More about lodges and camps
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Coastal hotels and resorts
For hotels and resorts suitable for beach holidays, please see The coast and Zanzibar.

Masai Mara National Reserve
More about Masai Mara National Reserve

Accommodation is offered in many lodges, tented camps, camping sites and bandas in and outside of Masai Mara. Lodges and camps are listed on this page. Those situated inside the park borders are marked MMNR below.
 
Eastern Masai Mara

Sarova Mara Game Camp (MMNR) in north-eastern Masai Mara is set on a low hill. It has 75 tents, of which 15 have extra space and more exclusive interior. All tents are large safari tents with ordinary beds, electric lighting and a private bathroom with shower and WC. More about Sarova Mara Game Camp Web site: www.sarovahotels.com

Masai Mara Sopa Lodge is a large lodge just outside the eastern park border of Masai Mara, not far from the Ololaimutiek Gate. The standard is good tourist class. The lodge has 100 rooms in two-room buildings, all with ensuite bathroom, an ornamental fireplace and a veranda. There are also a dozen suites. Sopa Lodge has three bars, restaurant with seating indoors and outdoors, garden swimming pool and souvenir shop, and offers activities such as bush walks, balloon safaris, and visits to Maasai villages.

Web site: www.sopalodges.com

Siana Springs is a tourist class tented camp some 15 km/9 mi north-east of Masai Mara. It has 38 tents with ensuite bathrooms, dining indoors and outdoors, bar, conference tent, souvenir shop and swimming pool. The camp offers bush walks and night and day game drives.

Web site: www.heritage-eastafrica.com

Sekenani Camp is a tented camp on the boundary of eastern Masai Mara, about 5 km/3 mi south-east from the Sekenani Gate. It offers good standard. There are 15 tents, all with ensuite bathroom with bathtub. There is also a restaurant, a bar and a patio area where a campfire is lit at night. Sekenani offers bush walks guided by local Maasai.

Mara Bushtops is a luxury tented camp built on top of a hill a few km/mi outside of north-eastern Masai Mara, a ten-minute drive from the Sekenani Gate. The camp has 12 luxury tents, offering wide views (and a telescope), a wooden deck with sunken bathtub, indoor and outdoor shower, and a 24-hour butler service. There is a restaurant with outdoor veranda and wine cellar, bar, lounge and swimming pool with a view.

Web site: www.orion-hotels.net

Ol Seki Mara Camp is a seasonal luxury tented camp on a hill north of eastern Masai Mara, in areas off from those visited by most safari-goers. The camp has six very spacious tents, designed in modern and slightly minimalist safari style. There are also dining and library tents. The camp offers day and night game drives, bush walks, visits to local villages and sights, etc.

Web site: www.olseki.com

Mara Porini Camp is a good tented camp set along the banks of a permanent spring in the Ol Kiney wildlife conservancy north of eastern Masai Mara, 18 km/11 mi from the Sekenani Gate. There are six tents with private bathrooms and solar electricity lights. The activities include day and night game drives and bush walks escorted by Maasai guides. The camp is set right in the bush, and as this is an area where few other safari-goers come, it offers a good safari experience.

Web site: www.porini.com

Oseur Camp (referred to as Mara Chips Camp in some sources) is a tourist class camp outside the Ololaimutiek Gate of eastern Masai Mara. Three units of tents have their own dining and bar facilities. The location outside of the park allows for activities such as bush walks.

Mara Hippo Lodge is a basic tourist class lodge situated outside eastern Masai Mara. It has 40 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, and a souvenir shop and swimming pool.

Web site: www.marahippo.co.ke

Leleshwa Camp is a good tented camp in a conservation area bordering north-eastern Masai Mara. It has seven tents (including one suite), which are battery powered (but 240 V charging is available in camp) and have ensuite bathrooms. The camp has dining and lounge tents with large verandas. The activities offered include day and night game drives and bush walks.

Web site: www.leleshwacamps.com

Mara Gypsy Luxury Safari Camp is being built (planned to open during 2008) with eight tents on the border of Masai Mara.

Web site: www.maragypsysafaricamp.co.uk

Keekorok Lodge (MMNR) was the first lodge built in Masai Mara. It is situated in the south-eastern part of the park, and has some 160 beds. The rooms are in bungalows around the lodge garden and the swimming pool. The lodge has restaurant, bar, gift shop and a secluded observation deck, where you may see wildlife in the surroundings. Web site: www.wildernesslodges.co.ke

Sala's Camp (MMNR) is a small luxury tented camp is southern Masai Mara, close to the border towards Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The camp has seven spacious tents with ensuite bathrooms, and is set in a forested area next to the Sand River. The area is generally good for game viewing.

Web site: www.tamimiea.com

Cottar's 1920's Safari Camp is a luxury tented camp in a private concession bordering south-eastern Masai Mara and northern Serengeti in Tanzania. The camp is small, accommodating up to 12 guests in spacious tents decorated in 1920's style. The overall setting is to give an atmosphere of the olden and golden times. The camp offers safari activities such as day and night game drives in private areas, and bush walks.

Web site: www.cottars.com

Impiripiri is situated in a private concession bordering south-eastern Masai Mara, between the Sand River and northern Serengeti in Tanzania. The camp has seven tents with verandas, private bathroom and solar electricity. There is an appealing safari style with a contemporary touch. The activities include day and night game drives in private areas, and bush walks.

Web site: www.impiripiri.com

Mara Serena Safari Lodge (MMNR) is a lodge offering good standard, situated in western Masai Mara. It has some 70 rooms, all with balconies and views of the park. The lodge has a swimming pool, and a restaurant overlooking a waterhole. It's in an area close to the Mara River, where the migration may be seen during August to October. More about Mara Serena Safari Lodge Web site: www.serenahotels.com

Mara Intrepids (MMNR) is a luxury tented lodge situated close to the Talek River in central Masai Mara. It has 30 tents with ensuite bathrooms and private verandas. There are platforms for game viewing overlooking the river, restaurant, conference room, souvenir shop and swimming pool. The activities include game drives, night safaris, cultural outings and balloon safaris. More about Mara Intrepids Web site: www.heritage-eastafrica.com

Fig Tree Camp is a fairly large tourist class camp situated by the Talek River on the central/northern border of Masai Mara. It has some 70 rooms in tents and bungalows, all with ensuite bathroom and veranda. There is a restaurant, two bars, a souvenir shop and a swimming pool. The camp offers day and night game drives, and balloon safaris. More about Fig Tree Camp Web site: www.madahotels.com

Mara Simba Lodge (MMNR) is a tourist class lodge situated on the southern bank of the Talek River in Masai Mara, in a fairly vegetated area. It has 84 rooms in six-room buildings, lined along the river. The rooms have ensuite bathroom and a veranda or balcony facing the river. The lodge has restaurant, bar, souvenir shop, swimming pool and an observation deck facing the river, where floodlights for game spotting are lit at night. There is also a filling station for petrol/gas and diesel, and a workshop.

Web site: www.simbalodges.com

Mara Explorer (MMNR) is a luxury tented camp by the Talek River in central Masai Mara. It has ten spacious tents with luxurious bathrooms, private verandas facing the river and open-air bathtubs. The camp has an open-air riverfront dining area, a lounge and a library, and offers for example game drives, bush walks and balloon safaris.

Web site: www.heritage-eastafrica.com

Rekero Camp (MMNR) is set in riverine forest on the edge of the Talek River, not far upstream from where it joins the Mara River. It's a good camp in a modern and spacious safari style, with seven tents, including one family tent, all with ensuite bathroom. The safari activities offered include game drives, bush walks, visits to local villages and balloon safaris. The camp operates from June to March, with a break for November.

Web site: www.rekero.com

Naibor (MMNR) is set along the Talek River in the same area as Rekeko Camp, and offers a similar stay. The camp has seven spacious guest tents and a dining tent, all in a contemporary safari style. Activities include game drives, bush walks, balloon safaris, and mountain biking outside of the national reserve. Like Rekeko, Naibor is set right in the bush and offers a modern (in contrast to the African colonial style seen in many other camps and lodges) safari atmosphere.

Web site: www.theartofventures.com

Entim Camp (MMNR) is a good tented camp close to the Mara River and the Talek River in central Masai Mara. It has five tents set right in the bush, all with ensuite bathroom and private veranda overlooking the plains and the Mara River. There is also a dining area and lounge/library/bar The camp offers game drives, bush walks, visits to Maasai villages and balloon safaris.

