The Best Luxury 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.

Need to know: 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. It collaborates closely with local programmes to promote conservation, protect endangered species and support health and education in the local community.

Need to know: 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.

Need to know: 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.

Antique elegance and abundant wildlife – that’s what you’ll find at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp.  Located on a private concession in the Mara Conservancies and opened over a century ago, it has retained its classic style while staying up to date with modern amenities. Two of its opulent tents are designed for honeymooners and four others are ideal for families. There’s also the five-bedroom Private Bush Villa nearby, providing space for up to 12 people and total privacy. 

Need to know: Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is especially well suited to multigenerational families and kids of all ages, with activities ranging from ‘Maasai Warrior school’ to stargazing.

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.

Need to know: 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.

Need to know: 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. 

Need to know: 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.

Need to know: 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.

Need to know: 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 ‘armchair game-viewing’ can be experienced from the main deck where meals are served. You might spot elephants, lions, leopards and cheetahs, plus the Northern Five: the reticulated giraffe, Grévy’s zebra, East African oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk (or giraffe gazelle).

Need to know: 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.