1. Overview
Manjaro Tented Camp is a charming mid-range safari camp located at the Kimana Gate entrance of Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife reserves.
Combining comfort, nature, and community engagement, Manjaro Tented Camp is designed for travelers who want an authentic safari experience with personalized service, fresh cuisine, and a close connection to Amboseli’s natural surroundings.
2. Location and Access
- 📍 Location: Kimana Gate, Amboseli National Park, Kajiado County, Kenya
- 🗺️ Coordinates: Approx. 2.75° S, 37.35° E
- 🚪 Landmark: Directly opposite Sentrim Amboseli Lodge
- 🚙 Access:
- By Road: 230 km from Nairobi (~4.5–5 hours via Emali–Loitokitok Road)
- By Air: 45-minute flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Amboseli Airstrip, followed by a 30-minute scenic drive to the camp.
The camp’s proximity to Kimana Gate makes it ideal for both day visitors and overnight guests, offering easy access to morning and evening game drives inside the park.
3. Setting and Atmosphere
Manjaro Tented Camp lies within a privately managed conservancy adjoining Amboseli National Park. Its setting blends natural acacia woodland and open savannah with views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowcapped peaks.
Guests often describe the atmosphere as serene, rustic, and personal, with staff and management offering warm hospitality and flexibility that larger lodges can’t match.
In the evenings, guests can relax around the campfire (bonfire) under a canopy of stars, listening to the distant calls of hyenas, zebras, and night birds.
4. Accommodation
The camp offers spacious tented rooms designed to provide comfort while preserving a natural bush ambiance. Each tent is built on a raised platform with canvas walls and thatched or sheet roofing to ensure cool interiors.
Room Types and Rates
| Room Type | Capacity | Rate (USD per night) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Tent | 1 adult | $100 | Cozy and ideal for solo travelers. Private veranda with Kilimanjaro views. |
| Double Tent | 2 adults | $160 ($80 pp) | Comfortable for couples; ensuite bathroom and hot shower. |
| Twin Tent | 2 adults | $160 ($80 pp) | Two single beds, private deck, and 24/7 electricity. |
| Triple Tent | 3 adults | $180 ($60 pp) | Perfect for families or groups, with large floor space. |
Room Features
- Ensuite bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers
- 24-hour electricity and solar lighting
- Comfortable bedding and mosquito nets
- Private verandas with seating
- Daily housekeeping
- Free bottled water
Bonus: Most tents offer direct sunrise views of Mount Kilimanjaro, especially in early morning hours before the mountain clouds over.
5. Facilities and Services
Though modestly sized, Manjaro Tented Camp provides all key amenities expected from a comfortable bush lodge.
Guest Facilities
- Restaurant: Serves freshly prepared meals featuring local and international cuisine.
- Bar & Lounge: Stocked with soft drinks, beers, wines, and spirits.
- Bonfire Area: Perfect for evening storytelling or early morning coffee.
- Nature Trails: Within the camp’s 120-acre conservancy.
- Wi-Fi: Available in public areas (signal may vary).
- Ample Parking: For private and safari vehicles.
Services
- 24/7 reception and reservation desk
- Airport and airstrip transfers
- Safari bookings and park entry assistance
- Maasai-guided bush walks
- Laundry service (on request)
6. Dining and Cuisine
Meals at Manjaro Tented Camp are freshly cooked, wholesome, and served in a relaxed open-air dining area overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro.
The kitchen sources ingredients from local farms, ensuring a farm-to-table experience.
Dining Options
- Breakfast: Continental and English options; served early for game drive departures.
- Lunch: Light buffet or packed lunchboxes for full-day safaris.
- Dinner: 3-course meals with soup, mains (vegetarian and non-vegetarian), and dessert.
- Special Experiences:
- Bush Breakfasts on the conservancy plains
- Bonfire Dinners under the stars
Sample Menu Highlights:
- Freshly baked bread, omelettes, grilled meats, vegetable stews, chapatis, and seasonal fruits.
7. Activities and Experiences
Manjaro Tented Camp offers a variety of experiences both inside Amboseli National Park and within its own private conservancy.
A. Game Drives
- Game drives are organized daily into Amboseli National Park.
- Highlights include elephants, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, and over 500 bird species.
- Guests can choose half-day or full-day safaris (park entry fees apply).
B. Nature Walks
- Explore the camp’s 120-acre conservancy on foot with a trained Maasai guide.
- Learn about animal tracks, medicinal plants, and Maasai traditions.
- Common sightings: giraffes, gazelles, zebras, and antelopes.
C. Bush Meals
- Optional bush breakfasts or sundowner picnics within the conservancy — perfect for photographers and couples.
D. Cultural Visits
- Visits to nearby Maasai villages can be arranged.
- Interact with local families, see traditional dances, and learn about Maasai beadwork.
E. Photography and Birdwatching
- Amboseli is famous for its elephant portraits with Kilimanjaro backdrop.
- The camp area itself attracts hornbills, weavers, starlings, and raptors.
F. Day Trips and Safaris
The camp also organizes 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day Amboseli safaris, including:
- Guided park drives
- Accommodation
- Transfers and meals
Sample Package:
- 1-Day Safari: Amboseli entry, 3-hour game drive, lunch, and guide.
