Kibo safari camp

Kibo safari camp image 1
Kibo safari camp image 2

Kibo safari camp

Kibo Safari Camp is a luxury tented safari camp located near the Kimana Gate of Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya's most famous wildlife destinations. The camp is best known for its spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, excellent elephant viewing opportunities, and comfortable safari-style accommodation. It consistently receives high guest ratings (around 4.6/5 from more than 1,500 reviews). 

Location

The camp sits just outside the southeastern boundary of Amboseli National Park, approximately:

  • About 230–250 km from Nairobi

  • Around a 4–5 hour drive from Nairobi, depending on traffic and road conditions

  • A few minutes from Kimana Gate, making early morning game drives convenient

Its location offers:

  • Clear sunrise views of Mount Kilimanjaro

  • Easy access to Amboseli's swamps and wildlife areas

  • A quieter atmosphere than some lodges located inside the park 

Accommodation

The camp offers spacious luxury safari tents rather than permanent hotel rooms.

Accommodation options include:

  • Single tents

  • Double tents

  • Twin tents

  • Triple tents

  • Family tents

  • Private Wing (ideal for groups or exclusive use)

Each tent typically includes:

  • En-suite bathroom

  • Flush toilet

  • Hot and cold showers

  • Wash basin

  • Comfortable beds made from locally crafted bush logs

  • Mosquito netting

  • Private veranda

  • Electricity

  • Daily housekeeping

The camp has expanded over time, with recent information indicating more than 100 tents including the Private Wing, while older sources list 73 tents. 

Dining

One of the highlights is the open-air restaurant beneath acacia trees overlooking Kilimanjaro.

Meals generally include:

  • Buffet breakfast

  • Lunch buffet

  • Multi-course dinner

  • Fresh vegetables from the camp's own gardens

  • Kenyan and international cuisine

  • Vegetarian meals

  • Vegan meals upon request

  • Special dietary meals when arranged in advance

Guests can also arrange:

  • Bush breakfasts

  • Romantic dinners

  • Private dining experiences

 

Facilities

The camp offers:

  • Swimming pool

  • Spa and massage services

  • Lounge

  • Bar

  • Conference facilities

  • Gift and souvenir shop

  • Art gallery

  • Campfire area

  • Free parking

  • Wi-Fi in common areas (quality may vary)

 

Wildlife Experience

Amboseli is famous for:

  • Large elephant herds

  • Lions

  • Cheetahs

  • Buffaloes

  • Giraffes

  • Zebras

  • Hyenas

  • Wildebeest

  • Hippos

  • Over 400 bird species

One of the biggest attractions is photographing elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.

The camp arranges:

  • Morning game drives

  • Afternoon game drives

  • Full-day safaris

  • Bird watching

  • Nature interpretation

 

Cultural Experiences

Guests can participate in:

  • Visits to local Maasai villages

  • Traditional Maasai dances

  • Cultural storytelling around the campfire

  • Learning about Maasai traditions and conservation

These activities are popular evening experiences after returning from game drives. 

Sustainability

The camp emphasizes:

  • Eco-friendly operations

  • Local employment

  • Community partnerships

  • Conservation awareness

  • Responsible tourism practices

Its newer Private Wing was designed with sustainability in mind. 

Best Time to Visit

June–October

  • Excellent wildlife viewing

  • Dry weather

  • Best visibility of Mount Kilimanjaro

  • Peak safari season

January–February

  • Warm weather

  • Good wildlife concentrations

  • Clear mountain views

March–May

  • Green landscapes

  • Fewer tourists

  • Rain may affect road conditions

Early mornings usually provide the clearest views of Kilimanjaro before clouds build later in the day. 

Typical Safari Activities

Visitors commonly enjoy:

  • Early morning game drives

  • Sunset game drives

  • Swimming after safari

  • Spa treatments

  • Sundowners

  • Bird watching

  • Photography

  • Cultural visits

  • Relaxing around the campfire

Who Is It Best For?

Kibo Safari Camp is well suited to:

  • First-time safari visitors

  • Couples

  • Honeymooners

  • Families

  • Wildlife photographers

  • Small safari groups

  • Birdwatchers

Advantages

  • Excellent location near Amboseli

  • Outstanding Kilimanjaro views

  • Comfortable, spacious tents

  • Large swimming pool

  • Friendly service

  • Good food

  • Strong value compared with many luxury safari lodges

  • Easy park access

Considerations

  • Wi-Fi can be limited outside common areas.

  • Because it is a tented camp, you may hear wildlife at night.

  • During peak season (July–October), booking well in advance is recommended.

  • The camp lies just outside the park boundary, so game drives require entering through the nearby gate rather than starting inside the park.

Chat with us