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  KENYA SAFARI LODGES

Discover our Kenya Safari lodges and boutique properties in some of Kenya’s finest locations.

LUXURY SAFARI LODGES

The Safari Collection manages a portfolio of Kenya luxury safari lodges and boutique camps in East Africa. By choosing to stay at one (or more) of our properties, you can explore the diverse landscape and culture that Kenya has to offer. From the historical grounds of Giraffe Manor in Nairobi to the Maasai culture and density of wildlife at Sala’s Camp in the Mara, and from the rugged landscape and views of Mount Kenya at Solio Lodge to breath-taking panoramas across the arid land at Sasaab in Samburu, each lodge has a unique environment and distinct features. We also have our own exclusive mobile camp called Siruai located in north west Laikipia. We can also arrange stays with our partner properties elsewhere in the region as part of a bespoke Kenya safari itinerary.

SALA’S CAMP

An intimate camp tucked in the far south of the Masai Mara, one of the world’s most prolific wildlife areas and home to the ‘big five’. Encounter mind blowing wildlife sightings year-round, first class birdwatching, epic stargazing and from June to September the legendary wildebeest migration which thunders right past. A truly authentic Kenya safari adventure of a lifetime.

A Moroccan inspired lodge perched high on a cliff, boasting spectacular views over the surrounding wilderness of Samburu-land in northern Kenya. Enjoy thrilling game drives, camel safaris, quad bike adventures, mind-blowing helicopter trips to the remote north, enlightening Samburu village visits and fly-camping under the stars. The opportunities for adventure here are endless.

SOLIO LODGE

A tranquil and luxurious retreat exclusively located on a 19,000 acre rhino breeding sanctuary, surrounded by a 45,000 acre ranch. Marvel at unbelievable numbers of both black and white rhinos, surrounded by an abundance of other wildlife. Unwind with wilderness walks, bike-rides and horse-rides, or explore mountain tops and great lakes by helicopter.

GIRAFFE MANOR

A historic manor house nestled in the leafy suburbs of Kenya’s capital city and true haven for lovers of wildlife, fine dining and exceptional service. Its unforgettable bucket-list breakfast with giraffes will delight guests of all ages. Enjoy afternoon tea with endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, indulge in a massage and visit local attractions.

THE RETREAT

Located just 80m away from the main Manor House, The Retreat at Giraffe Manor shares the same tranquil outlook over the forested giraffe sanctuary. Designed to provide the perfect beginning or ending to any African safari, The Retreat offers an exquisite wellness experience for our Manor House guests as well as a day room facility for guests of The Safari Collection portfolio who require a stopover in Nairobi.

An exclusive mobile camp, Siruai offers spectacular views over the Laikipia plains and Mount Kenya. Siruai allows you to feel immersed in nature without compromising on comfort. You will make unforgettable memories during your stay as you sleep under the stars, relax around an open campfire at night, kayak down the Ewaso Narok River and breakfasting beside hippo pools.

BEST SAFARI LODGES IN KENYA

Our collection of four stunning properties offers some of the best safari lodges in Kenya. Because each one is so unique and showcases a different part of Kenya’s diverse landscape, when taken together they offer an unbeatable combination of all that is incredible about this magical part of the world. The diversity of experiences available across our collection really enables our guests to do more than just ‘scratch the surface’ of East Africa. Land and explore some of Kenya’s most remote and wonderous geographical features in our private helicopter; take a camel ride to sundowner rock looking out over Samburu wilderness; discover what happens at some of the sustainable local farms we support, including a scented rose farm and a business growing aromatic herbs for use in the delightful bathroom products we use. The professional guides at each of our properties are deeply connected to the landscape, wildlife and culture, allowing guests to gain fascinating insights and come away with a profound understanding of what they have witnessed and where they have been.

Our safaris are authentic, meaningful and immersive. If you’re looking for travel that encompasses adventure, epic wildlife, bucket-list dreams, spa luxury, relaxation, world-class cuisine, conservation, community experiences and more, then our collection of the best safari lodges in Kenya will certainly satisfy your travel wish list. From the avid-photographer to the serenity-seeking spa lover, The Safari Collection is a perfect choice for every type of safari-goer. At each of our properties, guests are able to experience unforgettable and exciting encounters with East Africa’s incredible wildlife. From the famous big five to the countless species of birds, reptiles, primates and more. Witness unbelievable numbers of black and white rhinos at Solio Lodge living alongside all manner of other species. Get closer than you ever imagined to endangered Rothschild’s giraffes at Giraffe Manor and hand feed them over a breakfast like no other. Experience the mighty circle of life in the Masai Mara at Sala’s Camp, from top predators including lion, leopards and cheetahs, to baby hippos wallowing on muddy riverbanks and grazing herds of wildebeest, zebra and antelope as far as the eye can see. At Sasaab in Samburu there are all manner of interesting species to encounter, including the ‘Samburu special five’ which are only found in this area of northern Kenya.

What’s so attractive about all four of our properties is their intimate nature. Enjoy a feeling of seclusion and exclusivity and the opportunity to truly connect with the wilderness. With just a handful of rooms at each location, guests enjoy high levels of personalised hospitality. Our teams love getting to know each of our guests and finding ways to make their stays as memorable as possible. Whether it’s a surprise private dining experience out in the bush or returning from a game drive to find a crackling fire and deep bubble bath waiting in your room, you can rest assured that our team derive great satisfaction from creating special moments for our guests. These personal touches are just one of the reasons why many guests rate our properties as the best safari lodges in Kenya.

BEST LODGES IN KENYA

If you’re looking for an epic safari that also makes a meaningful impact, then The Safari Collection properties are some of the best lodges in Kenya. We passionately believe that sustainable tourism holds the power to make a positive difference to wildlife and communities. By uniting high-end travel with conservation goals, community initiatives and a commitment to genuine sustainability in all areas of our business, safari travel is a powerful force for good. At each of our properties, we aim to make a positive impact on the wildlife and communities living nearby. Find out about the range of health, education and conservation initiatives we support through our Footprint Foundation .

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we follow a Thoughtful Food philosophy at all our camps and lodges. This means that our guests get to enjoy fresh and delicious food that has been sourced with genuine thought given to its footprint. Each of our properties has its own kitchen garden so our chefs have access to the most nutritious organic ingredients. Palm-oil and plastic packaging are banned and we do what we can to make everything from scratch, keeping food miles down and homemade deliciousness at a high! For scrumptious fresh ‘farm to fork’ style safari cuisine, The Safari Collection properties are some of the best lodges in Kenya.

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JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

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Welcome to JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

Addressing the recent flooding at jw marriott masai mara.

Although the tents are elevated & reinforced 6 meters above the ground, 3 were damaged due to riverbank erosion. Our team are restoring their entirety to ensure the highest quality our guests expect. The remaining areas are structurally sound, requiring minimal repairs. Guests were escorted from their tents and transferred via helicopter to the airstrip. Chartered flights were organized to Nairobi. The local community faced substantial challenges, with several homes destroyed and access to amenities restricted. In response, we’ve provided essential supplies and our associates planted 100 trees as part of our ongoing commitment to the environment. Our rebuilding efforts will include safety measures such as riverbank stabilization, the installation of lifeboats, life jackets and an alarm system will be activated if the water level rises above the designated meter, and a safe haven constructed. Our proactive measures aim to ensure the safety and comfort of all who visit and work at JW Marriott Masai Mara.

Rooms & Suites

Featured amenities on-site, hotel information.

Check-in: 2:00 pm

Check-out: 10:00 am

Pets Not Allowed

Service animals only

Complimentary On-Site Parking

Sarabi Restaurant

Savour diverse, locally-inspired cuisine freshly prepared to suit your own distinctive tastes in a breathtaking setting. A culinary journey awaits al fresco at the veranda. It's a wonderful place to experience breakfast or dinner during your Mara visit.

A nourishing and relaxing outdoor space that fosters authentic connections while striving to honor the surrounding natural environment.

Sarabi Breakfast

Indulge in a delightful spread of freshly baked pastries, hearty omelets, and gourmet coffee at Sarabi Restaurant.

Fig Tree Lounge and Deck

Be inspired by the simple beauty of the world around you as you sip on meticulously crafted drinks infused with fresh ingredients at our Fig Tree Lounge and Deck.

More Ways to Enjoy Your Stay

Enjoy an unforgettable experience at our luxury spa. We understand your need to regenerate holistically and offer locally rooted organic products and treatments for the Whole You experience.

Fitness Center

Enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness while still focusing on your fitness at our hotel gym.

GETTING HERE

Talek River, Masai Mara Reserve, Masai Mara, Kenya, 00100

Safari land cruisers;on request

On-Property

Local Shuttle Complimentary

Property Details

Accepts: Credit Cards

Concierge desk service

Languages spoken by staff: English

For more information about the physical features of our accessible rooms, common areas or special services relating to a specific disability please call +254 797-222999

Accessible on-site parking

Van Accessible on-site parking

Accessible Entrance to On-Site Pool

Entrance to On-Site Fitness Center is Accessible

Entrance to On-Site Spa is Accessible

Main Entrance is Accessible

Meeting Spaces are Accessible

On-Site Restaurants are Accessible

Accessible Vanities

Adjustable Height Hand-Held Shower Wand

Bathtub Grab Rails

Bathtub Seat

Deadbolts on Guest Room and Suites Doors

Electronic Room Key

Guest Room and Suites Doors Self-Closing

Lever Handles on Guest Room Doors

Lowered Electrical Outlets

Mobility accessible rooms

Non-slip Grab Rails in the Bathroom

Roll-in Shower

Toilet Seat at Wheelchair Height - Toilet for Disabled

Transfer Showers in Guest Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

The check-in time at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is 2:00 pm and the check-out time is 10:00 am.

The pet policy at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is:

Pets Not Allowed (Service animals only)

The parking options at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge are:

The property amenities at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge are:

Yes, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge has free Wi-Fi available to hotel guests.

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JW MARRIOTT® MASAI MARA LODGE

Talek River, Masai Mara Reserve,

Masai Mara, Kenya, 00100

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Welcome to ">Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club

Step into a world of natural splendor and timeless elegance at Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, where 100 acres of lush gardens, tranquil ponds teeming with trout, and majestic forest await your exploration amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kenya. Our collection of 100 meticulously designed rooms, suites, and cottages exudes refined country club charm, seamlessly blending classic opulence with modern sophistication.

Embark on an exhilarating horseback safari through the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, encounter orphaned wildlife at our local Animal Orphanage, or tee off on our pristine golf course.

With our recent certification as a premium Safe Hotel by Safe Hotels—an esteemed global authority on safety standards—you can rest assured of a secure and worry-free stay.

And let's not forget our crowning achievement: being recognized as Africa's leading hotel in 2023. Come and experience the pinnacle of luxury hospitality in the heart of Kenya's breathtaking landscapes.

In between adventures, sit back and enjoy the blissful setting of our 5-star hotel in Nanyuki. Indulgent treatments instill a sense of deep wellbeing at Riuki Spa and Wellness Center, while our two restaurants give you the opportunity to try the very best cuisine that Central Kenya has to offer against a stunning mountain backdrop. 

Unwind in a relaxed lounge atmosphere with scenic views, Zebar is also strategically located with stunning views of the second highest peak in Africa, Mount Kenya and the stunning landscapes of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. Curated wedding and event packages are also available upon request.

Accommodation

Equatorial suite.

138 sq.m / 1485 sq.ft.

One King bed. Stunning view of the majestic mountain.

Riverside Suites

73 sq.m / 786 sq.ft.

One King bed or Two Twin beds. Magnificent forest view.

Garden Suite

One King bed and one sofa bed. Private terrace overlooking the beautiful lawn gardens and coffee bushes.

Fairmont Suite

61 sq.m / 657 sq.ft.

One King bed. View of the Mount Kenya.

Manor Junior Suite

89 sq.m / 958 sq.ft.

One king bed. Unrivalled view of the mountain.

Information

Check-in 2 PM - Check-out 10 AM.

Distance is approximately 201 km from Nairobi-Thika Super Highway (3 h 30 min )

From Thika Super Highway join to Nanyuki-Nyeri highway then Proceed approximately 70km to Nanyuki town. On arrival to Nanyuki town turn right where there is golf petrol station and drive 10kms to the hotel.

