One of the highlights on a trip to Kenya is an African Safari, zooming through the African bush in search of elusive wildlife and getting up close and personal with the big five. Safaris usually happen over several days and depending on which park you choose to do your safari in Kenya you will also need safari accommodation. Safari accommodation in Kenya ranges from basic budget camping in tents to luxury hotels or luxury tented camps and Kenyan safari lodges surrounded by wildlife. In this post we asked top bloggers for their recommendations for the Best Safari Lodges in Kenya, here’s what they had to say.
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Ngulia Safari Lodge in Tsavo West National Park
Ngulia Safari Lodge is located in the Ngulia hills of Tsavo West National Park. The lodge overlooks the Ngulia black rhino sanctuary and has views of Mount Kilimanjaro to the west. It is a mid-range safari lodge in Kenya and has a pool overlooking the African bush and a watering hole which is the main source of entertainment for guests.
The Ngulia lodge also has a leopard feeding station where a huge cut of meat is hung out every night to attract the resident leopards, definitely worth getting out of bed at 3am to watch the feast! The lodge is decorated in a traditional African style and has plenty of comfortable seating areas for wildlife viewing, including from the main bar and restaurant which look out over the watering hole and the Ngulia hills which is a busy through fare for herds of buffalo, elephants and zebra.
The rooms at the Ngulia are basic but functional and they all have a balcony where you can sit out and see the wildlife. The cost for a couple to stay in a basic double room starts from $115 USD per night which includes breakfast and evening meal. Click here to check availability or book a room.
Ololo Safari Lodge in Nairobi National Park
Recommended by Nadine from The Expat Mummy
Ololo Safari Lodge is a mid-level safari lodge, that occupies a prime position right on the edge of Nairobi National Park. You cross from Nairobi National Park to the lodge by swinging rope bridge and enter a paradise of thatched charm, impeccable service and 5-star food. Ololo offers various accommodation options from a family cottage to a luxury honeymoon suite and basic stable rooms.
Nairobi National park is the jewel in Nairobi’s crown. A vast area of savannah, rivers, valleys and forest that sits within Nairobi’s city boundaries and is filled with safari animals of all shapes and sizes. Lion, leopard, rhino, cheetah, buffalo, hyena and more fill this glorious park that sits incongruously next schools and shops and tower blocks. These aren’t tame animals; these are wild animals that just so happen to live in Kenya’s capital city and Ololo Safari Lodge has a bird’s eye view over it all.
The lodge has a pool with views over the park, sunbeds to lounge on, a garden full of birds, hyrax and cheeky monkeys and the most incredible views over the park. Food is served in their thatched restaurant, on the deck or on the lawn and its excellent fare. Sip sundowners on the deck, and spot leopard, lion and rhino from the safety of your seat.
Cost for standard stable rooms is 320 USD per night, per couple inclusive of breakfast and dinner. Click here to check availability or book a room.
Mara Bush Camp in Masai Mara National Reserve
Recommended by Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Does glamping in the Maasai Mara sound like a dream come true? Then the Mara Bush Camp is the perfect dreamy safari camp in Kenya for you. Nestled next to the Olare Orok river which attracts water buffalo and hippopotami. Nearby in the Mara, you can spot the Big 5 Safari animals.
After your safaris, head back to the camp to relax at the lounge. You can talk with other travellers at the bar or relax in your tent. With canvas walls and roof, you’ll feel like you’re camping. The solid floor, full mattresses, and patio furniture make a very comfortable stay. Even when you’re not out on safari, you can spot hippos from your patio!
Even though there aren’t any restaurants in the bush, you do not have to worry about going hungry! The chef is very friendly and talented – making incredible dishes all day! The staff of Mara Bush Camp goes above and beyond to make your Kenya safari a dream come true! The staff can organize walking tours in the bush, a private meal, or even a hot air balloon ride over the Mara.
The service, location, and amenities make Mara Bush Camp is one of the best safari accommodations in Kenya! Click here to check availability or book a room.
Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp & Loisaba Star Beds in Loisaba Conservancy
Recommended by Nicole from Go Far Grow Close
One of the most extraordinary places to stay in Kenya is at Loisaba Tented Camp and Loisaba Star Beds in the Loisaba Conservancy in northern Kenya. They are two different spots offered by the same company, a short drive from each other.
Loisaba Tented Camp is a small luxury Kenya safari lodge that is perched on top of an escarpment with breath-taking views of the Laikipia valley and Mount Kenya. From atop, you can easily view animals below as they move naturally through the valley or head to watering holes. The attention to detail in the tents is like any 5* hotel with every need provided, including soft comfortable beds, fine linen and beautiful bathrooms. Each tent is totally private with unobstructed views of the valley.