Web site: www.entim-mara.com

Tipilikwani Camp is a good tented camp on the northern bank of the Talek River that borders central/northern Masai Mara. It has 20 spacious tents, of which four are interconnected in doubles for families. All tents have ensuite bathroom and a private deck facing the river and the reserve on the southern bank. The camp offers day and night game drives, bush walks, balloon safaris (from Fig Tree Camp) and visits to Maasai villages.

Web site: www.atua-enkop.com

Mara Leisure Camp has 26 nice tents of different sizes and a few family cottages, lined along the Talek River bordering central/northern Masai Mara. The camp has swimming pool, souvenir shop and lounge, and offers game drives, bush walks and balloon safaris.

Web site: www.maraleisurecamp.co.ke

Ilkeliani is a good tented camp on the bank of the Talek River on the central/northern border of Masai Mara. The camp has 17 tents, all with ensuite bathroom and electricity from solar panels. It offers game drives, bush walks, visits to local Maasai villages, and campfires at night.

Web site: www.ilkeliani.com

Basecamp Masai Mara is a fairly small basic tented camp set by the Talek River in central/northern Masai Mara. It has an ecological approach, and is built from local materials and uses solar power. An observation tower faces a good savanna area where much wildlife may be seen.

Olonana is a smallish luxury tented camp on the banks of the Mara River just outside north-western Masai Mara. It has 14 tents with private bathrooms and verandas right by the river. The public areas include restaurant, riverside lounge decks, and swimming pool. Bush walks and game drives are offered. More about Olonana Web site: www.olonana.com

Governors' Camps (MMNR) are four luxury tented camps within a private concession area along the Mara River in northern Masai Mara.They offer activities such as game driving, bush walks outside of the park, balloon safaris taking off near Little Governors', and cultural visits to Maasai villages.
- Governors' Camp has 37 tents overlooking the savanna or the river.
- Little Governors' Camp has 17 tents tucked around a waterhole.
- Governors' Il Moran Camp has 10 extra spacious and luxurious tents, set in forest along the riverbank.
- Governors' Private Camp accommodates 4 to 16 guests, and can only be booked by one group at a time.

Web site: www.governorscamp.com

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is just outside the park border of north-western Masai Mara, on the foot of the beautiful Oloololo Escarpment. It has 40 tents, of which 12 are luxury tents. All have ensuite bathroom and private veranda. There are indoor and outdoor dining areas, bar, souvenir shop and a swimming pool. The camp offers day and night game drives, bush walks, balloon safaris and visits to Maasai villages.

Web site: www.kichwatembo.com

Bateleur Camp at Kichwa Tembo is a smaller and more exclusive sister camp to Kichwa Tembo. There are two groups of nine luxury tents with elegant style and personal butler.

Web site: www.kichwatembo.com

Mara River Camp is a tourist class tented camp just outside the park border of north-western Masai Mara. It is set right in the bush close to the Mara River, and has 16 tents with ensuite bathrooms and solar power electricity. The main activities are day game drives, bush walks and cultural visits to Maasai villages.

Mara Buffalo Camp is situated north of Masai Mara. It's operated by a tour operator, and open only to its clients.

David Livingstone Safari Resort is a tourist class lodge on the bank of the Mara River, north of north-western Masai Mara. There are some 80 rooms with ensuite bathrooms and verandas. The lodge has restaurant, bar and souvenir shop, and offers game drives and visits to Maasai villages.

Web site: www.mugumotree.com

Mara Siria is a luxury tented camp set on top of the Siria Escarpment, where it overlooks the Mara River and parts of Masai Mara. The camp has 10 tents and two bungalows, all with ensuite bathroom, solar lighting and private veranda. It offers game drives, bush walks, visits to Maasai villages, mountain biking and balloon safaris. There are special "children's camp" weeks.

Web site: www.mara-siria-camp.com

Karen Blixen Camp is a luxury tented camp of 22 tents along the Mara River, north of the Oloololo Gate of north-western Masai Mara. The camp has restaurant (overlooking a hippo pool in the river), bar, lounge, swimming pool, massage and Internet. Bush walks, day and night game drives and visits to Maasai villages are offered.

Web site: www.karenblixencamp.com

Royal Mara Safari Lodge is a tented lodge situated along the Mara River north of north-western Masai Mara. It has eight spacious tented rooms built on elevated wooden decks along the river. The rooms are designed in a rough wooden African style, and have ensuite bathroom, safe, electricity and veranda with river view. The lodge offers game drives, bush walks, balloon safaris and visits to Maasai villages. There are nearby marshes, of interest to birders.

Web site: www.royalmara.com

Mara Safari Club, or Fairmont Mara Safari Club, is a luxury tented lodge north of the Oloololo Gate of north-western Masai Mara. It has 50 tents in a kind of hotel interpretation of colonial safari style, all with ensuite bathroom. The lodge has restaurant, bar, heated swimming pool, massage, library with Internet, and conference facilities. Safari activities offered include game drives, balloon safaris and bush walks.

Web site: www.fairmont.com

Serian is set in a private 26 km2/10 sq mi wilderness area north of the Oloololo Gate of north-western Masai Mara. The camp has eight tents with private safari style bathrooms, and a main building with mess deck, fireplace and expansive views. There is also a smaller camp, Ngare Serian, with four tented suites on the bank of the Mara River, meant for families, private parties etc. Serian offers safari activities such as game drives, fly camping, bush walks, balloon safaris and game flights.

Web site: www.serian.net

Mpata Safari Club is set north of north-western Masai Mara, on top of the Siria Escarpment. It's a luxury lodge with rooms in 23 bungalows, restaurant, library, bar and swimming pool. The lodge offers game drives, bush walks, balloon safaris and visits to Maasai villages.

Web site: www.mpata.com

Elephant Pepper Camp is a good tented camp north of north-western Masai Mara, set in a wilderness area away from other lodges. It's a small camp right in the bush; expect a good safari atmosphere. The eight tents are spacious (one family/honeymoon tent is 80 m2/860 sq ft) and have ensuite bathrooms. There is also a mess tent with family style dining and help-yourself bar, and campfires in the evenings. The safari activities offered include day and night game drives and bush walks.

Web site: www.chelipeacock.com

Offbeat Mara Camp is a small tented camp in a private group ranch north of north-western Masai Mara, off from other lodges and camps. There are 6 large tents with ensuite bathrooms and solar electricity, a mess tent for dining, bar and library, and a campfire area. The camp offers day and night game drives, bush walks and access to balloon safaris.

Web site: www.offbeatsafaris.com

Porini Lion Camp is situated by the seasonal Ntiakatiak River in the 80 km2/31sq mi Olare Orok conservancy bordering northern Masai Mara. There are ten tents with ensuite bathrooms, private verandas and solar electricity. The safari activities include day and night game drives in Masai Mara and in the conservancy, where few other visitors are seen, and bush walks.

Web site: www.porini.com

Olkurruk Mara Lodge is set outside north-western Masai Mara, on top of the Oloololo Escarpment. It takes some driving to get to the park gate. The lodge has 19 thatched bungalows, all with ensuite bathroom with solar-heated water. There's a good views of the park, but vegetation obscures the view from some areas.

Mara West is a good tented lodge set on top of the Oloololo Escarpment, 5 km/3 mi from the Oloololo Gate on the border of north-western Masai Mara. It's has six tented cottages with ensuite bathrooms. The lodge offers walks in its surroundings and cultural visits to Maasai villages.

Web site: www.marawest.com

Kicheche Mara Camp is a good tourist class tented camp set in a grove of wild olive trees on the Aitong Plains north of north-western Masai Mara. The camp accommodates up to 22 guests in tents with ensuite bathrooms. There are also lounge/library and dining tents. The camp does game drives and bush walks.

Web site: www.kicheche.com

Kicheche Bush Camp is a small tented camp in the Olare Orok conservancy just north of northern Masai Mara. The camp is set right in the bush, and has six tents with ensuite bathrooms and a lounge and dining tent. The safari activities include game driving, bush walks and fly camping, i.e. overnight stays in small tents away from camp.

Web site: www.kicheche.com

Saruni is a good lodge situated in a remote valley some distance from north-western Masai Mara. It has six spacious cottages with quite elegant interiors, ensuite bathrooms and verandas with great views of the surroundings and of a waterhole that attracts wildlife. A main building has dining room and library. The lodge has a nearby sister tented camp called Campi ya Tembo, which has three luxury tents with private bathrooms and large verandas with views. The safari activities include day and night game drives, and bush walks.

