The Best Kenya Safari Lodges for an Unforgettable Adventure

Kenya is renowned for its breathtaking wildlife, stunning landscapes, and luxurious safari lodges. From the vast savannas of the Masai Mara to the rugged beauty of Amboseli National Park, Kenya offers a diverse range of safari experiences. 

In this article, we'll explore some of the best Kenya safari lodges that provide unparalleled comfort, service, and access to the country's natural wonders.

Best Time For Visitors To Visit Kenya

The best time to visit Kenya varies based on your interests. For optimal wildlife viewing, the dry season from June to October is ideal, especially during the Great Migration from July to October in the Masai Mara. The weather is generally dry and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities. January and February also offer good wildlife viewing with fewer crowds. 

The short rains from November to December provide lush scenery and opportunities to see newborn animals, while the long rains from March to May can create muddy conditions that make travel challenging. 

Overall, Kenya is a year-round safari destination with excellent game viewing throughout the year.

Wildlife and Luxury: The Best Luxury Safari Kenya Lodge Experience

1. Kicheche Bush Camp

Some of the world's leading wildlife photographers choose to stay at this award-winning camp located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, adjacent to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Here, a thriving population of big cats ensures exceptional game viewing opportunities. A loyal following comes from the excellent guides who are experts at reading animal behavior and positioning vehicles, and the communal dining area can quickly feel like a family home. 

Among the best luxury lodges in Kenya, this camp features six large and luxurious canvas tents with running water that weaves through the bush, but most people spend time in the lounge, around a campfire, or playing cricket with giraffe bone stumps.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy in Kenya 

2. Lewa House

At this popular lodge, located in one of Kenya's top conservation areas, guests can enjoy a traditional safari experience. Since Sophie and Calum Macfarlane, whose family founded the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, moved in with their kids, the quaint cottages have gotten even cozier. Lunches are served by the pool, and in the evenings, the lounge's hearth fire creates a warm ambiance. Daily game drives allow visitors to explore the protected reserve, where both black and white rhinos thrive. 

For those interested in conservation, Lewa offers tours of its advanced control center and opportunities to join rangers in anti-poaching training sessions with sniffer dogs. This lodge is among the 5-star safari lodges in Kenya, providing an exceptional blend of luxury and wildlife experiences.

Lewa House is a luxury farm stay on a 7-acre plot, now entirely dependent on visitors

3. Samburu National Reserve

Encompassing 165 square kilometers along the Ewaso Ng'iro River, Samburu National Reserve is a captivating wildlife location in northern Kenya. It is well known for its unusual fauna, which includes the "Samburu Special Five" (Beisa oryx, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk). The reserve is home to a wide variety of species, including cheetahs, lions, leopards, and elephants. Its diverse habitats include riverine forests and acacia woods. 

Samburu is also culturally significant, home to the nomadic Samburu people known for their vibrant traditions. The best time to visit is during the dry season from late May to early October when animals congregate around the river, providing excellent game viewing opportunities. 

Samburu National Reserve 

4. Mahali Mzuri

Mahali Mzuri is a top option if you are looking for the most opulent lodging in Kenya. Located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, this sophisticated all-inclusive lodge offers lavish tented suites, each with a private deck and breathtaking views of the savannah. 

Guests can enjoy amenities such as an infinity pool, a spa, and gourmet dining, alongside exceptional game drives that provide front-row seats to the incredible wildlife of the Maasai Mara.

Mahali Mzuri is a luxury tented camp and the tents are very comfortable with a sleeping area and a lovely deck overlooking the valley where there is wildlife

5. Mara Plains Camp

In the competitive landscape of safari experiences, Mara Plains Camp has carved out a niche by focusing exclusively on photographers. This lodge features seven tents equipped with top-tier Canon cameras and Swarovski binoculars, allowing guests to observe and capture wildlife effortlessly. 

