Top 10 luxury safari lodges in Kenya

Safari accommodation in Kenya offers something for everyone. The classic, authentic tented camps are a great way to experience Kenya’s wildlife at its rawest. With canvassed sides, you will go to sleep with the sounds of the bush around you. Although the word ‘camp’ does not necessarily have luxury connotations, these tented camps are truly some of the most luxurious.

Luxury tented camps and safari lodges in Kenya really do contribute to your safari experience. The guides, chefs, housekeepers, and managers of the lodges will accommodate you like no other. They will get to know you, share a local drink around the campfire with you each evening, and make sure that you leave Kenya with nothing but memories to last a lifetime. With so much choice, we’ve put together some of the top 10 luxury safari camps to give you some inspiration of where to stay during your African safari. Banner image: Saruni Samburu Lodge

Angama Mara

Angama Mara has one of the best views in all of Kenya – if not, Africa! It sits on the Oloololo Escarpment and overlooks the plains of the Mara Triangle. The word ‘Angama’ means ‘suspended in mid-air’ in Swahili, and with its design and views, it couldn’t have a more appropriate name. The lodge is larger than most Kenya safari camps. There are two parts to Angama Mara, with 15 tented suites in each ‘camp’. Each area has its own dining room, lounge, outdoor area, viewpoints, and library. In the middle of the two camps is a gym. Throughout the whole property, and your tented suite, you will have exceptional views overlooking the African wildlife.

Ol Malo

Located in the Laikipia Plateau in central Kenya is Ol Malo. This is an owner-run safari lodge, and from the minute you walk in, you instantly feel welcome and part of the family. The main draw to Ol Malo is its views across the plains of the Laikipia, and the activities on offer. Compared to most safari destinations where you are limited to game driving, at Ol Malo, you can do horse riding, camel riding, bush walks, hikes, and even private helicopter rides. On top of that, the rooms are very unique and luxurious, with a host of amenities and quirky designs that really captivate the natural landscape.

Giraffe Manor

As part of the Safari Collection, Giraffe Manor is one of the most talked-about safari lodges in all of Africa. Giraffe Manor is located in Nairobi and, as most travelers start and finish their safari here in Kenya’s capital, it’s definitely somewhere that many people want to stay. An overnight stay in Giraffe Manor allows you to feed these Rothschild giraffes, and enjoy a breakfast with them in the luxury lodge. It has a very colonial design and feel to it, with modern amenities and flawless service, food, and attention to detail.

Saruni Samburu

This safari lodge is one of the most impressive in terms of its design and structure. Saruni Samburu is located in a private concession outside of Samburu National Reserve in central Kenya. There are pros and cons of being outside the national park. Although you have to drive to get into the park’s game viewing area (approximately a one-hour drive), staying in Saruni Samburu gives you a sense of space and freedom like no other. The lodge and rooms are designed around giant rocks and kopjes, which makes for an impressive entrance as you arrive. It has a swimming pool, spa, enormous bathrooms, and views that stretch out across all of the savannah.

Sasaab Lodge

Located outside of Saruni National Reserve is this stunning lodge named Sasaab. This is part of the Safari Collection portfolio, so you know that the design, food, accommodation, and guiding will be exceptional. Game viewing in Samburu National Reserve is special because it has rare species, nicknamed the ‘Samburu Five’. These include the reticulated giraffe, the Grevy’s zebra, the long-necked gerenuk, the Beisa oryx, and the Somali ostrich. Each of the rooms in the lodge has its own plunge pool, well-appointed ensuite bathrooms, a small gym and spa area, and a communal swimming pool.

Kichwa Tembo Camp

Kichwa Tembo is a fantastic tented camp which sits on the border of the Mara Triangle. Not only does it offer an exceptional location, with an abundance of resident wildlife and sightings of the Great Migration (between the July to October window), but it also offers a luxury stay, with a beautiful safari, contemporary design. The lodge is part of the andBeyond portfolio, so top class guiding and accommodation is guaranteed. There are a lot of rooms, but have been categorized into standard, superior and superior view tents to accommodate everyone.

Ol Donyo Lodge

Located in the Chyulu Hills, Ol Donyo Lodge is a stunning lodge offering a variety of safari experiences and activities. As it sits on its own private concession, Ol Donyo Lodge offers horse riding, day and night game drives, and game walks – all with a stunning view of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day. The lodge is very luxurious, with high makuti-thatched roofs, an infinity pool overlooking the plains, and star beds available to spend the night in. Image: Great Plains

Naboisho Camp

Located in the Naboisho Conservancy of the Greater Mara Conservancies is this wonderful safari camp. Naboisho Camp is part of the Asilia portfolio, and offers simple yet luxurious canvassed safari accommodation. The camp has amenities like a swimming pool and spacious, well-appointed safari tents, but the main emphasis is on the guiding and the safari experience itself. In this private conservancy, it’ll feel like you have the Masai Mara to yourself, enjoying it on a game drive on a walking safari. The Naboisho Conservancy is particularly good for big cats, with great sighings of resident lion prides.

Lewa Safari Camp

As part of the Elewana Collection, Lewa Safari Camp is located in the Lewa Wildife Conservancy, north of Mount Kenya. This conservancy has 65,000 acres of private protected land, so a game drive here will feel completely exclusive. The camp itself is made up of 11 ensuite tented rooms, each with thatched roofs and spacious ensuite bathrooms. During your stay at Lewa Safari Camp, you can also support local conservation programs, such as the endangered black rhinos.

Campi ya Kanzi

As an award-winning boutique lodge, Campi ya Kanzi is a beautiful eco-lodge to stay in during your time in the Chyulu Hills. The lodge sits on Maasai-owned land which means that the camp works with the local people and supporting communities. There are six luxury cottages, each offering well-appointed ensuite bathrooms and private verandas.

Ready to start planning your Kenya safari?

To find out more about a Kenya safari, please get in touch with Gemma, our Africa safari specialist, to discuss and organize your incredible safari!

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