Web site: www.sarunicamp.com

Richard’s Camp is a small tented camp north of north-western Masai Mara. There are six tents with ensuite bathrooms and solar electricity. The camp offers day and night game drives, bush walks, visits to Maasai villages and fly camping.

Web site: www.richardscamp.com

Lake Nakuru National Park
More about Lake Nakuru National Park

There are two lodges, a tented camp and bandas inside the park, and more lodges and camps in the surrounding areas. There is also accommodation in hotels and camping sites in nearby Nakuru Town.
 

Sarova Lion Hill Lodge is built on a hillside east of Lake Nakuru in the park, in a forested area that offers nice views of the lake. The lodge has some 60 rooms in bungalows, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, sauna, conference facilities and massage. It is enclosed by an electric fence. More about Sarova Lion Hill Lodge Web site: www.sarovahotels.com

Flamingo Hill Tented Camp in northern Lake Nakuru National Park is not far from the main park gate. It has 25 furnished safari tents with ensuite bathrooms and verandas, a restaurant, bar and lounge, gift shop and conference facilities. More about Flamingo Hill Tented Camp Web site: www.flamingohillcamp.com

Lake Nakuru Lodge is a tourist class lodge situated in the south-eastern part of the park. There are some 60 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, restaurant, two bars, swimming pool, conference facilities, gift shop and Internet.

Web site: www.lakenakurulodge.com

Mbweha Camp is a good new lodge in a private conservancy just outside the eastern gate of Lake Nakuru National Park. The lodge has ten spacious lava stone cottages with ensuite bathrooms, a restaurant and bar. Mbweha Camp is set right in the bush and offers good opportunities for game driving, night game drives and bush walks. Balloon safaris are also offered.

Web site: www.atua-enkop.com

Maili Saba Camp is a good tented lodge on the edge of the Menengai Crater north of Nakuru Town, i.e. some 5 km/3 mi north of Nakuru National Park. It has ten tented rooms with ensuite bathrooms and wide views of the crater. The lodge has restaurant, bar, meeting facilities, e-mail service and swimming pool.

Web site: www.mailisabacamp.com

Deloraine House is a colonial estate house built in 1920, situated in a 1,400 ha/3,500 ac farm on the lower slopes of Mount Londiani on the western edge of the Great Rift Valley, a 45-minute drive from Lake Nakuru. The house offers stays in elegant surroundings, including gardens, croquet lawn, tennis court and swimming pool. Deloraine Estate is mainly focused on riding, and has large stables, cross country course, polo ground, and surrounding countryside fine for riding.

Lake Elementaita
More about Lake Elementaita: see Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Elementaita Lodge is a former ranch by Lake Elementaita that now offers tourist class accommodation. The lodge has 33 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, satellite television, mini bar, safe and veranda. There are dining room, bar and conference facilities in the old main building, and a swimming pool in the garden. The lodge offers horse riding and bird watching.

Lake Naivasha
More about Lake Naivasha

Accommodation is available in lodges, bandas, camping sites, hotels and private homes in and around the lake and in Naivasha Town.
 

Lake Naivasha Country Club has a large and pleasant garden facing the lake. All rooms are garden rooms. Birds, hippos and waterbucks may be seen by the lake, and birds of various kinds may be seen in the garden. The lodge, which is situated on the southern shore, has some 100 beds, a restaurant, bar and snooker table. There is a swimming pool.

Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort is a luxury lodge situated on the Eburu Escarpment west of Lake Naivasha. It has 30 rooms with ensuite bathrooms and private balconies, fine dining clubhouse, two bars, lounge, conference rooms, swimming pool, gift shop and Internet. There is a new 18-hole championship golf course and a driving range, and clay tennis courts. Besides golf, the activities offered include horse riding, walks and day trips to Lake Naivasha and other Great Rift Valley lakes.

Web site: www.heritage-eastafrica.com

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort is a very good hotel just south of the lake. It has 84 rooms (of which two have wheelchair access) in 21 two-floor cottages, all with ensuite bathroom, either balcony or veranda, mini bar, phone and safe. The resort has restaurant, lounge bar, a hotel garden, swimming pool, children's pool, gift shop, conference facilities and fitness centre.

Web site: www.sopalodges.com

Loldia House is a farmhouse lodge north-west of Lake Naivasha. It has nine rooms in the main building and in two cottages. The rooms have ensuite bathrooms with bathtub and shower. The lodge interiors are English colonial style. There is a dining room, a lounge, and a small gift shop. The lodge offers outings in the area, for example birding or fishing boat trips on Lake Naivasha.

Web site: www.governorscamp.com

Crater Lake Lodge is situated in a private sanctuary at an alkaline crater lake west of Lake Naivasha. It's a good tourist class lodge with eight furnished tents and two family bandas, all with ensuite bathroom. There is also a honeymoon tent, which has a whirlpool bath, bar and restaurant. The area around the crater lake is well vegetated, and offers good birding and some wildlife, for example many colobus monkeys. Other activities are nature walks, day and night game drives and boat tours.

Web site: www.mericagrouphotels.com

Naivasha Simba Lodge is a tourist class lodge on the shore of Lake Naivasha. It has 70 rooms, set in two-floor blocks of 10. All rooms have ensuite bathroom and television. The lodge has restaurant, bar, lounge, fitness centre with gym, sauna and massage, tennis court, swimming pool, gift shop and conference facilities for up to 200 people. The lodge offers nature and bird walks, boat tours, and outings in the area.

Web site: www.simbalodges.com

Kiangazi House is a country house south-west of and not far from Lake Naivasha, situated in a game corridor between the lake and Hell's Gate National Park. It's a luxury lodge with five double rooms, all with ensuite bathroom. There is a dining room, sitting room, bar and library in the main building, and a tennis court and a swimming pool outside. Kiangazi House offers game drives, bush walks, bird watching, boat tours, and various outings in the surroundings.

Web site: www.oserianwildlife.com

Chui Lodge is a luxury lodge situated in the private Oserian Wildlife Sanctuary south-west of Lake Naivasha. The lodge is built from local stone and wood, and has eight cottages with double rooms, ensuite bathrooms and verandas with views of the sanctuary. There are dining facilities, a bar, a heated swimming pool and an airstrip. The activities include game drives, bush walks, boat trips and outings in the area.

Web site: www.oserianwildlife.com

Elsamere is known as the home of author Joy Adamson. It's situated on the southern shore of Lake Naivasha, and offers accommodation for 16 people in cottages in the garden around the main building. All rooms have ensuite bathroom and veranda facing the lake. There is also a room with wheelchair access in the main house. There are dining facilities, but no bar. The activities include bird watching and boat tours.

Web site: www.elsatrust.com

Mundui Estate is situated on the western shore of Lake Naivasha. It's a 5 km2/2 sq mi conservation with a former hunting lodge. Accommodation is in a three bedroom cottage, available for exclusive use by one group at a time. The main activities are game viewing within the estate and outings in the Naivasha area.

Lake Baringo
More about Lake Baringo

Samatian Island Lodge is a small lodge on a private island in Lake Baringo. The lodge has five spacious cottages (one for families), built with open walls that are covered by mosquito nets at night. All rooms have ensuite bathroom and veranda with a lake view. The stone, wood and design result in a nice tree house atmosphere. There is a dining area, a lounge and an infinity pool facing the lake. Many activities are offered, for example fishing, boat and canoe trips, and tours around the lake and to Lake Bogoria.

Web site: www.samatianislandlodge.com

Roberts' Camp is a lakeside campsite (i.e. for camping), situated on the western shore of Lake Baringo, that also offers accommodation in basic tourist class cottages and bandas. There is a pub and restaurant. The camp offers activities such as bird watching and outings in the area.

Web site: www.robertscamp.com

Lake Baringo Club is a tourist class hotel/lodge situated on the western shore of Lake Baringo. It has some 50 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, restaurant, bar, lounge, swimming pool, conference facilities and gift shop. Activities offered are guided bird walks and boat trips.

Island Camp is a nice tented camp set on Ol Kokwe Island, which is the largest island in Lake Baringo. The camp has 23 normal furnished safari tents with private bathrooms and verandas. There is also a larger honeymoon suite. There is a restaurant, a bar and a swimming pool. The activities offered include excursions by foot and boat, birding, fishing, cruises and water sports.

Lake Bogoria National Reserve
More about Lake Bogoria National Reserve

Lake Bogoria Hotel, or Lake Bogoria Spa Resort, is a tourist class hotel situated in Lake Bogoria National Reserve, and has some 20 rooms in the main building, and some 20 in bungalows. There is a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, conference facilities, and a swimming pool.