Guest Services

Fairmont Savers- 15% off

Golfing in style.

Tee off with a picturesque landscape, our 9-hole, par 3 manicured golf course provides a serene atmosphere and ideal backdrop for a relaxing game of golf.

Discover a tranquil oasis, providing the perfect backdrop for a rejuvenating round of golf.

Spa at Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club

The perfect venue for a luxurious retreat.

Find your perfect activities

Hotel activities, around the hotel, mount kenya destination guide.

From seasonally inspired menus to dining experiences that will satisfy any craving, see what our chefs are preparing just for you.

Restaurants

Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club is an exclusive choice in Nanyuki for corporate and private events, up to 300 guests. Professional event planning and catering help make flawless memories.

Meetings and Conferences

Discover over 500 sq.m of versatile meeting space at the prestigious Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club.

Wedding of your dream

Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club sets the stage for unforgettable destination weddings, blending exclusive luxury with awe-inspiring vistas to create your dream celebration.

Social Events

Amidst breathtaking landscapes, our venue offers bespoke services, exquisite cuisine, and timeless charm, ensuring every gathering is truly extraordinary.

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Sustainable Responsibility

Sustainable luxury, heritage preservation, and the circular economy are integral to Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club's commitment to sustainability.

The circular economy urges sustainable sourcing, waste reduction, and renewable energy to lessen ecological footprint while promoting sustainability.

We've set up conservation measures, such as rainwater harvesting for irrigation, installing low-flow fixtures, and educating guests on water usage.

Our Zero Plastics Policy aims to minimize our impact by eliminating single-use plastics, promoting sustainable materials, and community advocacy.

We are focused on preserving the region's cultural and natural heritage through education, conservation, and sustainable tourism.

Hotel Reviews

A n. s. h. c..

Reviewed 2024-06-04

Mixed feelings

We came last year and loved it. We decided to come back this year and was very disappointed. The Garden suites are grotty. They feel dusty with those big dark blue/brown/red carpet, and apart from early in the morning, it is very dark in there. No shelf space for clothes (as reception said: But you have hangers.. indeed. 5 of them! For a family of 4). On our first night we came back to the room at 8.30pm. Kids beds were not made or unfolded. We did unfold but there were no bed sheets. We had to wait 30 min for someone to bring bed sheets. Kids became fussy because they were exhausted, and we had to cancel our plans for the evening. Service is wonderful in the dining room, but far from great else where: drinks and orders not coming for over 40 minutes. Therefore we cancelled on several occasions. Breakfast is delicious. But lunch/dinner is ok. Loads of choice, but quality is not what shines through. If you like quantity though, you will love it. Kids club was fantastic. Kids really enjoyed it. The environment is stunning, with a few on the superb garden and Mt Kenya. Very peaceful. Staff really lovely, except from staff at reception, that in my opinion could provide a warmer welcome and be less condescending. The animal orphanage at the entrance is a very special place, and worth a visit. We loved visiting it again. Considering the price, for what i was looking for, i didn't find it worth it. I would have prefered to pay for a nice lodge in a park with nicer rooms, better service and food focusing more on quality than quantity.

We can never have enough of the hospitality extended to us at Fairmont. We are truly grateful to all the staff and colleagues. Great client orientated service, great ambiance and really appreciate the attention now given to the kids via the Kids Club! They truly had a blast too.

Reviewed 2024-06-03

“Unparalleled Luxury and Exceptional Service at Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club”

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality that set the tone for my entire stay. The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly the exceptional service provided by Sharon, the Front Office Supervisor. She went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of our stay was perfect. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for guests truly stood out. Sharon’s dedication to excellence made us feel incredibly welcome and valued.

Staff very friendly and arranged for the requested room

Had asked for a room with view if possible, which was arranged and we were happy with the experience throughout the stay. Staff is always friendly and ready to help. Overall relaxing and lovely stay.

House keeping very invasive even when someone is not checking out. They should ask and not insist on when the room can be cleaned

Reviewed 2024-06-02

Good experience and hospitality

Very welcoming, friendly and genuine concern about our welfare. We enjoyed! The golf course needs some attention though

Reviewed 2024-06-01

Perfect Location

It was awesome experience. Super Friendly Staff all Departments.

Reviewed 2024-05-31

Beautiful location, very good hosts and a nice property

Awesome but short. Would love to stay abit longer to be able to explore more.

Reviewed 2024-05-29

Great location, poor management

The hotel location is idyllic with an unmatched view of Mt Kenya. The animal orphanage is a lovely experience. While the junior staff are great, they seem disempowered and scant. A minor financial issue was escalated to the Director of Operations, which made me wonder if the hotel is going through financial difficulties. Lots of unmanned spaces, also pointing to cuts in staff. I was very dissatisfied by the service provided by the Director of Operations - not the outcome itself but the demeanour. He lacked basic customer facing skills like being empathetic and friendly. Our short interaction left a bad taste. Very unnecessary as he could have communicated the same message in a friendly way and it would have preserved the positivity during my trip. To top it all, I got severe food poisoning from the undercooked sausages served at breakfast - again pointing to staffing issues. The hotel can indeed be the best hotel in East Africa albeit with substantial improvements in management and customer service training for senior staff.

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20 of Kenya’s Best Safari Camps and Lodges

Antoinette Booyse

Safari Travel Planner

Author: Antoinette Booyse - 1 October 2022

Last Update: 30 January 2024

Kenya is often thought of as the ultimate safari destination , and it’s easy to see why. The country is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos. Not only does Kenya have some of the best safari camps , but it also has many lodges, hotels, guest houses and accommodation options.

Kenya’s safari landscape includes everything from snow-capped mountains to palm-fringed beaches. Its vibrant culture is on display in bustling cities and traditional villages. Whether you’re looking for an African adventure or a relaxing beach vacation, Kenya has something for everyone.

In this post, we’ll take a look at twenty of the best accommodation options in and around Kenya:

1. Tortilis Camp, Amboseli National Park

This luxury Kenyan safari camp in the shade of beautiful acacia tortilis trees has stunning views of snow-capped Kilimanjaro  and Mount Meru in Tanzania. It offers guests roomy tents set well apart ensuring privacy, making it ideal for couples and honeymooners. However, there is a family tent as well.

The  luxurious Tortilis Camp  tents have comfortable beds, gorgeous ensuite bathrooms and private verandas. The beautiful swimming pool area, with tempting loungers invitingly set out, simply compels relaxation.

The safari camp has a private entrance to Amboseli National Park  renowned for its magnificent elephant herds. Mouthwatering Italian cuisine and superb service makes a stay at Tortilis unforgettable!

2. Ol Donyo Lodge, Chyulu Hills

Situated between Tsavo East and Amboseli National Parks,  ol Donyo  (meaning ‘large mountain’) is located on the Masai-owned Mbirikani Group Ranch. It nestles picturesquely in the foothills of the  Chyulu Hills  in Kenya’s renowned Amboseli National Park.

The lodge combines Masai culture and contemporary design to create the perfect setting for a luxury safari. Guests stay in six-roomy ensuite villas with well-appointed lounges, verandas and private plunge pools. Roof terrace star beds allow you to sleep out under the stars in a peerless experience of nature. An executive chef and his skilled team ensure fine cuisine matched with hand-picked wines and impeccable service!

The open-air hide ensures fantastic wildlife viewing. Horseback and mountain bike excursions, and expertly guided nature walks complete this unparalleled wildlife experience.  

3. Alfajiri Villas , Diani Beach

Condé Nast Traveller rated Alfajiri Villas amongst the most luxurious in the world, and they offer the ultimate in relaxation, comfort and personalised pampering. Located on stunning Diani Beach, washed by the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean, these villas ensure a magical beach holiday . Vibrant  Mombasa  is just 30km north.

All three of the exclusive-use villas come with their own personal butler service, meals tailored to your taste, and private swimming pools. A masseuse is on hand for daily massages, and the owner will personally arrange all your activities, like snorkelling, kite surfing, golf and skydiving. And you’ll enjoy some of the most delicious and freshest sea-to-table seafood you’ve ever tasted!

An excellent choice after staying at one of Kenya’s best safari camps.

4. Kinondo Kwetu , Galu Beach

If barefoot luxury in a relaxed setting is your style, Kinondo Kwetu is the place for you! Located on the pristine Indian Ocean shoreline just south of Diani Beach, this beautiful hotel is the only one on private Galu Beach.

It is surrounded by verdant coastal forests and offers water activities like swimming, sailing, boating, diving and snorkelling. Beach and forest horse riding, tennis, yoga, golf and wood-fired saunas are also on offer. You can enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach, take in a cultural visit to a local village, or book a boat trip to Paradise Lost Island.

Or just ensconce yourself in a hammock under some whispering palms with a drink or a book while the balmy Indian Ocean breezes gently waft your cares away …  

5. Loisaba Tented Camp, Laikipia

There can be few better views than Loisaba’s across Laikipia’s marvellous landscape all the way to Mount Kenya, over the 56 000-acre private conservancies. And nowhere are the views better than from Loisaba’s  magnificent infinity pool! Relax in the pool with a delicious sundowner whilst watching families of elephants forage below the camp.

Large, high-ceilinged, and airy tents all feature huge floor-to-ceiling windows and doors and windows. The sophisticated decor stylishly combines African influences with modern state-of-the-art lighting systems and showers. The service is impeccable, the food delicious, and a night in your private outdoor star bed will create an indelible memory.

Camel treks, horse riding and mountain biking excursions are all on offer, as are expertly guided bush walks to see rare species like Grevy’s zebra and wild dogs.  

6. Segera Retreat, Laikipia

Located on the rim of the Great Rift Valley,  Segera Retreat  is a sanctuary for numerous species, including endangered African wild dogs, the patas monkey and rare Grevy’s zebras.

Established by  conservationist and art collector Jochen Zeitz , this retreat offers luxury, privacy and stunningly beautiful surroundings and gardens. Coupled with excellent service, delicious cuisine, fine wines, ‘sleep-outs’ under the stars, and an indulgent spa, this unique retreat has it all.

All six thatched and superbly appointed villas have a villa attendant who takes personal care of guests during their visit. Pathways link the villas to tempting daybeds, swimming pools, and bar and lounge areas. Private decks overlook the savannah and the stunning Sculpture Garden. Guided game drives, helicopter excursions, and hidden hides ensure guests have excellent game viewing.

7. The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille, Laikipia

Snuggled into the lush hills of Laikipia’s northern escarpment, the  Ol Lentille Sanctuary combines unsurpassed views with privacy, seclusion, and opulent luxury. Its four uniquely designed, butler-served villas are ideal for honeymooners or couples on safari .

Guests can explore 40 000 acres of pristine wilderness through jogging, quad biking, horse riding, cycling and camel trekking. Guided game drives and bush walks are available, as are kayaking and river-rafting excursions for more adventurous souls.  International cuisine, fine wines and a sumptuous spa and wellness centre put the final seal on this Kenya safari tour of a lifetime!

8. Loldia House, Lakes District

Situated on one of Kenya’s earliest farms near Hell’s Gate National Park, Loldia is a luxury safari lodge that has it all – dormant volcanoes, serene lakes, mind-boggling canyons, and even hot springs!

Ideal for couples and families, it offers luxurious accommodations, fine cuisine, and flawless service. Its relaxed colonial ambience calls more relaxed and gracious times to mind where playing croquet on a velvety lawn and evenings spent talking before a fire was the norm.

A paradise for bird-lovers, Loldia has stupendous views of Lake Naivasha and the extinct volcano, Mount Longonot. Guests can see millions of flamingos on the nearby lakes, rare colobus monkeys, endangered black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, and many other species. You can enjoy boat excursions, horse riding, golf, tennis, fishing, swimming and yes, of course, croquet! And evenings soaking up the peace in front of the fire.

9. Manda Bay, Lamu Archipelago

Part of the Lamu Archipelago, Manda Island lies just off Kenya’s north coast. This gorgeous island is tailor-made for visitors looking for a far-from-the-madding-crowd escape, or a fabulous end to their African safari tour .  

