Amboseli is the place to be if enormous herds of elephants silhouetted against Africa's highest peak is your idea of safari perfection — and this friendly, family-run camp makes a solid base for exactly that. Perched just outside Kimana Gate, Kibo delivers sweeping views of snow-capped Kilimanjaro from pretty much everywhere, including your tent's veranda first thing in the morning (coffee in hand, obviously). It's larger and livelier than your average tented camp, with a buzzy atmosphere that suits families and groups, plus good food served under the acacias and a pool for cooling off between game drives.
/37.375086754570574,-2.733427039159266,6/600x400?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidGltYnVrdHV0cmF2ZWwiLCJhIjoiY2poMGw1eHpkMmRkbDJ6bW8xYWZ5OGpjYyJ9.PYvAO7lUJ40SOpGvwmQLqw&attribution=false&logo=false)
Shaded by spreading acacia trees and facing that famous peak, the open-air restaurant serves generous buffet spreads plus freshly fired pizzas from the wood-burning oven — fruit and vegetables are picked straight from the camp's own farm, which you can taste. The bar is a relaxed spot for a cold Tusker after a dusty game drive, and there's a decent-sized pool flanked by loungers for the inevitable afternoon lull. A small spa, art gallery and gift shop round things out, and the crackling bonfire is the social hub come evening.
The self-contained tents are comfortably kitted out with custom-made bush-log beds, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, and private verandas that face Kilimanjaro — arguably the camp's greatest selling point. Configurations cover doubles, twins, triples and family set-ups, so there's something for most group sizes. They're not the most lavish tents you'll find in Kenya, but they're clean, spacious enough and do the job well. For something more exclusive, the newer Private Wing offers 10 tents with a self-catering kitchen, pizza oven and its own lounge — ideal for groups wanting their own space.
The morning pinch-me moment. Roll out of bed, step onto your veranda and there's Kilimanjaro — vast, pink-tinged and snow-capped — filling the entire horizon.
Time your sundowner for the bar terrace on a clear evening. The mountain often hides behind cloud during the day but reveals itself spectacularly at dusk — and sometimes at dawn too.
With 110 tents, this is a bigger camp than most, so don't expect a secluded bush experience. The trade-off is a lively vibe, great value and a sociable atmosphere around the bonfire.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
13 nights from $9.2K per person
9 nights from $11.1K per person
12 nights from $13.7K per person
10 nights from $7.7K per person
Come for iconic herds of elephant in the shadow of Kilimanjaro and stay for the elite game-viewing.
