The Best Eco-lodges in Kenya

Mara Engai Lodge is a luxury safari lodge located on a quiet, hilltop glade on the Oloololo Siria Escarpment. An awesome setting for your wondrous Kenyan Safari Vacation. Overlooking the amazing Masai Mara National Reserve and Wildebeest Migration Route, with around 120km of unbroken views across the vast savannah of the Masai Mara – it is simply breathtaking. Wonder at the most amazing views over the Masai Mara and Great Migration route from your own private veranda. You are secluded from all other uproar in your spacious tent in complete privacy where the only subtle intrusion is the discrete services of the staff catering to your needs. Due to Mara Engai's continual commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, ongoing conscious thinking and community activation, they have earned a Gold Eco-rating with Eco Tourism Kenya.  Indulge in fine dining, with delicious treats made from fresh produce from the organic gardens. Get back to nature on thrilling game drives and experience thousands of years of Maasai tradition. Then before you sink into your large comfortable bed, take a look up at the mass of twinkling stars in the clear African sky — it’s something everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. Accommodation: Large tented suites nestled in the Kenyan ravine forest. Elevated to maximise the view and spaced over a large area to provide seclusion and privacy. Luxurious toiletries are provided in the full en-suite facilities which feature twin vanities and invigorating waterfall showers. Special occasion? Private, in-suite dining, for a romantic breakfast, lunch, afternoon high tea, champagne and canopies or an indulgent dinner overlooking the incredible views. Sit and relax on your private veranda, the palatial tented suites all have stunning views across the Masai Mara plains or within the ravine forest. Activities Explore our activities and create even more memories to last a lifetime. Bush Breakfast Not many experiences are more memorable, or as typically Kenyan, as breakfast in the bush. Setting off first you enjoy a fascinating game drive into the bush where, at one of our specially chosen breakfast sites, a full English breakfast will be cooked before you. Enjoy a glass of chilled ‘buck’s fizz’ while you savour the experience. Organic Garden Tour The rich volcanic soil of the escarpment provides an excellent foundation for our organic garden. We have a cleverly designed irrigation system, rainwater collection and crop rotation process to ensure fresh produce all year round. Enjoy a tour of the garden and sustainable farming plot and meet our talented gardener. You may even get the chance to pick your own fruit or veg for your dinner! In Room Dining on Veranda For a wonderfully romantic experience, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or even Champagne & Canapés in the privacy of your own tent. Simply speak to reception to let them know which meal and which day and we’ll arrange this especially for you. Enquire about other extras including chocolates and fruit baskets. Lunch at Vantage Point Wow, that view — perched on the rock at the Mara Engai Vantage Point, you can relax and enjoy an unbelievable and truly intimate dining experience. Overlooking the Masai Mara and a great migration route, this is quite simply magical. Bush Dinner Indulge in fine dining under the twinkling stars of the African sky. It’s a wonderful al fresco dining experience overlooking the Mara open plains — add an extra memorable touch with traditional Maasai entertainment around the bonfire. Maasai Fire Lighting Build a Fire Maasai Style Famed for their fire-building skills, in this experience, Maasai warriors will teach you how to build a fire using traditional techniques. They’ll explain just how and why fire is so important. Child minding service Free Child Minding Service If you would like to enjoy a little grown-up time, why not book our child minding service — it’s completely free of charge. Let our childminders look after the little ones while you have some well-deserved time to yourself. Enquire at reception for details. Maasai Naming Ceremony A lasting memento of your time at the Mara Engai Lodge — your own Maasai name. Take part in a traditional naming ceremony, and receive a certificate with your new Maasai name. It’s up to you which name you choose to use after that! Fine Dining Extra Lunch or Dinner Wanting to stay on and enjoy the lodge a little longer? No problem. We can arrange an extra breakfast, lunch or even a takeaway lunch box. This can be arranged at reception. Simba Sundowner (WITH ALCOHOL) Enjoy refreshing cocktails and tasty canapés whilst watching the sun set over that spectacular scenery – breathtaking. Soft drinks are also available for children. Chui Sundowner (WITH ALCOHOL & MAASAI DANCERS) This package offers an enchanting extra of traditional Maasai dancers to entertain and delight you while sipping a delicious cocktail and enjoying canapés. Soft drinks and mocktails are available for the younger members of the party. Tembo Sundowner (NON-ALCOHOLIC) Let us conjure up an amazing mocktail and tasty treats for you to enjoy while taking in the stunning sunset and the breathtaking view read more read less

