AA LODGE AMBOSELI is strategically located 4km outside Amboseli National Park main gate (Kimana Gate). Conveniently within the Emali-Loitoktok highway, it is 240 km from Nairobi, 90 km from Namanga and 16 km from Amboseli airstrip.The lodge is set in 60 acres of land and commands a strategic location due to its proximity to the park, the authentic culture of the local Maasai Community and the panoramic views of the snow caped Mt. Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free standing mountain.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
We received a warm welcome and our luggage was carried to the cottage we were allocated and items in the room were shown to us. We arrived at lunch time and we enjoyed the buffet lunch in the large dining room which had plenty of choice. After our lunch we were able to relax by the pool before going on our first Amboseli safari, it was a lovely area with the option of some beauty treatments available and a bar. Our cottage style room was spacious with a decent bathroom. Lock box was available along with robes and slippers along with tea/coffee making facilities. To the front of the cottage was a small verandah area with table and chairs. Wifi is available in the bar area only. The staff were all pleasant and keen to assist you. They had entertainment for the NYE, and cocktail bar was set up by the pool area with dancing, then by the outdoor open fire we enjoyed Maasai dancing after dinner. The lodge is very near to the park which is ideal. We enjoyed our stay.
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Date of stay: December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from AALodges, Guest Relations Manager at AA Lodge Amboseli
Responded Feb 12, 2020
Dear Netty, Thank you for the feedback. We are pleased to hear from you and to learn that you enjoyed your stay. We welcome you again next time
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Coming from Simba and Serena Lodges it is clear that any other hotel in Kenya can only disappoint. This place suffers mainly from inefficient management. The main building, bar and restaurant are nice. The pool area is in a good condition as well. It kind of seems as if there were more plans to extend the lodge but along the way things stopped or started to fall apart. When we reached there were less than 15 guests – my family counting already for 8. The majority of the lodge seems to have been shut down. Why in the world would you give to a large group of people three rooms without running water? I know things are different in Africa and I definitly do not expect global standards but apparently management was not able to check the condition of the rooms beforehand. As I am writing this review I look at the pictures of other guests and I must conclude that there were in fact much nicer rooms available. Maybe even some that justify the price - why would you not rent out these instead of half broken plastic cubicles? When we left there was only one other party at the lodge and yet I was asked to pay not only my bills but those of the other party as well. Even here reception and management were not able to remotely do their job properly. The staff at the bar and restaurant as well as the other employees tried their best and deserve every bid of appreciation though but that is simply not enough if you want to be a upmarket place. When I see the prices that are asked here on trip advisor and which exceed 100 USD by far - it is just ridiculus.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Run you fools (Gandalf the Grey)
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rashid Shambi, General Manager at AA Lodge Amboseli
Responded Sep 16, 2021
Dear Valsayn, Thank you very much for taking the time to review and share your wonderful experience about your stay with us. I am delighted to hear that your overall stay with us was great. I am glad you enjoyed the the services from our staff and liked the facilities like Bar, swimming pool and Restaurant up keep and maintenance. We have also noted the suggestions and areas you mentioned that need improvement which we will ensure they are up to standard when you visit again. Thank you once again for sharing your experience and we look forward to hosting you again in future. Yours Sincerely Rashid Shambi Lodge Manager.
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I think 4/5 is being a little generous, but having arrived from a horrible experience at the Ngulia Safari Lodge and not having showered for 36 hours we were delighted to see our lovely "tent". It is only really a tent in the loosest sense, with a concrete base and fully fitted bathroom (with hot water!) but it was nice to say we had stayed in a tent on our safari.
The food was either brilliant or awful, there was no in between! The indian food was generally wonderful, the daal was as good as any I've had. Some of the other food was also good, but until you tried it you had no idea. A pork stirfry didn't look much but was very nice, but the stewed lamb was inedible. Breakfast was so bad we didn't bother on the second day - cold slimy pancakes.
The bar was nice and the wifi was fast when the bar was quiet. As it filled up, the wifi ground to a halt. Not a big deal. The Masai show was a nice touch.
The pool was a disappointment. It needed a good clean and had far too few sun beds, meaning we had to sit on a fairly uncomfortable chair. Not exactly the relaxing end to the day we wanted, having safari'd from 630am to 4pm.
More generally, I think this resort has suffered more than most from the pandemic. The first row of tents / cottages were well maintained but further out (we went walking in search of a better view of Kilimanjaro - no luck), the resort looked abandoned. Hopefully this will improve once the pandemic has passed.
