12 best budget lodges and camps in Kenya

Written by: Joseph Mbotte, Local Expert

Embarking on a Kenyan safari is an exciting and adventurous venture that involves carefully planned choices when it comes to which parks to visit and where to stay. The exciting thing about a Kenyan safari is that there is a lot of variety when it comes to accommodation options from budget to super high-end. In this article, we want to highlight our 12 best-budget lodges and camps in Kenya.

Modest designs and neat accommodations with subtle local touches all culminate in a truly classic and down-to-earth wilderness escape in an affordable accommodation. Service levels are exceptional with a humble, homely touch that focuses on comfort and simplicity. No cheap hotel vibe here!

When budget travelers choose one of the many Kenya budget lodges, they are not compromising on the safari portion of their adventure, with game drives and bush walks allowing them to explore the diverse wildlife that surrounds their humble safari abode.

Ol Moran Tented Camp, Masai Mara

Located on the banks of the Oloolaimutia River, lies the Ol Moran Tented Camp. This humble tented camp sets the scene for a true wilderness submersion within the famous Masai Mara. A cozy vibe exists in the small lounge area with the dining room serving up buffet-style meals and the stone-lined bar the ideal spot to enjoy that much-enjoyed nightcap.

The 19 tents are simple in design with comfortable double or twin beds and a small sitting area. Comfort and privacy are important.

Best For: Staying near a key water source for animals traversing the Masai Mara.

Siana Springs Tented Camp, Masai Mara

Simplicity with a focus on safari is the theme at the wonderful Siana Springs Tented Camp. Located near the Ngama Hills region of the Masai Mara, this property blends perfectly with its natural surroundings.

Tasteful main tents house a small lounge and bar area with an open-air dining area leading to a crackling outdoor log fire at night. The canvas tents are simple in design with colorful rugs scattered on the floor, and solid wooden beds set in the center of the tent.

Best For: Closeness to the largest springs in the Masai Mara ecosystem.

Enkorok Mara, Masai Mara

The Enkorok Mara is a wonderful tented option for budget safari travel visiting the famous Masai Mara National Park. The tented camp has a main area covered with thatch, a small yet inviting swimming pool in a central area, and a comfortable sitting and dining area. The tents are simple yet stylish at Enkorok Mara, with solid furniture neatly placed in each tent and comfort at the forefront of every guest’s stay.

Best For: Exceptional game drives.

Mara Leisure Camp, Masai Mara

Mara Leisure Camp is a hidden gem found in the famous Masai Mara. A stone-clad main building with thatch roofing offers a moderate-level safari stay with exceptional safari experiences. Red umbrellas line an inviting swimming pool with the Maasai colors of red and black carried on throughout the interior of the dining and sitting areas.

40 accommodation options exist in a mix of rooms, cottages, and tents, each decorated in classic creams and browns, with the six tents just pipping the other accommodation types in size and style.

Best For: Location along the Talek River.

AA Lodge, Amboseli

Set around 1.2 miles from the Kimana gate of Amboseli National Park, the AA Amboseli Lodge is a moderate, classic safari lodge. It comprises 60 rooms, all decorated with local flare and simple in design.

Views from the lodge are wonderful with a view of Mt Kilimanjaro standing tall in the distance. Meals are served in a large dining room with safari drives conducted each day within Amboseli.

Best For: Views of Mt Kilimanjaro and access to Amboseli.

Sentrim Amboseli, Amboseli

An inviting reception area is just the beginning of your welcome to the gem which is the Sentrim Amboseli Lodge, located near the Kimana gate of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. 60 tastefully decorated tents offer a comfortable stay in one of the country’s prime safari destinations.

The lodge offers a spacious sleeping area connected to a shower area complete with a basin and toilet. A little sitting area is set up outside each tent, and the main area invites guests to relax around a small swimming pool.

Best For: Proximity to Amboseli National Park.

Naivasha Crescent Camp, Lake Naivasha

Built on a raised deck stands the beautiful canvas rooms of the Naivasha Crescent Camp. With a wooden floor and wooden front door, guests can find a tented experience that offers modest and comfortable accommodation at Lake Naivasha.

The colors are vibrant in the main area and the bedding is reflective of Swahili colors in the tents. There is a refreshing swimming pool and excursions on Lake Naivasha, a chance to witness incredible bird life including flocks of pink flamingos.

Best For: Easy access to Lake Naivasha.

The Ark, Aberdare National Park

A safari lodge making a difference is The Ark. A classic example of making great use of space in an idyllic safari setting. Split-level viewing decks offer incredible views over the water hole and the surrounding wilderness.

There is a ground-level hide which is perfect for watching animals in secret, and the main area offers a comfortable place to sit, dining with a view, and a bar that offers a warm, cozy vibe.

Best For: Unique design and photographic hide.

Serena Sweetwaters Tented, Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Located in the private and popular Ol Pejeta Conservancy, around four hours from Nairobi is the Serena Sweetwaters Tented Camp. Offers a complement of tented accommodation that offers a private experience within an area surrounded by a bountiful waterhole.

Wildlife sightings are wonderful here with views of Mt Kenya a treat. Guests can enjoy a meal along the river bank and visit the endangered species enclosure.

Best For: Wonderful wildlife and Endangered Species enclosure

Voi Wildlife Lodge, Tsavo East

Local African-inspired decor can be found in the spacious rooms of the Voi Wildlife Lodge. All en-suite and provide a comfortable stay at one of Kenya’s prime safari destinations, Tsavo East National Park.

The restaurant is set up under cover but open on all sides, offering guests a chance to view wildlife while they dine. The entrance in the main area is large and welcoming, with the chalet-style accommodation offering tiled floors and four-poster wooden beds, decorated with bright bedding.

Best For: Family safaris and a large waterhole

Ngulia Safari Lodge, Tsavo West

Located in the wildlife-rich Tsavo West National Park with commanding views over the plains and volcanic landscape, lies the Nguilia Safari Lodge. Nestled on the edge of the Ndawe escarpment, the lodge offers 52 rooms that offer modern touches and a comfortable stay, with a verandah for guests to relax on. There is a floodlit waterhole and a swimming pool, plus a couple of bars and an open-air dining area.

Best For: Access to incredible game viewing.

Samburu Sopa Lodge, Samburu

At the Samburu Sopa Lodge you will find accommodations built of stone, cement and thatch. The lodge is set high above picturesque views of the incredible wilderness of the Samburu Game Reserve. With a focus on architecture and decor that depicts the culture and history of the local inhabitants, the lodge features classic African furniture and boasts colors of browns, beiges and oranges throughout.

The main area has a large dining area plus a refreshing swimming pool. There are 15 cottages that house two bedrooms in each, all formed to face a wonderful waterhole.

Best For: Panoramic Views and active waterhole