Tortilis

Named after the iconic flat-topped, umbrella-like acacia tree commonly found around the camp, Tortilis is widely regarded as the best lodge to appreciate Africa’s highest free-standing mountain – Kilimanjaro. It is also renowned for its reliably good elephant-viewing as some of the largest tuskers left on the continent still roam Amboseli, the small but very rich national park by which Tortilis is situated.

Tortilis’ 17 comfortable guest tents have private ensuite bathrooms, spacious verandas and glorious views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Guests have access to a central pool with bar service and there is a comfortably furnished main lounge with board games. For families, there is a child-friendly two-bedroom tent with a swimming pool shared only with guests staying in the Private House, a two-bedroom thatched chalet.

Meals are served in a spacious dining room, with canapes available in the bar and lounge before dinner. As with all quality safari lodges, guests have the option of dining in the bush. Of course, every afternoon safari concludes with a refreshing sundowner drink – traditionally a gin and tonic – as the sun sets over the plains.

More than half the guides at Tortilis are Maasai, and all are professionally certified. Game drives through Amboseli National Park and the camp’s private 30,000 acre concession take place in quality 4WD vehicles specially adapted for wildlife photography whilst walking safaris uncover smaller species, useful native herbs and the Maasai way of life.