Kenya is the original safari destination, and as such there is a fantastic array of lodges catering for every type of traveller, and every budget. Starting from the bottom are the “drive in” cheaper safari lodges. We generally only work with the “fly in” camps, as we believe these offer a much higher quality safari experience. If you visit a “fly in” camp, you use the vehicles and guides from the lodges, and as such your guide is a real expert in the area and is primarily a guide, and only secondly a driver. When people do “driving tours” their guide is usually primarily a “driver” and will not know the specific areas you will be exploring. Also, we believe it is important to get to a destination quickly, so you can enjoy it fully, without having most of your trip being focussed on getting from A -B which can minimise your time at sightings.
Kenya lodges can be separated into a few categories. Across the board Kenya lodges are fairly classic and old school in their style, with an “out of Africa” atmosphere to them all. So you don’t get modern and luxurious, as you do in say Tanzania. Most of the camps in the Masai Mara tend to be tented, replicating the style of safari when it all began. You then get the more rustic yet permanent lodges in the Laikipia area. Then at the top end of luxury in Kenya, you get the authentic brick style permanent lodges, which offer an exceptional and unbeatable experience, if this is your style! It is not a country for the latest cutting edge architecture and all the mod cons, but it is brilliant at taking you back in time to where it all began.
The most basic of the “fly in” lodges are not really that basic, but more a glamping experience with big solid beds, en-suite “safari showers” and all in all, a very comfortable experience. This style of camp is typical for East Africa, and is particularly popular in Tanzania’s Serengeti, as the camps up sticks every few months to follow the Great Migration’s path around the Serengeti. In both Kenya and Tanzania these can get exceptionally luxurious, so there is a huge range of prices for this style of lodging.
The brilliant thing about Kenya is that it is quite a bit cheaper than the slightly more exclusive Serengeti. It has largely based itself on a high volume approach to tourism, which means the rates for even some exceptional lodges is relatively low. Starting at the bottom end of the tented camps is the unbelievable Kichwa Tembo which is only $450 per person per night in a standard tent. Then, you get the more luxurious tented options such as Mara Plains at $1,900 per person per night… Showing you don’t have to be in a permanent structure to get all the luxury in the world!
In the Laikipia region, which is made of of “ranches” of sorts, and offer a huge amount of activities because of their private concessions, there are a number of old school permanent safari lodges. Places like Borana have not changed much over the years – perfectly comfortable, rustic yet luxurious in their own charming way, to stay somewhere like this you would be looking at $700 per person per night… Bargain! Especially when you consider riding safaris are also included in the cost. Moving up a notch is the smarter barefoot-luxury option such as Ol Donyo in the Chyulu Hills at around $1,360 per person per night, and up again to the most luxurious options Kenya has to offer is the likes of Angama Mara which is $1,250 per person per night.
The best tented camps in Kenya
The most basic of the “fly in” lodges are not really that basic, but more a glamping experience with big solid beds, en-suite “safari showers” and all in all, a very comfortable experience. This style of camp is typical for East Africa, and is particularly popular in Tanzania’s Serengeti, as the camps up sticks every few months to follow the Great Migration’s path around the Serengeti. In both Kenya and Tanzania these can get exceptionally luxurious, so there is a huge range of prices for this style of lodging.
The brilliant thing about Kenya is that it is quite a bit cheaper than the slightly more exclusive Serengeti. It has largely based itself on a high volume approach to tourism, which means the rates for even some exceptional lodges is relatively low. Starting at the bottom end of the tented camps is the unbelievable Kichwa Tembo which is only $450 per person per night in a standard tent. Then, you get the more luxurious tented options such as Mara Plains at $1,900 per person per night… Showing you don’t have to be in a permanent structure to get all the luxury in the world!
The best permanent lodges in Kenya
In the Laikipia region, which is made of of “ranches” of sorts, and offer a huge amount of activities because of their private concessions, there are a number of old school permanent safari lodges. Places like Borana have not changed much over the years – perfectly comfortable, rustic yet luxurious in their own charming way, to stay somewhere like this you would be looking at $700 per person per night… Bargain! Especially when you consider riding safaris are also included in the cost. Moving up a notch is the smarter barefoot-luxury option such as Ol Donyo in the Chyulu Hills at around $1,360 per person per night, and up again to the most luxurious options Kenya has to offer is the likes of Angama Mara which is $1,250 per person per night.
