12 best luxury lodges and camps in Kenya

Written by: Joseph Mbotte, Local Expert

When we think of the words ‘luxury safari’, images of stylish comfort, classic African lodges, gorgeous Hemingway tents, and large wooden decks may come to mind. Pair that with breathtaking views across a captivating landscape of savannas and forests and the iconic orange, pink, and purple of an African sunset  – and you may be describing the ultimate in a luxury safari experience.

Famous game reserves, conservancies, and parks throughout Kenya provide the stage for incredible wildlife sightings and beautiful, peaceful scenery. These set the stage for a plethora of elegant and sophisticated accommodation options for you to choose exactly where you’d like to lay your head at night.

With a wonderful variety of Kenya luxury lodges and camps to choose from, finding your ideal lodge may take some careful consideration as you judge the location, service levels, and ambiance. Decor in this “art galleries in the bush” includes classic safari colors and Swahili-inspired design, luxury in subtle touches that invite intimacy within a tranquil open space, surrounded by wonderful wilderness and wildlife. Some of our top picks for luxury safari lodges include gems located in the Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Samburu, and Lake Nakuru.

&Beyond Kitchwa Tembo, Masai Mara

Flanked by the dramatic Oloololo Escarpment and surrounded by breathtaking savanna, the impressive &Beyond Kitchwa Tembo presents a boutique safari escape. Five-star luxury is met with genuine Kenyan hospitality and an unrivaled view over the panoramic Masai Mara.

The 40 beautifully appointed tents comprise 12 Classic Tents, 20 Superior Tents, and eight tents offering Superior Views. The main area is set up on a split level with locally-inspired flavors created in the interactive kitchen and facilities such as a rim-flow swimming pool and serene massage tent offering a space to truly unwind in the African bush.

Best For: A stay directly located in the line of the great Wildebeest migration.

Mara Bushtops, Masai Mara

From the moment you step out onto the small deck of Mara Bustops, surrounded by the small glistening swimming pool and views over the vast Masai Mara wilderness – you know you have arrived in a bush paradise. Enjoy a fine dining room and large deck serving al fresco meals that are complimented by a cozy wine cellar and private dining options.

The 12 stunning and spacious safari tents are so inviting that spending time between game drives is mostly spent either on your private deck, in your small plunge pool, or simply relaxing on the plush beds. In-tent massages add that touch of luxury and being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the African night is unforgettable.

Best For: Staying in one of Kenya’s most exclusive safari destinations

Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Masai Mara

This well-known brand establishes itself perfectly in the luxury safari market with a prime location in the Masai Mara’s northwest, perfectly positioned at the foot of the Aitong Hills. Big Five wildlife meets Big Five style and service at the Fairmont Mara Safari Club. With stunning views from the main area and Maasai entertainment delivered in the evenings, this property is a wonderful example of outstanding culture, cuisine, and captivating ambiance.

An inviting swimming pool and spa services are a highlight of the property with 38 Maasai-inspired safari tents offering the ultimate in luxury, some offering that iconic outdoor shower experience.

Best For: Stunning landscape views and an ideal location to explore the Masai Mara.

Mara Crossing Camp, Masai Mara

Spending a few nights on safari at the Mara Crossing Camp will deliver the ultimate in ‘glamping’, with stylish classic safari tents scattered along the famous Mara River. As the name indicates, the camp is situated in a prime wildlife crossing location with the bonus of dramatic surroundings of bush, water, and wildlife.

Exclusivity is key here and service levels deliver on every level. With eight spacious canvas suites offering privacy and luxury, guests staying at Mara Crossing Camp are assured of a truly memorable safari experience.

Best For: A location along the banks of the Mara River offering prime game viewing opportunities.

Fig Tree Camp, Masai Mara

Nestled among vibrant bushes along a bubbling bend in the Talek River, the Fig Tree Camp is ideally located for guests to explore the fantastic animals that call the Masai Mara and surrounding conservancies home.

