Top Kenya Safari Lodges and Camps

19/03/2021

Kenya, known for its breathtaking savannah landscapes, diverse topography, rich culture and bountiful wildlife, is one of the most iconic safari destinations in Africa. It not only offers the most incredible safari holidays, but also an opportunity to learn about nature and become one with it. Choose to visit this beautiful country with a tour group, or with family or friends, either way, it’s guaranteed to be a memorable experience.

There are more than 550 safari lodges to choose from in Kenya. Picking out the best one from an extensive list can be challenging so to help you make this easier, we have compiled a list of some of our top safari lodges and camps in Kenya. These are some of the best safari lodges in Kenya, each offering visitors the best modern amenities and the most magnificent views imaginable.

We have organised this list based on each lodge’s proximity to the closest national parks. We have covered all of the major Kenya National Parks and Reserves including Amboseli National Park, Maasai Mara National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, Meru National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nairobi National Park, Samburu National Reserve, and Tsavo Conservation Area.

Amboseli National Park

1. Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli

Overlooking the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, Elewana Tortilis Safari Camp gained its name from its thatched-roofs made from natural materials, which resemble the flat-topped Acacia Tortilis, an umbrella thorn tree. The camp features spacious tents with elegant décor as well as spectacular views of Kilimanjaro from the bar, dining area and lounge. Solar-powered and eco-tourism certified, the camp aims to leave a minimal ecological footprint. The incredible safari experiences offered at Tortilis are further enhanced by the experienced and fascinating Maasai guides.

Highlights

• Solar-powered and eco-tourism certified
• Luxury swimming pool
• Bush breakfasts and spa
• Cultural excursions
• Ideal for weddings and honeymoons

2. Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, located in the heart of Amboseli National Park, offers mesmerising views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The lodge’s décor is enhanced with beautiful local artifacts, antiques and artworks. Guests can purchase similar unique, handcrafted Maasai crafts when they visit the Masaai communities in the region. Each meal at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge offers a burst of flavours and introduces guests to delicious Kenyan cuisine.

Highlights

• Great views of Mount Kilimanjaro
• Cultural visit to Maasai communities
• Cosy exterior campfire and bar
• Luxury Kenyan bush breakfast and dinner
• Free-form swimming pool

Maasai Mara National Reserve

3. Sanctuary Olonana

Renowned Masai Mara National Reserve has a large number of premium safari lodges, but none quite like the luxurious Sanctuary Olonana. Located in the heart of reserve, the camp is set on the private portion of the Mara River. The great wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara happens just 40 minutes from the camp, making it ideal for those whose primary goal is to witness nature’s epic fight for survival. Sanctuary Olonana is a gold-rated ecotourism certified safari lodge, ensuring visitors leave a minimal ecological footprint behind. Guests can learn about Maasai culture and history from experienced Maasai guides, head out on exciting game drives and bushwalks as well as do a thrilling hot air balloon ride.

Highlights

• Cultural excursions and bush dinners
• Gold-rated, ecotourism certified camp
• Grand infinity pool
• Scenic air safari and hot air balloon safaris

4. Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Mara Serena Safari Lodge, an exclusive luxury lodge, is situated in the north-western region of Masai Mara National Reserve. Set high on the vegetation-covered hills, the lodge offers stunning views of the Mara Triangle and Mara River shoreline. Here you can begin your day with breakfast overlooking the hippo pool. After a day full of safari activities, you can book a bush dinner, a magical and unique experience dining out in the open, watching the skies turn golden. With its location in the heart of the Mara Triangle, the lodge offers guests ample opportunities for big five sightings.

Highlights

• Spectacular views
• Rejuvenating safari spa
• Luxury swimming pool and sundeck
• Balloon safari

5. Mara Intrepids Club

One of the most renowned safari lodges in the Masai Mara, Mara Intrepids offers its visitors superb views of the Talek River. With its strategic location at the confluence of Masai Mara’s best game viewing spots, Mara Intrepids is also a fantastic bird watching spot. Guests who have booked a stay here can make use of the lodge’s airstrip, which is just 3 minutes from the camp. It’s a family-friendly lodge, with an abundance of cultural and wildlife activities to keep the kids entertained. To top it all off, guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Mara in an open-sided safari jeep during game drives.

Highlights

• Great location
• Hot-air balloon safari
• Kids adventure club
• Ultimate bush dining experience

Mount Kenya National Park

6. Loisaba Tented Camp

Perched atop the edge of the escarpment, Loisaba Tented Camp offers visitors unparalleled views of the Laikipia landscape all the way to spectacular Mount Kenya. The camp features an airy and spacious custom-built tent with large windows and doors for taking in the awe-inspiring views. The camp is equipped with an open lounge, bar and dining area while the luxury infinity pool offers guests a relaxing spot to cool off after an exciting day of wildlife viewing. Apart from game drives there are other camp activities such as camel-trekking, fishing and cultural visits as well as a visit to Loisaba Conservancy, which has an anti-poaching unit of sniffer dogs.

Highlights

• Wide range of safaris activities
• Bushwalks with experienced guides
• Cultural visits to Samburu villages
• Sophisticated African décor

7. Segera Retreat

Set in the high grasslands of the Laikipia Plateau, Segera Retreat offers dazzling views of Mount Kenya. The retreat also offers plenty of luxuries: each spacious villa is equipped with a beautiful deck and a private nature bath and two of the villas have their own swimming pool and private garden. The majority of the camp is run on solar power while there is artfully decorated accommodation, swimming pool and a well-equipped gym. With day and night game drives, guests have the opportunity to view nocturnal species.