Manda Bay is a tranquil boutique beach resort that offers frequent sightings of humpback whales, dolphins and turtles. A wealth of activities like swimming, waterskiing, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, windsurfing and dhow safaris is on offer. Enjoy some of the delicious food, indulge in a massage, or just relax and soak up the peace.

10. Kifaru House , Lewa

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy’s 62,000 acres lie in the foothills of majestic Mount Kenya, and is an internationally acclaimed success story of collaborative conservation between tribal communities. Luxury lodge Kifaru House is an oasis of incredible views and sweeping lawns overlooking a popular waterhole.

Home to some of  East Africa ’s most thriving populations of black and white rhinos, Lewa also houses the Big Five, cheetah and endangered Grevy’s zebras and black rhinos. Activities include game drives, walking safaris guided by Samburu rangers and an enchanting canopy walk and picnic in Ngare Ndare forest. Horse riding, camel trekking and instructive visits to local Samburu homesteads or  manyattas  will make your eco-safari even more memorable.  

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11. Lewa Wilderness Lodge, Lewa

Dating back to 1924, this innovative luxury Lewa Wilderness Lodge  is centred around the original family farmhouse of the Craig family who still run this conservation-centric resort. Guests sleep in nine beautiful, thatched cottages.

Fireplaces, inviting lounge areas and private verandas with incredible views all add to this resort’s unique ambience. Couples, families and ecotourists will all love it. Dining is either private or communal; your choice.

Activities include night and day game drives, guided walks, fly camping, tennis, swimming, horse riding, camel trekking or a visit to the gym. You can have a flight in a vintage bi-plan, or enjoy a magical canopy walk in Ngare Ndare Forest with its numerous waterfalls. A visit to Il NGwesi village will inspire you, as will meeting the anti-poaching dogs that protect this ‘safe house’ for rhinos.

12. Angama Mara, Masai Mara National Reserve

Aptly meaning ‘suspended in midair’ in Swahili,  Angama Mara’s two ultra-luxurious safari camps sit atop two koppies on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. Each enormous tent has a 10-metre-wide glass front that assures unrivalled vistas and game viewing. This includes the crocodile-dense Mara River, the scene of many a drama-filled river crossing during the yearly Great Wildebeest Migration  from August to November!

There’s a magnificent swimming pool, and you can have a massage or a workout in the gym. The camps also have Wi-Fi connectivity, childminders, and laundry facilities.

Guests enjoy game drives, guided walking safaris, hot-air ballooning and delicious cuisine and wines. Birdwatchers will be ecstatic with more than 570 recorded bird species! Photographers will love the onsite photography studio.

13. &Beyond Bateleur Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve

Bateleur Camp  enjoys a superlative location with its stunning infinity pools seeming to do just that – look out on infinity! Its two camps sit at the foot of the massive rock walls of the Oloololo Escarpment and a primaeval riverine forest. Each has nine sumptuous suites tucked away among the trees.

Each ensuite tent is furnished with fine antiques and handcrafted artefacts and has its own shaded deck with chairs and a table. You’ll even be supplied with a pair of Swarovski Optik binoculars to use during your stay, and a personal butler will look after you. Guests enjoy outstanding cuisine, candlelit dinners in a forest clearing, sumptuous bush breakfasts, guided bush walks and hot-air balloon safaris.

An ideally placed deck with tempting armchairs is so inviting that monkeys and warthogs drop in from time to time! &Beyond’s staff are renowned for their excellent service and attention to detail, making this one of the finest safari camps in Kenya.

14. Sanctuary Olonana, Masai Mara National Reserve

Intimate, luxurious,  award-winning Sanctuary Olonana Lodge  nestles scenically in a forest on a private stretch of the iconic Mara River. Apart from excellent game viewing all year round, it guarantees you easy access to the greatest wildlife spectacle on the planet – the Great Wildebeest Migration.

You’ll have the best seats in the house to see thousands of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara with its gauntlet of Nile crocodiles. The large numbers of predators that stalk them add to the excitement.

Olonana offers family-friendly accommodation in 14 spacious en-suite glass-sided suites with private decks. Game drives, sundowners, delicious dinners in the bush, cultural visits to a Masai village, scenic flights and magical hot-air balloon excursions are all on offer. There’s even a mini spa to help you relax!

15. Elsa’s Kopje, Meru National Park

This luxurious, romantic and award-winning lodge is named after  Elsa , conservationists Joy and George Adamson’s beloved lioness of  Born Free  fame. The camp is crafted into rocky Mughwango Hill just above the original campsite where the Adamsons raised Elsa in Meru National Park.

The Park is real lion and elephant country, and is famous for rhino conservation. Guests can watch game drinking at a waterhole just below the lodge.

All the ensuite cottages have incredible 360° views from their private decks with romantic outdoor bathtubs. You can enjoy bush dinners or breakfasts, picnics, guided 4X4 game drives with sundowners, and rafting on the Tana River. Or have a swim or a relaxing massage, or browse the gift shop or library. And those essentials, wi-fi and a laundry service, have not been forgotten!

16. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi

Want to have dinner with somebody  really  tall, utterly beautiful, and gentle? Then you must stay at  Giraffe Manor in Kenya’s capital , Nairobi. Built-in 1932, it’s a small boutique hotel modelled on a Scottish hunting lodge, so plenty of old-world charm!

The Manor is world-famous for its commitment to conservation and its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes. You can feed the giraffes from your breakfast table, or from the window of your second-storey bedroom.

But you will have to book well in advance – the Manor has only 12 much-in-demand bedrooms! Some of the famous people who have stayed here over the years include Brooke Shields, Johnny Carson, Richard Chamberlain, Richard Branson, Ewan McGregor and Walter Cronkite. The latter even had a resident warthog named after him! Now that’s fame for you!

17. Saruni Samburu, Samburu National Reserve

Built into a massive volcanic rock face ensuring spectacular views from its open-air cliff-top reception area,  luxurious Saruni Samburu  is known for its avant-garde design, architecture and décor. Each of the six stunning villas are unique and offer the last word in comfort.

Guests can go on both morning and evening game drives to view Samburu’s Special Five – the endangered Grevy’s zebra, the Somali, or reticulated, giraffe, the Somali ostrich, the East African or beisa oryx, and the graceful long-necked gerenuk gazelle. You can explore the ancient rock art and abundant wildlife of the region on nature walks with Samburu rangers.  Children will love the junior rangers programme, and scrumptious picnics and bush dinners can be arranged. Saruni Samburu is simply one of the best safari camps in the region.

18. Sasaab Camp, Samburu National Reserve

Sasaab luxury tented camp  has a stylish Moroccan ambience and offers riveting views of the endless plains of the Laikipia Plateau and Mount Kenya. Nine uniquely styled tents offer guests deluxe four-poster beds, spacious seating areas, en suite luxury bathrooms, ceiling fans, wi-fi, and roomy verandas with plunge pools.

A spa is available for indulgent pampering, as are in-room beauty treatments and massages. Guests are spoilt with twice-daily game drives, spotlit night drives, guided walking safaris, mountain biking, cultural excursions, camel treks, fly-camping and all-day trips to the Samburu Reserve. Superb Moroccan-styled cuisine is served, and the camp is famous for its pizzas!

19. Lentorre Lodge , Southern Rift Valley

Secluded, sumptuous and serene, Lentorre Lodge is ideal for that breakaway far from the madding crowd. Situated on the Nguruman Escarpment in the remote Southern Rift Valley, Lentorre is the only lodge on the  Olkiramatian Conservancy .  

A natural spring behind the lodge ensures a constant supply of pristine water. It also sustains a historic grove of tamarind trees where elephants still come to feast on the ripe fruit.

With exclusive access to the Olkiramatian Conservancy, guests enjoy day and night drives with unrivalled game viewing. Scenic helicopter flights are on offer, as is the opportunity to join in herding livestock with traditional Masai villagers. You can meet some baboons as they go about their daily activities, or float down the Ewaso Ng’iro River on an innertube!

20. Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp, Tsavo National Park

Named after Robert Redford’s  Out of Africa  alter ego, aristocratic safari leader  Denys Finch Hatton , Finch Hattons is a top-rated tented camp in Tsavo National Park, Kenya. The Kenya safari camp overlooks a freshwater spring that’s a potent draw-card for animals ensuring incomparable game viewing, including elephant sightings right outside the camp.

The camp has only 17 superbly appointed luxury suites with private viewing decks with heated plunge pools. Facilities include a yoga room, fitness centre, spa, home theatre and children’s entertainment room. Daily game drives, crater climbs, and scenic fights are on offer.

The sumptuous Karen Blixen Lounge simply demands relaxation, as does the library. Then add a lookout tower, a magnificent palm-fringed infinity pool, a cushion- and rug-strewn star-gazing terrace, superlative food and wine… Wow!

Choosing from Kenya’s best safari camps and safari lodges

Kenya is a land of stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. From the grassy plains of the Serengeti to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya , there is something for everyone. And of course, Kenya is home to some of the best safari parks in Africa, where visitors can see lions, elephants, and other iconic animals in their natural habitat.

Reach out to our expert team today to plan your Kenyan safari experience at one of Kenya’s best accommodations.

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Welcome to Salt Lick Safari Lodge

For decades Salt Lick Safari Lodge has been one of Kenya’s flagship lodges, famed for being among the World’s Most Photographed Lodges. A favourite amongst travellers in search of luxury accommodation, Salt Lick Safari Lodge is a luxurious safari escape set in the heart of the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary overlooking a waterhole and the vast Tsavo plains.

Salt Lick Safari Lodge’s charm is evident from the outset. Here you will savour uncompromising high standards of service, efficiency and personalised attention.

The neighbouring Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa  has a museum that displays some of the World War 1 memorabilia as part of the rich history of Taita Taveta County.

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Salt Lick Safari Lodge has 96 unique rooms, all elevated on stilts and built across two levels, with ensuite bathrooms with permanent showers and WC, and running hot and cold water. We can accommodate you in these rooms at three levels with double, twin or triple beds depending on your preferred occupancy.

See Our Wildlife Sanctuary Gallery

We hope one day you will get to see the magic for yourself, bura restaurant.

This is the main restaurant, with a capacity of 150 people; it overlooks the watering holes, serving buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with live cooking counters preparing specialty dishes. Cuisines include Pan-African, Pan-European and Pan-Asian.

Vuria Bar Lounge

The bar and adjoining shaded terrace above the Bura Restaurant provides spectacular views of the main waterhole and surrounding grasslands, and are ideal to relax and have your favourite cocktail or coffee while watching the wildlife below.

Experiential Dining

All set up in the wild open, Salt Lick Safari Lodge offers;

– Bush Breakfast – ‘Out of Africa’ dinners – Picnic Hampers

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Whether you are here to enjoy comfort, warmth and elegance or here to celebrate life’s most important milestones you will have an unforgettable time here. Have a look through our special offers to see if there is one there perfectly made for you.

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Afya Bora Spa

Afya Bora, is a Swahili word for Good Health. We have created our new spa experiences to be able to soothe, calm and nurture the body and mind. We look forward to welcoming you to our Afya Bora Spa at Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa.

Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa

Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa has until now been Africa’s best kept secret. Discover a vibrant gastronomy, beautiful nature, luxurious accommodation and outstanding cultural highlights.

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

The Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled within the Eastern Arc Range of Mountains inscribed by UNESCO as a biodiversity hotspot hosting varied endemic wildlife species and a myriad of unique flora.

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Leave a lasting impact on the environment during your stay

We plant a tree for every guest staying at either Salt Lick or Taita Hills . By doing so, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also leave a meaningful gift for the future, contributing to making the world a better place. During their stay, guests are invited to join us in planting a tree. As a token of appreciation, participants will receive an e-certificate that allows them to track the progress of their tree

To learn more about the project why not check out our dedicated site, see how the project is going and the amazing legacy it will leave.

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Located on the world famous Diani Beach, The Baobab Beach Resort and Spa is set within 80 acres of tropical gardens, overlooking the Indian Ocean. An oasis of tranquillity and serenity, the Resort’s picturesque location is nestled on a coral headland overlooking vast stretches of golden beach. Shaded by indigenous coastal vegetation and exotic coconut palms the resort stretches over 500 metres of golden beach front offering the ultimate luxury beach holiday.