- 2-Day Safari: Overnight at Manjaro Camp, 2 game drives, full-board meals.
- 3-Day Safari: Extended stay with conservancy walk and park drives.
8. Wildlife Around the Camp
Even without leaving the camp, guests can encounter diverse wildlife, especially during early morning and evening hours.
Common Sightings:
- Giraffes, zebras, gazelles, antelopes, and warthogs within the conservancy
- Vervet monkeys and baboons near the acacia groves
- Night sounds from hyenas, owls, and bush babies
The conservancy’s open grasslands make it ideal for casual wildlife watching right from your veranda.
9. Sustainability and Community Involvement
Manjaro Tented Camp operates with strong community ties and a low ecological footprint.
- Locally staffed: The camp employs and trains residents from the surrounding Maasai community.
- Community partnerships: Supports cultural tourism and local craft initiatives.
- Sustainable operations: Uses solar power and eco-friendly waste systems.
- Conservation: The 120-acre private conservancy provides a safe wildlife corridor adjoining Amboseli National Park.
10. Rates and Booking Information
Standard Room Rates (2025)
| Room Type | Rate per Night (USD) | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Single Room | $100 | Bed & Breakfast |
| Double / Twin Room | $160 | Bed & Breakfast |
| Triple Room | $180 | Bed & Breakfast |
- Full Board Upgrade: $30 per person per day (includes lunch & dinner).
- Park Entry Fees: Paid separately to KWS (USD 60 non-resident adult / KES 860 resident).
- Children Policy:
- Under 3 years: Free
- 3–12 years: 50% of adult rate
Special Offers:
- Discounts available for multi-night stays or groups.
- Custom safari packages through the affiliated company SafarisInKenya.net.
11. Contact Information
Manjaro Tented Camp – Amboseli
📍 Kimana Gate, Opposite Sentrim Camp, Amboseli National Park, Kenya
📞 Reservations (24/7): +254 721 301 309
📧 Email: info@manjarotentedcamp.com
🌐 Website: www.manjarotentedcamp.com
🦁 Safari Packages: www.safarisinkenya.net
12. Why Stay at Manjaro Tented Camp
✅ Prime location: Just outside Kimana Gate — quick park access.
✅ Exceptional views: Clear Kilimanjaro vistas from the camp.
✅ Value for money: Spacious tents and personalized service at mid-range rates.
✅ Authentic experience: Locally run with genuine Maasai cultural touches.
✅ Eco-conscious: Solar power, low-impact construction, and community involvement.
✅ Ideal for: Solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups.
13. Traveler Reviews Snapshot
Guests consistently praise Manjaro Tented Camp for its warm hospitality, cleanliness, and authentic safari charm:
“Honestly, the service that I received there was better than a 5-star hotel. The owner joined me for dinner, lit a bonfire, and even arranged a Maasai guide for a nature walk where I saw giraffes and zebras. The tents were spotless, with hot water and electricity 24/7. The view of Kilimanjaro in the morning was breathtaking.”
— Dimitris K., Guest from Russia
✅ Pros (What Guests Love)
- Spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro views — visible from most tents, especially early in the morning.
- Clean and comfortable tents — spacious, with ensuite bathrooms, 24-hour electricity, and hot showers.
- Warm, personalized hospitality — guests consistently praise the friendliness and attentiveness of the manager and staff.
- Delicious, freshly prepared food — home-style meals with generous portions and attention to dietary needs.
- Excellent location — right next to Kimana Gate, offering quick access to Amboseli National Park.
- Nature walks and bush experiences — guests can explore the camp’s 120-acre conservancy with Maasai guides.
- Good value for money — offers mid-range comfort and authentic atmosphere at reasonable rates.
⚠️ Cons (Things to Be Aware Of)
- Not a luxury lodge — it’s a comfortable, mid-range tented camp rather than a high-end resort.
- Wi-Fi and phone signal — available but sometimes weak in tents.
- Occasional noise from Kimana Gate area due to proximity to other camps and vehicles.
- Mountain views depend on weather — Kilimanjaro can be obscured by clouds for part of the day.
- Limited privacy — smaller camp layout means tents and shared spaces are relatively close together.
Summary:
Manjaro Tented Camp stands out for its genuine hospitality, cleanliness, and unbeatable Kilimanjaro views. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, affordable safari base with a personal touch—rather than full-scale luxury.
14. Practical Tips for Visitors
- Best Time to Visit:
- June–October (dry season) for best wildlife sightings
- December–February for clear Kilimanjaro views
- What to Pack:
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, light jacket for evenings.
- Health & Safety:
- Amboseli is malaria area — carry repellent and prophylaxis.
- Always listen to guides during nature walks.
- Payment:
- USD, KES, and mobile money (M-Pesa) accepted.
- Check-in / Check-out:
- Check-in: 12:00 PM | Check-out: 10:00 AM
15. Summary
Manjaro Tented Camp offers the perfect balance between affordability, comfort, and authentic safari adventure.
With its unbeatable location at the Kimana Gate, sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and welcoming staff, it’s a favorite for travelers seeking a personalized Amboseli experience without the formality or cost of luxury lodges.
Whether you’re on a short wildlife escape or part of a longer Kenya safari circuit, Manjaro Tented Camp delivers what Amboseli is best known for — elephants, open skies, and warm African hospitality.