Kenya is the original safari destination, and as such there is a fantastic array of lodges catering for every type of traveller, and every budget. Starting from the bottom are the “drive in” cheaper safari lodges. We generally only work with the “fly in” camps, as we believe these offer a much higher quality safari experience. If you visit a “fly in” camp, you use the vehicles and guides from the lodges, and as such your guide is a real expert in the area and is primarily a guide, and only secondly a driver. When people do “driving tours” their guide is usually primarily a “driver” and will not know the specific areas you will be exploring. Also, we believe it is important to get to a destination quickly, so you can enjoy it fully, without having most of your trip being focussed on getting from A -B which can minimise your time at sightings.
Kenya lodges can be separated into a few categories. Across the board Kenya lodges are fairly classic and old school in their style, with an “out of Africa” atmosphere to them all. So you don’t get modern and luxurious, as you do in say Tanzania. Most of the camps in the Masai Mara tend to be tented, replicating the style of safari when it all began. You then get the more rustic yet permanent lodges in the Laikipia area. Then at the top end of luxury in Kenya, you get the authentic brick style permanent lodges, which offer an exceptional and unbeatable experience, if this is your style! It is not a country for the latest cutting edge architecture and all the mod cons, but it is brilliant at taking you back in time to where it all began.
The most basic of the “fly in” lodges are not really that basic, but more a glamping experience with big solid beds, en-suite “safari showers” and all in all, a very comfortable experience. This style of camp is typical for East Africa, and is particularly popular in Tanzania’s Serengeti, as the camps up sticks every few months to follow the Great Migration’s path around the Serengeti. In both Kenya and Tanzania these can get exceptionally luxurious, so there is a huge range of prices for this style of lodging.
The brilliant thing about Kenya is that it is quite a bit cheaper than the slightly more exclusive Serengeti. It has largely based itself on a high volume approach to tourism, which means the rates for even some exceptional lodges is relatively low. Starting at the bottom end of the tented camps is the unbelievable Kichwa Tembo which is only $450 per person per night in a standard tent. Then, you get the more luxurious tented options such as Mara Plains at $1,900 per person per night… Showing you don’t have to be in a permanent structure to get all the luxury in the world!
In the Laikipia region, which is made of of “ranches” of sorts, and offer a huge amount of activities because of their private concessions, there are a number of old school permanent safari lodges. Places like Borana have not changed much over the years – perfectly comfortable, rustic yet luxurious in their own charming way, to stay somewhere like this you would be looking at $700 per person per night… Bargain! Especially when you consider riding safaris are also included in the cost. Moving up a notch is the smarter barefoot-luxury option such as Ol Donyo in the Chyulu Hills at around $1,360 per person per night, and up again to the most luxurious options Kenya has to offer is the likes of Angama Mara which is $1,250 per person per night.
The best tented camps in Kenya
The most basic of the “fly in” lodges are not really that basic, but more a glamping experience with big solid beds, en-suite “safari showers” and all in all, a very comfortable experience. This style of camp is typical for East Africa, and is particularly popular in Tanzania’s Serengeti, as the camps up sticks every few months to follow the Great Migration’s path around the Serengeti. In both Kenya and Tanzania these can get exceptionally luxurious, so there is a huge range of prices for this style of lodging.
The brilliant thing about Kenya is that it is quite a bit cheaper than the slightly more exclusive Serengeti. It has largely based itself on a high volume approach to tourism, which means the rates for even some exceptional lodges is relatively low. Starting at the bottom end of the tented camps is the unbelievable Kichwa Tembo which is only $450 per person per night in a standard tent. Then, you get the more luxurious tented options such as Mara Plains at $1,900 per person per night… Showing you don’t have to be in a permanent structure to get all the luxury in the world!
The best permanent lodges in Kenya
In the Laikipia region, which is made of of “ranches” of sorts, and offer a huge amount of activities because of their private concessions, there are a number of old school permanent safari lodges. Places like Borana have not changed much over the years – perfectly comfortable, rustic yet luxurious in their own charming way, to stay somewhere like this you would be looking at $700 per person per night… Bargain! Especially when you consider riding safaris are also included in the cost. Moving up a notch is the smarter barefoot-luxury option such as Ol Donyo in the Chyulu Hills at around $1,360 per person per night, and up again to the most luxurious options Kenya has to offer is the likes of Angama Mara which is $1,250 per person per night.
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Alfajiri Villas - Indian Ocean Mainland
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Cost: $700
Amboseli Porini - Amboseli
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Similar to its sister camps in the Mara, Amboseli Porini Camp has kept to the basics of safari and is a real find in what is a growingly expensive marketplace. With simple, but clean and tidy tents, all featuring fully flush loos and spacious dressing and sleeping areas, the accommodation is comfortable. The only apparent drawback to the lodge is its location outside the park…but we actually think that this is its main benefit! Outside the park avoids Amboseli's crowds. The game in the concession is actually very good and a stay just here will definitely give you all that you need without needing to join the mêlée going on nearby. Again, a great choice for those on a limited budget.Cost: $515
Angama Mara - Masai Mara
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Angama Mara aptly named as it translates to 'suspended in mid-air' is one of the newest editions to the luxury camps and lodges of the world famous Masai Mara. This amazing owner–run safari lodge is located on the edge of a dramatic escarpment boasting what could easily be the one of the best views in the whole of Africa; the seemingly endless grass plains of the Masai Mara.Cost: $1,775
Bateleur - Greater Mara
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&Beyond Africa have long been known for their ability to acquire and run the best lodges in East and Southern Africa and Bateleur is no exception. Set just to the north of the Mara National Reserve, this stunning lodge is a testament to the company’s knowledge and understanding of the Mara and what it offers. A collection of well appointed luxury tented accommodation, the lodge offers the highest standards of both food and service. Located being just outside the National Reserve, the options of being able to have great wildlife viewing but also the freedom to night drive, walk and interact with the local communities are a great asset to your safari.Cost: $1,400
Borana - Lewa Downs
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Cost: $745
Cottars - Greater Mara
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Cottars is set down to the South East of the Mara away from the crowds of the more popular western Mara region. On the whole the guiding is good from the camp and the experience of riding through the bush in a replica 20s car is novel. The region has good resident prides and, due to its secluded location, has an intimate safari feel. One of the most unique camps in Kenya....but quite a pricey one!Cost: $1,277
Elephant Pepper - Greater Mara
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Cost: $794
Elsas Kopje - Mount Meru
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The most significant feature of Elsa’s, apart from the views that stretch for years and the perfect tranquility, is the staff and their attitude in the camp. The camp makes a point of growing most of its own produce and so boasts a wonderful selection of fresh vegetables with which to cook. It is this attention and care that makes this lodge what it is. From a gaming point of view, it is true that Meru is still yet to rank up with the Mara…but it is certainly getting better and better as the years go by and it is still mentioned as a favourite by the “old hands” who can be found guiding throughout Kenya. A few days in this lodge is a real treat.Cost: $749
Emakoko - Nairobi
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Cost: $523
Giraffe Manor - Nairobi
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Giraffe Manor is a joyous choice of accommodation in Nairobi; it is fun. This gorgeous old manor house has history and an uplifting atmosphere. The excitement of wonderful, long noses pushing through the windows of the breakfast room is shared by guests and staff alike, despite the fact that many of the latter have been here for decades.Cost: $795
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