Looking for the best luxury safari lodges in Kenya? There aren’t many travel experiences that come close to spending time in the African bush, spotting wildlife on safari. It is a bucket list item for so many people – and rightly so.
And if you’re looking for luxurious lodges and super-indulgent places from which to take it all in for a night or two, you could do a lot worse than check yourself into one of the luxury safari lodges in Kenya below.
There is no shortage of luxury safari lodges on offer across Africa, so we’ve asked travel bloggers from around the world to help us out, and nominate their favourite luxury Kenyan safari lodges.
The below list is made up of travel blogger nominations, plus lodges we’ve stayed at ourselves and can vouch for as providing ultimate safari luxury.
These lodges come with a high price tag. If they’re a little over budget, find out how to do a safari on a budget.
So read on below for our collection of the most indulgent luxury safari lodges in Kenya:
The best luxury safari lodges in Kenya
Angama Mara
Masai Mara, Kenya
Contributed by Amanda of MarocMama
Angama Mara, Masai Mara
Angama Mara, overlooking the Great Rift Valley in Kenya’s Masai Mara, is truly a luxurious safari experience, and ideal for couples and families seeking an adventure.
Not only do they have beautiful, private accommodations that immediately put you at ease, but their robust activity list and doting staff make sure you’re taken care of from the moment you arrive.
Every guest has an itinerary that caters to their wants and desires and that can be discussed in advance, as well as a guide who remains with them throughout their stay.
Whether you want to be flying in a hot air balloon over the Masai Mara at sunrise, swimming laps in their pool, or on a bush walk there really is something for everyone.
The main lodge and rooms – all of which are tented suites – are set high on a ridge that overlooks the Mara below, giving you sweeping 360 views of nature.
Exceptional food and drinks can be expected and you can’t leave without taking at least one safari picnic. When it’s time to relax the private suites feature cozy beds, impeccable design, and every amenity you could want or need.
House In The Wild
Greater Masai Mara, Kenya
Contributed by Anna at Twins and Travel
House in the Wild, Kenya
House in the Wild is situated in a unique location, perched on the edge of the Mara River within the Enonkishu Conservancy in the Maasai Mara Nature Reserve in Kenya, East Africa.
House in the Wild was originally a family getaway on a family commercial farm but has been restored into this amazing boutique safari lodge offering 12-14 beds between 4 cottages, each consisting of 1 or 2 bedrooms.
The grounds also consist of a dining area and a swimming pool with a thatched gazebo and bar area.
The cottages offer the warmth and rustic charm of a family lodge, with all the home comforts you could ask for.
House in the Wild offers a fully catered for service whilst being on safari and the perfect luxury family-friendly safari lodge should you want to go to Kenya with kids.
From bush breakfasts and sundowners overlooking the African savanna to hot lunches with warthogs running around the lawns, before a dip in the pool.
After a long day on safari, treat yourself to a well deserved hot bubble bath with candles and a glass of champagne whilst admiring the hippos wallowing in the Mara River.
If you are travelling with children, House in the Wild offer a private safari vehicle and guide, allowing children of any age to experience this piece of paradise and immerse themselves in wild Kenya.
Loisaba Lodo Springs
Loisaba Conservancy, Kenya
Contributed by Jennifer & Tim at Luxe Adventure Traveler
Loisaba Lodo Springs
Loisaba Lodo Springs, the latest in Elewana Collection’s portfolio of luxury safari camps situated around East Africa, sits in the heart of Loisaba Conservancy.
Offering an ultra-private and luxurious safari experience, the boutique lodge offers unparalleled views over the Laikipia plains, stretching to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya from its 12-room tented camp.
The absolute epitome of luxury, Loisaba Lodo Springs is one of only three safari camps located inside Loisaba Conservancy.
Not only are guests treated to top-notch service and all the comforts one could wish for at camp, but guests can also expect exclusivity with no more than around 20 safari vehicles out and about at one time in the 57,000 acre private Loisaba Conservancy.
Quickly becoming one of East Africa’s top safari destinations, Loisaba Conservancy is teeming with all the classic safari wildlife you could hope to spot (with the exception of the rhino), as well as Kenya’s Northern Five.
Even the rare black panther has been spotted by conservationists inside the private game reserve.
After days out surrounded by the endangered reticulated giraffe, herds of elephant, lions on the hunt, cheetahs chasing down prey on the plains and much more that can only be seen in Northern Kenya, guests can relax with sundowners at picturesque spots your dedicated guides find around the park.
With a focus on conservation and community education to help residents live in harmony with the big game wildlife, they share the Laikipia plains with, some of the activities guests won’t want to miss are the opportunity to meet the anti-poaching unit and their dogs.
It’s a unique opportunity to witness how these hounds help dwindling animal populations rebound with their anti-poaching efforts. And certainly, a highlight will be the bush breakfast, an exclusive experience no guest will soon forget.
Rekero Camp
Greater Masai Mara, Kenya
Submitted by Jolene at Go Wander The World
Rekero Camp
In the heart of the famous Greater Masai Mara you’ll find Asilia Africa’s Rekero Camp. This camp has basically got it all: wonderful staff, great rangers, amazing tents and a view that’s one of a kind.
Upon arrival you’re welcomed with some cool drinks after which they’ll show you your luxurious tent. All tents overlook the Talek river so you can check out the wildlife right from your terrace.
Speaking about views, one of the prime features of this camp is the large deck in front of the main tent. This is where you’ll have a drink in the afternoon and where you’re meals are served.
The main deck overlooks an important crossing point of the Talek river when the Great Migration of wildebeests is at its best. This means theoretically you don’t even have to go on a game drive to see the spectacle that the migration is.
When you do go on a game drive you’ll have one of the expert rangers accompanying you. Since the camp is quite remote you’ve got the feeling of having the park to yourself.
The famous vast plains of the Mara are just outside the camp and attract grazers and thus predators.
Lions, leopards, cheetahs: you name it and the rangers will try to find them for you. It’s also good to mention that they don’t just focus on the big five since there’s so much more to see, learn, and explore in such an amazing park.
Saruni Samburu
Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy, Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
Contributed by Heather at Conversant Traveller
Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu is a high-end luxury safari lodge in the Kalama Wildlife Conservancy on the edge of Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya.
Built high up on a ridge, this remote lodge overlooks the vast wilderness plains of the Kalama which are surrounded by the iconic dome-shaped hills of Samburu.
The views here are stunning, and animals can be seen moving about in the bush without even leaving the comfort of the lodge.
There are six private villas each with their own verandas, beautifully decorated communal dining and living areas, and two infinity pools that look out over the reserve.
With a stylish yet unpretentious feel, Saruni Samburu is a luxurious and friendly safari experience.
Game drives in the Kalama and Samburu are with local warrior guides who know everything there is to know about the wildlife and landscapes of this remote area.
Bushwalks in the Kalama Conservancy are possible as well as night drives, because this is a private reserve rather than a national park.
Samburu is well-known for its elephants, and large herds can often be seen congregating around water holes during the dry season.
Bush breakfasts on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro river are a real treat too, with front-row seats as the animals come to drink. A safari up here is a real contrast to the ones in the Masai Mara and is far less crowded.
That’s your lot. What do you think – have you indulged in a luxury safari lodge that you think should be on this list? If so let us know by joining in on the comments section below.
You might also like to read about our pick of luxury safari lodges in South Africa or our guide to the most luxurious safari lodges in Africa.