A selection of river-view tents and jungle-facing chalets give guests a chance to unwind among natural beauty, four-poster beds draped in mosquito netting adding a touch of nurturing to a classic safari stay. Service levels are impeccable and facilities such as a tranquil swimming pool and intimate spa and massage treatments round up the luxury touches of this much-loved property.

Best For: Outstanding bush walks and hot-air balloon safaris.

Tortilis Camp, Amboseli

Elewana is a name synonymous with luxury and high-end lodges and camps in East Africa and Tortilis Camp is certainly that. With a location in a private conservancy just outside Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, guests are invited to indulge in sundowners, bush breakfasts, and incredible wilderness walks. Spacious Makuti-covered rooms with canvas walls offer a classic, African-themed decor with warm wooden floors inviting the Masai warmth inside.

Best For: Outstanding views of Mt Kilimanjaro.

Kilima Safari Camp, Amboseli

Located just outside the Kimana Gate of the Amboseli National Park, the Kilima Safari Camp is a luxury bush escape offering outstanding facilities and service. 72 tents are scattered around a lean wilderness, not too far from the central area yet providing a private safari luxury camping experience.

The swimming pool is beautifully appointed with an interesting design and facilities that offer spa and massage services. Kilma Safari Camp has a clear focus on exceptional game drives and wildlife adventures.

Best For: Close vicinity of large elephant populations.

Satao Camp, Tsavo East

Tsavo East National Park is one of East Africa’s most intriguing game reserves, a destination that offers thrilling safaris in a vast region of dry pans. The luxury Satao Camp offers a stylish and colorful contrast to the dramatic wilderness. Guests can watch animals come to drink from the comfort of your private verandah.

The Camp itself is considered an oasis for the abundance of wildlife in the area. 20 authentic en-suite tents are perfectly placed among tamarind trees, exquisitely decorated with African designs and colors, and boasting spacious interiors.

Best For:  It’s position around a large waterhole, setting the scene for incredible animal sightings

Fitch Hattons, Tsavo West

Located in one of Kenya’s most diverse National Parks, Tsavo West, Fitch Hattons presents a truly classic African luxury safari experience. Located amongst a landscape comprising natural springs, rocky outcrops, peaks, and rolling plains.

The camp is built with sustainability in mind, the 17 exquisite tented suites are designed to blend indoor and outdoor wonders, complete with outdoor showers. Views over a vast landscape and natural springs are simply captivating.

Best For: A key focus on sustainability.

Soroi Lions Bluff, Tsavo

Step inside a world of space, glamor, and outstanding wildlife experiences, when you stay at the Soroi Lions Bluff located in Lumo Conservancy near Tsavo. 12 intimate suites stand above a canvas of breathtaking wilderness, an expanse that echoes within the suites. The grandeur space is filled with classic East African touches.

Hand-carved four-poster beds stand as a highlight in the rooms. While at the main lodge, an inviting swimming pool is the perfect place to cool down after a day of wildlife exploration.

Best For: Photography and night drives.

Saruni Samburu Lodge, Samburu

Saruni Samburu Lodge’s accommodation may seem like something out of a movie, with decks flowing off from a luxury tented suite into the surrounding savannah and a spacious bathtub offering unending views over the plains.

Beautifully decorated in Masai-inspired decor and colors, the six private accommodations are simply exquisite. The main lodge area is intimate with dining experiences that take the love of food to a new level.

Best For: Eco-design and cultural experience near Samburu.

Sarova Lion Hill, Lake Nakuru

Picture waking up to a scene of pink flamingos splashing in Lake Nakuru at the luxury Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge. With your stay, you have the pleasure of enjoying outstanding five-star service in a choice of 67 chalet-style rooms offering a private verandah and panoramic views throughout.

The main lodge serves up delicious African-inspired cuisine and has an outdoor spa and an inviting swimming pool. Nature and nurture combine at this classic safari favorite.

Best For: Outstanding views over Lake Nakuru.