How to Choose the Best Safari Lodge in Kenya

Written by: Humphrey N. Ndara, Local Expert

When planning a Kenyan safari a few factors come into play as you consider where to spend your wildlife adventure. With a vast collection of outstanding safari parks, game reserves and conservancies offering incredible wildlife experiences – the focus turns to which accommodation option may be just right for you.

Every safari destination comprises a complement of varying accommodation options, from humble, classic safari lodges and group-style properties and resorts to a wide selection of luxury tented camps. So where to start? There are several considerations when looking at where to spend your nights on safari. Ranging from who is traveling, distances and location, and what your safari priorities and must-haves are.

How to pick your Kenya safari accommodations:

Kenya offers accommodations to suit a wide range of budgets and travel preferences. There is a variety of options open to fit every safari scenario from family getaways to romantic escapes, small group adventures and even special-focus safaris such as photographic or bird watching trips.

Knowing where to stay may be based on what animals you hope to see or how long it may take you to travel from Nairobi, whether there are flights available daily or whether it is the perfect safari destination for a day trip. Perhaps your Kenya safari is going to be an addition to another activity such as climbing Mount Kenya or an add-on to an East African gorilla trek. A selection of varying lodges and camps is the perfect compliment to your adventure.

What Kenya safari lodge is best for families?

Experiencing a safari as a family is truly unforgettable as memories are made from the moment you awake. There is nothing quite like sharing stories around the campfire at night and then regaling tales of wilderness wonder when you return home together.

Families may want to consider a lodge or camp that offers activities for the younger safari-goer. A bumble or short game drive shows them the wonders of the game park from the soil and shrubs to plains game that graze right next to their accommodations. An opportunity to spend time with a chef in the kitchen or learning to make African beads and baskets are just a few of the family friendly activities offered at the Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge in Tsavo West National Park.

Where to stay on a romantic getaway in Kenya:

An African safari is one of the most romantic experiences you can have. Kenya is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery complimented with luxury lodges and intimate camps consciously located in parks and reserves.

Consider the Elewana Tortilis Camp located in Amboseli with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro seemingly painted in the distance. The vast plains are dotted with acacia trees and romantic look-out points where couples can enjoy a classic African sundowner drink.

The decks of luxury tents boast private plunge pools, secretly situated in the bush to create the ultimate intimate vibe. A great example of this is the Mara Bushtops Luxury Camp located on its own private reserve near the famous Masai Mara.

Are there lodges in Kenya fit for activities besides safaris?

Bird lovers will relish the prolific birdlife in Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, the large numbers of pink flamingos a truly spectacular sight. The Lake Nakuru Lodge is popular for this specific activity in January and February between the short and long rainfall.

Photographers will have a chance to capture winning images of the ‘Big Five’ in many of Kenya’s game parks. Samburu National Park stands out due to its rugged landscape and vast, open scenery as well as incredible wildlife.

Conservation of the land and its wildlife inhabitants is of utmost importance to the Kenyan Wildlife Society and Kenyan Tourism. Certain conservancies such as Ol Pejeta are a prime example of animal rehabilitation. Guests staying at Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, for example, will have the opportunity to visit rhino and chimpanzee sanctuaries during their stay.

What other factors are there to consider when choosing a lodge?

When choosing a lodge or camp to stay at, the size of the property and location of the rooms or tents needs to be considered. Some larger lodges may require guests to walk a fair distance or climb stairs to get to their room, while others such as the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Lodge offer accessible rooms.

Some camps and lodges, for example Finch Hattons in Tsavo West National Park, are unfenced allowing animals to roam through the property at night. While this is a great option for some, other guests may prefer the overall comfort of fenced accommodation during their safari experience.

The distance to Nairobi could be a key factor as many clients may consider a one-day safari experience, in which case something like Nairobi National Park may be the ideal destination with the visitor perhaps considering the Fairmont Norfolk as their hotel of choice.

With so many choices to offer when it comes to securing the best safari lodge or camp in Kenya, the choice is personal. No matter where you choose to stay, take comfort in knowing that Kenyan hospitality, high standards, and game viewing excellence is adhered to at all times.