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Top 10 Best Kenya Safari Lodges & Camps

Roxanne Reid is an award-winning freelance writer and editor. She has published two books about African travel. Her Africa Addict blog focuses on African travel, people, safari, wildlife, culture and villages.

Kenya offers a diversity of safari landscapes, from the Great Rift Valley to savannah, lakes, forests and mountain highlands. You’ll find wildlife such as lion, elephant and rhino, as well as the great wildebeest migration. Add on a beach break along the Indian Ocean coastline after your safari for diving or a dhow (sailing boat) trip. Given its status as a classic safari destination, it’s no surprise to find a wealth of safari lodges and camps. Here are 10 of the best Kenya Safari lodges & camps (in alphabetical order).

1. Angama Mara, Masai Mara NR

Visit the Masai Mara National Reserve for a year-round wealth of wildlife, from elephant and buffalo to big cats. It’s also home to the northern part of the annual great migration of wildebeest and zebra. At Angama Mara, each glass-fronted tent looks out over the plains of the Mara Triangle. Enjoy tree-dotted landscapes and a romantic Out of Africa picnic on the hill where scenes from the movie were shot.

Go game driving, bush walking or hot-air ballooning over the winding Mara River at dawn. Visit a Maasai manyatta (village) to learn about their age-old traditions. Enjoy a massage on your deck, gin and tonic at sunset and dinner under the stars.

Angama Mara Tours

2. Campi ya Kanzi, Amboseli NP

Enjoy a memorable safari from Campi ya Kanzi next to Amboseli National Park . Relax in your tented, thatch-roofed suite and drink in the views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Ernest Hemingway’s ‘green hills of Africa’. The small ecolodge marries comfort and an authentic safari experience in a way that protects wildlife and benefits the local Maasai community.

Go game driving or bush walking with a Maasai tracker and guide. Although the landscapes alone are worth the visit, expect to see lots of elephant in Amboseli. You’ll likely also see lion, cheetah, buffalo, hyena, zebra and giraffe.

3. Elephant Bedroom Camp, Samburu NR

Imagine riverine forest and palm groves in an otherwise dry environment. That’s the Samburu National Reserve . One of the Kenya safari camps here is Elephant Bedroom Camp, shaded by trees on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. The tents combine rustic African touches with luxury. There’s even a plunge pool on your deck.

Watch impala and elephant visit the unfenced camp and admire the stars during a private dinner on your deck. See lion, leopard, elephant or ‘specials’ like Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and long-necked gerenuk on a game drive. Walk with a Samburu guide to learn about nature and Samburu culture.

Elephant Bedroom Camp Tours

4. Elsa’s Kopje, Meru NP

Elsa’s Kopje on Mughwango Hill in Meru National Park gives expansive views over volcanic plains. Its name is a nod to the famous lion of Born Free, the 1966 movie based on a true story. The lodge is above the Adamsons’ original camp where they raised and released orphaned lions. The hallmarks of Elsa’s Kopje are its seclusion, luxury and views.

Come here for enormous elephant herds. You’ll also see buffalo, lion and giraffe, and rhino in the rhino sanctuary. Enjoy cool forests, rivers with rafts of hippo, and semi-desert plains with baobab trees. Get close to nature on a guided walk, enjoy a bush breakfast, massage or cultural visit to the Tharaka community.

Elsa's Kopje Tours

5. Kiboko Luxury Camp, Lake Naivasha

Romantic Lake Naivasha lies in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. The tents in the intimate Kiboko Luxury Camp on its shores look out over the water, making it one of the prettiest Kenya safari camps. Visit Hell’s Gate National Park and see pelican and flamingo at Lake Elementeita or Lake Nakuru nearby. Go hiking on the extinct volcanic crater of Mt. Longonot for expansive views. See leopard, lion, zebra and giraffe in Mt. Longonot National Park. Or just relax at camp with a great view and treat yourself to a massage.

Kiboko Luxury Camp Tours

6. Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Tsavo West NP

Against the backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the volcanic Chyulu Hills lies another top pick among Kenya safari lodges: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge. In Tsavo West National Park , the lodge overlooks a waterhole where elephant and other animals come to drink. Cool off in the pool, enjoy dinner under the stars and watch Akamba dancing.

Visit the rhino sanctuary or go with a Maasai guide on a game drive or bush walk to uncover the secrets of the wilderness. Have breakfast on the Roaring Rocks for an eagle’s-eye view of the landscape. In this ‘land of lions and lava’, see black lava that spewed from the earth. Or visit the green oasis of Mzima Springs among Tsavo’s red dust to see hippo and crocodile.

Kilaguni Serena Tours

7. Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Nakuru NP

Lake Nakuru Lodge is an ecolodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park . The soda lake here is on the Ramsar List of Wetlands. It is superb for birding, drawing hundreds of flamingo, pelican and other species. Don’t miss a game drive to see some 50 mammal species such as lion, rhino, buffalo and Rothschild’s giraffe. See the Makalia Falls and enjoy views of tropical forests, yellow fever trees and the lake from Baboon Cliff.

Relax on your private veranda at the lodge with views of the lake or surrounding mountains. Take a dip in the pool or stroll around lush gardens. Go horse riding, get a massage, sip romantic sundowners overlooking the lake and revel in evening dance performances.

Lake Nakuru Lodge Tours

8. Lewa Safari Camp, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Stay at the intimate Lewa Safari Camp for access to 26ha/64ac of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy near snow-capped Mt. Kenya. You’ll love your large tented suite and the views from the veranda. Go on a game drive to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, cheetah and Grevy’s zebra. Stars of the show are the black and white rhino that form one of the main conservation priorities here.

Enjoy a walk with your guide and perhaps take a picnic to the Ngare Ndare Forest to walk among the tree canopy. Ride a horse to meet wildlife on its own terms. Visit a Samburu homestead to discover their culture.

Lewa Safari Camp Tours

9. Loisaba Tented Camp, Laikipia

Resting on the edge of an escarpment in a huge Laikipia conservancy , Loisaba Tented Camp shows off with an outlook over tree-speckled plains towards Mt. Kenya. Enjoy views from floor-to-ceiling windows in your luxury tent. After an early morning game drive to see elephant, lion, leopard and wild dog, relax at the infinity pool with its wraparound views.

Go horse riding past herds of zebra and elephant. Get active on a bush walk with a Samburu guide. Spike your adrenaline with a mountain-bike ride down the escarpment. Visit a Samburu village to see how the people live and watch them dance.

Loisaba Tented Camp Tours

10. Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Aberdares

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp lies in the foothills of the Aberdares, with views of Mt. Kenya. Wildlife regularly visits a salt lick on the other side of the Ewaso Nyiro River, providing excellent wildlife viewing from camp.

Head out on a game drive in the conservancy to see the Big Five, cheetah, African wild dog, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx and Jackson’s hartebeest. Learn about the rhino conservation project here and visit the chimpanzee sanctuary. A walking safari is a chance to learn about birds, plants and tracks. Go for a picnic, visit a local community and spend evenings around the fire.

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8 of the Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Kenya

Along with Tanzania , Kenya is the archetypal African safari destination. It is synonymous with the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, and home to iconic parks like the Maasai Mara National Reserve as well as a slew of private conservancies. For those in search of a truly memorable safari experience, Kenya also offers some of the most luxurious lodges on the continent. In this article, we take a look at a few of our favorites; ranging from classic tented camps to unique private villas.

Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp

Michael Poliza / Getty Images

Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp  is located far from the crowds in the southeast corner of the Maasai Mara, near the Tanzanian border. Set in a stunning 6,000-acre private conservancy, the camp consists of just 10 luxury tents decorated in a nostalgic 1920s style that recreates the safari golden age. Each white canvas tent comes with an en-suite bathroom, while family rooms include a living room complete with a fireplace. Meet your fellow travelers for dinner and drinks in the communal mess tents; or seek post-game drive relaxation at the swimming pool and spa. Game drives, night drives, and walking safaris all take place in an area known for its abundant wildlife. 

Tortilis Safari Camp

Tortilis Camp

Surrounded by acacia woodland,  Tortilis Safari Camp is blessed with some of the best Kilimanjaro views in the business. Here, you can enjoy game drives, walking safaris and sundowners both in Amboseli National Park itself or in the camp's 30,000-acre private concession. There are 17 luxuriously furnished Makuti tents, that all come with one main bedroom, en-suite bathroom, and private verandah. For a little extra luxury, book a stay in the camp's exclusive safari house. An on-site garden provides fresh produce for delicious meals served in the main lodge, which in turn overlooks a waterhole frequented by elephants. Other highlights include a swimming pool and spa service.

Mara Bushtops

Orion Hotels

Located less than five kilometers from the main gate into the Maasai Mara National Park,  Mara Bushtops is a luxury tented camp set high on a hill within a private conservancy. Scenic valley views are a feature of the lodge's 12 5-star tents, as are private decks and hot tubs. The lounge and dining area includes a fine wine cellar, bar, and library; while the infinity pool doubles as an elevated game-viewing spot. Maasai guides accompany all game drives and walking safaris, and breakfasts can be enjoyed in the bush. When you want a change of scene, book a visit to a local school or Maasai village. Mara Bushtops is also renowned for its full-service Amani Spa. 

Campi ya Kanzi

Campi ya Kanzi is a unique camp built at the foot of the Chyulu Hills in southern Kenya, on communal land owned by the Maasai. Both socially and ecologically responsible, the lodge features six tented cottages and two suites, each with breathtaking views and a personal Maasai butler. If you're traveling as a group, consider booking the private Kanzi House. Meals are accompanied by spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro or enjoyed beneath a canopy of stars. On your safari, you will benefit from the knowledge of a native Maasai tracker. Special Campi ya Kanzi experiences include walking safaris into the Chyulu Hills cloud forest, horse riding and scenic Kilimanjaro flights. 

Sasaab Lodge

Sasaab Lodge is located on Samburu communal lands in northern Kenya, near the Buffalo Springs National Reserve. Perched above the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, it offers magical views across the Laikipia Plateau towards Mount Kenya; and nine luxurious, Moroccan-themed tents. All are very secluded and come with an open-air bathroom and private plunge pools. The communal area is perched upon a rocky ridge with incredible views of the river below. Samburu guides will take you on a walking safari, camel safari or traditional 4x4 game drive. Keep an eye out for regional specials including the gerenuk antelope, the Grévy's zebra, and the reticulated giraffe. 

Ol Donyo Lodge

Nestled at the foot of the Chyulu Hills, the  Ol Donyo Lodge  is located in between Amboseli and Tsavo East National Parks. Its uniquely decorated guest suites and villas boast private plunge pools and dramatic views that stretch all the way to distant Mount Kilimanjaro. Each one also has a rooftop star bed accessed via a winding stone staircase. There's an infinity pool, a massage service and an elegant dining area with an impressive wine list. Spend your days exploring the lodge's stunning surroundings on a game drive, horseback safari or guided bush walk; or immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a Maasai village. Fly-camping can also be arranged. 

Loisaba Tented Camp

Escarpment views and chic Africana furniture are defining features of  Loisaba Tented Camp . Located in a private conservancy on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau, the camp offers six tent suites and three family suites, all with polished wood floors, private verandahs, and rainfall showers. When you're not in your room or out on safari, spend time socializing at the infinity pool or in the open lounge and bar. Activities range from visits to Samburu villages to horse riding, camel trekking, and fishing. You can even visit the sniffer dogs used by the conservancy's anti-poaching patrol. For a truly unforgettable stay, book a night in one of the  Loisaba star beds , owned by the same company. 

Lewa Safari Camp

Lewa Safari Camp 

Famous as the place where Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge stayed ahead of their Kenyan engagement in 2010, Lewa Safari Camp has access to 65,000 acres of private game viewing. Each luxury safari tent has its own verandah and en-suite bathroom, while the camp's communal areas include a sparkling swimming pool and a sitting room with an open log fire. Gourmet meals include afternoon tea and evening canapés. Whether you choose to join a game drive, a guided walk or explore on horseback, keep an eye out for Lewa's black and white rhinos. The conservancy also boasts the world's largest concentration of endangered Grévy's zebras.

