Kenya

A Comparison of Amboseli Safari Lodges

by Oliver Stallwood  |  Published January 22, 2024

With a backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park in Kenya is one of the most exciting places for a safari, packed with elephants, zebras, lions and cheetahs.

Amboseli Sopa Lodge (Photo: safaribookings.com)

Amboseli National Park in Kenya may not be as well known as some national parks in  Africa, but for a safari it is undoubtedly one of the most sensational. That is largely down to the looming presence of Africa’s highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro, as a backdrop to herds of elephants and zebras patrolling the grass plains, acacia woodlands and swamp marshes – it is unlike anywhere on earth. Apart from almost guaranteed elephant sightings, there is a good chance to see hyenas, hippos, buffaloes, giraffes, lions and cheetahs too. The park is compact and has a good dry climate, so exploring is easy – Amboseli has every right to be up there with the best in African safari.

Amboseli Sopa Lodge

Nestling in the foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro, Amboseli Sopa Lodge is set on 200 acres of private land, among  mature wooded gardens which are also home to monkeys, mongooses and squirrels. The style is rustic, with even a large swimming pool appearing like a watering hole in the grounds, and there are plenty of facilities, including three bars and two restaurants. Spacious cottages are dotted around the gardens, with a total of 83 guest rooms, and the style is certainly not minimalistic, packed with colour including Masai themed wall murals.

Book at Safaribookings.com

Amboseli Serena Lodge

(photo: safaribookings.com)

Amboseli Serena Lodge has everything the visiting safari fan could wish more and probably hadn’t even considered. There is a newly-renovated, heated swimming pool, large bar with exterior terrace, campfire bar, guided bird-watching walks and even a gift shop. Throw in quality rooms decorated with local antiques, artifacts and artwork, as well as dinner in the bush and breakfast on the plains, and you have a safari experience that ticks all boxes. The only thing is, it might almost be a bit too much luxury for some. 

Book at Safaribookings.com

Kimana Amboseli Tented Camp 

The words ‘safari’ and ‘budget’ don’t normally go together – but Kimana Amboseli Tented Camp certainly qualifies as being in the more economy end of the market. That’s not to say it’s not a great place to stay, with a back to nature feel that is missing in most other hotels. On the other hand, it is pretty basic, with some guests saying the facilities could do with an update. The location can’t be argued with, north west of Mt. Kilimanjaro, on the border with Tanzania and only 2km from the Kimana main gate. There are 20 tent rooms, all of which feature modern conveniences, and there is a real effort to provide fresh, local produce and working with local farmers too. If you are looking for the antithesis of the sparkling, luxury safari lodge, then this is it.

Book at Safaribookings.com