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Date of stay: January 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:I think tents and cottages are the same price - we liked the tents and would recommend them
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rashid Shambi, General Manager at AA Lodge Amboseli
Responded Jun 25, 2021
Thank you very much for taking the time to review and share your wonderful experience about your stay with us. I am delighted to hear you had a wonderful stay with us from the clean and comfortable room. We have also noted the things which you need them improved which include swimming pool and food especial breakfast which we promise to look into that. Thank you once again for sharing your experience and we look forward to hosting you again in future. Yours Sincerely Rashid Shambi Lodge Manager
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We stayed for two nights at AA Lodge Amboseli between Oct 15, 2021 and Oct 17, 2021.
We liked the following: Great views of Mount Kilimanjaro from the property grounds (be there to watch it early morning or late evening) Spacious room and bathroom Comfortable bed Cleanliness Hot water shower in the morning and evening Covered central walk-ways made of natural materials In-room safe Good quality food (good options for vegetarians) Wifi at reception area and the bar area
Things that can be improved: Staff friendliness and exchanging pleasantries
However, their service was good and we were well taken care of from the reception to the security guards to the restaurant staff. A special shout-out to Mr. Issac for his exemplary service at the restaurant! He stood out among the staff in understanding our requirements and offering a fantastic service! He was always welcoming, cheerful, and ensured that we had a great experience during the meals.
Overall, it's a good place to stay, and we would recommend this lodge.
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Date of stay: October 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rashid Shambi, General Manager at AA Lodge Amboseli
Responded Dec 3, 2021
Dear vid_Traveler_Ram Thank you very much for taking the time to review and share your wonderful experience about your stay with us. I am delighted to hear you had a lovely stay with us and we exceeded your expectations both the facilities and staff were exceptional especial Isaac Thank you once again for sharing your experience and we look forward to hosting you again in future. Yours Sincerely Rashid Shambi Lodge Manager
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The room was nice and big and pretty, but that's it. I know the pandemic has affected the hotel industry but that does not justify having a room full of bugs. I was harassed by random flying insects all night. The hot water got finished before I could step in the shower and I had to bathe with cold water. Lunch was late. I was given one small bottle of water the whole stay. You have to buy your own drinks and they are overprices. No wi-fi in the rooms. The only thing that saved the trip was the Amboseli National park. It was very beautiful.
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Date of stay: November 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rashid Shambi, General Manager at AA Lodge Amboseli
Responded Jun 26, 2021
Dear 966happpinesse, Greetings from AA Amboseli, Thank you very much for taking the time to review and share your wonderful experience about your stay with us. We however regret your stay with us was below your expectations. We have taken your feedback positively and my team and I will work towards ensuring that we rectify the areas mentioned. Thank you once again for sharing your experience and we look forward to hosting you again in future. Yours Sincerely Rashid Shambi Lodge Manager.
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We planned a friends visit to the Amboseli National Park, most of the hotels have not opened due to covid-19, we managed to get AA Lodge. We got a cottage each, the cottages have a bush theme, so they are in bushy places, they are spacious with king size beds though there is no WIFI. For food there was no buffet I guess due to Covid-19. The choice also was abit limited. They gave us very good packed lunch when going for our game drives. The staff members are amazing, Wilson is so friendly and helpful, they even roasted a goat for us the Masai style. They have a swimming pool and bonfire by the bar.We had fun.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rashid Shambi, General Manager at AA Lodge Amboseli
Responded Jun 26, 2021
Dear Reubenkimani, Thank you very much for taking the time to review and share your wonderful experience about your stay with us. I am delighted to hear that your overall stay with us was great with a clean room, spacious with king size bed, good variety of food and staff who were welcoming, making your stay a memorable one especial Wilson. Thank you once again for sharing your experience and we look forward to hosting you again in future. Yours Sincerely Rashid Shambi Lodge Manager.
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Stayed 2 nights, would have left if any other option in the area. The staff works hard and does their best but the owner clearly spends no money on basic sanitation and maintenance. The photos don't lie, the rooms and grounds are falling apart and are dangerous. The included meals are nearly inedible, no taste and very low quality. I suspect recent positive reviews are false reviews, posted by whatever company owns this place. Again, look at the included photos and decide for yourself.
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Date of stay: June 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Find another place
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Duncan Akuma, Owner at AA Lodge Amboseli
Responded Sep 12, 2024
Dear Kathiek, Thank you for your time feedback. We noted the concerns you raised and immediately acted on it. A lot have changed ever since and trust us and try us next time and you will never regret.