The award-winning Cottar’s 1920s Camp is situated in the 7608-acre private Olderkesi Conservancy bordering the famous ‘seventh’ natural wonder of the world, the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Tanzania Serengeti game reserve. Owned and managed by the oldest established and continuing safari family in Africa it extends an era of luxury and quality and returns to the original spirit and essence of safari, reminiscent of a golden era – an era of romance, professional guiding, adventure and elegance..  The camp’s 11 spacious tents are sumptuously furnished with safari antiques, four-poster beds, dressing rooms, ensuite bathrooms, outdoor verandahs and the diligent attention of private butlers. Also set within the camp is the Cottar’s Bush Villa, the only private luxury home in the Maasai Mara. Rented only on an exclusive basis, the Bush Villa comes with a dedicated staff of eight, a large living room, a dining room, a magnificent viewing deck, five ensuite bedrooms, a private swimming pool and a dedicated game drive vehicle and guide. Situated in the Masai Mara, in an untouched exclusive concession bordering the Serengeti and Loliondo reserves, the area guarantees privacy and an abundance of wildlife. The camp accommodates up to 22 guests in authentic white canvas tents, which are spacious and luxuriously furnished with original safari antiques from the 1920s. An abundance of wildlife, a guarantee of privacy, and the highest standards of professional guiding, in a luxurious and authentic safari environment. Architecture of Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp The camp has eleven tents in total (two unique honeymoon tents, five double tents and four family tents), all with en suite bathrooms. The family tents are open-plan and have living rooms with fireplaces. The entire camp is situated to ensure that tents are private and quiet whether for honeymooners or families with young children. The camp has two main mess tent areas for fine dining, drinking, reading and relaxing, and an amazing pool and spa where guests can relax after a game drive. Guests can also enjoy a traditional canvas safari bath, a genuinely unique way of bathing specifically set up on the tent’s verandah, with views out over the plains. The location of the camp provides easy access for day and night wildlife drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Olderkesi Conservancy, wildlife walks, and cultural interactions with the Maasai community. The main central area is a very large, open-fronted mess and lounge tent, set in front of a manicured lawn. The comfortable lounge area is densely furnished with armchairs, coffee tables and sofas. Old sepia photos hang from the walls and brass lanterns from the ceiling - it does feel like stepping back in time. At the other end is a large dining table where communal meals take place. Other shared areas include a sparkling blue swimming pool with lovely views and plenty of sun loungers to relax on. This is at the far northwestern end of the camp, meaning it can take about 10 minutes to walk there from certain tents. There's another mess tent near the pool too, where meals can be served on special occasions. read more read less

The picturesque Tawi Lodge lies on a beautiful private concession at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, only ten minutes away from the gate to Amboseli National Park.  It is set in the heart of its own 3,000-acre private conservancy and in one of the richest game areas in Kenya. This eco-friendly lodge offers magnificent and extensive views of Kilimanjaro and the wetlands from both its main guest areas and its beautifully appointed cottages. Each cottage boasts romantic four-poster beds, a lovely ensuite bathroom with a Victorian bath and a shower, a fireplace and a personal bar. A butler service is provided for that added personal touch. There are 13 individual guest cottages set on either side of the main lodge building; all cottages have a spectacular view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Tawi Lodge can accommodate up to 30 guests. All ensuite, each has a large lockable wooden chest for safekeeping of valuables, spacious hanging cupboards and a fireplace. Cottage 7 is suitable for wheelchair access. Swimming pool with sunbeds on wooden decks overlooking the waterhole. A large main lounge with a fireplace and bar. A small upper deck lounge. Lovely gift shop. A fantastic spa, offering massages, pedicures, manicures and reflexology. An outdoor ‘hot tub’. Outside central fireplace and bar overlooking the waterhole. Delicious meals are enjoyed in the main guest area, with menus created from the freshest ingredients (locally sourced where possible) and served to a symphony of African sounds. A waterhole, visible from the convivial bar areas, a dining room, sitting rooms and a spa all offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a spot of game viewing from the comfort of the lodge. Adventures include twice-daily game drives in 4×4 safari vehicles, nature walks, camel walks and fly camping. read more read less

Unashamedly romantic and beautifully styled, Elsa’s Kopje is sculpted into Mughwango Hill, above the site of George Adamson’s original camp where he raised and released orphan lions, long before conservation became fashionable. Each cottage is crafted around the rocks, with a large bedroom, open sitting room, veranda and spacious bathroom, each with breathtaking views. The park offers a thriving rhino sanctuary, and is famous for large elephant herds, hippo, lion, and birdlife; Meru National Park is recognised as having more diversity of animal species than any other park in East Africa. The rugged and remote Meru National Park was rescued from oblivion thanks to Elsa’s Kopje, an environmental award-winning, boutique lodge. Winner of the Good Safari Guide’s ‘Best Safari Property in Africa’ award, Elsa’s Kopje is widely renowned as one of the most elegant lodges in Africa. read more read less