Shompole
More about Shompole

Shompole Lodge is a stylish luxury lodge on the edge of the Nguruman Escarpment, overlooking the Great Rift Valley. It's designed in a very contemporary style with an African touch. There are six rooms and two suites, all with ensuite bathroom, plunge pool and views of the rift valley. The rooms are fully open, having no windows or doors, but are covered in mosquito nets at night. The lodge has a dining and lounge area and swimming pool. In addition to the rooms and suites, there is also a villa sleeping four people and offering privacy, private dining and a private swimming pool. The main activities offered at Shompole are day and night game drives, bush walks, mountain biking and fly camping.

Web site: www.theartofventures.com

Mount Kenya National Park
More about Mount Kenya National Park

Apart from the lodges below, accommodation is also available in bandas and camping sites.
 

Serena Mountain Lodge is a good quality lodge on the south-western slopes of Mount Kenya. The lodge has a tree house atmosphere, with much wooden materials, narrow stairs and rooms reminding of boat cabins. The game viewing is mainly done from the lodge, which has observation decks and a lit waterhole. More about Serena Mountain Lodge Web site: www.serenahotels.com

Naro Moru River Lodge is situated west of Mount Kenya, just south of the equator. It has 34 rooms and 12 self-catering bungalows/houses. All rooms have ensuite bathroom. There are two restaurants, bar, conference facilities, massage, swimming pool, tennis and squash, trout fishing and horse riding. The lodge is specialized in mountain climbing, offering guides and equipment. Web site: www.alliancehotels.com

Mount Kenya Safari Club is a very good hotel set in private grounds west of Mount Kenya in central Kenya. It has 115 rooms, including club rooms, suites, villas and cottages. All have private bathroom and veranda with views of Mount Kenya. There are two restaurants, two bars, lounge, health and beauty centre, conference rooms, shops, chapel, heated swimming pool, tennis court, 9-hole golf course, horse riding, bowls and trout fishing.

Web site: www.fairmont.com

Aberdare National Park
More about Aberdare National Park

Apart from the lodges and hotels below, there is also accommodation in bandas inside the park and in camping sites just outside. There are also hotels of different standard in the towns around the park, for example in Nyeri.

Treetops Lodge is one of the most famous lodges in Kenya. It's located in the Salient, just inside the park border, and is built next to a waterhole where wildlife comes to drink. The waterhole is floodlit at night, and the main attraction of this lodge is the night game viewing. Don't expect too much, though. The lodge has been around for half a century, and the area is just inside the park border, not very far from farmlands etc. Both factors affect the wildlife, and the numbers of animals seen may vary a lot from visit to visit.

The lodge is a large wooden building on stilts, looking like an oversized tree house. There are 50 small rooms, many of them overlooking the waterhole. The bathrooms are communal. There is a large restaurant, and a bar overlooking the waterhole. You get the best views from the roof terrace. The stairs at the southern end of the lodge lead to a ground-level observation room, where you may get close to animals outside, especially at night. The tree house design includes many narrow stairs leading, so you need to manage stairs to enter the building and move between your room, the restaurant, the observation decks etc. Children younger than 7 years are not allowed to stay in the lodge.

Web site: www.aberdaresafarihotels.com

Outspan Golf and Country Club just outside Aberdare National Park is where visitors to Treetops Lodge meet before being transferred to the lodge by bus. It has some 40 rooms and 3 cottages, all with ensuite bathroom, satellite television, Internet, and balcony or veranda. The hotel has dining room, bar, lounge, swimming pool, and squash and tennis courts. It offers game drives in Aberdare, bird walks, fishing and outings in the surroundings. When we have visited, it has not shown a 'country club' standard.

Web site: www.aberdaresafarihotels.com

The Ark is also located in the Salient area of eastern Aberdare National Park, but further west into the forest and at higher altitude than Treetops Lodge. It has 60 rooms with private bathrooms, restaurant and bar. It's newer than Treetops, and has the same game viewing concept. Children younger than 7 years are not allowed, except for during special children's nights.

Aberdare Country Club is close to Nyeri east of Aberdare National Park, a 45-minute drive from the Ark. It has some 45 rooms with private bathrooms and balconies. There is also a restaurant, bar, conference facilities and swimming pool. The country club offers activities such as golf, horse riding, tennis and trout fishing. It also has a 5 km2/2 sq mi sanctuary where animals can be seen.

Samburu, Shaba & Buffalo Springs
National Reserves
More about Samburu, Shaba & Buffalo Springs National Reserves

Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs have lodges, tented camps and camping sites.

Samburu

Samburu Game Lodge has some 60 rooms lined along the Ewaso Ngiro River. All rooms have an ensuite bathroom an a veranda facing the river. There are some family rooms, and one room with wheelchair access. The main building has restaurant, lounge overlooking the river and bar. There is a swimming pool and a gift shop. More about Samburu Game Lodge Web site: www.wildernesslodges.co.ke

Larsens Camp is a good tented camp with a central location by the river in Samburu. There are 20 furnished safari tents along the river, all with ensuite bathroom, veranda and 240 V around the clock. The camp has a dining tent and a bar. Game drives with KSPGA qualified guides and bird walks are offered for activities. More about Larsens Camp Web site: www.wildernesslodges.co.ke

Samburu Intrepids is a good tented camp by the river in the western part of Samburu. The camp has 27 safari tents overlooking the riverbank, all with ensuite bathroom and veranda. There is a dining area, bar, lounge, swimming pool, small conference room, souvenir shop and e-mail service. The camp offers game drives and visits to Samburu villages.

Web site: www.heritage-eastafrica.com

Samburu Sopa Lodge is situated on a hill a little bit north of the river in Samburu. The lodge has 60 rooms in 30 bungalows, all rooms with ensuite bathroom and veranda. Two rooms have wheelchair access. There is restaurant, bar, swimming pool, conference facilities and gift shop. The activities offered are guided nature walks (not walking safaris), bird watching and visits to Samburu villages.

Web site: www.sopalodges.com

Bedouin Camp is situated in a private concession just west of Samburu. The camp has eight luxury safari tents furnished with safari antiques, Persian rugs and ensuite bathrooms. The camp has a mess tent, and also serves some meals by the nearby river. The activities offered include day and night game drives, bush walks, fly camping, rock climbing, camel tours, rafting and visits to Samburu villages.

Web site: www.bedouin-camp.com

Elephant Watch Camp is a kind of luxury eco-camp built for minimum impact on nature, set by the Ewaso Ngiro River. There are six spacious and furnished tents with outside bathrooms – long-drop toilets and bucket showers. There is a mess tent and solar power.

Web site: www.elephantwatchsafaris.com

Sasaab Camp is new tented camp along Ewaso Ngiro west of Samburu. It has nine spacious tented rooms (100+ m2/1,000+ sq ft) with wide views, own plunge pool and privacy. The main area, where the restaurant and pool are found, is built on a ridge overlooking the river below. The overall style is a neat mix between contemporary and Moroccan. The camp offers a variety of activities, including day and night game drives, bush walks, camel riding and helicopter safaris.

Web site: www.tamimiea.com

Saruni is a new luxury lodge situated on top of a hill in a conservancy 7 km/4 mi north of Samburu. It has a contemporary style with some African or Arabian ingredients. There are six houses (two of them family villas), a swimming pool with wide views of the surroundings, observation points facing a water hole, a massage and beauty treatment area, and a private airstrip. The activities offered include day and night game drives both in Samburu and the other reserves and in the conservancy, bush walks, rock climbing, star watching, and visiting the Samburu tribe.

Web site: www.sarunisamburu.com

Joy's Camp is a luxury tented lodge in Shaba. It has ten very spacious tented rooms on raised platforms, all with ensuite bathroom, classy interiors with Arabian influences, and private decks for game viewing and relaxing. There is a dining area, lounging areas and a swimming pool. The lodge offers safari activities such as day and night game drives, and bush walks.

Web site: www.joyscamp.com

Elephant Bedroom Camp is a tented camp by the river in Buffalo Springs. It has 12 tents with ensuite bathrooms and verandas, a dining area and a lounge. The camp offers activities such as game drives, bush walks, and visits to local villages. Web site: www.atua-enkop.com

Buffalo Springs Simba Lodge (former Buffalo Springs Tented Lodge) is being rebuilt/renovated. (In November 2008, the building structures are there, but the grounds seem far from ready to receive guests.)

