I'm wondering if anyone has been to both Amboseli Serena and Ol Tukai Lodge in Amboseli?

I've heard that the Ol Tukai lodge is in a better location, and has a nicer lodge.

But I've also heard that the Serena has nicer rooms and better food.

I'm curious if anyone has been to them lately and if they have any comments or recommendations.

Asante !

I have not been to Ol tukai, but was recently at the Amboseli Serena. It had very good food (eclipsed only by Gibb's Farm) and the serice was friendly and impeccable. The rooms were attractive and comfortable, with welcome hot water in the showers, and with nice terry bathrobes provided. There was a little oddness in that our room had a number of little black millipedes, but they didn't harm anything. The lodge itself doesn't have any particular view, but does have lots of monkeys roaming around (which appeals to some people and disconcerts others).

The bottom line is that I would definitely and happily go back there.

Thanks Ann,

Anyone have comments on Ol Tukai?

we stopped at Ol Tukai for food and bathroom breaks. The location was good and the grounds were great.

(we were staying at the Amboseli Sopa, which was OK)

<b>Anyone have comments on Ol Tukai?</b>

I think this is where Jan Goss often stays, you can search on her name for her comments. I think she had a long post last July about her last trip there, with plenty of close elephant encounters.

Bill

Wayne,

Which did you prefer between Amboseli Sopa and Ol Tukai ? (if you were going again!)

We LOVED Tortillis!

I'm with JazzDrew - Tortillis was spectacular!

We stayed at Ol Tukai in September. It does have the most wonderful views. We were there two nights and both mornings when we went outside of our cabin there were amazing elephants and zebra's right on the otherside of the fence. It was the first place that we stayed on our safari and we were amazed at everything. The food was good, there was an outside sitting area that we used for lunch. The pool was very nice, but too cold for swimming the days we were there, I'm sorry but I can't remember the actual lodge area very well. Our room was nice, the bathroom was a little old but fine. It was one of the only places we stayed that they shut off the electricity during the day. I liked it the most for it's location.

Ha! Tortilis wasn't one of the options... but thanks for your input!

I was just wondering people's views between Ol Tukai and Amboseli Serena!

If I was going again I would go to Ol Tukai. I did not get to see the rooms, but the grounds were much better than the Sopa... although the Sopa had this spot with a great view of Mt. Kili.

I have been to Africa numerous times, Kenya several times. Kenya however being my least favourite destination due to the overcrowded parks. I would suggest if you are visiting Amboselli that you stay at Tortillas. It will provide you with a much more personal, memorable experience. Amboselli is quite crowded and the nice thing about Tortillis is that they have a private concession that they can drive in and no other vehicles are able to. You don't have to worry about the other 15 vehicles around the animal you are trying to photograph! I was just in Amboselli 3 months ago and I would say it is the only lodge I would recommend in that area.
Lorna

Here’s Jan’s trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34859414

And pictures:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34856547

simbakubwa:

By all means try Ol Tukai. It is a lovely lodge, in a lovely location, and has wonderful landscaping. The rooms are larger and brighter than the Serena. You can sit on your veranda and watch all the wildlife go by, particularly if you have an elephant view room. The food is very good with many choices. Even though this lodge was built in 1996, they have already put a new pool in and made many improvements. They are in the process of upgrading all their furnishings. You won't get a terry cloth robe, but you'll be extremely comfortable.

Tortilis is a tented camp just outside the park. Sopa is the former Buffalo Lodge. I am told it takes 45 minutes to travel from Sopa to the park so you do have to figure an hour and a half &quot;commuting&quot; to the park and back to the lodge.

If you drive in, then your driver will show you around Amboseli. If you fly in Lemomo or Dewan will be your guides.
Lemomo is Maasai and from a family with a strong conservation background. Dewan is a former Kilimanjaro guide and has climbed Kili about 80 times. Both are very informative and kind people.

I have stayed at Ol Tukai ten times and will be going back in January. I don't think you would be at all disappointed staying at Ol Tukai.

Jan

We stayed at Tortillis this past September, and I must say that out of the 5 camps we stayed while in Kenya and Tanzania, Tortillis was by far our favorite. Elephants at the watering hole every day. Elephants walking past our tent with a view of Mt. Kilamanjaro, The most attentive staff and great food.

We would go back in a heartbeat