Best Luxury Accommodations in Kenya

Arijiju House is an exclusive-use luxury retreat; a beautiful, private residence in the game-rich, Kenyan Highlands with rare, truly wild luxuries—a spectacular retreat on the Borana Conservancy on Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau. Overview of Arijiju Arijiju's architectural design reflects the Kenyan custom of arranging rooms to accommodate multiple generations, featuring three suites in the main house and two spacious cottages along a stone path. It stands as a grand private villa, boasting a chic grass-thatched roof that merges effortlessly with the hillside, setting a new luxury benchmark for the region. The shared spaces of Arijiju Retreat are a fusion of African and European influences – echoing the iconic monasteries of nearby Ethiopia, with the entire edifice sheathed in indigenous Meru stone, complemented by European elements like elegant chandeliers and high-end western furnishings. Food & service The service at Arijiju Retreat is exceptional—attentive, stylish, friendly, and highly professional. The kitchen embraces a farm-to-table approach, catering to both health-conscious guests and food enthusiasts. Inspired by Ottolenghi, the cuisine beautifully combines modern, classic, and local flavors. The dining area boasts two large fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling arched windows, while meals can also be enjoyed on various decks and patios or even in the conservancy. Guests are invited to customize their dining experience, ranging from lavish to light, with options for vegan and gluten-free diets. There is a candle-lit lounge and bar area, a library and office, a spa house, a gym, a yoga studio, tennis and squash courts, and an infinity pool with views over a waterhole frequented by elephant, rhino, cheetah, giraffe and many other species. There is a fourteen-strong staff in attendance, including the butler, chefs and a ranger. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. The indulgent 19 m (65 ft) infinity swimming pool, often also enjoyed by elephants to quench their thirst, offers the ideal respite after a warm Kenyan day’s adventure.  To the north and east of Arijiju lie snow-capped mountains, dense forests and sprawling deserts, while to the south looms Mount Kenya. Open fences and corridors allow for safe passage for animals on migration, while radio collars on elephant matriarchs and roaming lions help inform and divert human-wildlife conflict. As such, Laikipia has emerged as the only region in Kenya where wildlife numbers have increased over the past 20 years. Conservation at Arijiju Arijiju Retreat is thoughtfully designed and operated with a strong commitment to sustainability and the well-being of the local community. Every aspect of the retreat has been carefully crafted to minimize its environmental footprint. From eco-friendly building materials to energy-efficient practices, every detail reflects a dedication to preserving the natural surroundings while supporting local livelihoods. read more read less

The iconic Giraffe Manor is a boutique hotel in Nairobi famous for its resident herd of Rothschild giraffes that casually wander around the spectacular grounds. Owned by The Safari Collection, this boutique hotel in Nairobi, is one of the most unique places to stay in the world. Giraffe Manor blends extraordinary wildlife encounters with exquisite hospitality and a long-term commitment to giraffe conservation. The historic manor house is set on 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of Indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi and is one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings The Flair of Giraffe Manor At Giraffe Manor, breakfasts are a fun-filled affair. Not only can you tuck into a mouth-watering menu, but you are also likely to be interrupted by one of the friendly giraffes poking its head through the window in search of a treat – such fun for the whole family. Lunch on light meals and kick-start an evening with refreshing cocktails served around a crackling fire, followed by superb gourmet dinners in the inviting dining room. Those in need of pampering can soothe weary limbs with a massage, whilst the energetically inclined can enjoy invigorating workouts at the gym. Wonderful family activities at Giraffe Manor include excursions to the nearby Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, the Karen Blixen Museum or relaxing walks in the forest on the estate. Giraffe Manor has extraordinary appeal, that harks back to the 1930s when European visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris. With its stately façade, elegant interior, verdant green gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards, guests often remark that it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa: indeed, one of its twelve rooms is named after the author Karen Blixen.  The Nubian/Rothschild species of giraffe was once highly endangered, but Giraffe Manor has long been part of a breeding programme which has successfully grown their numbers in the wild. Giraffe Manor boutique hotel in Nairobi can be booked for the night or as part of a complete tailor-made Kenya safari with The Safari Collection. read more read less

