The Definitive Guide to the Best Safari Lodges in Kenya

If there’s one thing that sets Angama Mara apart from the many other lodges in the Mara Conservancies, it’s the views. Its privileged location atop the Oloololo Escarpment provides panoramic vistas of the Maasai Mara, making it a prime spot to witness the annual Great Migration.

The lodge itself is outstanding, boasting beautiful tented suites with private decks and picture windows. Get in touch with your creative side at the photography and beading studios.

If you want to see the Great Migration, the best time to visit Kenya is July–September. Angama also operates a seasonal tented safari camp during these months, putting you even closer to the action.

Blending the comfort of a luxury lodge with the authentic atmosphere of a tented camp, Sasaab is our favourite place to stay amid the arid plains of Samburu. Its 11 rooms feature canvas walls that open up to the surrounding wilderness, plus private verandas and plunge pools.

The lodge collaborates closely with local programmes to promote conservation, protect endangered species and support health and education in the community. You can participate in various cultural experiences and visit nearby villages and markets to meet Samburu community members.

Sasaab is one of the best safari lodges in Kenya for families, featuring two spacious family suites. It also has an exceptional spa offering various wellness treatments.

Since it was founded more than 50 years ago, Lewa Wilderness has been setting a shining example for safari lodges in Kenya.

Located in the private Lewa Wildlife Conservancy – known for its large populations of black and white rhinos – this family-run lodge has just nine cottages and an intimate atmosphere.

It’s also one of our Positive Impact properties, with a strong focus on supporting environmental education and community healthcare.

You can venture beyond the limits of Lewa Wilderness on a three- to five-night ‘Walking Wild’ safari: an adventure that involves exploring the area on foot and sleeping in mobile tents.

The 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve in the Laikipia region is known primarily for its thriving rhino population; in fact, it’s the country’s top sanctuary for both black and white rhinos.

Solio Lodge is the only accommodation within the reserve, so you’re more likely to encounter herds of rhinos – and plenty of other species too – than hordes of tourists. The result is a truly unique and exclusive luxury safari in Kenya.

Solio Lodge is a fantastic choice for foodies, serving seasonal cuisine made with fresh ingredients from the on-site garden. You can also visit nearby farms and coffee plantations.

Located on the Laikipia Plateau, this distinctive retreat puts you right at the heart of one of Kenya’s most wildlife-rich regions. Segera’s grounds include five garden villas, which are perfect for a romantic couple’s trip, and several larger houses to accommodate families or groups.

Beyond excellent safaris, you can also visit local villages and meet rangers, learn about beekeeping and traditional crafts and relax with a spa treatment or outdoor movie night.

We highly recommend opting for a sleep-out in the Nay Palad Bird Nest, which has stunning 360º views from its roof deck.

Amboseli is known as the ‘land of giants’ thanks to the elephants that roam its plains. Within its community-owned Kimana Sanctuary, the remote Angama Amboseli promises a serene and wild escape.

This remote lodge has just 10 suites, each of which reflects a modern and minimalist take on luxury that quiets the mind and soothes the spirit – not to mention excellent views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Angama Amboseli itself is a love letter to the elephants who reside around it, with a drinking trough for them near the swimming pool and a viewing tower to observe them.

If you’re looking for a completely bespoke and off-the-beaten-path adventure, head straight to Lengishu in the Borana Conservancy. This exclusive-use and low-impact lodge comprises 4 cottages and a main house, including 6 bedrooms and space for up to 12 adults.

There’s a full staff – including an in-house masseuse – and a long list of activities to choose from: game drives, rhino tracking, mountain biking, horse riding, picnic lunches and much more.

Lengishu accepts children of all ages and is malaria-free, making it a great choice for larger family groups and especially those with kids under age 5 (who stay for free).

Governors’ Mugie is another of our favourite camps on the Laikipia Plateau. Part of the private Mugie Conservancy (an important wildlife corridor), it welcomes animals right up to camp with a watering hole and hide located below the main house.

Take your pick of eight cottages, all of which promise spectacular views, and head out on game drives, bush walks and canoe trips to see elephants, giraffes, Grévy’s zebras, Jackson’s hartebeests and other unique species.

In addition to exciting expeditions, Governors’ Mugie also gives guests the chance to unwind at its spa and infinity pool or have some fun on a nine-hole golf course.

Named after the stream that flows through it, Sirikoi is a cosy lodge in the middle of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Each of its four tented suites includes a large private deck, though the best game viewing can be experienced from the main deck where meals are served. Around the lodge you might spot elephants, lions, leopards and cheetahs, along with many other awe-inspiring animals.

Larger groups can book the two-bedroom Sirikoi Cottage or three-bedroom Sirikoi House; the latter comes with its own staff, chef, guide and vehicle.

There’s a long list of luxury lodges in Kenya, and choosing between them isn’t always easy. Here are some tips to help you select the best lodge for your specific needs, interests and itinerary.

• First consider which locations you’re most interested in visiting; this will help you narrow down the choice of lodges.
• If you’re travelling with children or a large group, keep an eye out for family suites, exclusive-use houses and other appropriate options.
• For romantic trips and honeymoons in Kenya, opt for lodges with room for just a few guests at a time to ensure peace and privacy.
• Peruse our Positive Impact Collection to find places that prioritise environmental conservation and community support.
• If there are specific animals you want to see, consult with our team to ensure that your chosen lodges are well placed to spot these species.