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Top 14 Safari Lodges In Kenya 2023

Kenya is one of the most renown countries for an African safari – best known for the Great Migration and the Maasai Mara National Park, it has other amazing game parks including the Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, and Lake Nakuru National Park. Kenya is also home to Mount Kenya which can be found in the Mount Kenya National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Safaris in Kenya consist of a guided excursion, either by safri vehicle or on foot. Professional guides will lead you through the parks, pointing out animals and plants explaining the various relationships between the animals and their habitats. You might even be able to take a hot air balloon flight over a park to get a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife below.

A safari in Kenya allows you to explore the local culture as well as view beautiful wildlife. Many safaris include trips to Maasai settlements, where you can learn about these legendary warriors and cattle herders’ traditional way of life.

When deciding where to stay on a Safari in Kenya it is important to consider which areas you want to visit and the kind of experiences you wish to have.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a wildlife reserve in southwestern Kenya that borders Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The reserve is named after the Maasai people who live in the area and comprises 1,510 square kilometers (580 square miles).

The Maasai Mara is famous for its spectacular wildlife, and it is regarded as one of the greatest places in Africa to observe the “Big Five” – elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Many other species live there, including cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and many varieties of antelope.

The reserve is well-known for its annual wildebeest migration, which occurs from July to October each year known as the Great Migration. Millions of wildebeests, zebras, and antelope migrate from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara at this time in search of fresh grazing and water. The migration is a breathtaking spectacle that draws thousands of people each year.

Cultural activities are also a fantastic highlight of visiting the Maasai Mara. Visitors can experience how the Maasai live during a cultural tour, including their traditional home, diet, and everyday activities. Students can also learn about the Maasai’s close relationship with cattle, which are seen as a sign of prosperity and prestige.

Traditional Maasai activities such as spear throwing, leaping competitions, and dancing are also available to visitors. These activities, which are accompanied by singing and chanting, offer a unique glimpse into the Maasai’s rich cultural legacy.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli is well-known for its vast elephant herds, which can be viewed throughout the park. Other wildlife species found there include lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and a variety of birds.

The sight of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, is one of the delights of Amboseli National Park. On clear days, visitors may view the mountain’s snow-capped peak towering over the park’s plains. The combination of wildlife and mountain views creates an amazing experience.

Visitors to Amboseli can enjoy a variety of activities such as game drives, guided nature walks, and bird watching. Photographers visit the park to capture the breathtaking beauty and wildlife on film.

You can also take part in cultural tours from the Amboseli National Park.

Tsavo National Park

Mzima Springs, a series of natural springs that provides fresh water to the park’s wildlife, is one of Tsavo National Park’s highlights. Visitors to the springs can take a guided tour and see the crystal-clear water as well as the hippos, crocodiles, and other creatures that reside there.

Tsavo is also known for its breathtaking landscape, which includes rough hills, vast plains, and volcanic landscapes. The landscapes of the park make for a spectacular backdrop for wildlife viewing and photography.

Tsavo National Park visitors can engage in a variety of activities such as game drives, guided nature walks, and bird viewing. The park also includes a tour to a typical Maasai village where visitors may learn about their culture and way of life.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is located in central Kenya, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Nairobi. It is named after the alkaline lake that dominates the park and has an area of 188 square kilometers (73 square miles).

Lake Nakuru National Park is well-known for its diverse birdlife, particularly its resident flamingo population. Millions of flamingos live in the lake and feed on the algae that blooms in the alkaline water. Other bird species that can be found in the park include pelicans, cormorants, and storks.

Our Top 14 Luxury Safari Lodges In Kenya

There are a number of fantastic luxury safari lodges in Kenya, each lodge offers its own unique experiences, tastes and style. Here are our top 14 lodges to stay at while on safari in Kenya.

1. Angama Mara

Angama Mara is perched on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding plains.

The lodge is divided into two camps, each with 15 luxurious tented suites. The tents are fashioned in a classic safari style with modern facilities and are designed to optimize the views.

Angama Mara is inspired by the Swahili phrase that means “suspended in mid-air.” Angama Mara is a spectacular safari lodge overlooking Kenya’s Maasai Mara, regarded by many to be the most beautiful game reserve on the continent.

The lodge is divided into two camps, each with 15 luxurious tented suites. The tents are fashioned in a classic safari style with modern facilities and are designed to optimize the views. The lodge also has a private airfield with access to the Mara below, tailor-made safari days, and a notably warm Kenyan welcome.

Angama Safari Camp, an exclusive-use movable tented camp located deep in the Mara Triangle and amidst the giant herds during the Great Migration, complements the lodge superbly.

2. Mara Plains Camp

Mara Plains Camp is a luxury tented camp in Kenya’s Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The camp provides a luxurious safari experience with first-rate service and amenities.

The camp is made up of seven luxury tents, each with its own balcony and en-suite bathroom. The tents are decorated in an exquisite, safari-style with modern facilities and are designed to fit into the surrounding nature.

Mara Plains Camp is well-known for its excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. In addition, the camp provides a variety of activities such as game drives, guided hikes, and cultural trips to Maasai villages.

No other Maasai Mara camp provides the enormous traversing area that Mara Plains Camp does, with access to 40,000 hectares of private conservancy land and the world-renowned Maasai Mara, home of the Great Migration.

3. Porini Lion Camp

Porini Lion Camp is a luxury safari camp in Kenya’s Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The camp is located in a private conservancy, making for a more private and intimate safari experience.

The camp is made up of ten spacious and exquisite tents, each with its own private veranda and bathroom. The tents are designed to blend in with the surrounding wilderness and have solar-powered lights and hot water.

While picking your Maasai Mara Hotel, avoid the tourist hotspots and go for a more authentic safari experience. The award-winning, eco-friendly Porini Lion Camp provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to go on guided walks with Maasai Warriors and enjoy day and night safari game drives within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy.

4. Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is a safari camp located in central Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The camp provides a one-of-a-kind and authentic safari experience, with an emphasis on sustainable tourism and conservation. Ol Pejeta is located in Laikipia County in central Kenya, overlooking the ragged slopes of Mount Kenya. The environment varies from wetlands and savannah to acacia and yellow-green fever tree thickets.

The camp is made up of six luxurious tents, each with its own bathroom and balcony. The tents are designed to fit with the surrounding bush, providing a private and personal safari experience.

The conservancy is noted for its innovative conservation activities, such as efforts to protect and conserve endangered species such as the northern white rhino.

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is open June – April and closed in May, and it welcomes families and children of all ages.

5. Ol Seki Hemingways Mara

The Ol Seki Hemingways Mara is in the Naboisho Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara Reserve. The conservancy restricts access to clients staying in the region and provides an extremely exclusive safari experience. The lodge is made up of nine exclusive tents that provide amazing views as well as the best Kenyan hospitality anyone could ask for. There is no such thing as a typical day in Ol Seki Hemingways Mara. The lodge is tiny and attempts to personalize every day to your preferences, making your time in the Mara an unforgettable safari encounter.

In the Maasai Mara, wildlife is abundant all year, and game viewing is feasible at any time. The weather and accessibility of particular regions, however, vary according on the rains, which often arrive between May and June and in November.

6. Mara Nyika Camp

Mara Nyika Camp, which means “Great Plains,” is an intimate Great Plains Conservation Réserve-Collection safari tented camp nestled in a valley and is an ideal setting for your Kenya safari. The camp is hidden beneath the treetop canopy on the western edge of the Naboisho Conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara.

All of the suites provide guests with breathtaking views of the plains. The walkways connecting the guest suites to the main area have the feel of a treehouse under canvas. The ethos and motivation of the camp are one of exploration and adventure. Mara Nyika Camp values privacy. Privacy to live, think, explore, be passionate, and be pampered – all with one of Africa’s most magnificent landscapes.

7. Saruni Mara Camp

Saruni Mara is a luxury safari lodge in Kenya’s Lemek Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The lodge provides a luxurious safari experience with first-rate service and amenities.

Each of the lodge’s six exquisite suites and one family home has a private veranda and an en-suite toilet. The cottages are decorated in a contemporary African style with modern conveniences and are designed to integrate with the surrounding nature.

Saruni Mara is well-known for its excellent wildlife viewing chances, especially for big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. In addition, the resort provides a variety of activities such as game drives, guided walks, and cultural trips to Maasai settlements.

8. Sasaab Lodge

Sasaab’s architecture, perched on the edge of a river valley, combines Swahili and Moroccan design principles, with the African heat as the key issue. Each of the nine canvas-sided rooms exceeds 100m2, with private plunge pools and breathtaking views across the Laikipia Plateau and Mount Kenya’s jagged peaks. Its elevated position over the river allows it to observe the elephant herds that come to bathe below, as well as a variety of other animals.

Sasaab Lodge is well-known for its excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, notably for Samburu-specific species such as the gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, and Grevy’s zebra. In addition, the lodge provides a variety of activities such as game drives, guided walks, and cultural trips to surrounding Samburu villages.

9. Ololo Safari Lodge

A small safari lodge on the outskirts of Nairobi National Park in Kenya. The warmth and comfort of a home are combined with seamless style and personalized care at Ololo Safari Lodge. Ololo, a historic Kenyan homestead that has been turned into a modest lodge, is wonderfully positioned on the lovely banks of the Mbagathi River, which forms the Nairobi National Park’s southern border.

The resort is only a 45-minute drive through the park from Nairobi and both major airports, but its remote position feels a world apart. Ololo brings you the pleasures of excellent ‘paddock to plate’ fresh food. Our established and isolated gardens allow guests to settle in and enjoy a one-of-a-kind safari experience.

10. Finch Hattons

Finch Hattons is a luxurious tented camp in Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park. Denys Finch Hatton, a great big-game hunter and explorer who was famously linked with Karen Blixen, the author of Out of Africa, inspired the camp’s name.

The camp has 17 beautiful tented suites, each with its own private veranda and shower. The tents are fashioned in a classic safari style with modern comforts and are designed to fit into the surrounding wilderness.

Finch Hattons is well-known for its outstanding service and customized attention to visitors.

11. Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge in Tsavo West National Park is a tranquil, hushed, and cool refuge framed by Mount Kilimanjaro and the rolling, volcanic landscapes of the deep green Chyulu Hills. It immerses you in stunning beauty and exhilarating adventures while surrounding you with every modern comfort. Our classic stone style enchants arriving guests, as do views of elephants, buffalo, and other plains animals drinking and cooling off in our water hole.

Tsavo West National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and other antelope species. The park is also famous for its breathtaking scenery, which includes spectacular hills, volcanic cones, and the Mzima Springs.

12. Elewana Tortilis Camp

Tortilis Camp is a luxury safari camp in southern Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. The camp is located on a hill overlooking the park, with breathtaking views of the surrounding environment and Mount Kilimanjaro.

The camp is made up of 16 spacious and exquisite tents, each with its own private veranda and shower. The tents are fashioned in a classic safari style with modern comforts and are designed to blend into the surrounding nature.

Tortilis Camp is named after the Acacia Tortilis, a flat-topped umbrella thorn tree, and embraces a hill in one of Amboseli’s Acacia Tortilis woodland regions. Situated in a private conservancy abutting the national park, guests can enjoy wildlife drives, walks, sundowners, and bush lunches both inside and outside the national park.

13. Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge was designed for those with an African dream and a desire for adventure. The safari lodge offers an elegant blend of stark beauty and sumptuous comfort in the heart of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, with Mount Kilimanjaro standing majestically just beyond the golden, acacia-specked grassland.

The two-bedroom family rooms features a bedroom with one king bed, a second bedroom with two twin beds, a common bathroom, and a private terrace overlooking the spectacular grasslands of Amboseli National Park.

14. Porini Amboseli Camp

Porini Amboseli Camp is an eco-friendly safari camp in southern Kenya’s Selenkay Conservation Area, next to the Amboseli National Park. The camp is located in a private conservancy, making for a more private and intimate safari experience.

The camp is made up of nine spacious and exquisite tents, each with its own own veranda and shower. The tents are designed to blend in with the surrounding wilderness and have solar-powered lights and hot water.

Contact Secret Africa

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Email: [email protected]

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Richard Branson's New Kenya Safari Camp Is the Best Hotel in the World

It's a place where you can get a world-class dinner, cozy up in the finest bedding, and maybe run into a zebra on the way to the bathroom.