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We originally planned to stay at Kibo Tented Camp but after a fire and then flooding, we were forced to change our plans. Our safari guide recommended the AA. The grounds are lovely with many trees and flowers. We stayed in a cottage which was a large room with sitting area and a large bed. The bathroom was spacious but the shower water never got truly hot. There were other little things like one of the bathroom vanity lights didn't work, our door handle kept falling off, the shower was dark and rather grungy. We did have a lovely view of Kilimanjaro from our window. The pool needs some upkeep - tiles missing and the water didn't seem very clean. The bar area was nice enough and is the only place to get Wi-fi. The food was mediocre but the kitchen staff, including the manager, were very nice. Many Maasai work at the hotel and perform traditional dances in the evening. They bring goods to sell so be prepared and remember to bargain.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from AALodges, Guest Relations Manager at AA Lodge Amboseli
Responded Feb 26, 2020
Dear Michelle, Thank you for the feedback. We are pleased that you enjoyed staying in our facility even though not all you expectations were met. We have made sure all the public areas now have wifi
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Yes, the long walkways to your private room are dimly lit by night, that being said, there is an electric fence surrounding the property and 24-hour security.
The wi-fi is only in the bar area. It's open so you're going to have to use mosquito spray or wear long-sleeved shirts/pants/socks. The nights are cooler, so this isn't a problem.
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Date of stay: October 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Most of the rooms are private cottages. I negotiated with them and got a room for $60 a night,...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rashid Shambi, General Manager at AA Lodge Amboseli
Responded Jun 26, 2021
Thank you very much for taking the time to review and share your wonderful experience about your stay with us. I am delighted to hear that your overall stay with us was great. I am glad you enjoyed the wi-fi at the bar area and 24 hour security. Thank you once again for sharing your experience and we look forward to hosting you again in future. Yours Sincerely Rashid Shambi Lodge Manager.
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We stopped here for 2 nights during our week long safari. I advise you to go your way! These are the most horrible nights of our lives. We stayed in a cottage, very spacious with a large double bed and 1 single bed. How can I tell you that if you sleep on the floor it would be more comfortable than the mattresses in the bedroom! Hard as concrete, not even a minimum of bounce, nothing! As for food, anyone who wants to go on a diet can go for it. Most of the dishes offered are really not good and we tried, we tasted almost everything, even the desserts, the fruits, watermelons or oranges and sometimes a little melon, but even for the fruits, the quality is really low. There is a possibility of catching up (a little) on breakfast thanks to eggs, but nothing great. For the bathroom, although hot, the water flows quite slowly and given the condition of the shower head, this does not surprise me. A disgusting shower curtain and once closed you can't see anything, it's too dark. For the towels they were yellow and no shower mat for the feet. Half a small pot of “sample” shower gel for 2 people in a room that we have just taken possession of is really very little, I had to ask for some at reception. The hairdryer wouldn't even dry a newborn's down! Very little light in the room also. And then never seen before, you have to leave the key at reception if you want them to clean your room or change your towels! We don't tell you anything when you arrive. Abandoned hotel, the gardens are not maintained and the state of the swimming pool says a lot about this maintenance. The deckchairs aren't in great condition either, but believe me, much more comfortable than the bed! If I could, I would have slept better there! There is a bar but the person who takes care of it is rare. No one comes to take your order, you have to go there to ask for a drink. Only the common areas are in “better” condition, reception, bar, restaurant and the main path leading to the rooms. Don't be fooled by the photos on hotel search sites, these are certainly the first photos in the beautiful early years of this lodge. No wifi in the rooms but it's a lesser evil, it allows you to disconnect a little. The only positive points are the view, with Kilimanjaro and the sunset and the staff who are really charming, kind and pleasant. Very fortunately because otherwise I wouldn't even have given it 1/5.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Éviter cet hôtel tout simplement! Zéro confort, nourriture pas bonne et état général à l’abandon!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I did not use the pool so I cant say if it was heated. My guess would be that, as it is almost summer and Kenya is virtually on the equator, the water temperature will be pleasant, if not warm.
You will love Amboseli.
"We were offered a drink with our lunch and dinner. Not certain if it was just for us or standard, best to confirm first.
Hot water available round the clock "
There are more places to choose from in the Amboseli National Park area.
PRICE RANGE
$210 - $253 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
KenyaRift Valley ProvinceAmboseli Eco-systemAmboseli National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
98
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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