Meru National Park
More about Meru National Park

Leopard Rock Lodge is an upmarket lodge on the border between Meru National Park and Bisanadi National Reserve in the northern part of Meru. The lodge has 15 cottages (5 of these are family cottages) with ensuite bathrooms, private verandas, Lamu style furniture and Persian carpets. There are dining and lounge areas, bars, a swimming pool (with a glass partition for watching crocodiles from the pool), jacuzzi, and conference facilities. The activities include game drives, bush walks, fishing, camel walks and bird watching. The lodge recommends formal dress for dinner.

Web site: www.leopardmico.com

Elsa's Kopje is an elegant lodge in the middle of Meru National Park, built in an elevated position on Mughwango Hill and offering good views of the park. The overall style is that of a traditional bush lodge, with materials such as stone, wood and thatch, but all with a contemporary touch. The lodge has 9 individually designed cottages, all with en suite bathrooms. There is a dining room, an open bar, a lounge and a pool with views of the plains. Elsa's Private House is set apart from the rest of the lodge for privacy. It has three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, living area and private swimming pool. The main safari activities are game drives and bush walks. The lodge employs certified KPSGA guides.

Web site: www.chelipeacock.com

Offbeat Meru Camp is a small tented camp in Bisanadi, on the border to Meru National Park. The camp has six tents with ensuite bathrooms (safari style bucket showers), solar lighting and the bush right outside the canvas. There is also a mess and lounge tent, a camp fire, and an infinity swimming pool with views of the Bisanadi River. The camp offers game drives, bush walks and fly fishing in the rivers. Contrary to Leopard Rock Lodge, which is set in the same part of the area, Offbeat offers an informal atmosphere and a bush style safari experience.

Web site: www.offbeatsafaris.com

The Laikipia Plateau
The Laikipia Plateau has a large number of private ranches, private conservancies and communal group ranches. Many of these offer accommodation and safari activities.

More about the Laikipia Plateau

Loisaba Wilderness
More about Loisaba Wilderness

Loisaba Lodge is a luxury lodge set on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau, offering wide views. It has seven rooms with ensuite bathrooms, French windows and private verandas facing the escarpment. A self-contained villa, Loisaba House, is built on the edge of the escarpment and has two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, sitting room, bar, dining room, private swimming pool with a view and private staff. Loisaba Cottage is 9 km/5.5 mi from the main lodge, away from the escarpment. It has three rooms with ensuite bathrooms, one room with a large external bathroom, and swimming pool. All guest have access to the main lodge facilities, including swimming pool, tennis court, spa, and shop. The lodge also has Koija Starbeds, set next to a waterhole and the Ewaso Ngiro River respectively, where guests can spend nights on sleeping platforms, covered by mosquito nets only. Loisaba Wilderness offers activities such as day and night game drives, bush walks, horse and camel riding, mountain biking, river rafting, fishing, and balloon safaris.

Web site: www.loisaba.com

Sabuk & Nalare Wildlife Conservancy
More about Sabuk & Nalare Wildlife Conservancy

Sabuk Lodge is a small lodge in Sabuk at the northern edge of the Laikipia Plateau, bordering the Ewaso Ngiro River. The lodge has eight open-fronted cottages with private bathrooms, solar lighting and verandas facing a deep river gorge. There is a dining area, a lounge facing the gorge, swimming pool and gift shop. The activities offered include day and night game drives, bush walks, fly camping, horse riding, camel riding, fishing, and swimming in the river. The guides are qualified KPSGA safari guides.

Web site: www.sabuklodge.com

Mugie Ranch
More about Mugie Ranch

Mutamaiyu House is a family house lodge built in a grove of wild olive trees. Guests stay in four cottages, all with ensuite bathroom and privacy. The main house has dining room, sitting room, veranda, and an elegant country home style. There is also a heated swimming pool with a savanna view, and an airstrip. The lodge offers many activities, including day and night game drives, lion and rhino radio tracking, bird watching, bush walks, clay pigeon shooting, camel and donkey safaris, painting/sketching with the resident artist, and visits to local tribes.

Web site: www.mugie.org

Kamogi Ranch
More about Kamogi Ranch

Il Pinguan House is a colonial ranch house in Kamogi Ranch, offering stays in a relaxed atmosphere. It's a family home that sleeps ten guests in comfortable bungalows. There is a dining area, and a salt-water swimming pool, and a water hole nearby. The lodge offers game drives, bush walks, horse riding, tennis, sky watching, bird watching, and fly camping.

Web site: www.kamogi.com

Borana
More about Borana

Borana Lodge was built from local materials and dead wood from the ranch, and overlooks a dam where the wildlife comes to drink. The lodge has six cottages, all with spacious bathroom, fireplace and veranda. The interiors have African influences in a slightly rough and pleasant style. The swimming pool has wide views and overlooks the water hole. Borana Lodge offers activities such as day and night game drives, bush walks, mountain biking and horse riding – the lodge has some 25 horses, and offers riding for novices to advanced riders).

Web site: www.borana.co.ke

Laragai House was originally built as a country retreat, and is now a private home that can be rented. It's built on the edge of a 900 m/3,000 ft escarpment. The house can sleep ten people or more, has a full staff, and has spacious interiors in a style that includes Irish mirrors, thatched ceilings, rugs from Rajasthan, huge fireplaces and medieval weapons. Outside is a heated swimming pool, a clay tennis court and an airstrip.

Web site: www.borana.co.ke

Lekurukki & Il Ngwesi
More about Lekurukki & Il Ngwesi

Tassia Lodge is set by the Mokogodo Forest in Lekurukki Group Ranch. It is built from local materials, is solar-powered, and is operated by the local Maasai community. The standard is good. There's only one group of visitors at any time – you book the whole lodge. It has six double or twin room cottages and a children's house with bunk beds. All rooms have bathrooms. They are built around a central main area that has dining and lounging facilities, and a swimming pool on the edge of a cliff, with wide views of the surroundings and of a local water hole. Game drives and bush/forest walks are the main activities.

Web site: www.tassiasafaris.com

Il Ngwesi Lodge is a community lodge situated on Mokogodo Hills in Il Ngwesi Group Ranch, close to the Ngare Ndare River. The lodge is built and operated like Tassia Lodge, and can be booked both exclusively and by room. The six cottages all have open air showers, and wide views. Two of them have platforms where you can roll out the bed, to spend the night under the open sky. There is a swimming pool and a local water hole. The lodge offers game drives, bush walks, camel rides and visits to Maasai villages.

Web site: www.ilngwesi.com

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
More about Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Lewa Safari Camp is a luxury tented camp situated in the north-western part of the conservancy. It has 12 safari tents with ensuite bathrooms, and is enclosed within an electric fence to keep large animals away from the trees and pool. There is a dining room in a main building, a bar, and a salt-water swimming pool. Lewa Safari Camp offers day and night game drives, bush walks, horse and camel riding, bird watching and outings such as picnics and fly fishing.

Web site: www.lewasafaricamp.com

Lewa House is built on the top of a hill, overlooking the conservancy. It is only booked on exclusive basis. There is a main building with dining area, lounge and large veranda, and three cottages with all in all six rooms. The standard is good, and the style a mix between modern African and light traditional British. The garden also has a swimming pool with views of the savanna. The main safari activities offered are day and night game drives and bush walks. There are also various outings in the surroundings.

Lewa Wilderness, or Wilderness Trails, is situated in the eastern corner of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, in an area of beautiful views. It is a private home that has eight spacious thatched cottages set sparsely in the surroundings. The rooms have ensuite bathrooms, verandas and fireplaces for guests. There are dining and sitting rooms in the main building, and a salt-water swimming pool outside. The activities include day and night game drives, bush walks, horse and camel rides, hiking and jogging with Maasai warriors, and visits to Maasai villages.

Kifaru House is a private villa offering good standard. The house has sitting and dining areas indoors, and a garden swimming pool with views of Mount Kenya. There are five cottages with double beds, ensuite bathrooms, stereo systems, electric lighting and private verandas. The main activities are night and day game drives, bush walks, visits to villages and community projects, and horse and camel riding.

Mukima
More about Mukima

Mukima House is a lodge in a small private conservancy 6 km/4 mi north of Nanyuki Town, west of Mount Kenya. It has six bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, bar and dining areas and lounge, satellite television and Internet. Outside is a garden with huge lawns, a swimming pool, a tennis court and a dam with dinghies. Game viewing, horse riding, golf, and trout fishing is available in the surroundings.

Web site: www.mukimakenya.com

Solio
More about Solio

Patrick's Mobile Camp is a seasonal camp situated in the foothills of the Aberdare Mountains just outside Solio. The furnished tents are solar powered and have private bathrooms with long drop toilet and shower. The camp offers game drives, bush walks and fly camping.