Highlights

• Swimming pool
• Elite spa treatments available
• Solar-powered camp
• Cultural excursions and experiences
• Catch and release fishing

Meru National Park

8. Elsa’s Kopje

Elsa’s Kopje is named after the well-known lioness, Elsa, who was adopted by the naturalists George and Joy Adamson. The camp is built into the Mughwango Hill, on top of the George Adamson campsite, where he raised orphan lions and then released them into the wild. Located in the heart of Meru National Park, the lodge features spacious rooms, luxurious decks, comfortable lounges and breathtaking views. It offers numerous activities including excursions to the Tana River, local village tours, swimming pool and relaxing spa services. With its romantic ambience, it’s also an ideal location for weddings and honeymoons.

Highlights

• Gold-rated eco-tourism lodge
• Excursions to the Tana River
• Cultural excursions
• Guided walks and game drives
• Swimming pool

Lake Nakuru National Park

9. Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge

The strategically located Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge overlooks the flamingo-filled Lake Nakuru, offering its guests five-star views of the beautiful surrounds. Sarova Lion Hills Game Lodge is one of the largest lodges in Kenya with around 67 luxury chalets. The camp offers its guests several exciting excursions, from a visit to the largest volcanic crater, Mennengai, and adventure-filled Makalia Falls, to the panoramic Baboon Cliff.

Highlights

• Rhino sanctuary
• Game drives
• Baboon Cliff excursion
• Makalia Falls visit
• Visit to the Menengai Crater

Nairobi National Park

10. Hemingways Nairobi

Hemingways is a high-end lodge with five-star luxuries including a dedicated butler to assist you during your stay. With a delicious range of African cuisines, guests can enjoy afternoons sitting on the terrace, sipping their afternoon tea, taking in the incredible silhouettes of the Ngong Hills. Its location near the Giraffe Sanctuary, Nairobi National Park and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust means there is an extensive variety of activities for guest to enjoy as well as Hemingways spa with its rejuvenating and relaxing experiences.

Highlights

• Fitness room and spa treatments
• 40-minutes drive from Nairobi International Airport
• Serves delicious cuisine
• Dedicated butlers

11. Giraffe Manor

Giraffe Manor is aptly named after the Rothschild’s giraffes that wander freely around the manor gardens. The large windows of manor allow the wandering giraffes to peer in, and even steal a treat from the breakfast table if they’re lucky! Even if guests miss breakfast, they can visit the Giraffe Centre to spend time in the presence of these fascinating creatures. The manor’s orchid house offers couples a romantic dinner setting surrounded by beautiful orchids while guests can entertain themselves with games such as croquet, chess and boules.

Highlights

• Stately manor with spacious rooms
• Rothschild’s giraffes visiting the camp
• Verdant green gardens and delightful courtyards
• Cultural tours and horse-riding adventures
• Spa treatments

Samburu National Reserve

12. Sasaab Camp

If your safari plans include visiting Buffalo Springs National Park and Samburu National Reserves, then Sasaab is the ideal lodge for your stay. With Moroccan-Swahili inspired décor, guests can relax at a pool that overlooks the river, watching animals gather to quench their thirst. There are plenty of exciting activities, ranging from guided walks in the Samburu National Reserve to spending a night sleeping under the stars. The camp also provides babysitters for children, allowing parents to make the most of their stay here.

Highlights

• Sleep beneath the stars
• Camel-rides and birdwatching
• High-end spa treatments
• Swimming pool overlooking the river
• Cultural excursions

13. Saruni Samburu

This luxury eco-friendly, one-of-a-kind lodge, overlooking the wondrous Mount Kenya and Kalama Conservancy, is set into a giant volcanic rock face with iconic views of Samburu National Reserve. The lodge is equipped with luxurious amenities including infinity pool and spa. Guests can enjoy picnic breakfasts along the Ewaso Niro River, go on bushwalks with Samburu warriors, spend the nights gazing at the starlit African sky, and enjoy bush dinners accompanied by Samburu dancers.

Highlights

• Stargazing
• Luxury spa treatments
• Birding, game drives and bushwalks
• African bush meals
• Photo-hide overlooking a waterhole

Tsavo Conservation Area

14. Ol Donyo Lodge

Ol Donyo Lodge is located in the heart of the Chyulu Hills National Park, an extension of the Tsavo Conservation Area which includes both Tsavo East and West National Parks as well as Kibwezi Forest. The lodge also lies close to Amboseli National Park, allowing guests to cover four well-known safari spots with ease. Each guest suite is uniquely designed with artistic décor, features an exclusive plunge pool and an elegant rooftop terrace.

Highlights

• Sleep under the stars
• Private plunge pool
• Horse-back safari adventures
• Fly-camping
• Game drives and bushwalks

15. Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp

This idyllic lodge offers visitors easy access to Tsavo National Parks (East and West) as well as Chyulu Hills National Park. In addition, to the west of the camp lies Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The camp has 17 luxury tented suites, each one offering majestic views of the surrounding landscapes. The camp overlooks a beautiful water hole, which offers guests ample opportunities to view a wide range of wildlife.

Highlights

• Dedicated butler service
• Spacious rooms and lounge
• Heated plunge pool
• Location overlooking the water hole
• Picturesque views of Mount Kilimanjaro

Read More:

Top Kenya Safari Lodges and Camps

About author

Robin Cormack

MD and Co-Founder. Born in Zimbabwe, Robin has a long history in Africa, and safaris in general, from running lodges to marketing. He is always on the look out for new ideas and products from around the safari world.