Kenya is the beating heart of African safari – a land where golden savannahs stretch endlessly, wildlife roams free, and adventure blends seamlessly with luxury. Few places on Earth offer such a dramatic and diverse safari experience, and at the top of every traveller’s list is the world-renowned Masai Mara. Home to the Great Migration and a staggering concentration of big cats, this iconic reserve delivers unforgettable encounters in one of the most breathtaking settings imaginable. Kenya also offers some of the finest safari accommodations in Africa. In this guide, we share our personal favourites, each handpicked for its unique charm, exceptional service, and immersive wildlife experience.
Whether you’re seeking romance, adventure, or a family escape, these are the safari lodges in Kenya that consistently exceed expectations.
Naibor Camp
Naibor Camp is a stylish tented camp on the banks of the Talek River in the core of the Masai Mara. Seamlessly blending contemporary safari chic with the raw beauty of the bush, just minutes from the Mara’s most dramatic Great Migration river crossings. Each spacious tent opens onto a private verandah, with elegant touches like Egyptian cotton linens and ensuite hot showers. Guests can unwind with sundowners overlooking a hippo-filled river, dine under the stars, or enjoy a massage in the open-air spa. Warm hospitality and owner-managed charm set it apart, delivering the perfect balance of rustic romance and refined comfort, right in the heart of big cat country.
Lewa Wilderness
Lewa Wilderness is one of Kenya’s most iconic family-run safari lodges which blends deep conservation roots with warm, rustic luxury in the foothills of Mount Kenya. With just ten thatched cottages, each full of homestead charm, guests can watch giraffes and elephants from their verandahs, dine around a communal table under the stars, and take part in a host of unique activities: from horseback and camel safaris to forest treks and conservation visits. Lewa is also home to 12% of Kenya’s black rhino population and the world’s largest population of Grevy’s zebra. Whether you’re trekking through the Ngare Ndare Forest, walking with a Maasai guide, or watching wildlife wander past your window, every moment at Lewa feels personal, unhurried, and deeply connected to the land.
House in the Wild
Tucked away on the northern edge of the Masai Mara, House in the Wild is a family-owned luxury eco-lodge with a heartwarming story of rewilding, community, and conservation. Set on the banks of the Mara River, this rustic-chic retreat blends seamlessly into its lush, wildlife-rich surroundings. Each beautifully designed cottage is unique, filled with creative, personal touches and views of hippos in the river. With private vehicles and guides for every booking, guests enjoy tailor-made safaris at their own pace. Whether on game drives, bush walks, horseback, or even e-bike safaris. Add in farm-to-table cuisine, a riverside setting, and the genuine warmth of a community-run lodge, and House in the Wild offers more than a safari, it offers a true connection to Kenya’s land, people, and spirit.
Elsa’s Kopje
Perched on a rocky kopje overlooking the untamed wilderness of Meru National Park, Elsa’s Kopje is one of Kenya’s most iconic and romantic safari lodges. Built into the hillside where George and Joy Adamson raised the lioness Elsa, whose story inspired the beloved film ‘Born Free’, the lodge is steeped in history and surrounded by jaw-dropping views. As the only lodge in the entire national park, Elsa’s offers total seclusion and a truly exclusive safari experience. Guests can explore this rich and varied landscape, home to the Big Five, over 400 bird species, and rare wildlife like the lesser kudu, without seeing another vehicle for miles. From rhino tracking and Tana River excursions to guided walks and fishing, the adventures here are as diverse as the terrain. But what makes Elsa’s truly unforgettable is its soul: a place where conservation meets cinematic history, and every sunset feels like a private show for just you and the wild.
Kichwa Tembo
Kichwa Tembo offers front-row access to one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich landscapes (the Masai Mara). With expansive views across the Mara plains and year-round game viewing, including large lion prides, big herds of elephant, and the chance to witness a dramatic Mara River crossing, Kichwa Tembo delivers unforgettable wildlife encounters. Guests can enjoy bush walks, night drives, and traditional Maasai experiences, or simply unwind by the infinity pool while warthogs wander by. With warm local hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and immersive cultural moments, Kichwa Tembo is perfect for those seeking a luxurious yet accessible safari. Where modern comfort meets the magic of the Mara.
Governors’ Il Moran
Governors’ Il Moran, One of the original and first safari camps in the Masai Mara, is the most exclusive of the legendary Governors’ Camps. A refined haven where old-world safari romance meets world-class game viewing. Located deep within the Masai Mara Reserve, Il Moran places you right in the heart of the action, with elephants often meandering through camp and hippos grunting in the river below. With just a handful of beautifully appointed tents, this intimate camp is perfect for honeymooners or travellers seeking a more secluded, polished safari experience. Game drives here are exceptional, with renowned guides and unbeatable predator sightings, while guided walks and Maasai cultural visits offer a deeper connection to the land. Whether you’re gliding across the sky in a hot air balloon or enjoying sundowners as wildlife gathers on the marsh, Il Moran captures the timeless allure of Africa with elegance, intimacy, and adventure in every moment.
Get in touch with our team to find out more about these unforgettable safari Lodges.