Sangare Ranch
More about Sangare Ranch

Sangare Tented Camp is situated on the shore of a lake in Sangare Ranch. The camp has 12 tents with ensuite bathrooms and verandas facing the lake, and a dining and lounge area with a terrace. It offers safari activities such as game drives in the ranch, in Aberdare National Park and in Solio, night game drives, night bush walks (one of the few camps we know of offering this activity), horse riding, boat tours, fly fishing and trekking.

Web site: www.sangaretentedcamp.com

Ol Pejeta Conservancy
More about Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Sweetwaters Tented Camp is a tented camp offering good standard, situated in a private reserve in central Kenya. It has some 40 tents, a waterhole where animals come to drink and a five-course dinner restaurant. The camp offers night game drives, horse riding, visits to a nearby chimpanzee reserve and other activities.

More about Sweetwaters Tented Camp

Web site: www.serenahotels.com

Ol Pejeta House is a good private house that has four rooms, plus two rooms in a cottage, all with ensuite bathroom. There is a dining room and a garden swimming pool. The activities offered include day and night game drives, bush walks, camel trekking, bird watching, and visits to the chimpanzee sanctuary.

Web site: www.serenahotels.com

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is a tented camp on the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River. It's set right in the bush, with no permanently built structures. The camp has six tents with ensuite toilets, verandas and solar lighting, and offers activities such as day and night game drives, bush walks, and visits to the chimpanzee sanctuary, plus various conservancy activities, for example tracking rhinos and lions, using radio-tracking equipment, elephant and wildlife monitoring.

Web site: www.insidersafrica.com

Porini Rhino Camp is a tented camp with a proper safari atmosphere, set among acacias on the banks of a seasonal river. It has six spacious safari tents with ensuite bathrooms and solar lighting. The camp offers day and night game drives, and bush walks escorted by Maasai warriors. There is an airstrip not far from the camp.

Web site: www.porini.com

Kicheche Camp is a new camp being built in central Ol Pejeta, with six custom designed safari tents and activities such as night and day game drives, and bush walks.

Web site: www.kicheche.com

Lolldaiga
More about Lolldaiga

Lolldaiga Farm House is a log building from the 1940's, set in a garden with red cedar and wild olive trees. It's a tourist class lodge with two rooms in this building, and a third room in a cottage. All rooms have ensuite bathroom and solar lighting. The main house has a sitting and dining room, and a fireplace. The lodge offers game viewing, bush walks, hiking, tennis, camel rides and visits to archaeological sites. You can also take part in the farm work/activities.

Web site: www.lolldaiga.com

El Karama Ranch
More about El Karama Ranch

El Karama Lodge is booked exclusively by one group at a time. You stay in stone cottages with dining and living room, ensuite bathroom, and kitchen outside. For activities, there are day and night game drives, bush walks, horse and camel riding, and fly camping.

Ol Lentille Conservancy
More about Ol Lentille Conservancy

The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is built on a wooded kopje and has four private luxury villas, each one sleeping between two and six persons. All villas have sitting and dining room, bedroom(s), kitchen, bathroom and private staff, but have individual designs and features. There are fireplaces, outdoor baths and nice views. The overall standard and design is very good. The Sanctuary also has an eternity pool, a library and a viewing deck with GPS-controlled telescope for sky watching. The activities offered include day and night game drives, day and night bush walks, horse and camel riding, fly camping, mountain biking, quad-biking and rock climbing.

Web site: www.ol-lentille.com

Naibunga Conservancy
More about Naibunga Conservancy

Ol Gaboli Community Lodge is a budget lodge owned and operated by the Maasai women of Il Motiok Group Ranch. It has five bandas built from stone and thatch. Each one sleeps between two and eight people. There is also a self-contained house that sleeps two families. The lodge has a lounge and a library, and offers a variety of adventure activities, for example rock climbing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking and camel riding.

Sosian
More about Sosian

Sosian Lodge was originally the old ranch house of Sosian, and has today seven guest rooms in garden cottages. The interiors are in a nice ranch style. Some of the activities offered are day and night game drives, bush walks, horse riding, camel trekking, fly camping, fishing and farm tours. The ranch has an airstrip.

Web site: www.offbeatsafaris.com

Ol Malo
More about Ol Malo

Ol Malo is a luxury lodge set high on a rock escarpment on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau. It has four cottages built from rock, thatch and much wood, resulting in cosy interiors fusing African style with influences from French country homes, luxury sailing-ships, hobbit homes, and contemporary interior design. All rooms have ensuite bathroom, a veranda with great views and privacy. There are also dining and sitting rooms, and an eternity pool with wide views. A water hole and salt lick below the lodge attracts wildlife. Ol Malo offers game drives, bush walks, horse riding, camel rides, overnight stays in a hide for spotting leopards, and fly camping.

Web site: www.olmalo.com

Ol Malo House is a new private house on the Ol Malo property, sleeping 12 guests or more. The house can only be booked exclusively by one group. The house has three ensuite bedrooms, dining and sitting room, and three separate cottages.

Web site: www.olmalo.com

Ol Ari Nyiro / Laikipia Nature Conservancy
More about Ol Ari Nyiro / Laikipia Nature Conservancy

Mukutan Retreat is a good lodge built from stone, wood and papyrus thatch, overlooking the Mukutan Gorge. There are three cottages, all with ensuite bathroom, fireplace and private veranda with grand views. A central building has a lounge and a dining area, serving local organic food. There is also a gift shop, solar power and an infinity pool fed from a thermal spring. To soundproof the lodge, vehicles are not allowed near. Examples of activities are game drives, game viewing on horseback, camel rides, bush walks, fishing and bird watching.

Makena's Hills is a tented camp on the edge of the rift valley escarpment, facing Lake Baringo. It has six furnished safari tents and two wooden cottages. They all have ensuite bathroom, veranda overlooking the rift valley, and a style with canvas, oriental carpets and carved four-poster beds. The central area has dining room, bar, panoramic swimming pool and viewpoints. The safari activities include bush walks, game viewing, bird watching, and camel outings. The camp also offers a hot water spa, ayurvedic massage, meditation and yoga.

Nanyuki
More about Nanyuki

Sportsman's Arms Hotel is in the outskirts of Nanyuki Town. It has 125 beds in self-contained rooms or in cottages. The hotel has restaurant, bar, swimming pool, health club, squash court, business centre and conference facilities, and offers activities such as game drives in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, trout fishing and horse riding.

Nyahururu
More about Nyahururu

Thomson Falls Lodge is a lodge/hotel east of Nyahururu Town, along the road towards Nyeri. Most safari-goers travelling between Samburu/Shaba and Lake Nakuru pass here, and many stop to see the Thomson Falls, a 70+ m/230+ ft waterfall. The lodge has 30 rooms with bathrooms and fireplaces. There are also cottages, for example for families, restaurant, bar, conference facilities and a souvenir shop. There are no proper safari areas nearby.

Web site: www.tfalls.co.ke

Nairobi
More about Nairobi
More about Nairobi National Park

Nairobi Serena Hotel has high standard, and is situated in a central yet quiet part of Nairobi, not far from the city centre. There are 180 rooms, of which 20 are different types of suites. The hotel has a 25 m/80 ft swimming pool, two bars and two restaurants, one of the latter very ambitious. More about Nairobi Serena Hotel Web site: www.serenahotels.com

Panafric Hotel is a hotel in a quiet suburb area overlooking Nairobi. There are some 150 rooms and 50 apartments, two restaurants, bars, a garden pool, conference facilities etc. The hotel is 20 km/12 mi from Nairobi's international airport. More about Panafric Hotel Web site: www.sarovahotels.com

Fairview Hotel is not far from Nairobi's city centre. It has 103 rooms with ensuite bathroom, satellite television, safe and mini bar. There are three restaurants, bar, first class lounge, business centre and conference facilities, wireless internet, gym, sports television room, swimming pool, and security camera monitoring.

Web site: www.fairviewkenya.com

Hilton Nairobi is a large hotel in a central location in Nairobi. It has close to 300 rooms, ranging from standard rooms to suites. The hotel describes its rooms as 'contemporary'. They may have been a long time ago, but are now rather traditional hotel rooms, as to interior design. There are four restaurants, a pub, lounge, swimming pool, beauty salon, fitness centre, conference facilities, gift shop, and currency exchange.

