Abercrombie & Kent newest Sanctuary to open in summer 2026 in Kenya

A new lodge opening on June 1, 2026 signals a fresh design direction for Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) Sanctuary, blending architecture with landscape, community, and craft in Kenya’s Amboseli region.

A&K Sanctuary, the luxury collection from A&K Travel Group, will debut Kitirua Plains Lodge in Kenya this summer, introducing a striking, design-led retreat on a 128-acre private concession bordering Amboseli National Park.

With Mount Kilimanjaro dominating the horizon, the lodge is designed to blend into its surroundings rather than stand apart, appearing as if it has emerged naturally from the land. The project was created in partnership with Luxury Frontiers, following their work on Gorilla Forest Lodge in Uganda and Baines’ Lodge in Botswana.

Set among open savanna, wetlands, and acacia woodland, the lodge sits in prime elephant territory, offering close-up views of herds moving across the plains. It also marks Abercrombie & Kent’s return to Amboseli, where founder Geoffrey Kent pioneered the modern luxury safari in 1962. Kitirua Plains Lodge builds on that legacy, reimagining safari design through sustainability and local connection.

The architecture draws on traditional Maasai forms and regional craftsmanship. The lodge features 13 standalone suites—11 standard and two two-bedroom options—each positioned to frame views of Kilimanjaro. Elevated walkways link the main areas to the suites, maintaining privacy and preserving the sense of an uninterrupted landscape.

A standout feature is a raised tower with a private dining space, offering panoramic views. Throughout the property, design decisions respond closely to the site’s topography and environment.

Guests can expect an immersive experience rooted in nature. Open views, thoughtful siting, and low-impact design allow the landscape to take center stage. Wellness spaces, including treatment rooms, a yoga deck, and a gym, are oriented toward the plains, reinforcing the connection to the outdoors.

Maasai-inspired design

Interiors reflect Amboseli’s natural palette with materials largely sourced in Kenya, with about 90 percent of furniture crafted from mango wood and African teak. Locally quarried stone and soil-mixed plaster further root the lodge in place, while handmade textiles and woven elements add warmth and texture.

Sustainability is built into the design. Passive cooling reduces the need for air conditioning, aided by natural ventilation systems inspired by Maasai construction. The lodge runs on solar power, uses water from an on-site borehole, and recycles greywater for irrigation. Waste reduction, recycling, and composting are integrated from the start.

Community involvement was central to development, with local workers and artisans contributing throughout. Traditional techniques and materials support both cultural continuity and economic benefit. Design elements—from woven ceilings to clay bead lighting—reflect this collaboration and ensure the lodge complements, rather than disrupts, Maasai life.

Opening June 1, 2026, Kitirua Plains Lodge joins A&K Sanctuary’s Kenya portfolio alongside Olonana Lodge in the Maasai Mara and Tambarare Camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Bookings are now open as part of tailor-made and small group journeys.