Lemala Camps & Lodges Acquires Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp, Kenya

The Amboseli-based camp will retain its name and identity while benefiting from Lemala’s operational excellence and commitment to sustainable safari experiences.

Arusha, Tanzania – Lemala Camps and Lodges, a distinguished member of the Tourvest Integrated Tourism Group and a premier safari accommodation provider across East Africa, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp, located just outside Kenya’s Amboseli National Park.

This strategic expansion marks Lemala’s entry into Kenya, enhancing its regional footprint and reinforcing its commitment to preserving the character, culture, and conservation value of East Africa’s diverse landscapes.

Positioned just beyond the borders of Amboseli National Park, with sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro and close proximity to the area’s well-known elephant herds, Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp has long been a preferred destination for travellers seeking an authentic blend of charm, connection, and natural immersion.

While now operating under Lemala’s stewardship, Tulia will retain its name and brand identity, with no immediate plans for rebranding. Guests can continue to expect the thoughtful and immersive experiences Tulia is known for, now further enhanced by Lemala’s operational expertise and values of low-impact, community-integrated hospitality.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tulia Amboseli into the Lemala family,” said Leanne Haigh, CEO of Lemala Camps & Lodges. “Amboseli is one of Africa’s most evocative destinations, and Tulia is perfectly positioned to offer intimate, memorable safari experiences. This acquisition strengthens our presence in the region while reflecting our long-standing commitment to sustainability and local partnerships.”

“We are particularly pleased to be growing our portfolio through acquisition rather than increasing the number of beds in Amboseli,” Haigh added. “This approach allows us to honour the integrity of the ecosystem while supporting conservation-minded tourism growth.”

Lemala is also pleased to continue its collaboration with Barry McGonigle, Tulia’s founder and a long-standing resident of Amboseli. Barry remains active in the area, operating Kilimanjaro Balloon Safaris, one of the region’s leading aerial experiences.

“We’re honoured to maintain our relationship with Barry,” the Lemala team added. “His deep knowledge of Amboseli and close relationships within the local community are invaluable. We look forward to building on the strong foundation he has created—with respect and purpose.”

About Lemala Camps and Lodges

Lemala Camps and Lodges offers a curated portfolio of luxurious lodges, intimate villas, and classic tented camps across Tanzania’s Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire regions, as well as along Uganda’s River Nile. Each property is ideally located in wilderness settings that allow guests to connect with nature while enjoying exceptional comfort, expert guiding, and year-round game viewing.

Lemala is internationally recognised for its sustainability efforts, which include eliminating single-use plastics, transforming waste into school furniture, and distributing reusable sanitary pads to young Maasai girls to reduce school absenteeism—initiatives that reflect its broader mission of responsible tourism and community upliftment.

Lemala Camps and Lodges is a proud member of Tourvest, Southern Africa’s leading integrated tourism group, with operations spanning travel management, accommodation, dining, retail, and foreign exchange. Tourvest encompasses more than 60 sector-leading brands and employs over 5,000 people across the region.

Ailsa’s Visit to Sirikoi, Kenya

Sirikoi, Lewa Conservancy, Kenya 

What happened to the gin bottle? My morning intruder & the Northern Five …

For the next session in our Q&A series with Ailsa, we chat about the 2nd stop on her journey - to Sirikoi Lodge in the Lewa Conservancy. Known for their eco-conscious ethos, exceptional blend of luxury, conservation, and immersive wildlife experiences.

Set in an exceptional location, surrounded by 68,000 acres of the pure wilderness of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, an award-winning model for community conservation. With just 4 luxury tented suites, the two bedroomed Sirikoi Cottage and the larger 3 bedroomed Sirikoi House, it is easy to see why Sirikoi has scooped award upon award over the years. In fact, just this April Ailsa collected 2 awards on behalf of Sirikoi at The Safari Awards at Indaba. Best Safari Experience & Best Family Safari Experience, Kenya.  

Ailsa, what were your first impressions of the Lewa region? 