In 2007, Sir Richard Branson was made a Maasai Elder. The entrepreneur, traveler, and knight was bestowed the honor for "bringing prosperity to the land" through his new venture Mahali Mzuri , a luxury safari camp located in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy in Kenya. Now, nearly a decade and a half later, the camp is a must-visit destination for world travelers. Need proof? It was voted best hotel overall worldwide in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards 2021.

"Through a relationship with Jake Grieves Cook, formerly Chair of the Kenya Tourism Federation and now operating a partner camp in the neighboring conservancy, Richard was made aware of a severe environmental threat to the Maasai Mara ecosystem," the resort's website explains as to how the camp came about. "Jake proposed that Richard and a number of others invest in the area with a view to expanding the protected area for the benefit of both the local community and wildlife alike." From there, Mahali Mzuri, which means "beautiful place" in Swahili, was born.

At the safari camp, guests can sleep in one of its 12 luxury tents amid the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Though really, calling these accommodations "tents" doesn't really do them justice. Inside each tent, guests will find an ensuite private bath, cozy bedding, leather furniture for lounging, grand clawfoot soaking tubs, and expansive windows and doors that open up to a massive deck so guests can watch the sun come up, go down, and everything in between.

"Due to Mahali Mzuri's excellent location on the Kenyan plains, you'll have a front-row seat, not just to the annual great migration, but also to the abundant game you can see all year round," the hotel adds on its website. "Our super stylish tented suites make for the perfect retreat during your stay. We can cater for up to 24 guests in the camp at any one time, so you are guaranteed peace and quiet, as well as excellent customer service at all times."

And though the camp is located in some rather remote wilderness, its chefs still manage to cook up world-class bites each and every night. At the camp, guests will dine on pan-African cuisine using locally sourced produce, and even get the chance to dig into bush BBQs, champagne picnics, and of course, experience the famous safari "sundowner."

As for activities, well, there's really only one reason you're here: game drives. And this camp more than delivers.

"A number of lion pride territories meet in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy which can make for some interesting encounters as the different groups battle for dominance," the hotel notes. "The area is also home to roughly 150,000 Loita wildebeest that don't make the annual migration south and seem content to 'loiter' all year round! Of course one of the biggest draws to the area is the annual 'Great Migration,' which sees up to one million wildebeest plus hundreds of thousands of zebra, gazelles, and other game undertake a journey of roughly 1,600km through Tanzania and Kenya."

Ready to see all the animals, taste the delicious food, and experience the best in hospitality in Kenya? See more about the camp and book your stay at this beloved spot here .

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Swimming Pool Closure Notice

In our quest to improve the guest experience and overall comfort with fun activities at Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa, we are carrying out a complete alteration and renovation of the swimming pool. This is aimed at enhancing our facilities and elevating the overall guest experience.

We anticipate the renovations will be finalized by August 15, 2024.

Welcome to Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa

Located at the main entrance to the Sanctuary, Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa is an inviting stone building of 60 spacious rooms and two suites, all with their own private viewing balcony. It has a museum that displays some of the World War 1 memorabilia as part of the rich history of Taita Taveta County.

Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa is located at the main entrance to the Taita Hills Sanctuary in South Eastern Kenya, 400 km from Nairobi and 200 km from Mombasa. An hour flight from Nairobi or 30 min from Mombasa by private charter lands at the hotel’s own airstrip. The sanctuary is a 3-hour drive from Mombasa and a 6-hour drive from Nairobi on tarmac roads.

Book direct with us to ensure you get the best deals

You will get a better price, with the ability to deal with the hotel directly, and unlock exclusive perks, accommodation.

Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa has two elaborate suites and 60 well-appointed standard rooms with stunning views of the lush gardens surrounding the lodge, the beautiful free form swimming pool and some have exclusive views of the watering hole

Chala Restaurant

This is the main restaurant serving buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with live cooking counters preparing specialty dishes. Cuisine includes Pan-African, Pan-European, and Pan-Asian. The Salad buffet has a wide variety of salads using the fresh ingredients and herbs from the resort’s own vegetable and herb garden. The Dessert buffet has a selection of mouthwatering desserts. Vegetarian dishes are always available, and guests with any special dietary requirements are also catered for.

Taita Hills Bar & Lounge

Offering eclectic selection of new world and classical wines, this beauty is the ideal place to relax and unwind with friends.

Experiential Dining

Champagne breakfast.

A unique experience of dining in the wilderness on a sumptuous breakfast accompanied by champagne. The Breakfast includes live cooking against the backdrop of the Taita Hills and grassy plains of the Sanctuary.

Bush Dinners

The beautiful landscape sets the backdrop for a bush dinner at Kudu Point, the highest location in the Sanctuary. Spectacular sunsets and magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro – weather permitting – compliment a truly unique experience as you sip sundowners and experience a barbeque in the wild, accompanied by a trio of local musicians.

Picnic Hamper

For guests who want to enjoy longer game drives, the lodge offers a picnic hamper with light meals and beverages.

Outdoor Catering

What we offer includes.

• Site visits by a hawk-eyed team
• Full waiter and bar service with managerial supervision.
• No radius limit.
• Have transportation details arranged.
• Customized catering services via our event contacts (We sub-contract on behalf of the client).

Garden Kitchen

Indulge in a garden kitchen experience where we cook food from our own garden & fish pond as you engage in cooking activities with your family, team, colleagues, or friends.

Special Offers

Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa has until now been Africa’s best kept secret. Our special offers on the vibrant gastronomy, beautiful nature, luxurious accommodation experiences and outstanding cultural highlights awaits you. Take advantage!

Baobab Beach Resort and Spa

Located on the world famous Diani Beach, The Baobab Beach Resort and Spa is set within 80 acres of tropical gardens, overlooking the Indian Ocean. An oasis of tranquillity and serenity, the Resort’s picturesque location is nestled on a coral headland overlooking vast stretches of golden beach. Shaded by indigenous coastal vegetation and exotic coconut palms the resort stretches over 500 metres of golden beach front offering the ultimate luxury beach holiday.

Salt Lick Safari Lodge

For decades Salt Lick Safari Lodge has been one of Kenya’s flagship lodges, famed for being among the World’s Most Photographed Lodges. A favourite amongst travellers in search of luxury accommodation, Salt Lick Safari Lodge is a luxurious safari escape set in the heart of the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary overlooking a waterhole and the vast Tsavo plains.

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

The Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled within the Eastern Arc Range of Mountains inscribed by UNESCO as a biodiversity hotspot hosting varied endemic wildlife species and a myriad of unique flora.

Explore . Discover .Experience. Conserve

Plant a Tree - Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

Leave a lasting impact on the environment during your stay

We plant a tree for every guest staying at either Salt Lick or Taita Hills. By doing so, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also leave a meaningful gift for the future, contributing to making the world a better place. During their stay, guests are invited to join us in planting a tree. As a token of appreciation, participants will receive an e-certificate that allows them to track the progress of their tree

To learn more about the project why not check out our dedicated site, see how the project is going and the amazing legacy it will leave.

If you have any questions or wish to find out more about us then please do not hesitate to get in contact with us, we will be happy to help. We hope to see you soon for an experience that you will not forget!

[email protected]

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Tsavo, Tsavo National Park West Kenya

(+254) 011 094 3787 (+254) 075 588 8221

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Our Outdoor catering & banqueting product specializes in corporate hospitality, catering for a wide range of occasions from corporate events, conferences, business lunches, office parties, Christmas parties, birthday celebrations, social events and weddings.

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Direct Booking

Ready to book your stay at The Emakoko? Book directly with us for the best rates.

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City to Safari, in a Heartbeat

Your stay at The Emakoko

Choose between our luxury Cliff Suites, River Suites, or our Private House. Make yourself at home.

Luxury Suites

The Emakoko features 10 safari suites of which 5 are positioned against the cliff and 5 along the lower river bed. While our Cliff Suites boast remarkable views, our River Suites are ideal for guests who prefer to be in closer proximity to the main lodge area.

The Private House

Our exclusive-use safari villa features two ensuite bedrooms, a shared living area, and a private pool, making it the perfect option for families or friends. Its elevated position offers panoramic views and seclusion.

Experience total relaxation and ultimate adventure.

Our unique location makes our experience offering as vast as our landscapes. From private game drives and city day trips to leisurely days next to our swimming pool and in-room massages, we invite you to enjoy the best of both safari and city at The Emakoko.

Uncover the best of both worlds, nature in the city.

Prolific for its unique location bordering Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi National Park is both the oldest and smallest park in Kenya. Established in 1946, the park is home to predators including lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena as well as other large mammals such as buffalo, black rhino and giraffe. Located a short 45-minute drive from Nairobi’s major airports, The Emakoko is the ideal alternative to a city hotel when traveling to Kenya.

Touching the community and protecting our wildlife.

Owners, Anthony and Emma Childs have placed great emphasis on creating a culture of sustainable tourism within their business. The Emakoko facilitates independent Community Outreach projects and aids The Kenya Wildlife Service in support of protecting Kenya’s endangered Black Rhino through conservation fees.

Life on the edge

A home, rather than a destination, we strive to bring you excellence in hospitality.

Owner run and operated, the story of The Emakoko.

With their commitment to sharing the romance of Africa with their guests, Anthony and Emma Childs welcomes you to your home-away-from-home in Kenya’s oldest National Park. Supported by their dedicated staff and grounded by their children, the Childs will transport you to an experience unlike any other at The Emakoko.

Discover our stories from the edge

Discover our exciting field notes, guest stories, and the latest developments from our life at The Emakoko.

On the 11th of March 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. What happened over the next two years was beyond comprehension.

Happy New Year

And so the extraordinary year of 2020 has finally drawn to a close. I have never been so happy to see the end of one year.

The end of 2021

Another year has gone by and wow, what a year it has been. It has been very long, very worrying and very tiring.

Between Heaven and Earth

About Angama

More than a place, Angama is the simple belief in looking after one another — our guests, our team and our neighbours, both human and wild.

Swahili for ‘suspended in mid-air’, Angama offers high-touch safari experiences in one-of-a-kind locations across East Africa.

A Different Style of Safari

Breathtaking views, warm Kenyan service, contemporary African design and intuitive guiding are just some of Angama’s signatures. Meet our lovely properties below:

Angama Mara

The flagship lodge sitting 1,000 feet in the air overlooking the Maasai Mara, where days are spent exploring its incredible wildlife diversity and guests are always spoiled for choice. Each of the Tented Suites are perched along the Great Rift Valley’s edge, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls providing unparalleled views.

Angama Amboseli

An intimate lodge of just 10 suites in a private sanctuary, renown for its density and diversity of wildlife. Set in a Fever Tree forest against the famed backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, here is where some of the last Super Tusker elephants roam.

Angama Safari Camp

Find yourself amidst the action of the Great Migration and the Mara’s abundant wildlife in this light-footprint tented camp. With a 13-member private staff — a Camp Host, Butler, Chef, two Guides — including two private vehicles. Staying in the park means two hours of extra game drives at times when the animals are most active (before sunrise and just after sunset).

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Endless Ways to Spend Your Days

Days at Angama are as action-packed or as gentle as you prefer. Home to Africa’s great mammals, guests in the Mara can experience everything from hot-air ballooning to beading with the Maasai Mamas. In Amboseli, Kimana Sanctuary is yours to explore whether on foot, at night — or simply stare at the mountain and watch the clouds float by.

ANGAMA MARA & ANGAMA SAFARI CAMP

ANGAMA AMBOSELI

ANGAMA MARA

The Perfect Stay

We’re often asked, ‘How many days should one stay’? The truth is, there is never enough time, but the perfect stay might look something like this:

Touchdown at Angama Mara’s private airfield where a warm Kenyan welcome awaits you. Enjoy a delicious lunch out on the baraza while taking in the breath-taking view of the Mara below and the endless sky. After you settle into your tent, meet your Guide and descend into the Mara Triangle and begin your adventure.

Head out early on a full-day exploration of the Triangle. Enjoy a picnic breakfast or lunch — or both — under a desert date tree somewhere in the middle of nowhere, along the Tanzanian border. After an exciting day out, return to the lodge just in time for the sundowner Boma, as you sip on a gin and tonic while enjoying a Maasai warrior performance.

