A&K Sanctuary Unveils Kitirua Plains Lodge: A Striking New Safari Retreat in Kenya’s Amboseli

A&K Sanctuary, the luxury lodge and camp collection from A&K Travel Group, is proud to announce the launch of Kitirua Plains Lodge, a groundbreaking new property set in Kenya’s iconic Amboseli region. Opening June 1^st 2026, this all-suite lodge marks Abercrombie & Kent’s return to its heartland – six decades after Geoffrey Kent pioneered the modern luxury safari in Kenya. Set on a 128-acre private concession bordering Amboseli National Park and just ten minutes from the park’s main gate, Kitirua Plains Lodge is poised to redefine Kenya’s safari scene with a bold, design-led vision that honours the pioneering legacy of luxury adventure travel that began here six decades ago.

Set against a backdrop of sweeping savannahs, emerald-green marshes, and acacia woodlands, Kitirua Plains Lodge offers uninterrupted views of Mount Kilimanjaro rising on the horizon. Located in the heart of elephant country, the lodge’s suites provide a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes, where herds of elephants roam freely through a timeless wilderness.

A Return to the Birthplace of Luxury Safari

Kenya holds profound significance as the birthplace of Abercrombie & Kent, where in 1962 a young Geoffrey Kent first led guests on thrilling adventures with a trailblazing safari camp unprecedented in its sophistication. That original camp featured Nairobi’s finest chef, bartender and maître d’, power for electric lights and refrigeration to chill food and, more importantly, champagne. Four canvas tents were furnished with antique rugs, bathtubs and crystal martini glasses, establishing the blueprint for what would become the gold standard in luxury adventure travel.

Over 60 years later, that inimitable combination of adventure and comfort remains the foundation for A&K Sanctuary, and nowhere is this legacy more poignantly celebrated than at Kitirua Plains Lodge. Located in the very landscape where the modern luxury safari was born, the lodge embodies A&K’s deep-rooted connection to Kenya and represents both a tribute to the past and a bold vision for the future.

An Architectural Marvel in the Shadow of Kilimanjaro

Set against a backdrop of sweeping savannahs, emerald-green marshes, and acacia woodlands, Kitirua Plains Lodge offers uninterrupted views of Mount Kilimanjaro rising majestically on the horizon. Located in the heart of elephant country, the lodge’s suites provide a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes, where herds of elephants roam freely through a timeless wilderness that has captivated explorers and adventurers for generations.

A deliberate departure from traditional tented safari camps, Kitirua Plains Lodge is one of A&K Sanctuary’s most architecturally adventurous properties to date. Designed in partnership with Luxury Frontiers, renowned for their sustainable and innovative design approach, the lodge’s 13 organic standalone suites comprise 11 Suites and two suites with two bedrooms.

The suites feature chic, pared-back interiors that allow the vast, cinematic views to take centre stage. Natural textures, woven-rush detailing, and thoughtful design nods to the Maasai way of life ground the experience in a strong sense of place, whilst communal areas are crafted for connection and contemplation. From the serene wellness facilities, which include a spa, gym and swimming pool, to a convivial boma that comes alive with stories under the stars, every detail has been curated to harmonise with the land whilst offering the utmost in comfort and style.

Completing Kenya’s Premier Safari Circuit

Kitirua Plains Lodge joins A&K Sanctuary’s established Kenyan portfolio alongside Olonana Lodge in the Maasai Mara and Tambarare Camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Together, these three lodges form a perfect circuit for travellers eager to immerse themselves in Kenya’s diverse ecosystems and rich cultural heritage, from the Great Migration spectacle of the Mara to the conservation success stories of Ol Pejeta and now the elephant kingdom of Amboseli.

“Kitirua is a return to our roots, and a bold leap forward,” says Cristina Levis, CEO of AKTG. “This is a property that honours our heritage whilst looking to the future, a celebration of place, people, and the pioneering spirit that defines A&K. To open this lodge in Kenya, where our story began, feels like coming full circle.”

Immersive Experiences in the Heart of Elephant Country

At Kitirua Plains Lodge, guests can embark on daily game drives across a rich mosaic of habitats, from open plains to seasonal wetlands, encountering elephants, lions, cheetahs, and an extraordinary array of birdlife. With access to a private concession and direct proximity to Amboseli National Park, the experience combines exclusivity with ecological diversity.

For a more immersive perspective, guests can enjoy cultural visits with the local Maasai community who offer authentic insight into the heritage of the region. Whether stargazing around the boma fire or gliding silently over the savannah in a hot air balloon (available on request), every experience is designed to connect guests deeply to the land, its people, and its stories, in the spirit of adventure and discovery that Geoffrey Kent first championed in these very landscapes.

Bookings and Availability

Bookings for Kitirua Plains Lodge are now open, with the property scheduled to welcome its first guests on June 1^st, 2026. Guests can experience Kitirua Plains Lodge as part of A&K’s signature Tailor Made journeys or Small Group Journeys.

About AKTG (A&K Travel Group)
A&K Travel Group is a global lifestyle and travel company that sets the standard for refined and personalized travel experiences. These include Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal, Cox & Kings and Ecoventura as well as investments in other travel companies.
About Abercrombie & Kent 
Abercrombie & Kent pioneered luxury adventure travel with its first African safaris in 1962, founded on an ethos of adventure by day, luxury by night. Today, A&K’s award-winning travel services extend around the globe to more than one hundred countries on all seven continents. A&K’s bespoke itineraries and escorted small-group tours offer one-of-a-kind inspiring experiences, from expedition cruises and tailormade trips to exclusive villas, safari camps and private jet journeys, unlocking a world of possibilities for a Life Well-Travelled. Behind every journey is an international network of more than 3,000 staff, in over 65 offices and 40 countries, ensuring invitation-only access to the people and places that make every destination unique. www.abercrombiekent.com

Join the world of A&K by following us on Instagram: @abercrombiekent, Facebook and X: @AKTravel
About A&K Sanctuary
A&K Sanctuary, part of the A&K Travel Group family, owns and operates luxury safari camps and lodges across Eastern and Southern Africa, riverboats in Egypt and Peru, with an expanding portfolio of exceptional properties planned across key destinations. Each property is designed to provide guests with an authentic and immersive travel experience, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of its destination. A&K Sanctuary is committed to sustainable tourism practices and actively supports local communities through conservation and development initiatives. www.abercrombiekent.com/sanctuary

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