Best 20 Kenya Safari Lodges Now

Best 20 Kenya Safari Lodges Now

Compare top Kenya safari lodges by region, style, price, and wildlife access from luxury camps to eco-retreats for a well-matched, high-value safari stay.


Kenya safari lodges offer travelers a wide range of experiences, from ultra-luxury tented camps in the Maasai Mara to conservation-focused retreats in Laikipia and Samburu. These lodges are strategically located to maximize wildlife viewing, cultural engagement, and comfort, with options tailored for honeymooners, families, photographers, and adventure seekers. Whether you're tracking rhinos on foot, watching elephants from your infinity pool, or enjoying private dinners under the stars, the best Kenya safari lodges combine thoughtful design, expert guiding, and access to rich ecosystems. Many are set in private conservancies, allowing for activities like night drives and walking safaris that aren’t permitted in national parks.


Choosing the right lodge depends on your travel goals, budget, and timing. Some lodges specialize in migration access, while others focus on birding, cultural immersion, or wellness. Rates vary widely from $350 to over $1,800 per person per night depending on location, exclusivity, and included services. Booking early is essential, especially for peak seasons and lodges with limited rooms. This guide highlights 20 of the best Kenya safari lodges now, organized by region and experience type, to help you make informed decisions. Whether you're planning a bush-to-beach combo or a focused wildlife itinerary, these lodges offer value, reliability, and memorable stays

Best Kenya safari lodges in Masai mara

Angama Mara, Luxury Lodge for Romance and Views

 Angama Mara is one of the most visually striking Kenya safari lodges, perched high on the Oloololo Escarpment with sweeping views of the Maasai Mara. Its name means “suspended in mid-air,” and the design reflects that glass-fronted suites, polished wood decks, and a private garden-to-table dining experience at The Shamba. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, walking safaris, and hot air balloon rides. This is one of the Kenya safari lodges that caters especially well to honeymooners and photographers. Rates start around $1,400 per person per night, including all meals, drinks, and activities. The service is highly personalized, and the guiding is consistently praised for its depth and professionalism. Angama Mara is ideal for those who want privacy, comfort, and a strong visual experience.


&Beyond Bateleur Camp, Classic Luxury in the Forest

 &Beyond Bateleur Camp is one of the most refined Kenya safari lodges, offering a 1920s-style safari experience at the edge of a forest overlooking the Mara plains. The camp features elegant canvas tents with brass fixtures, leather furnishings, and private butlers. Guests enjoy silver-service dining, sundowners, and access to exclusive wildlife areas. As one of the top Kenya safari lodges for privacy, it includes a private vehicle per booking, which is rare and valuable for serious wildlife viewing. Prices start at approximately $1,200 per person per night. The camp is perfect for couples or small groups seeking a quiet, high-end base with excellent access to the Mara River and its seasonal crossings.


Saruni Mara, Family-Friendly and Cultural

Saruni Mara stands out among Kenya safari lodges for its location in the private Mara North Conservancy, where guest numbers are limited and activities like night drives and walking safaris are allowed. Built into a rock outcrop, the lodge offers panoramic views and themed cottages, including a family villa. One of the few Kenya safari lodges to offer a cultural program, its “Warrior Academy” introduces guests to Maasai traditions in a respectful and engaging way. Prices start around $800 per person per night, including game drives and meals. The guiding is excellent, and the lodge is well-suited for families or travelers who want a mix of wildlife and cultural depth without the crowds of the main reserve.


Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp, Eco-Friendly and Authentic

 Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp is one of the most respected eco-conscious Kenya safari lodges, offering a semi-permanent tented experience in a quiet part of the Mara North Conservancy. The camp focuses on low-impact tourism, with solar power, minimal infrastructure, and a strong conservation ethos. It’s one of the Kenya safari lodges that delivers a true “under canvas” feel while still offering en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and excellent food. Game drives are led by experienced guides, and the area is known for big cats and open plains. Prices start at about $700 per person per night. This camp is best for travelers who want a raw, grounded safari without sacrificing safety or comfort.


Mara Plains Camp Boutique Conservation-Focused Luxury

Mara Plains Camp is among the most exclusive Kenya safari lodges, with just seven raised tents set in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Each tent is beautifully designed with hardwood floors, copper bathtubs, and private decks. Guests have access to professional camera gear and private vehicles, making it one of the best Kenya safari lodges for photographers. The camp emphasizes conservation and supports local communities through the Great Plains Foundation. Prices start around $1,500 per person per night, fully inclusive. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with fewer vehicles and access to both the conservancy and the main reserve. This lodge is ideal for those who value privacy, design, and meaningful travel.


Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp the Historic Elegance and Seclusion

 Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is one of the most storied Kenya safari lodges, offering a vintage safari experience in the Olderikesi Conservancy near the Serengeti border. With a 760,000-acre exclusive lease, guests enjoy unmatched privacy and space. The camp features antique furnishings, canvas tents with brass fittings, and a team of multi-generational guides. It’s one of the few Kenya safari lodges that blends heritage with high-end service, including silver-service dining and spa treatments. Prices start at about $1,200 per person per night. Activities include game drives, bush walks, and cultural visits. This camp is perfect for travelers seeking a historic, private safari with deep guiding expertise and a strong conservation focus

Kenya safari lodges in Laikipia and Samburu for Wilderness and Conservation Frontiers

Loisaba Tented Camp, Conservation and Adventure in Laikipia

Loisaba Tented Camp is one of the most innovative Kenya safari lodges, located within a 57,000-acre conservancy managed by The Nature Conservancy. Elevated tents offer sweeping views of the plains, and guests can sleep in star beds under the open sky. This is one of the few Kenya safari lodges where you can combine traditional game drives with camel trekking, mountain biking, and visits to an anti-poaching dog unit. Prices start around $750 per person per night, including meals and activities. The camp is ideal for travelers who want a hands-on conservation experience paired with adventure and comfort.


Saruni Rhino, the Rhino Tracking and Minimalist Comfort

Saruni Rhino is among the most purpose-driven Kenya safari lodges, located in the remote Sera Conservancy and focused entirely on black rhino conservation. With just three stone cottages, it offers a quiet, intimate setting where guests track rhinos on foot with Samburu guides and researchers. It’s one of the few Kenya safari lodges offering this rare experience, blending education, wildlife, and local knowledge. Prices start at approximately $600 per person per night. The lodge is best for travelers who want meaningful wildlife engagement and are comfortable with a minimalist, conservation-first approach.


Segera Retreat  Art, Design, and Sustainability

Segera Retreat is one of the most luxurious Kenya safari lodges, set on a private 50,000-acre sanctuary in Laikipia. Founded by Jochen Zeitz, it combines contemporary African art, eco-architecture, and high-end service. Each villa includes private decks, plunge pools, and curated interiors. Segera is one of the Kenya safari lodges that emphasizes sustainability, with solar power, organic gardens, and community support. Prices start around $1,800 per person per night, fully inclusive. Guests enjoy personalized safaris, wellness treatments, and curated cultural experiences. It’s ideal for travelers who value privacy, design, and purpose-driven travel.


Borana Lodge Family-Run and Conservation-Focused

Borana Lodge is one of the most welcoming Kenya safari lodges, located on a hillside overlooking a waterhole in the Borana Conservancy. It’s a key player in rhino conservation and offers a warm, family-run atmosphere with excellent guiding. The lodge features stone cottages with fireplaces, an infinity pool, and communal dining. Among Kenya safari lodges, Borana stands out for its balance of comfort, wildlife access, and community involvement. Prices start around $850 per person per night. Activities include horseback safaris, bush walks, and game drives. It’s a great choice for families and travelers who want active, conservation-minded experiences.

Best Kenya safari lodges in the Rift Valley Lakes for Birding and Scenic Beauty

Elmenteita Serena Camp, Lakeside Birding and Tranquility

 Elmenteita Serena Camp is one of the most peaceful Kenya safari lodges, located on the shores of Lake Elmenteita, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The camp features a vanishing-edge pool that visually merges with the lake, creating a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation and photography. As one of the top Kenya safari lodges for birding, it offers sightings of flamingos, pelicans, and over 450 other species. Guests can also enjoy game drives in the nearby Soysambu Conservancy, which is home to buffalo, giraffes, and antelope. Rates start around $350 per person per night, including meals and guided activities. The lodge is perfect for travelers who want a quiet retreat with strong wildlife access and minimal crowds.


Finch Hattons Safari Camp & Spa, Rustic Luxury in Tsavo West

Finch Hattons Safari Camp & Spa is one of the most refined Kenya safari lodges in Tsavo West, offering a blend of wilderness immersion and high-end comfort. Set beside a natural spring that draws elephants, hippos, and buffalo, the camp provides excellent wildlife viewing right from your tent or the open-air lounge. As one of the few Kenya safari lodges with a full-service spa and infinity pool, it caters to travelers who want relaxation without leaving the bush. The canvas suites are spacious, with outdoor showers, copper bathtubs, and private decks. Rates start around $900 per person per night, including meals, game drives, and select wellness treatments. This lodge is ideal for those who value privacy, top-tier service, and a deep connection to nature

