Escape to Tawi Lodge, where the wild beauty of rural Africa meets luxury comforts. Tucked away on the southeastern border of Kenya with Tanzania, Tawi Lodge lies in the shadow of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park. This extraordinary destination boasts diverse landscapes, from acacia woodlands and giant palm forests to dusty dry lake beds and lush green swamps nourished by the snowmelt of Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro provides a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography in Amboseli National Park.
As an eco-award-winning lodge, Tawi combines innovative green practices, unpretentious luxury with complementing accents of contemporary style, allowing you to enjoy the lodge and surroundings with a minimised carbon footprint.
Tawi Conservancy is the result of a joint partnership between the community, African Wildlife Foundation and Tawi Lodge. A portion of the fee for each guest goes directly towards supporting the Conservancy, which works to preserve and protect the Kilimanjaro Heartland, and the vast herds of elephant that call this land their home.
TAWI Lodge, Amboseli , Kenya by Philip J. Briggs
Unparalleled Views and Wildlife Encounters
One of the true highlights of being in Amboseli is that the park is home to Kenya's largest elephant herds. The sight of these gentle giants strolling gracefully across the landscape creates a breath-taking scene and offers incredible photographic opportunities.
Read also: Discover Sentrim Elementaita Lodge
Mt. Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak is best seen from the watercolour plains of Amboseli, patrolled by vast herds of elephants. Water birds weave and dip over the grassy floodplains, and ostriches dash down the roads so fast that they look like cartoon road runners. At dawn, Africa’s tallest mountain turns a dusky purple, and its snowy cap glistens with rosy light.
Tawi’s twelve cottages all face the mighty Kilimanjaro, and windows afford views of the mountain’s craggy peak even from the comfort of your bed or your bathtub. Each cottage has its own wooden veranda, from which you can observe elephants and giraffe grazing quite close-the view is unobstructed, as the fence which keeps out large wildlife is in a ditch surrounding the property.
View wildlife day and night-as we’re right outside the border of Amboseli, we’re not limited by park regulations that all vehicles be in after sundown. Hyena and lion stalk these plains at night, their eyes glowing eerily as they sniff out snoozing herds. Or see it all from the sky, if you prefer.
Luxurious Accommodations and Amenities
Tawi Lodge’s well-appointed individual suites are spread out on either side of the main lodge, all with a breathtaking view of the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro. Each cottage is en-suite and elegantly designed, featuring amenities such as a large lockable wooden chest for keeping valuables secure, spacious hanging cupboards, a large bathtub and a cosy fireplace. For accessibility, one suite is specifically designed to cater to wheelchair access.
Enjoy an array of modern amenities designed for your comfort and relaxation. Start your day with a delightful tray of hot tea and coffee delivered to your cottage at sunrise, preparing you for an exciting game drive. Never to miss an opportunity for a snack stop, your guide will pick a spot while out on the game drive for coffee and a light breakfast picnic. In the afternoon, you can look forward to a sumptuous high tea before your afternoon game drive. A delicious spread of sweet and savoury snacks to give you the kick start you might need after a relaxing few hours spent at the pool or spa. The blanket of stars that grace the night sky brings on a delicious star and lantern-lit dinner.
Read also: Explore Shaba National Reserve
The lodge overlooks a popular waterhole and offers exceptional views of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. Take a game and wildlife viewing excursion, unwind with a massage at the spa, or lounge by the outdoor pool with sun loungers.
Key Amenities at Tawi Lodge:
- Airport transfer
- Bar
- Free breakfast
- Non-smoking rooms
- Spa
- Pool
- Daily housekeeping
- Restaurant and bar/lounge
- Full-service spa
- Outdoor pool
- Room service
- Massage/treatment rooms
- Babysitting
- Airport shuttle
- Terrace
- Garden
- Library
- Front-desk safe
- Babysitting (surcharge)
- Playground on site
- Private bathroom
- Separate bathtub and shower
Planning Your Visit to Tawi Lodge and Amboseli
Yes, I would say that it is, especially if you’re interested in elephants and Mount Kilimanjaro views. The best time to visit Amboseli National Park is during the dry season from June to October and January to February. During these months, wildlife gather around water sources, making animals easier to spot, and you’ll have clearer views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds (over 1,000 elephants), offering some of the best elephant viewing in Africa. Amboseli National Park is approximately 240 kilometres from Nairobi, taking about 4-5 hours by road. You can also fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Amboseli Airstrip in under an hour, or take the SGR train to Emali Station, followed by a 2-hour road transfer.
Yes, Amboseli offers the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Kenya. The snow-capped peak of Africa’s highest mountain (5,895m) provides a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography. International visitors typically pay $60 per day, while Kenyan residents and citizens pay 860 ksh (~$7).
Getting to Amboseli National Park:
Read also: Lion Hill Lodge Experience
| Mode of Transport | Details | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Road | From Nairobi, approximately 240 km | 4-5 hours |
| Flight | From Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Amboseli Airstrip | Under 1 hour |
| Train + Road | SGR train to Emali Station, followed by a road transfer | Approximately 2 hours (road transfer) |
Personalized Safaris and Exceptional Service
For over 25 years, we've been crafting personalised African safaris, shaped by our first-hand knowledge and deep local connections. From your first enquiry until you safely return home, we’re by your side, handling every detail with 24/7 support.
Popular articles:
tags: #Kenya
