Affordable Amboseli Kimana Accommodation with Safe Lightning Avoidance Strategies

For a self-guided adventure to Amboseli, most travelers opt to stay in Kimana town or nearby lodges. Staying at Sopa without entering the park is quite inconvenient due to its remote location.

On our first night, we chose to stay in Kimana town to be close to the starting point of our morning motorbike safari. The town offers no hotels, only guesthouses. We decided to try the Jordan Hotel, which had decent online reviews. The rates were 1500 shillings for a single person and 2500 shillings (about 140 RMB) for two people sharing a room, which seemed very affordable.

However, the reality was far from what we expected. The tiny windows barely let in any light, making the room damp and swarming with mosquitoes. Despite using a mosquito net, I spent the night battling around 20-30 mosquitoes. To add to the frustration, the owner overcharged us for breakfast, claiming the menu prices were just for reference, which was clearly a ploy to scam us.

I wouldn’t recommend this place to those who are not accustomed to staying in guesthouses, hostels, or youth hostels, as the conditions can be challenging to tolerate.

For the next night, I found a camp located about 10 kilometers from Kimana. It cost 32 USD (approximately 230 RMB) per night, including breakfast. A tuk-tuk ride from Kimana to the camp costs around 700 shillings (about 40 RMB) one way, and you might be able to negotiate a lower price. It’s best to arrange for the camp to pick you up when you check out.

Disadvantages:
– The camp is quite distant from Kimana town, and the road can be tricky to find, so it’s essential to provide clear directions to the driver.
– It’s not ideal for those planning a motorbike safari, as the guide may struggle to find the way, leading to wasted time (unless you show them the route the day before).

– While there are insects in the countryside, the dry climate keeps the mosquito population low. You might encounter a few spiders and crickets.
– The kitchen appears a bit outdated, but it has a stove and a fridge. I opted for instant noodles, so I didn’t use the kitchen or order meals, and I can’t vouch for the quality of their food.

Advantages:
– To my surprise, the 32 USD included two cabins and a flat with a private bathroom and kitchen, capable of accommodating up to four people.
– The view from the bed is breathtaking, with Mount Kilimanjaro directly in sight. Thousands of birds flying between the trees and fields create a stunning spectacle (see photo p5).

At night, you can enjoy a bonfire (see photo p6), listen to the sounds of nature, stargaze, and marvel at the Milky Way (see photo p7). In the morning, the landlord delivers breakfast, allowing you to dine while facing the snow-capped mountains. On a clear day, you can witness the golden sunrise (see photo p8).

It’s like a cozy homestay, and for the price, it’s an absolute steal. I picked up some drinks and snacks from the local supermarket in Kimana and spent an entire day lounging around. The experience was incredibly relaxing, and I felt as if I had been part of the village for ages.
I highly recommend this to anyone who has plenty of time and wants to unwind in a peaceful village setting [thumbs up].