Web site: www.hilton.com

Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel may be the most traditional hotel in Nairobi; it's 100+ years old, close to as old as the city itself. It is set not too far from the city centre. The Norfolk has 168 rooms with plush carpeting, satellite television, air conditioning, etc. There are six restaurants, bar and lounge, business centre, conference facilities, car rental, currency exchange, garden, and heated swimming pool.

Web site: www.fairmont.com

The Panari Hotel is situated in the outskirts of Nairobi, along the road from the city to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO/HKJK). It's a convenient location for stays in connection to international flights. Panari is new, has a modern design and offers good standard. The hotel has 137 air-conditioned rooms (including suites) with satellite television, safe, phone and Internet. There is a restaurant and bars, indoors swimming pool, fitness centre, business centre, and conference facilities.

Web site: www.panarihotels.com

InterContinental Nairobi is a large hotel in central Nairobi. It has close to 400 rooms (including suites), and was recently renovated. All rooms have ensuite bathroom and the normal facilities for a good hotel. There are three restaurants, bar, health and fitness centre, shops, swimming pool, casino, business centre, meeting room, and currency exchange.

Web site: www.ichotelsgroup.com

Holiday Inn Nairobi (former Mayfair Court Hotel) is set some 4 km/2.5 mi north of the city centre. The hotel has 171 rooms, two restaurants, bar and poolside bar, fitness centre, swimming pool, beauty salon, gift shop, and business centre.

Web site: www.holidayinn.com

Meridian Court Hotel is a tourist class hotel just outside Nairobi's city centre. It has 85 rooms, all with ensuite bathroom, satellite television, phone, and balcony. The hotel has two restaurants, sports bar, rooftop swimming pool, gym, conference facilities, and business centre.

Web site: www.meridianhotelkenya.com

Hotel La Mada is set in forest vegetation near the Karura forest some 10 km/6 mi north-east of the city centre. The hotel has 35 rooms (including four suites), restaurant, lounge and bar, conference facilities, business centre, gift shop, and swimming pool.

Web site: www.madahotels.com

The Oakwood Hotel is a small hotel in central Nairobi. It has 20 self-contained rooms, all with ensuite bathroom, television, safe and phone. There is a restaurant and a bar. The hotel's interiors are dominated by its oakwood design.

Web site: www.madahotels.com

Six Eighty Hotel is a tourist class hotel in central Nairobi. No frills, really, but a good location. It has 340 rooms, all with satellite television, safe, and phone. One floor has non-smoking rooms only. There are dining facilities, shops, and conference facilities.

Web site: www.sentrim-hotels.com

Hotel Boulevard is not very far from the city centre of Nairobi. The hotel has 70 rooms with ensuite bathroom, satellite television, safe, Internet, phone, and a balcony with garden or pool view. There is a restaurant, three bars, conference facilities, and a swimming pool.

Web site: www.sentrim-hotels.com

Laico Regency Hotel is a luxury hotel in central Nairobi, facing Central Park. The hotel has 194 rooms (including suites), all with ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning, safe, phone, satellite television, and Internet. There are restaurants, bar, gym, heated swimming pool, casino, business centre, meeting rooms, shops, and fitness club.

Web site: www.laicohotels.com

Nairobi Safari Club in central Nairobi is a fairly new hotel. It has 146 suites (with ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, safe, satellite television, etc), restaurants, bar, swimming pool, fitness centre, conference facilities, business centre, currency exchange, and gift shop.

Web site: www.nairobisafariclub.com

Tribe – The Village Market Hotel is a modern hotel in Gigiri, an area favoured by embassies, diplomats and humanitarian workers, situated north of the city centre. The hotel is set next to The Village Market, the most up-market shopping centre in Nairobi. The style is contemporary. The hotel has 142 rooms (including suites), all with open plan bathroom, wireless Internet, large LCD TV, and phones. There is restaurant, bar, conference facilities, spa, and gift shop. The shopping complex next door offers further facilities.

Web site: www.africanpridehotels.com

Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club is a hotel in Victorian countryside style, not very far from central Nairobi. It has 130 rooms in the main buildings and in cottages. The rooms are elegant, and overlook the hotel's 18-hole championship golf course. There are two restaurants, three bars, conference facilities, health club, swimming pool and baby pool, tennis courts, squash courts, and horse riding.

Web site: www.windsorgolfresort.com

Safari Park Hotel & Casino is a resort style hotel some 15 minutes from central Nairobi. It has 204 rooms (including suites), all with ensuite bathroom, private balcony, mini bar, safe and satellite television. There are five restaurants, conference facilities, disco, piano bars, dance performances, fitness club, tennis courts, squash courts, jogging tracks, and swimming pool.

Web site: www.safaripark-hotel.com

The Giraffe Manor is a former private home outside Nairobi that is now open for guests. It is known for its tame Rothschild giraffes. The Giraffe Manor has six guest rooms, and offers home stay style accommodation in an elegant countryside manor house.

Web site: www.giraffemanor.com

Silver Springs Hotel is a good 161-room mid-range hotel not too far north of Nairobi's city centre. The standard rooms have ensuite bathroom, satellite television, and wireless Internet, while superior rooms and suites have additional facilities. The hotel has restaurants, bar, swimming pool, gym and spa, conference rooms, business centre, and gift shop.

Web site: www.silversprings-hotel.com

Wasini Luxury Homes is north of the city centre, offering stays in apartments and good standard. All apartments have kitchen, bathroom with jacuzzi, lounge, and LCD TV. There is a clubhouse, a gym and spa, and swimming pool.

Web site: www.wasiniluxuryhomes.com

Jacaranda Hotel is a garden hotel situated in the Westlands suburb north of Nairobi's city centre. It has 121 rooms, all with ensuite bathroom, ceiling fan, satellite television, and phone. There is a restaurant, bar, Swimming pool, health club, business centre, and conference facilities.

Web site:www.jacarandahotels.com

Karen Blixen Cottages (part of Karen Blixen Coffee Garden Restaurant and Cottages) are situated in Karen, a quiet suburb of Nairobi some 30 km/20 mi south-west of the city centre. The cottages are set in a large formal garden, and can accommodate up to 30 guests. It's not far from Wilson Airport, from where safari flights from Nairobi depart, or from Nairobi National Park. Guests have access to the golf, tennis and pool facilities of Karen Country and Golf Club.

Web site: www.blixencoffeegarden.co.ke

Ngong House is a lodge set in the same area as Karen Blixen Cottages, overlooking the Ngong Hills. It is a former hunter's home that has been extended to a lodge, and now offers accommodation in spacious tree houses, cottages, a log cabin, and in a suite in the main house. All in all, there are rooms for 24 guests, and a pleasant mix of African and contemporary style. The lodge has restaurant, bar, a number of fireplaces and a garden swimming pool. There is also a boutique by fashion designer Penny Winter.

Web site: www.ngonghouse.com

House of Waine is a former private home in the Karen suburb of Nairobi that has been transformed into a stylish guesthouse. The house has 11 individually styled bedrooms, all with ensuite marble bathroom, satellite television, phone, mini bar, safe, and Internet. There is a dining room (meals are also served in other parts of the premises), a bar, a pool bar, heated swimming pool, and a garden.

Web site: www.houseofwaine.com

Macushla House is a small guesthouse in Karen, offering quiet lush surroundings and good comfort. It has six bedrooms, lounges with fireplaces, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and boardroom.

Web site: www.macushla.biz

Utalii Hotel is 8 km/5 mi from Nairobi's city centre. It acts as a practical training unit for students at the Kenya Utalii College, i.e. a hotel and tourism college. It is a tourist class hotel with 57 rooms, all with television, air-conditioning, phone, and safe. The hotel has restaurant, coffee shop, two bars, conference rooms, business centre, gift shop, swimming pool, and tennis.

Web site: www.utalii.co.ke

Olive Gardens is a basic tourist class hotel just north of the city centre. It has 87 rooms with ensuite bathroom, satellite television and phone. There is a restaurant, a bar, and a business centre.

Web site: www.theolivegardens.com

Jaimat Hotel is a basic tourist class hotel in a central location in Nairobi. There are 35 rooms with satellite television and Internet, restaurant, meeting room, and a next-door shopping mall. Alcohol is not served in the hotel.

Web site: www.jamiat-hotel.com

The Heron Hotel is a basic tourist class hotel situated outside the city centre. It is undergoing renovations (2008) that should improve the standards.