Join one of our Maasai naturalists and discover the Great Rift Valley on foot, learning about the flora, fauna through a traditional Maasai perspective. Back at your tent, enjoy a pampering massage on your private deck then spend the afternoon on a long lazy lunch in Shamba, or head out for a delightfully slow safari.

A very early start to catch a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the Mara plains. Toast the morning’s flight with bubbles and a delicious breakfast in the heart of the Triangle, before a gentle safari back to camp in time for lunch and an afternoon at your leisure by the swimming pool. Tonight, experience Angama Mara’s lantern-lit signature Forest BBQ.

Head off on a morning drive followed by breakfast on the deck of your tent. Lunch is a romantic affair, recreating the magical picnic scene from the classic movie, Out of Africa, on the very site it was filmed. Later, join the Maasai Mamas in the Beading Studio and try your hand at their craft or ask them to bead something for you.

How to Get Here

Both Angama Mara and Angama Safari Camp are just a short 45-minute flight from Kenya’s capital of Nairobi. Guests can travel on the multiple daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, or opt for a private charter straight to Angama’s airfield from Nairobi’s main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International.

Angama Amboseli is also reachable by daily scheduled 45-minute flights from Nairobi or by private charter directly to its airfield.

Various international airlines, as well as the national carrier, Kenya Airways, offer direct flights to Jomo Kenyatta International from hubs all over the world.

Guest Reviews

“out of africa“.

We stayed for 5 nights at Angama Mara and we were so sad to leave. Apart from the wonderful wildlife including predators, the ambience of the camp was remarkable. Most important, the staff here couldn’t have been more attentive. Our butler Caroline was a real sweetheart and couldn’t do enough for us. Our guide Jackson showed great skill in discovering elusive predators. I am writing t …

The most amazing place!

Where to begin? My Husband and I found ourselves out of words to describe how amazing our stay at Angama Mara was. It was truly the most amazing trip we have ever been on. Especially thanks to the staff! We just kept saying we couldn’t believe what we were experiencing. We booked a signature stay which included a hot air balloon ride, massages, an Out of Africa lunch & private saf …

Remarkable!

This place is incredibly special. Our group of 4 ladies visited over the summer and had a wonderful time. The property is exceptional, as are the views. We enjoyed every aspect of our stay, but our favorite part was the people. The staff go above and beyond to make the entire experience extraordinary. We made such special memories and I can’t wait to bring my family and kids bac …

Incredible honeymoon

Wow where to even begin…. We had the most incredible time at Angama for part of our honeymoon. From the moment we were picked up at the airstrip to the second we left on our plane, the service, hospitality, and every little detail of our trip far exceeded any of our wildest dreams or expectations. Truly the best trip we have ever been on, and my husband and I are pretty seasoned trave …

Absolutely Stunning, incredible experience

Not sure where to start, but this lodge is fantastic and the whole experience truly memorable, I couldn’t recommend enough. From getting picked up from the Mara airstrip by our Guide for the week Jeremy, who I can’t praise enough, nothing was too much and his knowledge was incredible, plus his obvious and clear love of nature was enduring…This is such a special place, we was planning …

This place is heaven on earth!!!

It is hard to find words to convey the beauty of Angama Mara. High up on the escarpment overlooking the Mara, the views are just incredible. Add to that the warmth of welcome and care from all of the Angama staff, slick modern dining spaces, beautiful luxury tented rooms, amazing food and all the delights of the Mara on the doorstep, it really is a taste of heaven on earth. The highli …

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Welcome to Finch Hattons

A luxury tented camp in the Heart of Tsavo West National Park, Kenya

Finch Hattons is an award-winning tented camp offering guests the ultimate safari experience in Kenya. Renowned for our personalized Kenyan hospitality and unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation and culture, our luxury tented camp promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa, where every detail is designed to recreate the luxurious and exclusive atmosphere of our rich history and heritage.

Finch Hattons. Always yours. Always welcome.

More than 30 Years of Timeless Safari at Finch Hattons

Your Place, Your People, Your Kenya

Since 1993, we’ve welcomed guests from around the world to experience the timeless wonders of Tsavo. Together with the Kenya Wildlife Service, we’ve protected our wildlife habitat and its breathtaking biodiversity, making it one of the greatest in the world.

We are thrilled to continue welcoming familiar faces and first-time visitors to Finch Hattons as we celebrate more than 30 years of operation. Our tailor-made luxury safari experiences capture the magic that is Tsavo, creating unforgettable memories in the hearts and minds of our guests. From Flying Safaris to Long-Stay offers, every experience has been thoughtfully crafted just for you.

Kenyan Hospitality

Celebrating our people.

Discover the heart and soul of Finch Hattons

Our hospitality is defined by gastronomical adventures, impeccable service, and unforgettable safaris into the African wild. We take great pride in calling Tsavo our home with our roots firmly planted in Kenyan soil. Our intimate knowledge of the area and its unique characteristics allows us to provide guests with a truly authentic experience that reflects the very essence of Kenya.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Finch Hattons tribe.

Our Luxury Tented Suites

Built with sustainability and privacy in mind, our camp features 17 luxury tented suites offering panoramic views of the natural springs and surrounding landscape. Our award winning, architecturally designed suites blur the lines between the indoors and the outdoors with an open plan design welcoming the cool African breeze and the harmonious sounds of nature calling from the African bush.

Create an intimate connection with the treasures of Tsavo from the comfort of Finch Hattons, where hospitality and Kenyan flair is nothing short of world-class.

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Luxury Experiences at Finch Hattons

Find tranquillity and adventure in our corner of Africa

Whether you’re marking a milestone occasion or seeking a solo adventure into the African Wild, Finch Hattons has the means to make every stay with us a memorable one.

Unwind at our award-winning Chyulu Spa and indulge the senses in a bliss of tranquillity. Join our local game guides and witness the wondrous wildlife our Tsavo has to offer. Explore the hidden mysteries of the undulating Chyulu Hills, one of only two in Kenya, and the grandeur of our granite monoliths. Young explorers delight in the educational adventures curated by our Young Explorer’s Club, while lovers, groups and new friends gravitate towards the burning boma to recount the tales of the day.

Timeless Safari

The spirit of tsavo.

Step into the extraordinary at Finch Hattons

Tsavo West National Park is Kenya’s oldest and largest national park, covering nearly 22,000 square kilometres of boundless space, varied terrain, and unrivalled biodiversity. From riverine forests and semi-arid shrublands to volcanic lava fields and prehistoric granite monoliths, Tsavo’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems yearn for exploration.

The protected land is home to Africa’s Big 5 and more, including over 12 000 elephants that roam the Tsavo plains. Witness the majestic dust bathing rituals of our red elephant herds as you become familiar with the native calls of our bountiful birdlife species.

Beyond the remarkable landscapes and abundance of wildlife, the spirit of Tsavo is truly spellbinding, leaving an imprint on the hearts and souls of travellers who have witnessed its glory.

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Your journey to a timeless African Safari begins at Finch Hattons. Learn more about our camp, our stories and the true meaning of luxury safari experiences.

Discover 4 Spectacular Luxury Safari Holiday Spots in Kenya

When it comes to an authentic Luxury Safari Holiday, Kenya is the number one destination in Africa.

Discover Kenya’s Wonders: A Luxurious Safari Adventure

Imagine an odyssey through Kenya, where breathtaking landscapes teeming with wildlife intertwine with unparalleled luxury and adventure.

Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp joins Virgin Limited Edition

Virgin Limited Edition eyes growth as it announces new property in Kenya to add to its exclusive portfolio of luxury retreats.

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Reservations: Tel: +254 70 953 4000 Weekdays: 09:00 - 17:00 & Sat: 09:00 - 13:00

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Set in 200 acres of private land, and with a rustic charm all of its own, the lodge nestles in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro which, at almost six thousand metres, is Africa’s highest and most famous snowcapped mountain.

Set in one hundred and fifty acres of grassland studded with Acacia bushes and trees, the resort is not only home to our resident giraffe, waterbuck and both Vervet and Colobus monkeys, but it is also a night stop for the hippos when they leave the lake every night to come and trim the grass on our expansive lawns.

Located on a range of hills that form the western limits of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, the lodge offers spectacular views over the vastness of Africa. The lodge also overlooks Lake Nakuru and its surrounding National Park, one that is a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife lovers alike.

Famous for the abundance of lion, the Great Wildebeest Migration and the Maasai people, well known for their distinctive custom and dress, it is without a doubt one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations.

Located inside the Samburu National Reserve in Northern Kenya, Samburu Sopa lodge is built atop high ground allowing panaromic views of the vastness of Samburu shrub land and the hills beyond.

Built to blend in with the vastness of its surroundings, Tarangire Sopa Lodge lies hidden among the kopjes, ancient baobab and grasses of the Tarangire National Park - home to the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa. Many can be seen around the lodge, allowing visitors a close encounter.

Welcome to the Sopa Lodges

Throughout time, the haunting images of East Africa’s myriad landscapes have captured the hearts and souls of most discerning travelers. Perhaps one of the few places left on earth where adventure still awaits, this evocative land of rolling savannas, dense forests, mighty mountains, rivers, lakes and unparalleled wildlife provides a unique backdrop for a truly memorable experience.

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The best safari holidays in Kenya

By Geordie Greig

The good news is that the lion you hear grunting outside your tent on the plains of Kenya ’s Maasai Mara means there are plenty of animals to see. Even better, as long as you stay inside your tent at night you are completely safe.

Welcome to the wonders and worries of life on safari in this animal idyll in East Africa. Where to go? What to wear? Will I be safe? All key questions for a safari in Kenya, one of the most beautiful and thrilling places to see animals in the wild.

Nothing beats a heart-stopping moment of seeing a lioness feed her six cubs or a leopard snooze in the top branches of an acacia tree. You get shockingly close to elephants and their young crossing a river and witness thousands of wildebeest stampede a river in the Great Migration. The Maasai Mara, Kenya’s best-known savannah, is safari heaven: a vast tribal area with conservation areas and public parks that mean wonderful wildlife is guaranteed. But a safari in Kenya can also be somewhat intimidating for the first time traveller.

Essential is a good camp guide who can be like having your own private David Attenborough, recognising fork-tailed drongos and showing you why a hippo has four toe marks in the sand while a rhino has three. They zip you in jeeps from your camp across plains, over rivers and under dramatic ridges with proper anthropological knowledge and charm.

Also key to any trip is advance planning. First, get jabbed a month in advance – Yellow Fever is mandatory, a number of other vaccines are advised by the NHS , and malaria pills are essential (start a day in advance and for 10 days after). Tourist visas can be obtained online in advance.

Below, we cover everything the would-be safari explorer needs to know when planning a trip to Kenya. Take these key tips so as to avoid having to make an SOS call to your travel agent.

What do I need for a safari in Kenya?

Layers are key – you can always take items off. Hot as Africa can be, early morning game drives can be cold. Avoid bright colours and stick to basic T-shirts or shirts (preferably khaki or grey) and light trousers. Tough trainers are fine. Bring a jersey and warm(ish) jacket that zips or buttons up. Tan leather bomber jackets – easily found second-hand on eBay – are perfect.

You are likely to be flying to your camp in a small plane with less than 15kg of soft luggage. So be ruthless – three shirts are plenty as most camps do overnight laundry, for example. The key essentials are as follows: sunglasses , sun protection, and a hat. Less is more.

Kenya conveniently uses UK three-pin plugs for charging phones and laptops. A torch, Kindle, camera and binoculars are the only hardware needed. Don’t forget to bring dollars in small notes to tip – there are no ATMs in the wild.

Which safari is best in Kenya?

The area around Nairobi has attractive conservation areas, the most popular being Nairobi National Park, Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha as well as the Aberdare Mountains. The biggest name is the Maasai Mara National Reserve, home to some of Africa's best year-round game viewing as well as the annual Wildebeest Migration.

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The further north you travel, the drier and hillier the landscape becomes. But there are still superb safari options here, including Samburu National Park, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Laikipia. The more arid conditions suit species like gerenuk, the Somali ostrich and Grevy's zebra. Lewa is also the best place to see rhinos. On a clear day, Mounts Kenya and Meru are visible. This is the best place to see snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Kili actually lies in Tanzania, but Kenya's Amboseli National Park is so close to the border that it has incredible vantage points.

