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 Safari Lodges and Camps Hotels
For over 30 years Kenya has played host to those searching for exotic holidays and honeymoons, while at the same time leading the way in promoting conservation for the rare animals of this magnificent continent. The word safari means journey in Swahili and a visit to this beautiful country is indeed that. The history of Kenya is both long and diverse, from its beginnings as a grazing land for Nilotic tribes such as the Masai, to the country as it is today, a peaceful and beautiful land.
Kenya remains, as ever, one of the places to visit in Africa for three principle reasons. The people, who are the most welcoming and friendly you will meet. The scenery, which ranges from the dramatic semi-desert in the north to the rolling hills and greenery of the highlands to the dramatic sweep of the Rift Valley floor and the Mara in the south. Finally, the game, with the Migration visiting the southern plains in August to November and the grevy's zebra and oryx upon the Laikipia Plateau, there is an abundance throughout. |
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| Luxury: Privacy in the Meru, park of choice for safari buffs |
| Location: Meru National Park, North Eastern Kenya |
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| The two bedroomed Private House at Elsa's Kopje is set away from the main lodge but enjoys the same spectacular views of the plains around. It is ideal for couples or families who seek a little more privacy. With an Arab-inspired interior, the house is serviced by its own collection of staff and has its own pool giving you a wonderful feeling of exclusivity. Meru has long been held by real safari fans as the park to visit due to its diverse topography and interesting wildlife. If you visit and can afford it, stay in the private house. |
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| Luxury: Stylishly elegant lodge in a beautiful relaxing environment |
| Location: Southern Kenya on Tanzanian border |
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| Little Shompole has won many awards for its community and eco credentials, being one of the first Kenyan joint community and investment projects. It consists of two elegant modern bedrooms which share an enormous pool and living area. The driving idea behind the lodge is of seclusion, relaxation and comfort, with views out across the tribal lands where game roam. Trips to the nearby Lake Natron - famous for flamingos, horse riding, bicycling and nature walks are all part of a lazy day in the lodge. |
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| Luxury: A refreshing, contemporary-designed camp |
| Location: Eastern Koiyaki, North Mara |
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| Perched atop the undulating hills of the eastern Koiyaki concession, Ol Seki is a true gem of both design and eco-understanding. The contemporary architecture of the camp, with eight simple but spacious tents blends perfectly with their surroundings. The dining area and library reek of old world charm, with brass telescopes and leather arm chairs. Well managed, with exceptional food and good guiding, the owner Sue Allen has created a welcoming, down to earth camp which is both natural and uncontrived. |
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| Luxury: One of the top tented camps in the Mara |
| Location: Masai Mara |
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| The reputation of this camp is partly due to the Beatons, the family who founded the camp, and partly due to its superb location on the banks of the Mara River. Owner operated by Gerard and Rainee Beaton, the camp is made up of 7 safari tents (flush loos, safari showers) set amongst tall acacia. A gradual green slope slides down from the communal dining area to the river itself, giving outstanding views of one of the best crossing points in the area on your doorstep. Perhaps not the smartest camp but probably the best “game” camp in the Mara. |
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| Luxury: Family friendly lodge with a touch of wilderness and beauty |
| Location: Edge of Northern Frontier District |
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| A small hill top lodge set on a valley of the Ewaso Nyiro River with seven rooms built of local stone and olive wood. The rooms themselves have been well thought out and each has an open side with memorable views and a sense of space and wilderness. The camp is especially famous for camel trekking, but swims in the pool and fly camping are also a speciality. Sabuk offers great food and a very personal service from owner, Verity Williams - one of Kenya's first female guides. |
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| Luxury: Family-owned game sanctuary and working ranch |
| Location: Lewa Downs, Laikipia |
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| Borana is both game sanctuary and working cattle ranch which covers 35,000 acres run by a family dynasty- part of Kenya's colonial history. The lodge is named after the Boran cattle that wander the region. Each of the eight stone cottages nestles into the side of a small meandering river valley. Chilly in the evening -the lodge is at 6,500 feet, fires are lit in the spacious bedrooms with fantastic views over the foothills of Mount Kenya. Game (lots of elephant, lion, wild dog) can be viewed on foot, from 4x4s or on horseback. You are not likely to spot another tourist either. |
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| Mid Price: Overwhelming views of Mount Kilimanjaro |
| Location: Bordering Amboseli National Park |
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| Tortilis is a rustic, tented camp set in a forest of acacia tortilis thorn trees with outstanding views of the Amboseli plains and Mount Kilimanjaro towering above it. The camp has earned itself an international reputation for attention to comfort without compromising the ecosystem. Each tent is spacious with private dressing room, modern bathroom and large veranda for siestas. It has a great pool and offers both a perfect base from which to see the park’s famous elephants or as an oasis from the heat of the day. |
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| Mid Price: Wildllife in, on and around your doorstep |
| Location: Masai Mara |
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| No round up of camps in Kenya would be complete without mentioning the collection of Governors’ Camps with their well-earned reputation for outstanding location and service. The intimate Little Governors’ Camp is made up of just 17 tents tucked around a large watering hole. It is approached by boat across the Mara river and then a short walk through forest, the camp is unfenced allowing for close-up viewing of game. Just down river, the BBC can often be seen tracking the resident cats of the region. |
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| Mid Price: Exclusive access to one of few remaining wilderness areas in East Africa |
| Location: Chyulu Hills, between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks |
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| Ol Donyo Wuas is wonderfully remote and off the beaten track. It is set in 300,000 acres of open plains, rolling hills and overlooked by snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. The camp consists of seven bush cottages built with local materials, some with an extra bedroom for families; central sitting and dining area, pool and waterhole. There are plenty of animals but don't become impatient to have it all on a plate - this is a wilderness area with one guest per 2000 acres. |
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| Inexpensive: A stalwart that won't blow your budget |
| Location: North west of the Masai Mara National Park |
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| Kicheche Mara Camp is a long running, stalwart and is famous for providing a really authentic safari experience without needing to blow the budget. Not a derogatory comment as the tents are both luxurious and well equipped with ensuite showers and loos. The camp benefits from its layout of an inner and an outer ring of tents, all having great views out across the plains. If you are slightly nervous about being so close to nature, stay in the inner circle and feel safer. |
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| Inexpensive: A complete and genuine ecologically friendly lodge |
| Location: Lekurruki, Laikipia Region |
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| Tassia is hidden away on a rocky bluff overlooking a valley of trees beloved by elephants situated in the 60,000 acre Lekurruki conservation area and is home to the Mukogodo Maasai. Designed to be booked on an exclusive basis, although simple it is tastefully and comfortably decorated. In tune with its surroundings the lodge is built of natural materials, has a children's bunkhouse and a natural pool built into the rocks. You will be hosted and guided by local scarlet-robed Mukogodo Maasai. |
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| Inexpensive: A diamond in the rough |
| Location: Northern foothills of Matthews Range, Northern Frontier District |
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| Giulio Bertolli with his wife has endeavored to create a camp that holds true to the old camps of Africa. Blending with its surroundings, Kitich camp consists of six tents, each with ensuite facilities - no generators or solar panels, just hurricane lamps and water heated over a fire near your tent. This is wilderness at its best. Guilio will lead you off to find leopard, wild dog and elephant in this game-rich and unspoilt region. The local Samburu play a large part in the day to day running of the camp. |
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