Safari in Kenya: Tortilis and Lewa Camps
Elephants at Amboseli National Park in Kenya
If you are considering an African safari, you will undoubetly hear the phrase “life changing” or “the best trip I have ever taken.” I thought to myself, “Really? It can’t possibly be that fantastic.” Having just returned from Kenya, I must confess that my trip was amazing. Planning the trip is not easy. Should I go to Kenya, Tanzania, trek with gorillas in Uganda, go to South Africa instead? All my friend Pam and I knew was that we wanted to go during the migration and that we wanted to see the “big five.” Having never been to Africa, we put our trust in an amazing Africa expert travel agent, Gail’s Travel. Gail selected our camps, arranged all transportation and, honestly, created the perfect trip. She arranged three separate camp experiences in Kenya: Elewana Tortilis at Amboseli, Elewana Lewa Safari Camp at Mount Kenya, and Govenors’ Il Moran Camp in Maasi Mara. There is too much to cover in depth. Let me begin with our first two camps and follow with Govenors’ Il Moran Camp in a couple of days.
Tortilis Camp Accommodations
First off, when you hear that you will be staying in a tent, don’t be concerned. The “tents” at Tortilis Camp are lovely with a beautiful and comfortable interior, a fully functioning en suite bathroom and great patio spaces. The food is Italian inspired and fantastic. There are also amenities if you have time: a wonderful spa with outdoor massages (heavenly) a pool, bush walks, and lots of areas to explore. This is also a premiere viewing space for Mt Kilimanjaro. It was our first camp so we were all about the game drives. Amboseli is known for the magnificent elephants…there are over 1000 who reside in the park. Let me preview some of the amazing animal shots (all taken with my IPhone 15 so don’t expect flawless photos!) Let’s begin with the majestic elephant…
There were so many beautiful elephant pics, it was hard to choose. But these were four of my favorites. However it was not only elephants that we spied on our game drives. Zebras also were plentiful at Amboseli National Park.
Zebras at the Watering Hole
Although the elephants and zebras are the most prevalient species at Amboseli, there were many more animals to observe. There are 80 species of mammels and 400 species of birds. Clearly we didn’t see them all, but let me preview just a few
A Magnificent Giraffe
A Monkey Family
The Kori Bustard; One of the 400 Bird Species
Without question, the highlight of our game drives were the amazing animals we were able to see in their natural habitat. However we did have some terrific fun with our guides after our bush drives. Each evening after our late drive, we would stop for a “sundowners”, a safari tradition. Our guide would find a spectacular viewing location, pour a few cocktails while we watched a beautiful sunset and got to know the other people in our group. Amazing fun!
The Bush Bar
Cocktails and Apps!
Cocktails with Our Jeep Mates!
Pam and Me with Our Guides
We were at Tortilis Camp for three days. We next took a plane to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. There are over 70 recorded mammel species within the conservancy which makes for an unrivaled wildlife experience.
Pool and Outside Dining at Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp is located in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The Conservancy is located in northern Kenya and was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1995. Although the “big five” all inhabit the Conservancy, it is also known as the Ngare Sergio Rhino Sanctuary. Begun in 1983 on the Craig-Douglas family ranch and funded by Anna Merz, rhinos were endangered at that time. Through the conservation efforts, the rhinos have flourished although the black rhino is still considered endangered. Two hundred black and white rhinos roam freely at Lewa Conservancy. In addition, Lewa Conservancy is home to the largest concertration of Grevy’s zebras, a unique breed of zebra known for their thin stripes, tall stature and “mickey mouse” ears. Although the Grevy zebra is protected at the Conservancy, they are still endangered with a 54% population decline in the past three decades. Currently there are approximately 3000 Grevey zebras worldwide with 359 living at Lewa.
Grevey's Zebra
Although we did not see the endangered black rhino, we did see many white rhinos. Some of my favorite pics are below
Our focus at Lewa was on the Grevey’s Zebras and the Rhinos, we were able to see other species. The giraffes at Lewa were definitely different than those we saw at Amboseli. We also saw osterich, monkeys, antelope and so many species of birds. And our first lion sighting was in Lewa, at a very close range!
A Common Osterich
A Lone Monkey
An Impala
Although these lions would not be the last we saw, I did love that the two females were protecting the lion cubs. I realize it is difficult to make out the cubs, but trust me, they were there. And the females were none too happy that we were so near their babies.
Female lions protecting the cubs
Lewa is such an amazing place. As you can see from the pics, the animals are fascinating to watch. But there is much more to do at the camp if you so choose. Lewa Camp is serene and beautiful. It is fenced but there are places to hike, the pool area is stunning, the food is plentiful and curated especially for each client, and breakfast in the bush is not to be missed!
Preparing Our "Breakfast in the Bush"
Breakfast with the Jeep Team!
After three days at Lewa Camp, we flew to Govenors’ Il Moran Camp at Maasi Mara National Reserve. We had already experienced so much but there were still animal sightings and excursions that we were looking forward to.
I will cover Il Moran in a separate post. I hope I am providing enough safari information to entice you, but not so much that it is overwhelming!
XO
Wendy