Kenya Safari Camps & Lodges

It's 6:30am. The low-lying sun covers your open-plan cottage in a warm amber hue. On your private veranda, freshly brewed coffee awaits. Now time for a morning game drive and bush breakfast. 

Kenya - one of East Africa's most famed safari and beach holiday destinations - has a fantastic range of accommodation on offer.

Travellers can choose from beach resorts, city escapes, boutique guest houses, eco lodges, manors, and tented safari camps. Whether you're looking for rustic, luxurious, or something in between, you will be spoiled for choice.

Accommodation is one of the most important parts of the safari experience, so let us help you choose the accommodation that's right for you. 

In several of the national parks and conservation areas, you can find luxury and mid-range tented camps. These give you the full 'African bush' experience whilst retaining all the amenities and creature comforts you want after a long day on safari.

Depending on the season, some lodges may charge higher prices, particularly from July to September. These months are the peak travel season in Kenya, and the Great Migration takes place during this time.  

Many lodges are closed from March to June (the long rainy season). 

Kenya also offers many hotels and beach resorts set before white sandy beaches and azure-blue oceans. These are perfect for some R&R at the start or end of your safari. 

Nestled on the savannah's edge underneath a canopy of tall acacia trees, Encounter Mara Camp is a luxurious 10 tent camp within the Mara Naboisho Conservancy neighbouring the Maasai Mara.

The conservancy is known for its abundant wildlife, even within the camp. Zebras regularly amble past the camp's deck to the nearby salt lick, while giraffes can stride right past your tent. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a cheetah prowling the savannah while you eat breakfast at the camp restaurant.

There are a number of great activities you can do from the camp, including guided walks, hot-air balloon rides, or fly camping around the conservancy. 

Situated on the narrow Ewaso Ngiro river banks, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is a charming tented camp set overlooking the snow capped peaks of Mount Kenya in the heart of Laikipia.

There are 7 tents, including 1 family tent. The tents are all en-suite with flushing toilets and hot bucket showers. 

Shaded private decks allow you to escape the hot afternoon sun, and cosy beds with extra blankets and a hot water bottle are a welcome sight after a night game drive. 

Meals are served in the communal mess tent with food sourced from the local women's co-op or regional farmers. If you're on a guided nature walk or game drive, a picnic breakfast or lunch can be packed for you to enjoy under the shade of a tree.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy has great wildlife densities and is a sanctuary for many endangered animals, including the last two northern white rhinos. 

Built-in the 1930s, the Giraffe Manor is a boutique hotel characterised by large windows, sprawling green creepers, beautiful sunny terraces and green courtyards.

However, what makes the Giraffe Manor special is the ever-present population of endangered Rothschild giraffes, who will often pop their heads through the open windows while you enjoy a continental breakfast.

Step back in time when you open the doors to your suite. The 1930s architecture is all around you, from Rustic French-style armoires, tartan-upholstered armchairs, mahogany, and twin brass basins.

There are 2 suites and 10 superior rooms, all furnished with writing desks, fireplaces, tea-and-coffee stations, safes, hairdryers, mosquito nets, comfy dressing gowns and handmade toiletries.

Some rooms lead to private terraces, where you can sit and enjoy the afternoon sun and wait for giraffes to amble up in the hope of treats. 

Winner of the Best Safari Property in Africa in the Good Safari Guide, Elsa's Kopje is a spectacular lodge situated in the Meru National Park.

Perched on a hillside overlooking the vast savannah plains, Elsa's Kopje offers guests the choice of 6 safari chic open-fronted cottages, romantic honeymoon suites with open-air bathtubs,  a family suite and a private house with a swimming pool.

The lodge is credited with saving Meru National Park. Until investment and conservation initiatives from the lodge, Meru was destined to become a rice plantation.

Joy and George Adamson raised a baby lion cub called Elsa in the park, that inspired the film 'Born Free' and eventually the Born Free Wildlife Foundation. 

Located in Tsavo West National Park, is Finch Hattons Eco Tented Camp. The very definition of a luxurious stay, it's nestled beside natural freshwater springs within 34 acres of pure untouched wilderness and surrounded by views of the famous Mount Kilimanjaro and the magnificent Chyulu Hills. 

Boasting spectacular views overlooking the Kalama Conservancy and Mount Kenya, Saruni Samburu Lodge is the only lodge in over 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness to explore. Guided by Samburu warriors, sharing the passion of their land and culture with you, the safari experience at this lodge is intimate and truly unique.

Situated in the breathtaking Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Sarara Lodge is perched amongst the massive pristine wilderness of the Mathews Mountain Range. Dramatic and remote, this lodge is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway.

Set overlooking Africa's tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tortilis is named after the indigenous flat-topped acacia tree surrounding the camp. The camp is situated in a private conservancy beside Amboseli National Park.

The rooms are spacious and contain twin and king beds, en-suite and private verandas, and some offer great views of the looming Mount Kilimanjaro directly from your pillow. 

The private house and family tent are located slightly separate from the central camp, perched on a hill where they share a pool and enjoy magnificent views of Kilimanjaro.

Tortilis is one of the first eco-lodges of this size, and the camp uses local materials, employs local staff, and invests in waste reduction initiatives and solar energy. 

Nestled in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Naboisho Camp is surrounded by savannah plains and dense forests. It is one of the best accommodation options in the conservancy. 

The lodge strikes a balance between traditional bush camp and modern day luxury safari.

It is possible to combine fly camping around the conservancy with a night or two at Naboisho Camp. 

Situated in the Selenkay Conservancy, ten miles north of Amboseli National Park, Porini Camp is in a fantastic spot for game viewing, especially if you love elephants and prefer staying a little off the beaten track.

The camp is small, but has a tendency to over-deliver. There are 10 en-suite tents on offer, which are all beautifully decorated and run on solar power.

Hot afternoons are well spent on your private veranda, with a fresh pot of Kenyan coffee overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Diani beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The Sands at Nomad is a leading boutique hotel on Diani beach.

Accommodation is in 30 rooms, with 10 different room types to choose from, including beach cottages and luxury suites. Many of the cottages have private pools, terraces and cosy lounge areas. 

The lodge offers easy access to the beach, and the free-standing cottages are more villa-getaway than beach-side hotel.

A paradise experience on the Kenyan coast, Kinondo Kwetu is a postcard-perfect lodge situated on a private stretch of white sands south of the beautiful Diani Beach. A popular sport for some R&R after a safari in the mainland. 

Nestled on Kenya's famous Diani Beach, is The Zubeida. A boutique resort, this getaway from the city boasts stunning views over the ocean - perfect for exciting watersports one day and relaxing with a drink in hand the next. Staying at the dreamy Zubeida resort is luxury and fantastic sunsets guaranteed.

Situated on one of the best beaches in Africa is The Sands at Nomad. This boutique resort is an ideal escape on Kenya's breathtaking Diani Beach - relax at the resort's luxury spa and indulge in their first-class dining one day, explore the untouched reefs whilst scuba diving the next.