Kenya’s Top 10 Safari Lodges
Kenya is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations—a land of sprawling savannahs, dramatic mountains, ancient cultures, and unrivaled wildlife. For discerning travelers seeking both wild adventure and refined comfort, Kenya’s top safari lodges deliver immersive bush experiences paired with impeccable hospitality. Whether nestled under Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowcapped peaks or overlooking the Mara River, these lodges redefine the meaning of an African safari.
This curated list of Kenya’s top 10 safari lodges includes a mix of luxury hideaways, sustainable camps, and award-winning accommodations that offer front-row seats to Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles.
1. Angama Mara – Elevated Elegance Above the Mara
📍 Masai Mara National Reserve
💰 From $1,400 per person per night
Perched high on the Oloololo Escarpment, Angama Mara offers jaw-dropping views of the Masai Mara plains below. Inspired by the film Out of Africa, the lodge features tented suites with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, freestanding tubs, and private decks. Guided game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and walking safaris make it one of Kenya’s most luxurious bush experiences.
👉 Book a Masai Mara Luxury Safari
2. Ol Donyo Lodge – Safari with a View of Kilimanjaro
📍 Chyulu Hills, Amboseli Region
💰 From $1,200 per person per night
Set on the private Mbirikani Group Ranch between Tsavo and Amboseli, Ol Donyo Lodge offers panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and thrilling game drives in exclusive conservancies. Each suite includes a rooftop star bed and plunge pool.
👉 Explore Amboseli Safari Lodges
3. Loisaba Tented Camp – Laikipia’s Sustainable Safari
📍 Laikipia Plateau
💰 From $800 per person per night
Loisaba offers a blend of wild exploration and stylish eco-design. Solar-powered suites, horseback safaris, and a nearby elephant migration corridor make this a conservation-focused choice. Don’t miss a night in the Loisaba Star Beds—open-air platforms under a canopy of stars.
👉 See Our Laikipia Frontier Safaris
4. Finch Hattons – Luxury in Tsavo’s Heart
📍 Tsavo West National Park
💰 From $750 per person per night
An oasis of elegance in the heart of Tsavo, Finch Hattons features raised tents over natural springs. With views of hippos, crocodiles, and the surrounding bush, this lodge offers a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility.
👉 Book a Tsavo East & West Safari
5. Saruni Samburu – Cliffside Safari Retreat
📍 Kalama Conservancy, Samburu
💰 From $700 per person per night
Built into a rocky hillside, Saruni Samburu offers open-air villas with sweeping views of northern Kenya’s arid landscapes. Experience Samburu culture, desert-adapted wildlife, and guided bush walks in a completely off-the-grid setting.
👉 Discover Samburu Safari Adventures
6. Elewana Sand River – Colonial Charm in the Wild
📍 Masai Mara National Reserve (South)
💰 From $650 per person per night
Styled after 1920s safari camps, Elewana Sand River sits near the Tanzanian border in a less crowded section of the Mara. Enjoy canvas tented suites with copper tubs and romantic dining by lantern light—perfect for honeymooners.
7. Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp – Timeless Safari Elegance
📍 Olderik Conservancy, Masai Mara
💰 From $950 per person per night
With its vintage aesthetic, white canvas tents, and family-run hospitality, Cottar’s delivers classic safari luxury. It also offers excellent walking safaris and community-driven tourism programs.
8. Campi ya Kanzi – Community-Run Eco-Lodge
📍 Chyulu Hills
💰 From $850 per person per night
Built with sustainable materials and run in partnership with the Maasai community, Campi ya Kanzi blends luxurious tented suites with authentic cultural immersion. Guests can hike volcanic hills, track wildlife, and dine with panoramic views.
9. Governor’s Camp – A Legacy in the Masai Mara
📍 Masai Mara Reserve, along the Mara River
💰 From $450 per person per night
Governor’s Camp is one of Kenya’s oldest and most reputable safari lodges. It offers front-row access to river crossings during the Great Migration and boasts a prime location for game viewing year-round.
10. Sasaab Lodge – Safari Meets Moroccan Design
📍 Samburu National Reserve
💰 From $950 per person per night
Sasaab brings a blend of Swahili and Moroccan design to the rugged landscapes of Samburu. Expect private plunge pools, camel safaris, and access to unique species like the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe.
How to Choose the Right Safari Lodge in Kenya
When planning your safari, consider the following:
- Region: Masai Mara is famous for big cats and migration, Laikipia for conservation, Samburu for unique wildlife, and Amboseli for views of Kilimanjaro.
- Season: Visit between June–October or January–February for prime game viewing.
👉 Read: Best Time to Visit Kenya - Experience Level: Some lodges are better for first-timers, while others are geared toward repeat travelers, photographers, or adventure seekers.
- Budget: While this article focuses on premium lodges, some (like Governor’s or Elewana) offer mid-range packages in the off-season.
Safari Tips for Luxury Lodge Travelers
- Pack neutral-colored clothing and layers
- Bring a DSLR or quality zoom camera for wildlife shots
- Book early—especially for migration season (July–October)
👉 What to Pack for Safari
Conclusion: Safari Lodges That Leave a Lasting Impression
Each of these top 10 safari lodges in Kenya offers something extraordinary—whether it’s the sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro, a pride of lions near your tent, or a Maasai warrior guiding you through ancient landscapes. When you travel with Stawi Adventures, we help match your travel dreams with the right lodge, guide, and season.
These aren’t just places to sleep. They’re destinations in themselves.
Ready to stay at one of Kenya’s top safari lodges?
👉 Browse Our Kenya Luxury Safaris
👉 Speak to a Safari Consultant