Best Kenya safari lodges for Beach and Bush Combos

Alfajiri Villas Private Luxury on Diani Beach

Alfajiri Villas is one of the most exclusive Kenya safari lodges for beach extensions, offering three fully serviced villas Cliff, Beach, and Garden each with private staff, chef, and ocean views. Located on Diani Beach, it’s ideal for families or groups who want complete privacy and personalized service. Among Kenya safari lodges on the coast, Alfajiri stands out for its flexibility: meals are tailored to your preferences, and activities like snorkeling, spa treatments, and local excursions are arranged on request. Rates start around $1,500 per villa per night, depending on season and group size. It’s a top choice for travelers ending their safari with comfort and seclusion.


The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel, Adults-Only Elegance in Diani

The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel is one of the most refined Kenya safari lodges for couples seeking a beach retreat. With its floating architecture, palm-lined pool, and oceanfront location, it offers a quiet, design-forward experience. This adults-only hotel features just 15 rooms, each uniquely styled, and the food is consistently praised for quality and presentation. As one of the Kenya safari lodges focused on tranquility, it avoids crowds and noise, making it perfect for post-safari relaxation. Rates start around $400 per room per night, including breakfast and select amenities. It’s ideal for couples who value style, privacy, and a peaceful coastal setting.

Best Kenya safari lodges for Specialist and Unique Experiences

Giraffe Manor Nairobi’s Most Photographed Safari Stay

Giraffe Manor is one of the most iconic Kenya safari lodges, famous for its resident Rothschild’s giraffes that interact with guests during breakfast and tea. Located in Nairobi, it offers a unique blend of colonial charm and wildlife intimacy. Among Kenya safari lodges, this one is unmatched for photo opportunities and early safari excitement. Rooms are elegantly styled, and rates start around $1,200 per person per night, including meals and giraffe interactions. Due to high demand, bookings often require a year’s notice. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a memorable start or finish to their safari with rare wildlife access in a boutique setting.


Sala’s Camp Migration Views in Southern Mara

Sala’s Camp is one of the best-positioned Kenya safari lodges for witnessing the wildebeest migration from December to May, when the northern Mara is quieter. Located on the Sand River in the far south of the reserve, it offers direct access to wildlife movement and predator sightings. The camp features luxury tents with private plunge pools and strong guiding. Rates start around $950 per person per night, including meals and game drives. Among Kenya safari lodges, Sala’s Camp stands out for its exclusivity and quiet location, making it perfect for travelers seeking migration action without peak-season crowds.


Kicheche Valley Camp Wildlife Density and Owner-Run Warmth

 Kicheche Valley Camp is one of the most wildlife-rich Kenya safari lodges, located in the Naboisho Conservancy next to the Mara. It’s a small, owner-run camp known for excellent guiding, warm hospitality, and strong environmental practices. The conservancy has high densities of lions, cheetahs, and elephants, with fewer vehicles than the main reserve. Rates start around $750 per person per night, including meals and activities. This is one of the Kenya safari lodges best suited for photographers and serious wildlife travelers who want depth, flexibility, and a personal touch in their safari experience.


Ol Donyo Lodge Kilimanjaro Views and Active Safari

Ol Donyo Lodge is one of the most visually dramatic Kenya safari lodges, set in the Chyulu Hills with views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Each suite includes a rooftop star-bed deck, and activities range from horseback safaris to hiking and cave visits. As part of the Great Plains Conservation portfolio, it emphasizes sustainability and community support. Among Kenya safari lodges, Ol Donyo offers a rare mix of landscape, luxury, and adventure. Rates start around $1,400 per person per night, fully inclusive. It’s ideal for travelers who want active experiences and panoramic views in a remote, well-managed setting.


Sasaab, Moroccan Design Meets Samburu Culture

 Sasaab is one of the most stylish Kenya safari lodges, blending Moroccan-Berber architecture with sweeping views of the Samburu wilderness. Each suite has a private plunge pool and open-air design. Guests enjoy camel walks, cultural visits to Samburu villages, and game drives in the nearby Buffalo Springs Reserve. Rates start around $850 per person per night, including meals and activities. Among Kenya safari lodges, Sasaab is perfect for travelers who value design, cultural depth, and a quieter, less commercial safari experience in northern Kenya.