I arrived into Lewa by road and left by air… the journey by car from Ol Lentille and Laikipia to the conservancy is not one that many will make, but it is certainly possible, gives you an insight into distances and local life and took around 4 hours including a coffee break. Did you know Kenya and Tanzania produce many of the cut flowers used around the world? I didn’t until I saw the swathes of greenhouses and flower farms as we ‘hit the road’ North from Nanyuki to Lewa.  Lewa the region was looking green & fresh as they had some early rain a day or two earlier and the conservancy was already showing it’s appreciation with long lush grass sprouting. It was a minute or maybe two, from the main gate when the reserve road gave way to open plains full of healthy herds of game and my first sighting of two of the Northern Five (unique to Northern Kenya)  – Grevy’s Zebra & reticulated giraffe… it was clear from the outset that game viewing was going to be easy pickings in Lewa and my 2 nights produced all of the Northern Five, plus  Cape Eland, Buffalo, Leopard, Lion, Elephant, Black and White Rhino, Burchell and Grevy’s Zebra, Grants Gazelle, Leopard Tortoise, Striped Hyena, Ostrich and more!

What did you think of Sirikoi?

Ngilla, my guide gave me some insight into Sirikoi and its backstory during our game drive from the main gate to the lodge. Just 5 lodges share access to the 62,000 acre reserve, so already I felt privileged. Sirikoi feels opulent, luxurious, but homely. Remaining true to its history and founders, Willie and Sue Roberts, pioneers with a passion for conservation and community. At Sirikoi 4 things truly matter, the guests, conservation, community and sustainability (including their environmental impact).

But it has to be the location of Sirikoi, along the banks of Sirikoi stream feeding the watering hole that grabs your attention as soon as you enter the main sitting room, looking out over the deck to the plains beyond. The Lewa Conservancy is a vital wildlife corridor so daily game sightings from the lodge or lawn are almost guaranteed.

The service and offering at Sirikoi is a finely oiled wheel, traditional and natural.  It was clear from the outset that this team have been operating together, successfully for many, many years. I had a reassuring sense that each team member not only loves their job but shares a passion to deliver a faultless experience during my stay in a relaxing and easy manner.

I stayed in one of the luxury tents with a brick-built shower and freestanding Victorian bathroom adding an extra luxurious touch. For me, nothing beats returning to the glow of a fire to keep you toasty under canvas, as the temperature dips along with the sun.

One night an Owl waited for me in the tree by my tent and kept watch, but it was the next morning I was aware, in half broken slumber, that the team had already dropped off my morning hot drinks tray and muffin  (along with my own Sirikoi thermal cup – nice touch) when I heard the zipper rise to my tent again… Turns out the monkeys like a morning muffin too, but luckily when there is a muffin at stake, I am faster than even I knew possible as I hit the floor running in the ‘great muffin race across the room’

Any Top Tips?

1)    Sirikoi has the most impressive organic kitchen garden, tended by 9 staff… over an acre and growing (pardon the pun), there is little to nothing they don’t grow bringing fresh vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers to the lodge daily as well as medicinal plants to make their own organic pesticides. Wormery to create compost, bee hives, chickens and even a BSF (black soldier fly) enclosure (those suckers love the leftover meat and other non-compostable edibles), meaning zero kitchen waste!

2)    Include the entire back of house tour – as members of ‘The Long Run’ Sirikoi recycle, re-use and repurpose almost everything and handle 100% of their own waste. One team member proudly showed me how his work is to turn old alcohol and glass bottles (Bombay Sapphire was a personal favourite, not to drink but to see what they made from the bottle) into beautiful drinking tumblers and vases that adorn the lodge (even glass that can’t be reused, is ground down for use in building sand) The lodge runs100% on solar power with an impressive battery invertor room. All water is gravity fed from a natural spring to the lodge. Sustainable practices include an impressive purpose-built game vehicle washing station that reuses the water 3 times from kitchen to vehicle cleaning and finally on to irrigation.  It is beyond impressive…  

3)    Visit the Lewa Conservancy Head Office and learn about the 24/7 work that goes into monitoring and conserving. Interesting fact: Paul Allen, one of the co-founders of Microsoft, visited Lewa in 2013 and gifted the Earth Ranger software used to this day.

4)    Leave room in your luggage – the lodge shop is too much to resist.

5)    Make time to enjoy the spa and newly completed sauna. The massages are amazing!

Who do you think this sort of holiday is best suited to?

