Elewana Tortilis camp Amboseli

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Elewana Tortilis camp Amboseli

Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli is one of Kenya's premier luxury safari camps, combining high-end hospitality with strong conservation credentials. Opened in 1995, it was among East Africa's pioneering eco-lodges and remains one of the region's leading safari properties. It is managed by the Elewana Collection and has earned a Gold Eco-Rating from Ecotourism Kenya for its sustainability practices. 

Location

The camp sits within the Kitirua Conservancy, immediately bordering Amboseli National Park. This location offers several advantages over camps located entirely inside the national park:

  • Exclusive access to both the conservancy and the national park.

  • Fewer vehicles during wildlife encounters.

  • Permission for activities not allowed inside the park, such as guided bush walks, night drives (where permitted), sundowners, and bush dinners.

  • Outstanding panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, especially during clear mornings. 

Accommodation

The camp has 18 accommodations, maintaining an intimate atmosphere:

  • 16 Luxury Safari Tents

  • 1 Family Tent

  • 1 Exclusive Private House

Maximum guest capacity is approximately 40 people, ensuring personalized service. 

Luxury Safari Tents

Each tent features:

  • King or twin beds

  • Spacious en-suite bathroom

  • Flush toilets

  • Hot showers

  • Hardwood flooring

  • Large private verandah

  • Classic safari furnishings

  • Solar-powered lighting

  • Charging facilities

The tents are widely spaced to maximize privacy while blending naturally into the Acacia woodland. 

Family Tent

Designed for families, it includes:

  • Two separate en-suite bedrooms

  • Shared sitting area

  • Large verandah

  • Shared swimming pool with the Private House

  • Excellent Kilimanjaro views

Suitable for families with children. 

Private House

Ideal for families or small groups seeking exclusivity:

  • Two en-suite bedrooms

  • Spacious lounge

  • Private verandah

  • Dedicated chef

  • Private safari guide

  • Private vehicle

  • Shared swimming pool

This option provides a boutique villa experience within the camp. 

Dining Experience

Food is one of Tortilis Camp's standout features.

Highlights include:

  • Italian-inspired cuisine

  • Fresh produce from the camp's organic garden

  • Multi-course dinners

  • Bush breakfasts

  • Picnic lunches

  • Sundowner cocktails

  • Bush dinners under the stars

  • Excellent wine selection

  • Accommodation of dietary requirements

The camp has been praised by travel publications for both its cuisine and service. 

Wildlife Experience

Amboseli is renowned for:

  • Large elephant herds

  • Big tuskers

  • Lions

  • Cheetahs

  • Hyenas

  • Buffalo

  • Giraffes

  • Zebra

  • Wildebeest

  • Hippos

  • More than 400 bird species

The camp's guides are particularly knowledgeable about Amboseli's famous elephant families, many of which have been studied for decades. 

Activities

Guests can enjoy:

  • Morning game drives

  • Afternoon game drives

  • Full-day safaris

  • Guided walking safaris

  • Birdwatching

  • Bush breakfasts

  • Sundowners

  • Bush dinners

  • Maasai cultural visits

  • Photography opportunities

Because the camp is in a conservancy, it offers experiences that many national park lodges cannot. 

Facilities

The camp includes:

  • Swimming pool (shared by the Family Tent and Private House)

  • Main lounge

  • Bar

  • Dining pavilion

  • Gift shop

  • Massage treatments (on request)

  • Limited Wi-Fi in the main areas

  • Laundry service

  • Library

Unlike large safari lodges, Tortilis emphasizes a quiet, intimate atmosphere. 

Sustainability

Tortilis Camp is widely recognized for environmental leadership.

Key initiatives include:

  • 100% solar-powered operations

  • Minimal plastic use

  • Water conservation

  • Waste reduction

  • Responsible tourism practices

  • Gold Eco-Rating certification

It was one of East Africa's earliest luxury camps to adopt full solar power. 

Community Engagement

The camp works closely with the local Maasai community by:

  • Employing approximately 60% of its staff locally

  • Supporting professional training and employment

  • Funding education projects such as Esiteti Primary School

  • Promoting Maasai-guided walking safaris

  • Supporting community-based conservation

These partnerships help conserve wildlife while creating local economic opportunities. 

Best Time to Visit

June–October (Dry Season)

  • Peak wildlife viewing

  • Clear Kilimanjaro views

  • Cooler temperatures

January–February

  • Excellent photography

  • Newborn wildlife

  • Good mountain visibility

March–May

  • Fewer visitors

  • Lush landscapes

  • Lower rates

  • Occasional rain

Morning is typically the best time to see Kilimanjaro before clouds gather around the summit. 

Access

By road:

  • Approximately 4.5–5 hours from Nairobi via Emali and Loitokitok.

By air:

  • Scheduled flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Amboseli Airstrip.

  • The camp provides transfers from the airstrip. 

Ideal For

Tortilis Camp is particularly well suited to:

  • Luxury safari travelers

  • Honeymooners

  • Families

  • Wildlife photographers

  • Conservation-minded visitors

  • First-time visitors to Amboseli

  • Guests combining Amboseli with the Maasai Mara, Lewa, or Samburu

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