The Emakoko, Nairobi National Park Luxury

 The Emakoko is one of the most convenient Kenya safari lodges, located inside Nairobi National Park just 30 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. It offers immediate access to wildlife, including lions, rhinos, and giraffes, without the need for long transfers. The lodge features spacious rooms, excellent food, and a family-run atmosphere. Rates start around $600 per person per night, including game drives and meals. Among Kenya safari lodges, The Emakoko is ideal for travelers who want a smooth transition into or out of their safari, avoiding city traffic while still enjoying full wildlife immersion

Best time to book Kenya safari lodges

The best time to book Kenya safari lodges is 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for peak travel seasons like June to October and January to February, when wildlife viewing is at its best and lodges fill up quickly. Early booking ensures access to top properties, better rates, and preferred room types, particularly in high-demand areas like the Maasai Mara during the Great Migration. For shoulder seasons such as November to December or March to May, booking 3 to 6 months ahead may be sufficient, with more flexibility and occasional discounts. Lodges with limited rooms, like boutique camps or private villas, require longer lead times regardless of season. Planning early also helps secure domestic flights and permits for conservancies or parks with restricted access

How to get there to Kenya safari lodges

Getting to Kenya safari lodges typically starts with an international flight into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. From there, travelers can take domestic flights to regional airstrips near lodges in the Maasai Mara, Samburu, Laikipia, Tsavo, or the coast saving time and offering direct access. Popular airstrips include Keekorok, Ngerende, Lewa Downs, and Amboseli, depending on your lodge’s location. For those combining parks or traveling in groups, road transfers from Nairobi or regional hubs like Nanyuki or Mombasa are also available, often arranged by the lodge or tour operator. Most Kenya safari lodges include pickup and drop-off services, ensuring smooth transitions. Booking flights early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure preferred timings and avoid delays

Best things to do while at Kenya safari lodges

Kenya safari lodges offer more than just game drives they’re designed to give travelers a full, immersive experience. Early morning and late afternoon drives are the best times to spot wildlife, especially predators like lions and leopards. Many lodges also offer guided bush walks, allowing guests to learn about tracks, plants, and smaller animals up close. In conservancies, night drives reveal nocturnal species such as aardvarks, genets, and hyenas. Photography is a major draw, with some lodges providing professional gear or private vehicles for flexibility. Hot air balloon safaris over the Maasai Mara are available at select lodges and offer a unique aerial view of the plains, especially during migration season.


Beyond wildlife, Kenya safari lodges often include cultural visits to nearby Maasai or Samburu communities, giving guests insight into local traditions and daily life. Some lodges offer spa treatments, infinity pools, or star-bed decks for relaxation between activities. Horseback safaris, camel treks, and mountain biking are available in regions like Laikipia and Samburu. Birdwatching is excellent around Rift Valley lakes and coastal areas, with hundreds of species visible year-round. For those ending their safari at the coast, beach lodges offer snorkeling, dhow cruises, and private chef experiences. The best Kenya safari lodges combine wildlife, culture, and comfort in one well-paced itinerary

Best tips for booking Kenya safari lodges

To book Kenya safari lodges effectively, start by identifying your travel dates and preferred regions like Maasai Mara, Laikipia, or Samburu then research lodges that match your style, whether luxury, eco-friendly, or family-oriented. Book 6 to 12 months in advance for peak seasons (June–October, January–February) to secure top properties and avoid last-minute price hikes. Always check what’s included in the rate some lodges bundle game drives, meals, and transfers, while others charge separately. Prioritize lodges in private conservancies for better wildlife access and fewer crowds. Read recent reviews, confirm cancellation policies, and ask about domestic flight coordination. If combining beach and bush, ensure your lodge can assist with seamless transfers to coastal destinations like Diani or Lamu

What to bring for Kenya safari lodges

Packing for Kenya safari lodges requires a mix of comfort, practicality, and readiness for varied conditions. Bring lightweight, neutral-colored clothing for game drives, a warm layer for cool mornings, and closed shoes for bush walks. Essentials include sunscreen, insect repellent, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle. A good camera, binoculars, and extra batteries or a power bank enhance wildlife viewing. Personal medication, travel documents, and a small daypack are also important. Many Kenya safari lodges offer laundry service, so pack light but smart. Include swimwear if your lodge has a pool, and consider a light scarf or buff for dust protection during drives

Booking Kenya safari lodges with Dav safaris

Booking Kenya safari lodges with Dav Safaris ensures a seamless, well-structured experience tailored to your travel goals, budget, and preferred regions. Our team handles everything from lodge selection and park permits to domestic flights and private transfers, ensuring you stay in the right place at the right time whether it’s the Maasai Mara during the migration or Laikipia for rhino tracking. Dav Safaris works closely with top-rated lodges, from eco-friendly tented camps to luxury villas, and offers transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Our deep regional knowledge and conservation-first approach make them a trusted partner for travelers seeking value, comfort, and meaningful wildlife experiences across Kenya

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