Nestled in the heart of a stunning Maasai-owned private game reserve, the enchanting Campi ya Kanzi eco-lodge offers a unique escape into nature. Surrounded by sprawling landscapes and vibrant wildlife, this superb sanctuary harmoniously blends comfort with environmental sustainability, providing guests with an unforgettable experience in a truly untouched paradise. Nestled in the heart of Ernest Hemingway's fabled "Green Hills of Africa," Campi ya Kanzi stands as a testament to regenerative exclusive tourism and conservation in the breathtaking Chyulu Hills of southern Kenya. The award-winning boutique eco-lodge has, for nearly three decades, been a jewel in the Kenyan safari landscape. Discover the hidden gem of Campi ya Kanzi—a unique, soul-stirring safari experience set before the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Guided by a Maasai warrior, embark on thrilling safaris through untouched wilderness teeming with elephants and lions, where you'll connect with Africa's rich heritage and natural beauty. Enjoy sundowners with Kilimanjaro views, exclusive safaris led by Maasai trackers, and a pristine environment powered by sustainable energy and water. Here, in a secluded setting with no other lodges around, you’ll create unforgettable memories with gracious Maasai hosts, making your journey both personal and transformative. How is the Accommodation at Campi ya Kanzi Campi ya Kanzi accommodates a maximum of 16 guests in six thatched-roof luxury tented cottages and the Hemingway and Simba suites. The tented cottages and the suites are conveniently located, with ample distance from one to the other, to guarantee every guest’s privacy. Each accommodation has a dedicated Maasai attendant. Kanzi House accommodates a maximum of 10 guests, in 3 double rooms and 2 twin rooms. Campi ya Kanzi has two goals: help the Maasai preserve their wildlife and cultural heritage and treat you to the most memorable vacation of your life. You will learn about the Maasai lifestyle, their land and their culture. You will learn it through them, in the most genuine way. And you will play a huge role in preserving this paradise on Earth! Activities at this magnificent place Being outside the National Parks makes a safari at Campi ya Kanzi truly unique, as guests are not restricted to staying inside vehicles. Visitors can explore the bush on foot alongside a Maasai tracker, who is there to ensure your safety while carrying a spear. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the Maasai’s medicinal uses of plants and their cultural traditions. Additionally, you can trek to the top of Hemingway’s Green Hills of Africa, visit the Maasai village of your guide, and observe wildlife and birdlife—all with the stunning backdrop of Kilimanjaro. Spanning 283,000 acres, the Kuku Group Ranch offers a vast array of natural habitats. The wildlife corridor connecting Tsavo West, Amboseli, Chyulu Hills, and Mount Kilimanjaro National Parks contributes significant biodiversity and conservation value. While wildlife roams freely and sightings cannot be guaranteed, an extended stay increases the chances of encountering zebras, giraffes, the Big Five (elephants, lions, buffalos, rhinos, leopards), possibly even the elusive wild dog and cheetah, along with more common species such as various antelopes and baboons. You can also take scenic flights around Kilimanjaro, over the Chyulu Hills or take an old-fashioned ‘fly camping’ overnight safari. Visit Tsavo and the famous hippos of Mzima Springs or the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust orphan elephant reintroduction programme; horseback ride; undertake meditation or photography courses; and visit the Chyulu Conservation and Research Center. Additionally, there is yoga with a certified resident teacher. Few places offer the opportunity to practice asana, pranayama, and meditation in such an immersive natural setting, with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop! At the Chyulu Club, children can have their safari in the Chyulu Hills with their own Masaai guides! Campi ya Kanzi: A Beacon of Regenerative Tourism and Cultural Immersion At the heart of Campi ya Kanzi lies a profound commitment to community development and environmental sustainability. Recognized as a pioneer in genuine ecotourism, the ethos revolves around empowering the local Maasai community to benefit from and protect the thriving wilderness that surrounds us. As a testament to their dedication, they operate entirely on solar energy, they are proudly not just carbon-neutral, but achieve carbon negativity through an afforestation program. The guests are immersed in an experience that harmoniously blends luxurious comfort with exhilarating outdoor adventures. From thrilling wildlife encounters to intimate cultural exchanges, every aspect of your stay is designed to create memorable and meaningful connections with nature and the Maasai people. Imagine waking up to the majestic view of Kilimanjaro, exploring the savannah accompanied by a Maasai warrior, and encountering the maestoso elephants and lions that roam freely. At Campi ya Kanzi, your dream African adventure comes to life, offering an unparalleled journey into the heart of the wild. A $125 conservation fee per guest per night, helps the Maasai coexist with predators and is disbursed ($124) to compensate for predated livestock and offset the minimal carbon emissions ($1), in a unique form of regenerative tourism. read more read less

Nay Palad Bird Nest is a one-of-a-kind accommodation on the grounds of Segera Retreat, an award-winning sustainable luxury destination. Perched amid the treetops on a river teeming with wildlife, the Birds Nest offers views of the plains by day that are matched only by those of the stars at night. In the morning, guests awaken to the magical sounds of animals at play. Unique Set Up Ever fancied spending the night in a bird’s nest? Probably not, but you may wish to consider it now. Welcome to the Nay Palad Bird Nest, Africa’s latest quirky and luxurious safari lodge, located in the wilds of Kenya - a raised suite that offers 360-degree views over the surrounding plains of Laikipia.  Nestled in the lap of luxury, the nest is aglow with the soft, warm radiance of lanterns. A bottle of the finest champagne waits to be uncorked, and a spread of exquisite culinary delights is artfully arranged on the open-air top level. Sumptuous beds, either under the open sky or sheltered within the cozy confines of the first floor, are draped with the finest linens and paired with comforting hot water bottles, ensuring a night of serene slumber. From this haven of elegance, guests can bask in the grandeur of the sunset, indulge in a gourmet picnic-style dinner, and drift off beneath a canopy of twinkling stars. As dawn breaks, the melodious sounds of the wild and an endless vista greet them, promising an unforgettable and enchanting experience. Part of the Segera Retreat and built next to a river well-stocked with wildlife, this two-level suite was built with interwoven tree branches and a circular viewing platform up top. 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

