjaro views, but corner tents and those further from the main area may offer more privacy or uninterrupted views. Requests can be made during booking but are subject to availability.
10. What kind of clothing should I pack?
Recommended items include:
- Lightweight safari clothes in neutral colors
- Fleece or jacket for cool mornings and evenings
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimsuit for the pool
- Binoculars and camera gear for wildlife viewing
11. Is it safe to walk around the camp?
Yes, during the day. At night, guests are always escorted to and from tents by Maasai askaris (guards), as wildlife often roams near the lodge.
12. Is tipping expected?
Tipping is not mandatory but is greatly appreciated. A general guideline:
- $10–15 per guest/day for guides
- $5–10 per guest/day for lodge staff (via a central tip box)
13. How far in advance should I book Tortilis Camp?
Tortilis has limited availability due to its boutique size and popularity. For peak season (July–Oct, Dec holidays), book 4–6 months in advance. For green and shoulder seasons, 2–3 months is typically sufficient.
14. What makes Tortilis Camp unique compared to other Amboseli lodges?
Access to research-based elephant experiences
Located in a private conservancy = fewer vehicles and more freedom
Bush walks and night drives not allowed in the national park
Kilimanjaro views from every tent
Eco-luxury experience with a rich conservation legacy