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OL TUKAI LODGE
OFFICIAL CATEGORY (Ministry
of Tourism classification): 4 ****
LOCATION:
At the heart of Amboseli National Park, 270kms due south
of Nairobi.
DESCRIPTION:
Ol Tukai Lodge is situated at the foot of snow-peaked Mt.
Kilimanjaro which, standing at the 5,895 metres is the
highest mountain in Africa. Amboseli National Park (Amboseli
is Maasai for ‘place of water’ and is probably the best
wildlife area to experience elephants at close range. The
park consists of a partially dry, lakebed of evaporated
salts and fragile grassland with patches of acacia
woodland. Around the swamps the vegetation is lush with
yellow barked acacia and phoenix palms. You can see most
types of game in the park including rhino, maasai giraffe,
gazelle, lion, cheetah and leopards. Birdlife is prolific
too, especially around the swamp areas.
NUMBER OF ROOMS:
80 luxury
twin rooms.
Room décor:
The rooms are chalet style, single storey blocks.
Built out of local gum trees, beige and cream slate and
other indigenous building materials. Two rooms have been
designed according to EEC standards to accommodate
disabled people. A double storied three bedroom house
with verandahs on both floors, a spacious living room and
large jacuzzi all with stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro,
is also available for those who want something extra.
Room amenities:
Private bathroom, and some rooms have facilities for the
disabled.
Special features:
Each room has an uninterrupted view of the wetlands and
Mt. Kilimanjaro, with the occasional dust trail of safari
vehicles viewing game in this most beautiful of Kenya’s
game parks.
FOOD & BEVERAGE FACILITIES:
·
Dining Room - This opens onto a verandah, guests
can eat inside or out. Behind the international style
carvery hangs an intricately designed tapestry depicting
four maasai. Wall lanterns designed from spearheads
provide illumination.
·
Pool Bar - Open between 10.00am and 5.00pm.This bar serves
snacks from a small menu from between meal times. Snacks
cannot be taken in lieu of table d’hôte luncheon.
·
Elephant Bar – Situated between the lounge and dining
room, this open-air bar serves a wide selection of beers,
cocktails, liqueurs and fresh fruit juices. A balcony
around the bar at rooftop level gives breathtaking views
across the wetlands where you can watch the elephants
graze. It is open from 6.00am. until when the last guest
retires for the night.
GENERAL FACILITIES:
·
Bureau de Change - Exchange reasonable amounts of
foreign currency.
·
Children - Children are welcome. Most bedrooms are
large enough to accommodate an extra bed. Children’s menu
and early supper is available and security guards patrol
while parents enjoy their dinner.
·
Communication - 24 hour telephone & fax services. A
radio call service too.
·
Multi Denominational Church – Within the grounds
stands a multi denominational church. Services held each
Sunday. This is a great location for couples who wish to
“tie-the-knot” on the slopes of Kilimanjaro or to renew
marriage vows.
·
Shops - A well stocked shop where personal
toiletries and souvenirs can be purchased
·
Credit Cards - All major credit cards are accepted
at Ol Tukai.
·
Transportation - Air - scheduled services available
from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. Flying time Nairobi -
Amboseli is approximately 30 - 40 minutes.
RECREATION FACILITIES:
·
Library - The elevated library commands fantastic views
over Mt. Kilimanjaro. Guests can relax in this quiet
atmosphere and read a number of periodicals provided.
·
Lounge - Guests can relax in the cool lounge and
read or play board games, which are available from
reception. Speakers from the nearby Elephant Research
station give regular talks.
·
Maasai Dancing - On alternate evenings a troupe of
Maasai morans entertains guests with traditional songs and
dances.
·
Birdwalks - Ol Tukai is home to many varieties of
beautifully coloured birds. Enjoy the short birdwalk that
starts at the entrance of the hotel and rambles under the
canopy of acacia trees around the lodge. A must for any
budding ornithologist.
·
Swimming Pool - The crystal clear figure of eight
swimming pool, shaded by the occasional acacia tree, has
ample sun beds and mattresses available for guest use.
Guests are not permitted to swim at night.
CONFERENCE FACILITIES:
A large fully equipped conference room is available just
off the main reception. With its own private washrooms
and kitchen, the conference room has a capacity of 160
Theatre-style, 80 boardroom-style and 200 for a cocktail
reception.
CLIMATE:
Altitude 1,905 Metres (6,250 Feet) above sea level