This part of Kenya is wetter and the terrain more varied: Amboseli, for example, is a beautiful mix of open savannah, wetlands, woodlands and hills, ideal for a wide variety of species, from bat-eared foxes to elephants. Nearby are the Chyulu Hills and Tsavo East and West National Parks.

Way down on the south-eastern coast is some of Kenya's best beaches . Hit Diani and nearby Galu for top beach lodges and water sports like kitesurfing. Head to Funzi Island for snorkelling and diving. I was asked for a bit of Indiana Jones with a side of luxury for my honeymoon . Kenya is exactly that.

Where to stay on safari in Kenya

The many different camps vary from maharajah-grand to plain and unadorned. These are two of our favourites.

Great Plains Mara Expedition Camp

The sound outside our tent was a zebra’s yappy bark. Amid a grove of 7,000 trees, this could pass as the inspiration for Out of Africa. Just a 50-minute hop in a small plane from Nairobi, comfort and wilderness magically combine here – a camp that is truly in the wild, with just six tents in the Maasai Mara. They are a throwback to Edwardian glamour. Campaign desks with leather-covered chairs, cotton sheets, an en-suite bathroom with copper fans and brass showers, and WiFi, all under canvas – it’s all more country house than camping discomfort. Hot water 24-hours a day is solar powered. Vegetables are grown on-site and prepared by an exceptional chef who whips up fruit roulade, fennel and garlic soup and mint-scented lamb kofta. At this camp, the Big Five (except rhinos) are likely to be seen on game drives in open-sided Land Cruisers with a free-loan long-lens digital camera. Great game-viewing takes place with guides by balloon, foot or jeep. This is a camp that majors on authenticity and charm.

Mara Plains Camp

Not far from our tent, a leopard sat on the fork of a desert date tree. There is a Moroccan feel to this camp on wooden stilts and roped walkways in the Maasai Mara. It is a tented temple to camping comfort: a copper bath, leather luggage trunks as tables, a king-sized bedroom and a vast room for children. The early morning game drive from Mara Plains Camp includes a hot water bottle to ease the early morning chill. All is as eco as possible with solar power and not an inch of plastic. Your own metal water flask ice is -filled every day. The spa room opens onto acacia dotted plains. The game drive guides know their stuff, down to the gestation period of a warthog. This is nature in tooth and claw on your doorstep. A leopard scuttles away from a Topi antelope it has caught, as 16 hyenas snarl and fight for a bite. A dazzle of 1,000 zebras dots the veld. The camp’s reception area for its six tents is lit by candles and lanterns. Guards with torches escort you to your tent and cheerily warn that the noises heard in the night are likely to be hippos or a lion – so enjoy the sounds, but stay inside.

When is the best time to go on a safari in Kenya?

Avoid the rainy season in April and May. The high season runs from June to October when the massive wildebeest and zebra herds are on the move in their hundreds of thousands from about August to November.

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First Safari - 13 night East Africa in July 2024 - Kenya Forum

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Here is our itinerary:

6th - Arrive in JRO at 7:30 am and have guide pick us up and drive straight to Tarangire for 2 nights at Tarangire Baobab Tented Camp or Tortilis Camp.

7th - Tarangire

8th - Drive to Ngorongoro Crater for 1 night at Oldeani Mountain Lodge or Tortilis Camp

9th - Drive or Fly? to Central Serengeti for 2 nights at Mawe Tented Camp or Tortilis Camp

10th - Central Serengeti

11th - Drive or Fly? to Northern Serengeti for 3 nights at Gnu Mara River Camp or Nyikani Migration Kogatende Camp

12th - Northern Serengeti

13th - Northern Serengeti

14th - Fly to Masai Mara, Kenya and stay in Naboisho Conservancy for 2 nights at Basecamp Wilderness or Encounter Mara Camp

15th - Mara

16th & 17th - Had planned to Fly to Amboseli, but now considering flying to Ol Pajeta Conservancy? We wanted to see Kili in Amboseli, but heard it is not as likely (and less accommodations that are available) and so we'd love to see Rhinos at Ol Pajeta for final park visit. This is our last big decision. The other alternative is to use the 2 days and add it to Mara and one other location, or Arusha in beginning.

18th - Fly to Nairobi for final night

19th - Nairobi sights until flight in evening

So, I'd love to get inputs on where the best spot would be for our last park - Amboseli or Ol Pajeta?

Inputs on these accommodations - good or bad?

Inputs on where we definitely need to fly and where we can drive. We are open to either.

Input on rest of itinerary as far as seeing the migration (I doubt it will be in Kenya in mid July, so I hope it will be in Northern Serengeti.

Last we are late in planning and will we be able to get necessary Visas in Tanzania and Kenya airports for each country?

Any suggestions for ending tour in Nairobi and some local great food for last dinner and lunch there?

Last, is anyone familiar with the Kenya TO Aardwolf Africa Sarai Adventures. They are registered in Kenya and have been great to work with so far and competitively priced. They just don't have many reviews, but the ones they have are great. I'd like to use them, but am just a little uneasy since they don't have lots of reviews.

Thanks so everyone. We are just anxious to get these last details resolved and finally booked.

6 replies to this topic

I can understand your dilemma; a broken arm is really messing with my safari schedule.

On your routing-

I think from a cost basis it makes sense to do the 6th-14th as a classic overland trip utilizing a single guide and vehicle. While there is a lot of driving, a lot of that time will also be game viewing. For example, going from the central Serengeti to the northern Serengeti.

How to spend those last 2 days- I like Amboseli; it’s a GOOD safari location. The problem is that you are going to spend the previous 9 days at GREAT safari destinations. I’ve been lucky enough to see Kili; it was nice but not earth-shattering.

I haven’t been to Ol Pejeta or Laikipia so can’t judge them. A lot of folks really enjoy their time there and the activities available.

I like to have a buffer day at the beginning of the trip. Traveling from the states to East Africa is tough; I need the rest-day to get acclimated. I don’t think it makes sense to spend my first expensive safari day jet-lagged. Others are fine rolling right into safari. I think it matters if you can sleep on the plane .

I say if the activities at Ol Pejeta really interest you go there otherwise use one or 2 of those days in the Serengeti or Mara.

I’ll chime in on your Ol Pejeta vs. Amboseli question because I think Visually has handled the rest wonderfully, and I agree with all of it (especially more time in Naboisho, I don’t think you’d regret that!)

I’ve been to both Amboseli and Ol Pejeta. Amboseli is outstanding for elephants. I haven’t had as good elephant sightings since I went there. However, what Visually says about Amboseli possibly being a letdown following other very very productive locations is very accurate. I was just in Ol Pejeta in January and loved it. I had been there on my first Kenyan safari several years ago and forgot how good it really is. I had strong sightings of the big 5 (yes even leopard!) and the rhino sightings were spectacular. A very very memorable trip. Add in the excursion to “meet” the last two northern white rhinos on the planet, and you have a great stop for those two days. I highly recommend Kicheche Laikipia in Ol Pejeta if they have availability. Great camp, great staff and a wonderful watering hole right at the common area with nonstop wildlife.

I don't think we need a day in Arusha at the beginning since we are stopping for 2 days in Paris when we get there for a little break in the flight schedule. So, I think we'll be fine to start the safari the first day - especially since we get in very early and will have some down time after lunch at Tarangire before the afternoon game drive. Of course, now I wish we had just one two more days for the safari, but our flights are already booked and I'm sure this is a common problem and I'm pretty happy with the time we have.

If all you want to see is rhinos, head back to Nairobi for that last day and do a couple of game drives in Nairobi National Park (which I love). NNP has a very healthy population of both black and white rhinos and guides who are there all the time know how to find them easily. If your budget allows, the Emakoko is a lovely place to decompress before you head home (and get those game drives in!)

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Kenya Hotels and Places to Stay

• A guide to some of the most popular tented camps and safari lodges
• What will the weather be like?

Experience Luxurious Conservation at South Africa’s Premier Eco-Safari Retreat

The beauty of Singita is that it’s one of those rare brands that actually cares . What do I mean by this? In an age of rapid expansion, growth, and money-making, Singita is the exception. The brand, from the very beginning, has all been about protecting and preserving  Africa’s wildernesses, a philosophy, founder Luke Bailes, has continued to grow and foster across each of Singita’s swish lodges and camps for the last 30 years. Sure, at surface level, it’s all glitz and glam, but beyond all the polished silver, luxe digs, and fancy amenities is a brand that works with a cobweb of regional not-for-profit conservation partners, researchers, local communities, scientists, and anti-poaching maestro across one million acres spread over six wondrous ecosytems. In short, Singita is the nexus; the pinnacle of an African safari experience that gives as much as it takes. It is, as I like to say, a prime example of luxe doing good. 

Out of the brand’s sixteen lodges, Boulders Lodge , tucked away in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, remains after almost three decades, one of the best. Unlike its next-door neighbour and sister lodge, Ebony, the vibe at Boulders is a little more demurer exclusive. That’s not to say it’s not welcoming…no, on the contrary, here, the vibe is to be as elusive as a cheetah meandering the bush. As per the Singita standard, its swish turn-of-the-century colonial chic set to a paired-down mood that oozes and epitomises the superfluity of the African safari experience. Think natural palettes of blacks, greys and vivid colour pops of reds, oranges and dusky yellows set against fossilised tree stumps, novel African art pieces and found objects.

As for the people that stay at this lodge, designer labels reign supreme on this well-heeled, well-travelled crowd. The location is just as eye-poppingly gaudy. Cabanas and decks overlook the boulder-strewn (hence the lodge’s name) Sand River, which is often visited by curious and thirsty game, from elephants to giraffes and the odd buffalo around the clock. 

Digs? Demi glass palaces (think LA pad in the bush) and villa 10 are the best. Views spy the river and rapids and offer plenty of chances to spot game day and night, and a mega bonus is that you even have your own turnstile for swish private access to your jeep come early morning safari. Plunge pool, private deck, sun loungers, and other nick-nacks in the form of sculptures and handmade shamanic-esque totems also give the suite that extra dose of African razzamatazz. 

On the safari side, it’s beautifully curated and tailored to what you want to see. My guide Andrew and expert tracker of 18 years, Lewis knew I was into photography, the Big Five, a moment under the Milky Way, cheetah spotting, and a chance encounter with a pangolin, one, if you didn’t know it, is part of nature’s so-called “impossible five.” As per the Singita way, we saw everything, bar the pangolin (it really is that impossible). Drives typically last three to four hours, depending on the season, but if you fancy staying out longer or all day, the guides will abide and show you everything the South African wilderness, from the game to the insects, has to offer. 

Grub? A sit down with Singita’s consultant chef Simon Orviss and head sommelier Luke Herholdt shines a light on the sorcery behind the lodge’s foodie magic. As expected, all the food is seasonal and sourced locally as per the brand’s commitment to a sustainable Africa. While you can order whatever you like, menus have been designed to exclude certain dishes to encourage guests to avoid adding to their carbon footprint. The result, local caught game from kudu to ostrich. The result is a creative medley of dishes that not only taste delicious but also save the planet in the process. Think tasty avocado mash-ups, lean game, and healthy salads without the food coma. 

Overall, while some come close, nobody competes with Singita. It’s everything an African safari should be: mindful, curated, and expertly passionate about preserving what makes this continent so very special: its flora, fauna, and beautiful people. 

Top Takeaways

Location: Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, South Africa 

Rating: Five-star 

The vibe: Eco-conscious modern safari chic with an unmatched conservation effort and mission to preserve the bush for Africa’s future generations. 

Food + Drink: You can order anything you want, but the deliciously well-curated breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus are designed to keep you going for longer, especially for those early morning game drives. 

Amenities: Restaurant; Bar; Outdoor swimming pool; Gym; Spa; Boutique on-site. 

Our Favourite Thing About the Hotel: The staff. They are exceptional and will do everything in their power to ensure you have the best time ever. 

Nearby Attractions: The bush! 

Closest Airport: Johannesburg. Transfers aboard Federal Airlines or private jets can be arranged via concierge or directly with Singita. 

Other Articles You May Like:

• Africa’s Best Luxury Safari Lodges
• A Guide to Kenya’s Boutique Hotels
• This Is the Most Luxe Safari Spot in South Africa

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