Tawi Lodge

Tawi Lodge lies within the private lands of Kimana Sanctuary on the eastern side of the greater Amboseli ecosystem.

The lodge sits just outside Amboseli National Park in a quiet wildlife corridor where animals move between the park and surrounding Maasai lands. From the lodge grounds the view stretches across open plains toward Mount Kilimanjaro, whose snow-capped summit dominates the southern skyline.

Because of its location within a private sanctuary, Tawi offers a more relaxed safari atmosphere than many lodges inside the national park.

Landscape & Setting

The landscape around Tawi Lodge consists of open savannah plains interspersed with acacia woodland and seasonal wetlands typical of the Amboseli ecosystem.

These plains form part of the traditional elephant migration routes that link Amboseli National Park with the surrounding conservancies. As a result, wildlife regularly passes through the sanctuary, particularly during the cooler hours of the morning and evening.

Kilimanjaro rises beyond the plains, creating one of the most recognisable safari landscapes in East Africa.

Accommodation

Tawi Lodge offers a collection of spacious stone cottages positioned along the edge of the sanctuary.

Accommodation includes:

Individual cottages with private verandas
Fireplaces for cooler evenings
Ensuite bathrooms with large bathtubs
Views toward Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plains

The design blends natural stone and wood to create a comfortable lodge that feels connected to the surrounding landscape.

Safari Experience / Activities

Guests at Tawi Lodge can explore both the private sanctuary and nearby wildlife areas.

Activities include:

• Game drives across Kimana Sanctuary
• Wildlife safaris into Amboseli National Park
• Guided nature walks
• Cultural visits to local Maasai communities
• Sundowners overlooking Kilimanjaro

Because the sanctuary is privately managed, safari experiences often feel quieter than in the national park itself.

Wildlife

The greater Amboseli ecosystem supports a wide range of wildlife moving across the plains surrounding the lodge.

Wildlife encounters may include:

• Elephant
• Lion and cheetah
• Buffalo and zebra
• Giraffe and wildebeest
• Numerous antelope species

Amboseli remains particularly famous for its large elephant herds, many of which move between the park and surrounding conservancies.

When to Visit

Tawi Lodge can be visited throughout the year.

June – October
Dry season conditions provide excellent wildlife viewing.

January – March
Clear skies often reveal dramatic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

April – May / November
Rainfall during these months brings greener landscapes and fewer visitors.

Wildlife viewing remains consistent throughout the year because of the permanent wetlands within the Amboseli ecosystem.

Insider Tips

The clearest views of Kilimanjaro usually appear early in the morning before clouds gather around the summit.

Meanwhile, elephants frequently cross the plains of Kimana Sanctuary, creating outstanding wildlife photography opportunities.

Because the lodge sits outside the national park, game drives often take place with fewer vehicles nearby.

Oloi Shorua Must-Do

Take a sunrise game drive across Kimana Sanctuary, when elephants often move across the plains beneath the rising light of Kilimanjaro.

This remains one of the most iconic safari scenes in Kenya.

Oloi Shorua Recommendation

We recommend combining Tawi Lodge with a stay in the Chyulu Hills, where the volcanic landscapes and remote wilderness provide a striking contrast to the open plains of Amboseli.

Planning Your Safari

Many journeys include:

You can also explore:

At Oloi Shorua we design bespoke safari journeys that combine the finest lodges across Africa’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes. Speak with us to begin planning your safari.