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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Elsas Kopje - Mount Meru
Our View
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.
Our Rating:
Cost: $749
Emakoko - Nairobi
Our stay at Giraffe Manor really made our time in Nairobi; the children were thrilled, and in truth, so were we. We were made to feel so welcome, and the relaxed ‘house party’ feeling was great after all the nights we had spent in hotels. We thought the staff were wonderful, and the fun of feeding the giraffes dispelled all our misgivings about adding extra nights to our trip - A Hope
Our Rating:
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Cost: $523
Giraffe Manor - Nairobi
Our View
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.Our Rating:
Cost: $795
Governors Camp - Masai Mara Reserve
Governors, what can I say. I loved it there. Service was excellent and I loved the hot water bottles in my bed at night. So many animals and our guides were amazing. We so enjoyed the balloon ride and have excellent pictures. - J Cole
Our Rating:
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Cost: $710
Governors Private Camp - Masai Mara Reserve
Our View
Governors Private Camp is a very niche product and so one that we occasionally recommend for clients. The main feature of the camp is that, for a group of 4 or more who are looking for a smaller camp in the Mara, it suits perfectly. Consisting of 6 or more tents, the camp offers a private experience throughout with views out onto the lovely Mara River, exclusive use of the vehicles and guides in camp and access to what must be one of the best areas for game in the whole of Africa….what more can you ask for!
Our Rating:
Cost: $702
Hemmingways - Indian Ocean Mainland
Our View
This hotel is a very good choice for those with a family or couples who like to be active while on holiday. Being relatively small compared to the goliaths around Mombasa, this hotel has really cornered the resort style hotel market and is also a must visit spot for the big game fishermen between August and April. All in all, it may not be quite suited to the quieter tastes of honeymooners, but the food and the surroundings certainly make it stand out.
Our Rating:
Cost: $375
House of Waine - Nairobi
Our View
There are quite a few hotels that are located in the Karen district of Nairobi and this is certainly the best of them…both from a price point of view but also for the fact that it has a personal feel. Where quite a few of the hotels in and around Nairobi have a faceless rapport with their clientele, the House of Waine can easily be recommended for a couple of nights, used as a basing point to visit the nearby Giraffe Centre or Blixen Museum.Our Rating:
Cost: $220
Il Moran Camp - Masai Mara Reserve
Our View
Il Moran is the smartest of the Governors’ Collection and, for the money, offers a superb safari experience for very good value. The rooms themselves are vast and all feature incredible views onto the Mara River. Stunning wooden beds and bronze baths typify the feel of the camp in general. Again, set in a superb location, the camp is very real, and a much cheaper alternative to the nearby Bateleur Camp. If you want to safari in style, then this is a great choice.
Our Rating:
Cost: $876
Jannah Lamu - Lamu
Our View
Jannah Lamu is Kenya’s answer to barefoot luxury living. Expect sunken cream sofas on wooden floors surrounded by white stone, and a few layers of patterns and Swahili colours to give a homely vibe. The elevated position of the lodge allows incredible views over Shela, Lamu Town and Manda Island. If you want an Indian Ocean old town retreat that’s no fuss and a stone’s throw away from some of the best safaris in East Africa, this is a brilliant option.
Our Rating:
Cost: $
Joys - Samburu
Really lovely camp, enjoyed the lack of people and sense of isolation. Reminded us a little of camps in Namibia. Had great leopard sightings, including a kill, but just generally really enjoyed the camp. It was really beautiful, camp was gorgeous, facilities excellent.- S. Goatley
Our Rating:
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Cost: $564
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