Anyone from 1 to 100 yrs old. Families, honeymooners, singles and celebrations big or small. Guests that want to experience an uncrowded big 5 safari, but also with the added draw of the ‘Northern 5’ – Lewa has the largest resident population of Grevy’s zebra in the world. Black and white rhino and many other unique species, including our own ‘tame’ Giraffe ‘Ndito’ who often wanders the lawns by day.

 What was your biggest highlight?

The organic garden – I can only dream of having the green fingers of George Kaberia, the head groundsman. Step aside Monty Don & Alan Titchmarsh, there’s a new hero in town.

Was there anything that surprised you?

The open-door policy of the lodge back of house operation – guests can visit at any time, proving the authenticity and consistency with all that Maria, the GM and the team at Sirikoi achieve both front and back of house.

Why do you think Sirikoi offers the best possible experience in the region?

Sirikoi’s foundations are as strong as they get, thanks to their owners, Willie and Sue Roberts. Willie was a true pioneer in the conservation and sustainable wildlife/hospitality industry, opening his first lodge at the age of just 19. Instrumental in establishing the Mara Conservancy and one of the greatest ambassadors for wildlife conservation Kenya has ever seen. You simply cannot manufacture a legacy, but you can experience an insight into how far we have come and continue to support it by staying at Sirikoi, it’s as close as you can get.

I waved goodbye to Sirikoi and found a small part of my heart drifting back to the lodge as we drove the short 15 minutes to the Lewa airstrip for my departure to Nairobi Wilson.

Ailsa’s Visit to Ol Lentille, Kenya

Ol Lentille, Kenya  

Fermented milk, a camel & the marathon man…

Join us for the first of our Q&A sessions with Ailsa as we chat about her incredible trip in March that led her to Laikipia and Lewa in Kenya, followed by Wildwaters in Uganda and finally to the beautiful Tanzania.

‘First on my itinerary was Ol Lentille where 4, fully serviced luxury villas are set within Ol Lentille’s 40,000 acre conservation area in Laikipia, Kenya. Regarded as one of the most unique safari lodges in Kenya for its unmatched location, rare beauty, and ancient roots, Ol Lentille offers a very different approach to luxury travel fuelled and inextricably linked to conservation and community.   

Ailsa, please share with us a little about your first impressions of the Laikipia region? 

No matter how many times you have done it, for me, nothing beats the exhilaration & anticipation of arriving by small plane into a dirt airstrip in Africa. My arrival into Laikipia was no exception. Safari Link connects from Nairobi Wilson in less than an hour. Loisaba air strip (it’s one building, so no terminal dashing or conveyor congestion here. In fact, no dashing, full stop - heavenly) offers a small, well-kept building, with bathroom facilities and information on the valuable work the conservation team undertake. But before that, by the runway, we were met with the customary broad smiles of 2 guides who greeted myself and a family of 4 heading to a different location.  The sun was shining and a sense of mental detox, set in immediately as Solomon, my guide and I hit the road for the 75-minute drive to the lodge…. Unhurried, uncrowded & breathtaking are my buzz words for this region.

What did you think of Ol Lentille?

Wow – something I really didn’t fully comprehend from the images and that can’t be captured entirely online, is the location. Not just the lodge as a whole, but the precise and unique positioning of the villas and main areas which all straddle the ridge of one of the highest points in the region. The result, be it from the poolside, spa, your villa or The Gallery is each location offers a unique, breathtaking and uninterrupted view.

The current custodians of Ol Lentille have put a considerable amount of thought, time and investment into the attention to detail and décor of each villa/house/suite. It’s an overused cliché, but the staff effortlessly fell into a pace and rhythm that suited me and the many things I wanted to experience and do over the coming days, meaning I instantly felt relaxed, cared for and ‘at home’.

More than anything, the standout must be the activities, experiences and community partnerships which I will talk about a little further on.

Top Tips?

1)    Combine Ol Lentille with another game experience, visiting the Maasai Mara or Lewa Conservancy first would be my preference, but equally can be reversed. The ‘take-away’ and memories from your stay at Ol Lentille will carry greater meaning and your appreciation for the authenticity each and every activity and interaction will be more deeply rooted.

