Porini Amboseli

Location: Porini Amboseli is tucked away in the Selenkay Conservancy, a private wildlife reserve north of Amboseli National Park. This is a genuinely wild part of southern Kenya, far from the usual safari routes, where you’ll rarely see another vehicle that doesn’t belong to camp. Selenkay was one of the first conservancies set up to benefit local Maasai communities directly through tourism, and the landscape is dry, open, and striking - dotted with acacia trees and framed by distant views of Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day. It’s the kind of place that feels remote and authentic, with a real sense of space and freedom.

Rooms: There are just ten spacious, en suite tents here, keeping the experience small and personal. Each tent is simply furnished but thoughtfully done, with comfortable beds, solar lighting, and private verandas overlooking the bush. The bathrooms have hot safari showers, eco-flush toilets, and water-saving sinks - well-designed to have minimal impact without compromising on comfort. You’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the African night and wake to birdsong and views of the savannah. It’s classic safari simplicity done well.

Amenities: This isn’t a camp that’s big on frills, but everything you need is here: a central mess tent for meals and drinks, a campfire for evenings under the stars, and genuinely warm, welcoming service from the local team. Meals are home-cooked and generous, often served al fresco depending on the weather, and drinks are included in your stay. There’s a focus on keeping things low-impact and locally grounded, which suits the camp’s ethos perfectly. It’s not luxurious in a polished sense, but it’s comfortable, relaxed, and full of character.

Activities: Porini Amboseli offers a mix of day and night game drives within the Selenkay Conservancy and guided walks with local Maasai trackers, which give a real sense of connection to the landscape. You can also take a day trip into Amboseli National Park itself, where there’s a good chance of seeing elephants, lions, and those classic wide-open views of Kilimanjaro. Because the camp is inside a private conservancy, you’ll also get to enjoy activities that aren’t allowed in the national park, like night drives and walking safaris. It’s an ideal choice for travellers looking for a more flexible, immersive, and off-the-beaten-track experience.

Sustainability: Porini Camps are pioneers of the conservancy model in Kenya, and Porini Amboseli is a prime example of what responsible safari tourism can look like. The camp is entirely solar powered, avoids plastic wherever possible, and operates with a minimal footprint. More importantly, the Selenkay Conservancy provides income, jobs, and incentives for local Maasai landowners to protect the environment and wildlife. By staying here, guests directly support the protection of wild spaces outside national parks, helping to expand conservation areas and benefit local communities. It’s a camp with real purpose behind it.