Tortilis Camp is a magical escape from the hustle and bustle of life in the fast lane. Early European explorers met derision and disbelief when they reported a snow capped mountain close to the equator – Mount Kilimanjaro. Feelings of disbelief and awe hit you as you arrive at Tortilis Camp, facing this magnificent mountain, as the sun dazzles the white snowcap. Tortilis Camp is a charming, rustic tented camp, shaded by a natural forest of Acacia Tortilis thorn trees after which the camp is named. The trees and shrubs bustle with bird life, the views seem endless across the plains to Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru in Tanzania.
The camp won the British Airways regional award for ecotourism and has earned an international reputation for its commitment to the environment with its rustic 
simplicity, unobtrusive design and attention to comfort without compromising the ecosystem. The tents are large, the emphasis is on service and comfort. Each tent leads from a bedroom with expansive king-size or generous twin beds, through a dressing area into modern bathrooms with pressured hot showers and flush toilets. Each tent is raised up on a wooden deck and sheltered by a makuti (thatched) roof overhanging a large verandah, ideal for an early afternoon siesta…
This is a great place to start a safari, relax and acclimatise. The food is part of the charm: North Italian traditional recipes from the owner’s family cookbook, complimented by delicious salads and herbs grown in the camp’s own garden.
Here clients enjoy varied game viewing and can also spend time following the matriarchal elephant herds from the luxury of open sided safari Land Rovers; or walk with a trained Maasai guide, sip sundowners on top of Kitirua hill as the sun sets colouring the snows of Kilimanjaro pink, bush breakfasts out on the plains or a visit to one of the Maasai manyattas (villages) to meet the Maasai women, watch the Morans (young warriors) dance and experience their age-old existence.
Getting married in Amboseli is an amazing 'bush wedding' option. A simple altar in the shade of an ancient Tortilis Acacia (umbrella thorn tree), canvas safari chairs for your guests or hay bales covered with brightly checked 'shukas' (traditional red Maasai blankets). In front of you stretches a vast open plain awash with golden sunlight, dominated by snow-capped Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
As the guests, groom and ushers arrive in open sided luxury safari Land Rovers, a line of Maasai Morani (warriors) and the women from their manyatta (village) perform a traditional greeting song, rising to a crescendo as the guests are seated and the bride arrives. The women follow the bride down the simple woven matting path leading to the altar and her groom, then all is still and the marriage ceremony begins. The lines of Maasai women on one side and Morani move back and line up silently, some yards away from the altar.
After the wedding ceremony and address are complete, the Maasai begin a chant to praise the newly married couple, Kilimanjaro catches the afternoon sun on its snow cap, a line of elephants often appear on the horizon at the end of the afternoon, making their daily return from the swamps to the saltbushes…
After photographs, the wedding party drives up to the top of Kitirua Hill for champagne sundowners and bitings and a stunning view as the sun sets on Kilimanjaro, turning the sky pink.
Dinner at the lodge, speeches followed by dancing in the main rondavel (circular sitting room & bar), overlooked by the resident family of owls makes a special end to a wonderful day. Staggering down the hill to your comfortable tent is the only hard part at the end of it…
For the morning after the night before: an early morning gamedrive for the hardy followed by hearty breakfast or get up late in time for Bloody Mary's by the pool. The bride and groom can leave by safari vehicle to go to the airstrip and depart for their honeymoon: at the Coast, in the Maasai Mara or on a walking/camel safari in the Northern Frontier District…
NB February and March are probably the best months for clear views of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru in Tanzania.
The great Amboseli plains with its parched alkaline salt pans, strange mirages and oasis of marshes & lakes is dominated by the glistening majestic snow cap pf Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,894m/19,340ft).
This is Maasai country, a proud, nomadic people, who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. Huge herds of Elephant and Buffalo are common, together with Lion and a host of Antelope species.
The Chyulu Hills are the natural border between the Maasai & the Kamba people and perfect for walking and riding safaris. On the far side of the hills lies the Tsavo National Park, bigger than Wales & one of the world’s largest game sanctuaries.
Amboseli National Park, South Eastern Kenya
Altitude: 3,280 ft
Climate: Warm dry days, cool nights, low humidity
Location: Amboseli National Park South of Nairobi 
Bordering Tanzania Unrivalled views of Kilimanjaro
Winner of the British Airways Regional Award for Ecotourism (1995)
17 spacious tents, raised on wooden decks & shaded with makuti (thatched) roofs:
9 with king size beds
8 with twin beds
Spacious shaded verandahs each with a Lamu day bed, great views & privacy
Swimming pool
Game drives in 4-wheel drive Land Rovers
Guided nature walks
Bush breakfasts
Hilltop sundowners
Excursions to Tsavo West & Chyulu Hills
Gift shop
Massage service
Laundry
Airstrip
Daily scheduled flights from Nairobi
Distance by road approx 31/2 hours from Nairobi
