Sentrim Amboseli Lodge

The location is handy, very close to the Amboseli Park entrance. I stayed at the Sentrim Amboseli for three nights with a couple of friends, and we had a great time. The rooms were very nice, the food was amazing, and everyone on the team was friendly and welcoming. I’d definitely come back someday.

The staff were welcoming and friendly throughout, and we enjoyed the good food. It’s close to the park gate, which was convenient. The surroundings are quite dusty, especially compared with some greener hotels, though it didn’t affect our stay too much. The rooms feel old and clearly need renovation. It was a pleasant visit, but don’t expect modern facilities or much greenery.

We really liked our night at Sentrim Amboseli. The tents sit close to the wilderness, and the large grounds have monkeys and small Dikdik deer wandering around. It was warmer in the mornings and evenings than in the parks near Nairobi, which was a nice surprise. The staff were pleasant, and we were offered a welcome drink at reception. Across from there are toilets and a souvenir shop; we ended up chatting for nearly an hour with the very nice employee there. The best part is the direct view of Kilimanjaro. There’s a marked path to the viewpoint, and staff can explain how to get there. I’d suggest being there around 6 am for dawn. A hot air balloon is inflated near the viewpoint around 5 am and starts rising slowly at about 6:15. It was wonderful to watch. We also fell asleep to hyenas howling, which was an amazing experience, with an endless starry sky overhead. There’s a large, partly covered restaurant, a beautiful pool we didn’t get time to try, and a fireplace where you can sit after a long day and take in the surroundings. The accommodation was lovely.

Waking up to a clear blue sky and a picturesque view of Kilimanjaro was breathtaking. From 4.8 km, that sight wouldn’t have been possible without Senterim Amboseli. The spacious rooms have a rustic feel, like staying in the jungle, and it made for a perfect stay before leaving Kenya. It felt like a real experience close to nature.