SANCTUARY KITIRUA PLAINS LODGE – PRIVATE KITIRUA CONSERVANCY – AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

Sanctuary Kitirua Plains Lodge is set within the private Kitirua Conservancy on the eastern boundary of Amboseli National Park. Managed by Abercrombie & Kent’s Sanctuary Retreats collection, the lodge combines contemporary luxury within Amboseli – where vast herds of elephants roam beneath the snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Occupying a secluded position away from the busier areas of Amboseli, the lodge offers exceptional wildlife viewing, personalised service, and access to both the national park and the surrounding conservancy. The combination of open plains, acacia woodland and seasonal wetlands creates an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, while the exclusivity of the conservancy allows for a more intimate safari experience than is possible within the national park alone.

LOCATION – KITIRUA CONSERVANCY – AMBOSELI 

Sanctuary Kitirua Plains Lodge is located in the private Kitirua Conservancy on the eastern boundary of the Amboseli National Park.  Access is via scheduled flights which operate from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Amboseli Airstrip, followed by a short road transfer to the lodge.   Alternatively the lodge can be incorporated into a larger road safari taking in the key highlights of Kenya.

THE LODGE

Sanctuary Kitirua Plains Lodge enjoys uninterrupted views towards Mount Kilimanjaro, which provides one of Kenya’s most iconic safari backdrops, and the lodge has been designed to reflect the colours and textures of the surrounding landscape while offering a high level of comfort in an outstanding setting.

Sustainability was key in the design of this stunning, solar-powered, luxury eco-lodge, and distinct design features include hand-woven sisal grass ceilings and striking hand-rolled clay bead pendants. Local sourcing was paramount: 90 per cent of the furniture was made in Kenya from materials such as mango wood and African teak, and Mazeras stone, quarried nearby.

The lodge features 13 luxury air conditioned suites, each carefully positioned for privacy and to take advantage of the sweeping views across the conservancy towards Mount Kilimanjaro. Spacious interiors combine natural stone, timber and locally inspired furnishings with contemporary finishes, creating elegant accommodation that remains closely connected to its surroundings.

Each suite includes a generous bedroom, comfortable sitting area, en-suite bathroom and a private terrace where you can relax while watching wildlife move across the plains. Large windows allow natural light to flood the rooms and frame the spectacular scenery throughout the day.

There are also 2 two-bedroomed family suites which connect two bedrooms with a covered outdoor dining space, forming a semi-enclosed courtyard perfect for shared downtime and private meals.

The central lodge includes stylish indoor and outdoor lounge areas, an elegant dining room, and a swimming pool overlooking the plains.  The lodge has a wellness area with spa treatment rooms, an outdoor yoga deck and a gym – perfect for pampering downtime after game drives

Freshly prepared cuisine showcases locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE VIEWING

Sanctuary Kitirua Plains Lodge is situated within the 30,000-acre Kitirua Conservancy, a privately protected wildlife area bordering Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya. The conservancy forms an important extension to the Amboseli ecosystem, providing valuable habitat and migration routes for elephants and numerous other species that move freely between protected areas. The conservancy’s carefully managed tourism model limits visitor numbers, allowing guests to enjoy quieter game viewing and a wider range of safari activities than are generally permitted within Amboseli National Park.

The Kitirua Conservancy and neighbouring Amboseli National Park offer some of Kenya’s most rewarding wildlife experiences, particularly for those hoping to observe elephants in their natural environment.

Game drives reveal large family groups of Amboseli’s famous elephants, many of which have been studied for decades by conservationists. Lion, cheetah, spotted hyaena, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, gazelle and warthog are regularly encountered, while lucky visitors may also see leopard in the more wooded areas of the conservancy.

Guided walks offer an immersive way to explore the surrounding wilderness, allowing guests to experience the sights, sounds, and smaller details of the ecosystem up close. Led by knowledgeable guides, these walks provide fascinating insights into local wildlife, plant life, and traditional Maasai culture while enjoying the beauty of the landscape on foot.

Maasai community visits offer insights into local culture and the lodge’s support of healthcare, education and community enterprise initiatives.

Hot-air balloon flight over Amboseli can be booked at an additional cost.

One of the principal advantages of staying within a private conservancy is the flexibility of safari activities. In addition to daytime game drives, guests can enjoy guided bush walks, off-road wildlife viewing and night drives, providing opportunities to observe nocturnal species that are rarely seen within the national park itself.

Bush breakfasts, sundowners and private dining experiences further enhance the safari, allowing you to enjoy the landscape beyond the traditional game drive.

The area is also renowned for its birdlife, with more than 400 recorded species. Seasonal wetlands attract pelicans, storks, herons and flamingos, while raptors, bee-eaters, kingfishers and numerous smaller birds ensure rewarding viewing throughout the year.

CONVERSATION AND COMMUNITY

Conservation is central to the experience at Sanctuary Kitirua Plains Lodge. The Kitirua Conservancy was established through a partnership between local Maasai landowners and conservation organisations to protect vital wildlife habitat while creating sustainable benefits for neighbouring communities.

The conservancy provides an important refuge for elephants moving throughout the wider Amboseli ecosystem, as well as supporting healthy populations of giraffe, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and numerous antelope species. Tourism revenues contribute directly towards habitat protection, anti-poaching initiatives and wildlife monitoring, helping to secure the future of this important conservation area.

Community partnerships are equally significant. Employment opportunities, education initiatives and support for local enterprises provide tangible benefits for Maasai families while encouraging long-term stewardship of the land and its wildlife.  As part of the Sanctuary Retreats collection, the lodge also follows responsible tourism practices that seek to minimise environmental impact through careful resource management and sustainable operations.

Through A&K Philanthropy, stays at Kitirua Plains Lodge directly support vital local initiatives, including the Safe Water for School project in Amboseli. To date, 87 LifeStraw filters have been delivered to 20 schools and 12 health clinics, providing 10,000 students and countless patients with access to clean, safe drinking water. A new community school will open in August 2026, with a lunch program to follow. Sustainably designed by the architects behind Kitirua Plains Lodge, it will replace the current wooden structure with the aim of improving educational opportunities for local children.

SANCTUARY KITIRUA PLAINS LODGE IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE LODGE WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN OFF ALL AGES AND THE HAS A TWO BEDROOMED FAMILY SUITE