Finch Hattons is an award-winning tented camp that delivers the ultimate safari experience in Kenya. With a reputation for exceptional Kenyan hospitality and a steadfast commitment to wildlife conservation and culture, this luxury tented camp ensures an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa. Every detail is expertly designed to exude an air of luxury and exclusivity, showcasing our rich history and heritage. Finch's History The experience at Finch Hattons is truly magical, and it's hard to describe just how special it is until you visit. Just when you think you've seen the best, even more breathtaking moments unfold, surpassing your expectations. You will be truly amazed by it all. I cannot recommend this destination highly enough for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in luxury, style, beauty, and nearly untouched nature. Affectionately named after Denys Finch Hattons, one of Kenya’s great adventurers, Finch Hatton's camp offers guests a unique opportunity to relive the golden era of the safari. Spacious tents boasting panoramic vistas of the surrounding springs and forest include ensuite bathrooms, personal bars and private verandas, complete with comfy chairs and daybeds. Finch Hattons' Architecture Built with sustainability and privacy in mind, the camp features 17 luxury tented suites offering panoramic views of the natural springs and surrounding landscape. The award-winning, architecturally designed suites blur the lines between the indoors and the outdoors with an open-plan design welcoming the cool African breeze and the harmonious sounds of nature calling from the African bush. Create an intimate connection with the treasures of Tsavo from the comfort of Finch Hattons, where hospitality and Kenyan flair are nothing short of world-class. read more read less

Shompole Wilderness is an intimate and luxurious private tented camp set in the Shompole Conservancy, land prime with wildlife deep inside Maasai land. Nestled under the giant fig trees on the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River, this small, homely family run and managed tented camp is one of the few places in Africa that combines wildlife sightings in the Great Rift Valley with the stunning pink, red, and green and yellow colours of Lake Magadi and Lake Natron, both Lesser and Greater flamingos and a welcoming Maasai community. The landscape is varied, with mountains, soda lakes, rivers and the open savanna all in one place. The soda lakes are home to the endangered Greater and Lesser flamingos. Activities and Wildlife at Shompole Wilderness Wildlife is abundant in this relatively unknown corner of Kenya, with only Rhino missing from the diverse ecosystem. A typical drive, or walk, could yield plenty of plains game including zebra, wildebeest, Grant’s gazelle and giraffe. Elephants are back in the area after many years of absence and can often be seen if you are out early in the morning making their way down to the river to drink. Shompole Wilderness is located on Maasai Community Land, as it does not have the restrictions of being in a National Park, and we recommend that you spend lots of time out of the vehicle.  Walking and running can be done right from camp on the open plains behind the camp with a Maasai guide. The flamingoes are a great spectacle. A scenic helicopter flight over the flamingoes is highly recommended at an extra cost. Accommodation at Shompole The camp has just six luxurious and spacious double-bedroom tents set on raised wooden decks with large verandas, all set out amidst bush and spreading fig trees on the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro (‘brown river’), the main source of water for the region, which flows from Kenya’s Mau escarpment into Tanzania’s Lake Natron around 25 kilometres south of the camp. The tents are all private and well-spaced – each has an ensuite bathroom with a shower and flushing lavatory, as well as solar-powered lights and fans. New for 2021 is a lovely swimming pool with a shady bar and lounge area, plus a riverside lounge and bar and a separate airy dining room. Guests always comment on the delicious meals conjured up from the camp kitchen. 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.   read more read less

The captivating Ol Donyo lodge is tucked away in the cool shadow of the Chyulu Hills in Amboseli, one of Kenya’s most prized safari destinations.  Ol Donyo Lodge is located on over 111,000 hectares of private land in the heart of the Chyulu Hills, between Kenya’s Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks. The property, honed from the ancient lava rock spewed out of Kilimanjaro 360,000 years ago, creates a timelessness that touches everyone visiting us. Wake up to snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro and the distant roars of lions. ol Donyo Lodge is a pioneer amongst safari lodges, and a forerunner of sustainable tourism: by working with the local Maasai people, it has been able to blend conservation and livelihood benefits. On the slopes of the Chyulu Hills, this lodge blends contemporary and traditional design. To stay here is a chance to explore Africa in an uncommon way – by horseback or four-wheel drive, on foot or in a hide twenty paces from some of the largest elephants in the world. ol Donyo Lodge enjoys a stunning location, with the savannah at its feet stretching as far as the eye can see. This is the Africa of the mind's eye. The lodge boasts spacious guest suites, no two of which are the same. Each features its own exclusive plunge pool, as well as a rooftop terrace where an elegant star bed can be set up to sleep beneath the glittering night sky. read more read less