A&K Travel Group’s luxury lodge and camp collection, A&K Sanctuary, has opened bookings for Kitirua Plains Lodge, a new property in Kenya’s Amboseli region scheduled to begin operations on 1 June 2026.
The launch marks Abercrombie & Kent’s return to the area where the company pioneered the concept of the modern luxury safari more than 60 years ago.
The lodge will be located within a 128-acre private concession that borders Amboseli National Park, about 10 minutes from the park’s main gate.
The area is recognised for its open plains, marshes, and acacia woodlands, with views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The location is also known for its high elephant population, providing guests with opportunities to observe wildlife from the lodge itself.
A&K Travel Group chief executive Cristina Levis said:
“Kitirua is a return to our roots, and a bold leap forward. 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.”
Abercrombie & Kent’s history in Kenya dates to 1962, when Geoffrey Kent introduced a mobile safari camp that incorporated elements of luxury not previously seen in the region.
This included a chef, bartender, and maître d’, along with electricity, refrigeration, and amenities such as antique rugs and crystal glassware. Kitirua Plains Lodge has been developed as a continuation of that approach, blending comfort with access to wilderness.
The new property is being developed in partnership with design firm Luxury Frontiers, known for sustainable and innovative builds. It will consist of 13 standalone suites—11 single-bedroom units and two two-bedroom suites—designed with natural textures, woven-rush details, and references to Maasai traditions.
According to Travel Daily Media, facilities will include a spa, gym, swimming pool, and a boma for evening gatherings.
Kitirua Plains Lodge will join A&K Sanctuary’s existing Kenya properties, Olonana Lodge in the Maasai Mara and Tambarare Camp in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, creating a three-stop safari circuit that covers the Mara’s Great Migration, Ol Pejeta’s conservation areas, and Amboseli’s elephant habitats.
Planned activities at Kitirua include daily game drives in both the private concession and Amboseli National Park, cultural visits to Maasai communities, and optional experiences such as hot air balloon rides.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, Kitirua Plains Lodge reflects several industry trends: the integration of high-end design with natural surroundings, the diversification of property offerings into multi-location travel circuits, and the use of sustainable building approaches in luxury developments.
These factors indicate growing demand for experiential, environmentally conscious travel that combines comfort with immersion in local culture and ecosystems.