 A stay at Basecamp Mara offers a pleasant base for exploring Masai Mara wilderness and wildlife. Mara has some of the largest concentrations of wildlife, and it’s relatively easy to spot the big 5. The camp provides an excellent base for exploring nature conservation like the Basecamp Nature Forest and Community-based initiatives like the Maasai Beading Center (Basecamp Masai Brand) to promote & preserve local culture and talent. While here, experience a combination of authentic hosting and cultural immersion in the company of local Maasai hosts and guides. read more read less

Olarro Lodge is hidden high in the hills. With individual luxury lodges clustered around a central lodge, the world outside rarely intrudes on the tranquillity here. Scattered amongst the flora, each room is a private paradise. Share savannah surroundings together at the main lodge. Cool off in the cascading waters of the swimming pool. Climb to the Upper Deck and quench your thirst for views and aperitifs. Dine beside a roaring fire. Retreat to the spa to deepen the peace this place induces. While wild Africa is never far away, lush hillsides and protective fences surround Olarro Lodge, keeping the safari experience carefully contained. read more read less

Sublime. Glorious. Infinite. Located on the banks of a river from which it has taken its name, Sand River Masai Mara is located within the Masai Mara National Reserve, close to the Tanzanian border. Sand River Masai Mara is an ideal destination, at any time of the year, for those wishing to enjoy exceptional game-viewing. The National Reserve is best known for its large concentrations of big cats, such as leopard, cheetah and, of course, lion. Even the dramatic arrival of the Annual Migration merely adds to an already abundant resident wildlife that awaits discovery. read more read less

With a location chosen for the unblinking vistas it offers, Olarro Plains couldn’t be closer to nature. Here, untamed Kenya is never more than a glance away. An open and airy luxury lodge, the safari spectacles flood effortlessly and endlessly into Olarro Plains. Watch animals gather to drink without moving an inch, as the property overlooks a waterhole and a live feed beams every beat into the bar. Swim in the savannah’s beauty while in our infinity pool. Indulge in fine dining or head over to Olarro Lodge for tranquil spa moments. Though fences keep you safe from wildlife, here the line between wilderness and refinement blurs. Live seamlessly in both realms at once. read more read less

Angama Mara is a luxury safari lodge in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment, enjoying spectacular views over the savannah. ‘Angama’ is Swahili, meaning ‘to be suspended in mid-air’. The lodge’s remarkable setting overlooks what many safari travellers deem the finest game reserve on the continent, Kenya’s Maasai Mara—impeccably designed to make the most of its enviable location, high on the escarpment overlooking the Masai Mara. Here you'll experience the thrill of having nothing but canvas between you, the Mara, and year-round abundant wildlife right on your doorstep. The Maasai Mara never fails to deliver extraordinary wildlife sightings: pride of lion, solitary leopards, the shy black rhino, and abundant herds of elephant and buffalo are all found here in and amongst bountiful plains game. Experience a genuinely classic safari in many ways at Angama Mara. Guests will find a lodge where everything is as it should be: two intimate camps of just fifteen tented suites each, a private airfield and access to the Mara below, tailor-made safari days and a famously warm Kenyan welcome. The lodge is perfectly complemented by Angama Safari Camp, an exclusive-use mobile tented camp sited deep in the Mara Triangle, and amidst the mega herds during the Great Migration. Tented Suites Perched right on the edge of the escarpment, each of Angama Mara’s spacious 100 sqm Tented Suites has floor-to-ceiling glass spanning all along the front to make the most of the dramatic views. The interiors are uncluttered, classic and above all, comfortable with splashes of Maasai Red, French Khaki, copper and brass. Food & Drink You won't be disappointed by the delicious array of food on offer during your stay. The simple but hearty fare is all freshly made with great attention to detail, and dietary requirements are happily catered for. You can enjoy meals served in the main communal dining area, by the pool or even on your private deck. Picnics in the Mara are also provided, while coffee and tea are delivered each morning with your wake-up call. Afternoon tea is also served every afternoon, complete with cake sandwiches and scones. Guest Areas For the guest areas, inspiration was drawn from Nairobi’s Muthaiga Club famously featured in Out of Africa. The space is essentially one room entirely wrapped in stacking glass doors with no defined sitting room or dining room, leading to the expansive deck and baraza floating off the edge of the escarpment. read more read less