2)    3 nights is not enough! Activities are numerous and you will want to do them all.

a.     Go to the local goat and cattle market and true local market (children were stroking my skin and wanted to touch my hair… this was not the tourism hot spots I had experienced on other trips and the experience a first for me! This was the real and often unseen Kenya…

b.      Spend an evening or afternoon at a local Manyatta (village), be a guest at a local wedding or circumcision (honestly… I was relieved there wasn’t one taking place… but the explanation was fascinating and eye watering at the same time!)

c.     Take a camel safari, riding to the river rewarding yourself (and your camel) with a leisurely lunch by the river side as local herdsmen (young boys) bring their goats to drink.

d.     Join the Maasai and Samburu villagers at the ‘singing wells’ -this is unique to this region and something normally the preserve of their tribe. The careful integration between Ol Lentille and the community ensures guests are welcome and, in the least, ‘tourist’ way possible, this is a huge tick.

e.     Walk with baboons. Normally known to be aggressive and unapproachable, this is the world’s only habituated baboon colony, living wild, but having been studied for decades, the two conservationists studying them daily, will guide you as you walk quietly alongside the troop as they come home to ‘roost’ for the night…

f.      Visit the schools & hospital that Ol Lentille supports, it is truly humbling and rewarding to see, first hand, how invaluable the support from tourism contributions are.

3)    Lastly, make sure you take time to include bush breakfasts, sundowners dining, star gazing and the vast and varied walking Ol Lentille has to offer.

4)    Pick a movie and enjoy a fireside boma outdoor movie night.

5)    Dance with the local warriors, enjoy star gazing the unpolluted skies from the various decks and viewpoints.

Who do you think this sort of holiday is best suited to?

Guests that want to experience not only the bush and unique topography of Northern Kenya, but adventure & connection. An authentic Africa, and whilst doing so truly benefit, the local community, without compromising standards of accommodation, breadth of activity, experiences, dining & remote relaxation. 

What was your biggest highlight?

Solomon and Boni (their backstory) and our many adventures.

I believed I had experienced ‘community’ before, but this was the first time I truly felt as if my interactions were unscripted, unplanned and genuinely spontaneous. We exchanged lifestyle differences and insights, with equal interest and fascination. Sitting with Boni and Solomon and their relatives, sharing Kenyan tea (goats milk infused with a herb and lots of sugar) as well as fermented milk… swapping stories and questions, has left a lasting impression.

Solomon, my guide was a leading Kenyan marathon runner until his international career was accidentally brought to a halt by another runner tripping him up during the London Marathon. That year he was set to lead the pack with a PB that has only been beaten by a handful of others since. He has travelled the world ‘running’ (he is very tall and fast I am told!) and is not only head of the local community, but led me on 3 days of adventure, friendship and insight. He currently runs a running club for over 600 youngsters, talked me through their community beliefs, traditions, expectations and so much more.

Boniface, our very own Camel man (well he actually owns the camels) and the community mediator. Also, a guide at Ol Lentille. A one-time TV personality being one of the two Maasai/Samburu plucked from rural Africa to star in ‘Two Kenyan Guys’ a National Geographic docuseries several years ago. Boni and his friend Lemarti were sent to New York, Texas and beyond, recording their reactions to life on another continent. (google it… a clip is still available on You Tube) Boni is also an extreme rally driving champion and has a fabulous sense of humour. Yet, all that aside, listening to Boni sing to sooth the camels as he guided them (and we rode) to the river,  showed you can take the man out of Africa, but you will never take Africa out of these men.

Was there anything that surprised you?

The Maasai and Samburu men and women that I met and learnt about. Many have experienced and pursued lives in other countries… stockbroker in New York, lawyer in Europe to world class athletes I recall being mentioned, yet the allure and pull of their community, simplicity of their lifestyle and the sheer magnetism and beauty of Laikipia draws them home… having visited, I can fully appreciate why.

Why do you think Ol Lentille offers the best possible experience?

For all the reasons above and more… I could recant stories for hours. The experiences offered are not easily replicated or offered at just ‘any’ location or lodge. Ol Lentille has harnessed, embraced and delivers a unique offering. 

Take a sneak peak at Ailsa's highlights from her recent trip to Ol Lentille in the Laikipia Conservancy of Northern Kenya.