Tawi Lodge

Slightly raised, and accessed down a network of footpaths through local plant-life, 13 thatched cottages can be found. Each cottage has a high thatched roof and is decorated with a modern and stylish, yet traditional feel with dark wooden features and soft, natural colours. Grand four poster double or twin beds are placed with a view over your own private decking, with canvas netted windows that can be rolled all the way up to make the most of the stunning vista, and towering Mount Kilimanjaro.

Guests can enjoy the sunrise or sunset from the comfort of their own bed, or relax in a snug armchair by the fireplace. Ensuite bathrooms all include a spacious shower and a deep victorian bath. Every cottage has their own private decking with chairs and sun beds, so guests are spoilt for ways to relax and view the rolling plains and magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro.

Located in the main area of the lodge, the dining area is covered by a thatch roof, and open sided so guests can enjoy the breathtaking surroundings whilst enjoying tasty and innovative meals cooked by the team of chefs. Dinner can be served in the garden, under the stars allowing guests to place themselves within nature, with Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Tea and coffee are brought to individual cottages at sunrise as a gentle wake-up call before a day of activities. Guests can relax by the campfire and enjoy a drink from the bar before or after dinner whilst listening to the sounds of the bush.

Breakfast and dinner can be served in the wilderness of Tawi Conservancy. This is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the surroundings whilst enjoying freshly cooked, delicious meals made with local ingredients.

Day and night game drives are offered at Tawi Lodge, and with access to both Amboseli National Park and Tawi Conservancy guests have the opportunity to see a wealth of wildlife. In open sided vehicles guests can explore the area in comfort, keeping an eye out for bush elephant, lion, cheetah, impala and buffalo, all in their natural habitats. The guides at Tawi have expert knowledge so guests can be guaranteed that they will receive an remarkable experience.

A more intimate way to explore the Tawi Conservancy is on foot. This is a chance to place yourself in the very heart of nature and keep a look out for the smaller things such as animal tracks and micro-ecosystems. Knowledgeable guides can share their wisdom on the traditional uses of the various plants, shrubs and herbs. Camel walks are also available from Tawi Lodge, this is a truly unique way to explore and feel the fresh Amboseli breeze.

Make your way to one of the spots in the Tawi Conservancy to end your day around a traditional campfire with a chilled drink whilst watching the spectacular sunset over the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tawi Lodge has a glassy swimming pool for guests to cool off and have a refreshing dip in on a hot afternoon. With cushioned sun beds and a view over the watering hole guests can still immerse themselves in the surroundings and keep a look out for wandering animals and chirping birds. Spa treatments are available in the massage area with a bubbling hot tub to relieve all your tension and stress.

Tawi Lodge is located near a local community of the Maasai Tribe. For a unique experience guests can visit their traditional village and learn about the long-established lifestyle of the Maasai with the local primary school also a place where guests can visit.

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience hot air balloon trips can be arranged. From high in the sky guests can view the Amboseli and Tawi Conservancy from a bird-eye view, with uninterrupted views over the plains and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tawi Lodge supports local families through a variety of initiatives. Members of the local community are employed here and the lodge gives them training and valuable life skills. The lodge also pays rent for the land it is on to the owners of the land which benefits them and their families. Most of the supplies of the lodge are purchased from local communities, supporting and helping to empower them.

4 students are fully sponsored by the lodge to attend secondary school and projects at the local Lemong’o school are also supported by Tawi Lodge. School supplies have been provided such as notebooks, pencils, chairs and a water tank; and volunteers are arranged from Tawi Lodge to teach basic lessons on hygiene and respect for the environment and wildlife.

The elephant population in Amboseli National Park is putting strain on the existing eco-system as it is currently struggling to support all of the elephants – this means the land must become more sustainable. Tawi Lodge is partnered with local Maasai landowners and have formed the 3000 acre Tawi Conservancy, encompassing the natural corridor for elephants. Before this was formed the land was gradually being sold or rented for farming and there were many incidents of human wildlife conflict. Tawi Lodge believe “the community-run conservancy, promotes and maintains a harmonious environment for the wildlife and the Maasai people.”

A number of eco-friendly initiatives are in action at Tawi Lodge, powered principally by solar energy they also are developing their renewable energy solutions and have a solid waste management plant. The lodge aims to “take maximum care of the environment and its people, without compromising the comfort of its guests.”