In my previous article about the best luxury camps in Kenya, I mentioned quite a number of properties. Little did I know about this latest addition to my luxury camping list until a friend (RG) recommended it.
After researching more about it, I discovered that Little Amanya Camp is set at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and is located a few minutes away from the Iremito gate at Amboseli National Park. It is a member of the LiReise Tour Group and it combines the luxury of a home with the freedom of outdoor views to ensure you have a relaxing and a comfortable stay.
Getting there
My friend and I left Nairobi at around 7am and had a slow drive down Mombasa road through Emali town to our final destination. The distance is about 228km from Nairobi and the road is generally smooth apart from the last 18km when you branch off the main road. It requires gentle drivers unless you are driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Also, there is a 45minutes flying option from Wilson Airport to Amboseli Airstrip.
Reception
Five hours later, we arrived at the camp and we were ready to check in and relax before we headed out for a game drive. The reception was simply flawless. Maggy, who is the Property Manager gave us a warm welcome as we filled in the guest forms while Olivia served us with some fresh juice to cool from the scorching sun.
After the check in process, we were shown our tents to freshen up then proceed to have lunch. Little Amanya Camp is not your ordinary camp where you have to pitch your own tents on the grounds and carry your own bedding. It is more of a luxury glamping site.
Also read: Glamping experience in Kenya.
Rooms
The camp has 6 rooms. All luxury and self-contained and can accommodate between one to four people at most depending on the clients preference. All the rooms are self contained and some have both the shower and bath tub outside. They are lovely and unorthodox and are named after the wildlife in the park.
I got one of the best tents – The Elephant Suite. It comes with a double bed, a study/working area, a television, mini-fridge, a fan, an en-suite bathroom and toilet (with robes) and my most favourite part of the room was the outdoor bathtub overlooking Mt. Kilimanjaro. My friend Gichuru preferred the Tiger Superior room with the outside toilet, shower and bathtub. You see, preferences!
Game drive and meals
After freshening up we had our lunch at their lovely restaurant which was prepared by chef Patrick.
It is like he knew the way to my heart is through food. I had one of the best butternut soup with vegetable rice, veggies and fish fillet. Gichuru had vegetable rice, green grams and the stir fried veggies as well. The food was very fresh and sumptuous. I highly recommend.
After the late lunch, we went for a game drive at the park which they can also organize for you at a fee. Since we had our own car, they provided us with a community guide who is also the camp’s driver – Mr. Sitaya to take us through the park and show us around. Entrance to Amboseli National Park is Ksh. 800 per person and I would highly recommend visiting the park late in the afternoon so that you can still use the same ticket for an early morning drive the next day if you didn’t get enough. It is killing two birds with one stone. The park ticket is valid for 24 hours.
We came back for dinner which was as sumptuous as the lunch. The camp serves Ala-carte meals and their fruits and vegetables are served fresh as they are picked from our very own farm. We had a brief hangout by the well-stocked Jo’s Bar which is in the same location as the restaurant before heading out to the bonfire site. Nothing beats a bonfire under the stars with good company and endless stories. We had a lovely hangout with some of the staff in the camp and got to know more about the camp.
Also read: My top ten camping essentials.
The next day we woke up early to catch the sunrise and had a well-spread, mouthwatering bush breakfast overlooking Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Every part of the camp gives you great views of the majestic mountain.
Amboseli National Park being one of the premium parks in Kenya also means that the accommodation options will vary. For a mixture of luxury in the wilderness with a homely feel and personalized touch, I recommend you stay here. The service is personalized and they tailor make packages for your unforgettable experience in the bush.
Conclusion
My overall verdict about the place is an excellent. It is one of the best camps in I have been to in Amboseli and Kenya at large. The service here was impeccable, the staff were friendly, the food was fresh and splendid, the accommodation was top notch with clean towels and sheets and the location is just great. I am looking forward to revisiting again after finish building the swimming pool.
Rates
Below are the rates for Little Amanya Camp. Contact Maggy +254113774699 for your bookings.
Maggy and I