After a day of utilizing Olare Motorogi's high-end gear, guests can return to the luxury Kenya safari lodges for a delightful dinner under the stars. Nestled between several wildlife-rich conservancies near the renowned Serengeti, Olare Motorogi boasts one of the highest concentrations of big cats in Africa. Additionally, visits to nearby Maasai settlements can be arranged upon request.

Mara Plains Camp 

6. Finch Hattons Luxury Camp

Another top contender is Finch Hattons Luxury Camp, situated in Tsavo National Park. This luxurious camp offers roomy tents with tasteful furnishings and secluded verandas that provide views of a freshwater spring. As one of the premier luxury Kenya safari lodges, Finch Hattons features amenities like a yoga room and fine dining while ensuring up-close encounters with wildlife, including hippos and elephants. The hotel blends contemporary comforts with classic safari experiences.

Finch Hattons luxury camp is an award-winning tented camp offering guests the ultimate safari experience in Kenya.

7. Angama Mara

For couples seeking a romantic getaway in Kenya, Angama Mara is an exceptional choice. Located in the breathtaking Masai Mara, this lodge features stylishly furnished tents with stunning views of the Mara Triangle, offering an intimate and luxurious experience. 

Couples can enjoy private game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and gourmet dining under the stars, making it perfect for a memorable romantic escape.

Angama Mara 

8. Sirikoi Camp

Sirikoi is one of the most luxurious properties in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy! Owned by Willie and Sue Roberts, who have lots of experience setting up and running camps, this property has loads to recommend it – including a fabulous location overlooking a natural spring, which is frequently visited by elephant and rhino. 

Guest accommodation consists of four tented rooms, one two-bedroom cottage, and one   three-bedroom private house. A variety of excellent activities are available in Sirikoi, including guided walks, horseback rides, camel rides, trips to the Ngare Ndare Forest, and scenic biplane flights for a more picturesque view of Lewa. Sirikoi Camp is one of the best safari lodges in Kenya for families, featuring two spacious family suites

Sirikoi Lodge is a small and beautiful safari lodge offering unrivalled exclusivity and charm, and is immersed in nature with wildlife all around

9. Sarova Mara Game Camp

Sarova Mara Game Camp is a great option for the greatest game drives in Kenya. Located in the heart of the Maasai Mara, this upscale lodge offers a range of game drive options, including morning and afternoon excursions led by experienced guides. The camp's prime location allows for easy access to the rich wildlife of the Mara, ensuring guests have ample opportunities to see the Big Five and other iconic species in their natural habitat. 

As one of the best lodges in Kenya, Sarova Mara Game Camp combines luxury with exceptional wildlife experiences, making it a top choice for safari enthusiasts. Additionally, Sarova Mara provides all-inclusive packages that often include multiple game drives, making it convenient for families and groups looking to maximize their safari experience.

Sarova Mara Game Camp

10. Salt Lick Safari Lodge

Salt Lick Safari Lodge is a luxurious escape located in the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, overlooking a waterhole and the expansive Tsavo plains. 

Known for its unique architecture, the lodge features 96 elevated rooms built on stilts, providing stunning views of wildlife from the comfort of your room. Guests can enjoy high standards of service, gourmet dining at the Bura Restaurant, and various activities such as game drives and cultural experiences.

One of the greatest luxury lodges in Kenya, the lodge is well-known for its gorgeous surroundings, which makes it one of the most frequently photographed lodges worldwide. With a focus on luxury and comfort, Salt Lick Safari Lodge offers an unforgettable safari experience amidst Kenya's breathtaking landscapes.

Salt Lick Safari Lodge 

To sum up, the best Kenya safari lodges not only offer luxurious accommodations but also provide guests with incredible opportunities to experience one of Africa's most iconic landscapes. Before embarking on your adventure, it's essential to apply for a Kenya ETA, ensuring a smooth entry into this stunning destination. With the right preparations, you can fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and wildlife that Kenya has to offer. Many nationalities can apply for a Kenya ETA instead of going to the nearest embassy to get a visa. The ETA is easier and faster to obtain, and Kenya immigration services can help you get one if you are eligible