Extraordinary activities offered are walking, horseback riding, or camel riding safaris, in addition to the more usual day and night driving safaris.
Loisaba Star Beds is a 10 minute drive away. This is a much smaller but equally luxurious complex of only a few “rooms” (again tented) perched on top of a rocky outcrop or on stilts above the trees with views to the river and valley below. At night, your bed is rolled out from inside the room to the front patio where you sleep under the stars. With only warm blankets and mosquito nets around you, you are “camping” in luxurious comfort all the while feeling close to nature and the animals below.
If you are planning a trip to Kenya, both spots would make it an extraordinary experience.
Click here to check availability or book a room at Loisaba Tented Camp.
Click here to check availability or book a room at Loisaba Star Beds.
Giraffe Manor in Nairobi
Recommended by Cecily from Groovy Mashed Potatoes
The Giraffe Manor is an exclusive luxury boutique hotel and may be one of the most famous hotels in the world. One of the best safari accommodations in Kenya, you may have seen lucky travellers all over Instagram posting about their incredible experience having breakfast with giraffes. The Scottish influenced 1930s manor sits on 12 acres of private land and is home to the AFEW Giraffe Centre, a giraffe sanctuary that helps endangered Rothschild giraffes.
There are many fun things to do besides having breakfast with the giraffes, such as feeding them from outside your hotel room in the morning, having afternoon tea on the terrace, visiting the Giraffe Centre, and pampering yourself at the spa.
You can only visit the Giraffe Manor as a hotel guest, but it will come at a hefty price. Rooms start at $875 USD per adult per night, but it’s worth the splurge if you can save up for it. It includes all of your meals which are delicious, afternoon tea and activities with the giraffes. Bookings go fast, so you will need to plan at least a year in advance.
Giraffe Manor is conveniently located just 30 minutes away from Nairobi’s international airport, meaning that you won’t have to take any domestic flights to get there.
Voi Safari Lodge in Tsavo East National Park
Located high on a hillside in Tsavo East National Park is the Voi Safari lodge. One of the best mid-range safari lodges in Kenya the Voi offers panoramic views over the African bush including from all of the guest rooms, the restaurant and the pool area. These unspoilt views are not the only reason to visit Voi for however, they also have an underground hideout which is a hidden gem for viewing wildlife. The viewing area is situated right next to the on-site watering hole where you can get really up close and personal with wildlife coming from all around.
The lodge also has a pool overlooking the watering hole for guests to use and it is a welcome relief from the African sun, there is also a poolside bar and a casual lounge area where you can get alcoholic drinks and soft drinks. The restaurant is a round building high up on the complex and has far reaching vista views over Tsavo East National Park.
The rooms were comfortable and clean with prices for a couple starting $145 USD per night for a double room. Click here to check availability or book a room.
Sopa Lodge in Lake Nakuru
Recommended by Dee from Well Worn Heels
Located on a hill, Lake Nakuru Sopa lodge displays the Sopa Lodges’ signature offering – spectacular views and great service. This mid-range safari lodge overlooks Lake Nakuru and the surrounding National Park. Rooms are spacious, clean, comfortable, and the curved glass windows offer lots of natural light.
Sitting on your patio, drinking Kenyan tea or a cup of coffee (your choice), and watching the sunrise over Lake Nakuru is a memory that will stay with you for a long time. Lake Nakuru is a great stop on your Kenyan Itinerary and Lake Nakuru Sopa lodge might be the perfect base for you/your group.
While staying at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge you can go on safari drives, bird watch, go on nature walks, and have lunch at baboon cliffs but watch out for baboons looking to share your meal. The area is also known for millions of flamingos and its rhino population that reside here. Save an afternoon or a full day to stay at the lodge and go swimming in the pool, or simply enjoy the Zen-like atmosphere at the lodge.
Prices range from $240 – $430 USD for a couple depending on the season. Children under the age of 3 stay free of charge. The lodge offers 2 wheelchair accessible rooms, and all rates are on a full board basis. Click here to check availability or book a room.
For more Kenya inspiration check out these related posts:
- Best Safari Destinations in Kenya
- Tsavo National Park Safari: Complete 3-day itinerary.
- Diving in Kenya, an Incredible Dolphin Dhow Safari
So there you have it the 7 best safari lodges and hotels in Kenya as recommended by travel bloggers. I hope we have inspired your next trip to Kenya. We have certainly added a couple of these safari lodges in Kenya to our travel wish list.
Have you stayed anywhere amazing in Kenya? Tell us all about your experience in the comments!
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