As I sit down to write this, I’m struck by a creative block. How do I find a title that does justice to the beauty of this place? Words escape me because the experience here is beyond description. It’s like trying to capture a love story so captivating that you can’t help but picture yourself saying ‘I do’ to an imaginary soulmate—because, let’s face it, there’s no such thing as an imperfectly perfect match.
I remember clearly the drive to Tawi Lodge within the conservancy. Every few minutes, I’d ask Andrew, our brilliant safari guide, to slow down so I could take in another view of Mount Kilimanjaro. Whether it was a glimpse of the mountain’s peak, giraffes grazing under the acacia trees, or a herd of zebras crossing our path, each angle offered something breathtaking. Even though the mountain was somewhat shy at this hour, the beauty was undeniable. And so, that’s how we decided on the perfect phrase: ‘In the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro, you’ll discover, rediscover, and experience the wonders of little Tawi as you explore Amboseli.
Fun fact
Tawi is home to a resident impala – Cynthia, who would be very happy to hang around the lounge area and keep you company as you fill your taste buds with sumptuous meals the Chefs have prepared just for you! She first came to the lodge and couldn’t get enough of the hospitality around here, she then decided to make this her home and she feels very welcomed, loved and cared for.
Location
The gorgeous charming and rustic lodge is located within a 3,000 ha private conservancy in Kenya’s South Eastern part, Amboseli.
Getting here: If coming from Nairobi, there are daily departures from Wilson airport, with either Safarilink or Air Kenya. Flights from Wilson airport land at Amboseli airstrip taking approximately 45 minutes (rates range from Kshs15,500 per person for the resident travelers and are subject to change from one airline to the next) and a 45-1hr road transfer from the airstrip to the lodge with a short game drive enroute.
However, if you are the adventurous type like I am and wish to see the rural Kenya by road, may I suggest you drive through the beautiful and ever changing landscapes to Tawi Lodge.. The scenic drive will take about 5.5hrs, that means you will arrive in perfect time for lunch.
What’s more, if you are even more adventurous and wish to try new things, you could simply hop on the Madaraka express train, populary known to the locals as the “SGR train”. Book your ticket from either Nairobi Terminus or Mombasa Terminus and your next stop should be Emali afterwards you’ll then be transferred to the lodge by road, this will take about 2hrs.
And lastly, if you are Safari hungry and just want to get to your lodge room, freshen up, have a nice meal, a dip in the swimming pool perhaps or a drink by the pool or maybe just an afternoon game drive within the conservancy or the national park. You could take a charter flight to Tawi’s private airstrip.
Why Tawi lodge
The food…. Take us all to a place where we can find great food and the Chefs here do an absolutely fantastic job in the kitchen. Tawi relies on its own organic gardens where fresh ingredients are picked daily to ensure you keep coming back just for a taste of what they can offer. Come very hungry not only for great game viewing experiences but also to enjoy great meals prepared with you in mind
Endless game viewing opportunities… Amboseli is well known for the large herds of Elephants. Whilst staying at Tawi Lodge, you may choose to go on a game drive within the conservancy where they only thing likely to stop you would be a dazzle of zebras crossing the road. Or you may go Go on safar within the Amboseli National Park. (make sure to enquire from your driver/guide how much extra costs you will incur as this is not included in the accommodation rate). Whilst game viewing be sure to spot some members of the big five such as the African Elephant and Buffalo and for better experiences please wake up early to catch up with the big cats, you will also come across towers and journies of giraffes, dazzles of zebras and a wide variety of birdlife. So please keep your binoculars and cameras handy
Breathtaking views.. Set at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tawi offers views for dayyys!! May I please let you in on my little secret, every room around here promises you fantastic views of the mountain. Like you could be taking a shower and Mt. Kilimanjaro will be right there peaking in on you, fun right:)
Exemplary customer service…. You the guest are the king of Tawi and the service you will be accorded will surely meet and exceed your expectations. What the English men would refer to as a WOW experience!!
A swimming pool in the middle of the jungle? Yes please. After lunch you may choose to take a dip or get a drink by the pool and watch wildlife stross nearby.
And when you fill your cup of adventure and ready to return back home, remember to pass by the souvenir shop and get something for your family and friends. This is one way of contributing positively to the Ecotourism triangle and the locals will benefit from this simple gesture of kindness
A few notes ;
Kindly respect the local communities, remember to ask for their consent before taking photos of them/with them.
Respect wildlife and birdlife, this is their home and you are only visiting.
Collect only memories and leave NO TRACE!!
For more information on Tawi Lodge, please feel free to contact them directly or get in touch with the Safari editor thesafarieditor@gmail.com.
The Safari Post 