🌍 Introduction
Kipalo Hills Lodge is a hidden gem located in Mbulia Conservancy, part of the broader Tsavo ecosystem, overlooking the sweeping plains that stretch between Tsavo West National Park and Mtito Andei. This boutique, eco-friendly lodge is perched on a rocky outcrop, offering breathtaking views, intimate accommodations, and close access to both wildlife and community conservation projects.
Derived from the Taita word “Kipalo,” meaning “the place where people go for ceremonies,” Kipalo Hills lives up to its name — a sacred place of natural beauty, reflection, and reconnection with nature. The lodge is a collaboration between local communities and tourism conservationists, making your stay both enriching and impactful.
📍 Location & Accessibility
Kipalo Hills is located in the Mbulia Ranch Conservancy, within the Taita-Taveta County, just outside the northwestern boundary of Tsavo West National Park.
🛣️ How to Get There
- By Road:
- From Nairobi: Approx. 6.5–7 hours via Mtito Andei or Maktau
- From Mombasa: Approx. 5 hours via Voi or the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway
- A 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended, particularly in the rainy season
- By Rail:
- Closest SGR station: Mtito Andei, with transfers arranged by the lodge
- By Air:
- Accessible via Kipalo Airstrip (chartered flights), Maktau, or Taita Hills Airstrip
- Lodge offers pick-up and drop-off with advance notice
🛏️ Accommodation
Kipalo Hills offers just eight tented suites, including one luxury suite with a private plunge pool — designed to deliver privacy, exclusivity, and panoramic views.
Tent Features:
- Large canvas tents with open front and sweeping valley views
- En-suite flush toilets and hot bucket showers (eco-conscious)
- Comfortable king or twin beds with mosquito nets
- Private verandas with safari chairs and sunrise views
- One exclusive suite with a plunge pool, ideal for honeymooners or special stays
The tents are built on raised platforms and are spaced widely apart for solitude and immersion in the bush.
💰 Accommodation Rates (Estimated)
- Residents:
- From KES 13,000–18,000 per person per night (full board)
- Non-Residents:
- From $150–$250 per person per night
- Children under 5: Stay free
- Children 5–12: 50% of adult rate when sharing with parents
Rates include meals, conservancy fees, and some guided activities. Custom packages and exclusive-use bookings are available.
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
The lodge’s open-sided dining banda and lounge provide stunning views of the plains below. Meals are freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients and tailored to dietary preferences.
- Breakfast: Full bush breakfasts, eggs, cereals, fruit, pastries
- Lunch: Light buffet or three-course meals, served under acacia trees or on the main deck
- Dinner: Candle-lit, three-course gourmet meals under the stars or by the fire
- Bush meals & sundowners: Can be arranged at special scenic points
Drinks include fresh juices, wines, beers, and cocktails. Tea and coffee are always available.
🌿 Facilities & Amenities
- Infinity Pool with views over the valley and wildlife corridor
- Lounge and fireplace for relaxed evenings
- Wi-Fi in the lounge (limited bandwidth)
- Curio corner with crafts from local artisans
- Charging station for electronics (solar-powered)
- Private guide service on request
- Laundry service available
🐘 Activities & Experiences
Kipalo Hills offers a wide variety of immersive and exclusive safari activities:
🚙 Game Drives
- Conducted in Mbulia Conservancy, with access to Tsavo West by arrangement
- Wildlife sightings include:
- Elephants, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, lesser kudu, eland, hyenas
- Drives are often private or semi-private with knowledgeable guides
🐾 Guided Bush Walks
- Explore the conservancy on foot with an expert ranger and local tracker
- Learn about flora, tracks, insects, and birdlife
- Ideal for photography and quiet observation
🌄 Sundowners & Scenic Lookouts
- Enjoy drinks and snacks with spectacular sunsets from rocky outcrops
- Night skies are perfect for stargazing
🦉 Night Drives
- Unique chance to spot nocturnal animals like civets, porcupines, bush babies, and leopards
- Optional spotlighting drives through the conservancy
🦅 Birdwatching
- Over 300 species of birds recorded, including raptors, kingfishers, weavers, and more
- Great during migratory months (October to April)
🌍 Cultural Experiences
- Visit nearby Taita villages for storytelling, traditional music, and community projects
- Learn about Kipalo’s conservation model, which supports anti-poaching and eco-education efforts
✅ What’s Included
- Accommodation in a luxury tent
- All meals and drinking water
- Sundowners, bush walks, and limited game drives in the conservancy
- Conservancy fees
- Laundry (for multi-night stays)
❌ Not Included
- Park fees for Tsavo West (if visiting)
- Exclusive game drives or full-day excursions (available on request)
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (charged separately)
- Airstrip or SGR transfers (can be arranged)
- Gratuities and personal expenses
🐾 Wildlife & What to Expect
Though lesser known than the main parks, Mbulia Conservancy is a vital wildlife corridor connecting Tsavo West with Tanzania’s Mkomazi. Wildlife is wild and free-ranging.
Expect to see:
- Elephants (often near camp)
- Leopards (regularly sighted in the rocky hills)
- Giraffes, zebras, warthogs, buffalo
- Lesser kudu, dik-dik, eland, and mongoose
- Occasional sightings of wild dogs or cheetah
The remote setting allows for uncrowded and deeply personal encounters with nature.
👨👩👧👦 Family & Group Friendly
- Children are welcome (best for ages 6+)
- Exclusive use of the lodge is available for family reunions or small groups
- Walking and cultural activities ideal for older kids and teens
- A good fit for photographers, couples, and eco-minded travelers
🌟 Why Choose Kipalo Hills?
- 📍 Remote and exclusive — away from the safari crowds
- 🏕️ Conservation-driven — your stay supports local communities and anti-poaching
- 👣 Outstanding walking safaris and scenic bush activities
- 🐘 Close wildlife encounters in a low-traffic conservancy
- 🌄 Unforgettable views from your tent, deck, or pool
- 💚 Ideal for slow travel, honeymooners, eco-lovers, and those craving space and silence
Kipalo Hills is not just a place to stay — it’s a place to connect with Kenya’s wild heart and contribute meaningfully to its protection. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, Kipalo offers a soulful, wild, and unforgettable escape.