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Alfajiri Villas - Indian Ocean Mainland
Alfajiri from start to finish blew us away, these are the biggest and most impressive beach villa’s we have ever stayed in and we have travelled extensively. This is a first class set up and we were pampered from start to finish, absolutely incredible - F. Knowles
Our Rating:
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Cost: $700
Almanara Luxury Villas - Indian Ocean Mainland
Our View
Set on a peaceful stretch of Diani Beach, Almanara is a real find. It’s not on the cutting edge of interior design, but it is luxurious all the same in an old school way. Plus, its location is undeniably luxurious, as are its well-appointed garden villas and brilliant boutique hotel. It’s one of the best in the region for no-fuss luxury and quality experience.
Our Rating:
Cost: $465
Amboseli Porini - Amboseli
Our View
Similar to its sister camps in the Mara, Amboseli Porini Camp has kept to the basics of safari and is a real find in what is a growingly expensive marketplace. With simple, but clean and tidy tents, all featuring fully flush loos and spacious dressing and sleeping areas, the accommodation is comfortable. The only apparent drawback to the lodge is its location outside the park…but we actually think that this is its main benefit! Outside the park avoids Amboseli's crowds. The game in the concession is actually very good and a stay just here will definitely give you all that you need without needing to join the mêlée going on nearby. Again, a great choice for those on a limited budget.
Our Rating:
Cost: $515
Angama Mara - Masai Mara
Our View
Angama Mara aptly named as it translates to 'suspended in mid-air' is one of the newest editions to the luxury camps and lodges of the world famous Masai Mara. This amazing owner–run safari lodge is located on the edge of a dramatic escarpment boasting what could easily be the one of the best views in the whole of Africa; the seemingly endless grass plains of the Masai Mara.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,775
Bateleur - Greater Mara
Our View
&Beyond Africa have long been known for their ability to acquire and run the best lodges in East and Southern Africa and Bateleur is no exception. Set just to the north of the Mara National Reserve, this stunning lodge is a testament to the company’s knowledge and understanding of the Mara and what it offers. A collection of well appointed luxury tented accommodation, the lodge offers the highest standards of both food and service. Located being just outside the National Reserve, the options of being able to have great wildlife viewing but also the freedom to night drive, walk and interact with the local communities are a great asset to your safari.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,400
Borana - Lewa Downs
Our rooms at Borana were above and beyond our expectations just given the size of the rooms, how nice the rooms and bathrooms were, the lovely fires that were lit in each of our rooms every night and then connecting our room with our daughters’ room was an outdoor living room area with a large comfortable couch, great chairs and a fire pit that they also lit for us every night. The view from the living room and our rooms was the watering hole down below where baboons, elephants, giraffes and lions drank. After dinner (which was always an incredible experience with superb hosting by Sam and Flick) we would then go to our own “living room” with my parents and daughters and play charades or just hang out. There was a bar in the living room that was well stocked with things for everyone. Borana was probably everyone’s favorite, which is saying a lot given that the other places were fantastic. - K Hooker
Our Rating:
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Cost: $745
Cardamom House - Indian Ocean Mainland
Our View
Cardamom House is one of those blissful seaside escapes you will never want to leave. With long, sandy beaches on your doorstep – and very little people to share them with – alongside the calming aesthetic of this chic Swahili-inspired lodge, it is a special place.
Our Rating:
Cost: $250
Cottars - Greater Mara
Our View
Cottars is set down to the South East of the Mara away from the crowds of the more popular western Mara region. On the whole the guiding is good from the camp and the experience of riding through the bush in a replica 20s car is novel. The region has good resident prides and, due to its secluded location, has an intimate safari feel. One of the most unique camps in Kenya....but quite a pricey one!
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,277
Elephant Bedroom - Samburu
Our View
In the heart of Samburu on the border with the Laikipia Plateau, Elephant Bedroom is a brilliant option for those who want a splash of luxury in a great location. As its name suggests this spot is home to elephants, as well as other big five wildlife including lion and leopard. Its location on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River means you get an enviable riverside view from your room, while the interiors offer everything you need for a special stay in the wilderness without going overboard with decor or modcons.
Our Rating:
Cost: $780
Elephant Pepper - Greater Mara
We stayed at a few camps on our trip to Kenya. This was the best of the two the staff was incredible the guiding was great and the management outstanding! Highly recommend this camp! - M. Conn
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Cost: $794
We create fabulous safari itineraries and honeymoons throughout Africa and the islands of the Indian Ocean. Our knowledge and experience will guarantee you the very best possible itinerary for
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your budget and travel dates, and your money is protected
by our ATOL bond.
