Kipalo Hills

Perched high on the slopes of the Mbulia Hills, Kipalo Hills Lodge enjoys sweeping, panoramic views across the vast plains of Tsavo West National Park. On clear days, guests can admire the distant silhouettes of the Ngulia Hills and even Mount Kilimanjaro. The name “Kipalo,” meaning “a place where one returns” in the Taita language, perfectly captures the lodge’s essence—a peaceful sanctuary that draws guests back time and time again for its tranquility, wildlife encounters, and untouched wilderness.

Kipalo Hills forms part of the 12,000-acre Mbulia Conservancy, a vital community-owned conservation area bordering Tsavo West. Created to protect key wildlife migration routes for elephants and big cats, the conservancy operates in partnership with local communities, ensuring conservation and sustainable tourism go hand in hand. The lodge’s waterhole, located just below the camp, regularly attracts elephants, buffalo, and other nocturnal wildlife; offering exceptional game viewing directly from your veranda.

Blending rustic charm with modern comfort, the camp features six elegant tented suites and a spacious Rock Suite Villa, all thoughtfully positioned among dramatic rocky outcrops to maximize views of the Tsavo wilderness. Each suite includes a private veranda, en-suite bathroom, and eco-friendly design elements. An elevated pool deck carved into the hillside provides the perfect setting for sunset views and wildlife observation.

Location & Access

• Location: Set within Mbulia Conservancy, adjoining Tsavo West National Park, Kenya.

• By Air: Charter flights land at Kipalo Airstrip; scheduled flights operate to nearby Taita Hills or Maktau airstrips, followed by a lodge transfer.

• By Rail: SGR train to Mtito Andei, then approximately a 1-hour road transfer.

• By Road: Around 5–6 hours from Nairobi or 4 hours from Mombasa, with the final stretch requiring a 4x4 vehicle.

Activities

• Day and night game drives in Mbulia Conservancy and Tsavo West.

• Guided walking safaris led by experienced rangers and Maasai trackers.

• Bird watching, with over 500 recorded species in the region.

• Cultural visits to nearby villages to interact with local Taita communities.

• Fly-camping experiences along the Galana or Tsavo Rivers for a true wilderness overnight stay.

• Scenic sundowners on hilltops overlooking the Tsavo plains.

• Wildlife viewing at the camp’s waterhole, just below the lodge.