South-eastern Kenya

Amboseli National Reserve
More about Amboseli National Reserve

Ol Tukai Lodge has rooms in bungalows facing the Amboseli savanna, where zebras, wildebeest and elephants may be seen. The standard is good. There is also a swimming pool facing the savanna. The lodge has a restaurant and a lounge, and there is a gift shop. Baboons and vervet monkeys may be encountered in the lodge garden. Web site: www.oltukailodge.com

Tortilis Camp is a good tented camp in Kitirua Conservation Area south-west of Amboseli, bordering the national reserve. The location is an advantage, allowing for game viewing not only in sometimes crowded Amboseli, but also in the conservation area. The camp has 17 tents and a family two-room house. There is a central dining area, bar and lounge, gift shop, and swimming pool. The camp offers activities including game drives and bush walks.

Web site: www.chelipeacock.com

Amboseli Porini Camp is a good camp set in Selenkay Conservation Area some 25 km/15 mi north of the national reserve, an area with no other camps or lodges. The camp has nine spacious tents with ensuite bathrooms and solar lighting. Meals in a mess tent, a campfire and a setting right in the bush add to a good safari atmosphere. The camp offers day and night game drives and bush walks for safari activities.

Web site: www.porini.com

Amboseli Sopa Lodge (formerly Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodge) is situated east and (some 15 km/9 mi) outside of Amboseli. The lodge has 80+ rooms (including a honeymoon suite) in individual huts, decorated in an African theme. There is a restaurant, two bars, swimming pool, children's pool, conference room, and a gift shop.

Web site: www.sopalodges.com

Ol Kanjau Tented Safari Camp is a tented camp just outside eastern Amboseli, built right in the bush without permanent structures. There are six tents with safari style bathrooms (bucket showers), dining and bar area, and safari activities including game drives, bush walks, and bird watching.

Web site: www.olkanjau.com

Sentrim Amboseli is a large tourist class tented lodge in the eastern Amboseli area, offering 60 tents with private verandas. There are dining, lounge and bar areas, and swimming pool, jacuzzi, and gift shop. The lodge offers game drives in 4WD vehicles.

Web site: www.sentrim-hotels.com

Kibo Safari Camp is another large tented lodge in the same area as Sentrim Amboseli. It has 61 tents, all with ensuite bathroom. There is a dining area, bar, and swimming pool. The main safari activity offered is game drives.

Web site: www.kibosafaricamp.com

Kilima Safari Camp is a tented lodge being built east of Amboseli, outside the Kimana/Olkelunyiet Gate. It is planned to have 60 tents, bar and dining area, swimming pool, and lecture room.

Web site: www.madahotels.com

Satao Elerai is a tented lodge in a private concession 10 km/6 mi south-east of Amboseli. It has nine tents and five suites in bungalows. All have private bathroom with solar heated water. The lodge offers activities such as day and night game drives, and bush walks.

Web site: www.sataoelerai.com

Amboseli Lodge and Kilimanjaro Safari Lodge in central Amboseli have closed.

Tsavo National Park
More about Tsavo National Park

Accommodation is available in many lodges and tented camps, and also in camping sites and in hotels in for example Voi.
 
Tsavo West

Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge is situated in Tsavo West and was the first lodge in a Kenyan national park, built from volcanic stone. The lodge offers good standard and has some 55 rooms, which like the restaurant, bar and observation decks face Kilimanjaro. A waterhole outside the restaurant attracts elephants, buffalos, zebras and other animals. More about Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge Web site: www.serenahotels.com

Finch Hattons is a tented lodge in western Tsavo West, and is known for its quality and comfort approach to tented safaris. The overall style is colonial elegance. The lodge has 35 furnished tents, restaurant (with six-course dinners), lounge and bar areas, library, gift shop, and swimming pool. The main safari activities offered are game drives and bush walks. Finch Hattons is not fenced, and wildlife may be seen in and around camp.

Web site: www.finchhattons.com

Ngulia Safari Lodge, built in 1969, is perched on an escarpment near the rhino sanctuary in northern Tsavo West, offering fine views of the park. The lodge has 52 rooms, all with ensuite bathroom and balcony. There is a restaurant, two bars, swimming pool, floodlit waterholes, gift shop, and conference facilities. The lodge offers game drives in the park.

Web site: www.safari-hotels.com

Rhino Valley Lodge is a basic tourist class lodge set on a hillside in northern Tsavo West, with great views of the park. There are 16 normal rooms, and 6 self-catering bandas with kitchenette. The lodge has restaurant and bar. The activities offered are game drives and nature walks.

Web site: www.tsavocampsandlodges.com

Voyager Ziwani Safari Camp is situated by a river outside of western Tsavo West. It has 25 tents with ensuite bathroom and private veranda facing the river. There is a restaurant, a lounge bar, a gift shop, and an airstrip. The camp offers day and night game drives, bush walks, and various outings in the surroundings.

Web site: www.heritage-eastafrica.com

Severin Safari Camp is a tented lodge not very far from Mzima Springs in northern Tsavo West. It has 22 tents with ensuite bathrooms and private verandas. A main building has restaurant, bar, lounge with wireless Internet, gift shop, spa, swimming pool, and views of Kilimanjaro and a floodlit waterhole. The main safari activities are game drives and bush walks.

Web site: www.severin-kenya.com
 
Tsavo East

Satao Camp is a tented camp in Tsavo East. It has a good bush feeling, and is set close to a waterhole that attracts many animals. The 20 tents are decorated in safari style. Satao Camp has been built to allow access for visitors in wheelchairs, and also has game drive vehicles adapted for wheelchairs. More about Satao Camp Web site: www.sataocamp.com

Ashnil Aruba Lodge is situated by the Aruba Dam in southern Tsavo East. It was reopened in 2008 after redevelopment. The lodge has 40 good-looking rooms, all with ensuite bathroom, safe and a veranda facing the savanna or the dam. There is a dining area, bar, lounge, ice cream parlour, swimming pool, gift shop, and viewing decks.

Web site: www.ashnilhotels.com

Galdessa Camp is a good lodge on the southern bank of the Galana River in Tsavo East. The lodge has 14 semi-tented bungalows, all with ensuite bathroom (safari style bucket showers) and private veranda. There is a dining area and a lounge. Three of the bungalows are set apart from the others, have private facilities etc and can be booked exclusively. The lodge offers game drives and bush walks for activities.

Web site: www.galdessa.com

Epiya Chapeyu Camp is a tented camp set by the Galana River in Tsavo East. It is the most remote of the camps and lodges in the park. The camp has 15 tents, all with ensuite bathroom and veranda facing the river. It has riverfront dining deck, and game viewing platforms with bar service. An airstrip is 5 km/3 mi from camp.

Web site: www.epiya-chapeyu-camp.com

Kilalinda Lodge is a good lodge set on the edge of western Tsavo East, overlooking the Athi River (which further downstream becomes the Galana River). The lodge has six rooms in chalets, dining room plus an outdoor dining platform overlooking the river, and a swimming pool. The activities offered include day and night game drives, bush walks, river tours, fishing, and fly camping.

Web site: www.kilalinda.com

Crocodile Camp is set by the Galana River in western Tsavo East. There are both tents and bungalows with ensuite bathrooms. The lodge has restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.

Patterson's Safari Camp is a tented camp by a river outside western Tsavo East. It has 20 standard safari tents with ensuite bathrooms, restaurant, bar, and gift shop.

Web site: www.pattersonsafaricamp.com

Ngutuni Safari Lodge is situated outside of Tsavo East, in a private 40 km2/16 sq mi game sanctuary. The lodge has 48 rooms, restaurant (dress code for dinner), bar, gift shop, and a floodlit waterhole. The activities offered include day and night game drives.

Rock Side Camp is a nice lodge set on the side of hill west of southmost Tsavo East. It offers great views of the surroundings. It has 23 bungalows/bandas, all with ensuite bathrooms. There is a restaurant, a bar, and a swimming pool.

Web site: www.rocksidecamp.com

Voi Safari Lodge is a tourist class lodge situated just outside Voi (i.e. close to Tsavo East). It is built on a hill and offers wide views. It has 52 rooms, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, conference facilities, and waterholes.

Web site: www.safari-hotels.com

Voi Wildlife Lodge is a large tourist class lodge situated just outside Voi (i.e. close to Tsavo East). It has 72 rooms plus tents, all in all accommodating 300 guests. There is a restaurant, two bars, spa, health club, conference facilities, badminton, volleyball, and children's playground.

Web site: www.voiwildlifelodge.com

Tsavo Lodge and Ndololo Safari Camp around the Voi Gate of Tsavo East offer budget accommodation.

Web site: www.tsavocampsandlodges.com

Chyulu Hills National Park
More about Chyulu Hills National Park

Ol Donyo Wuas is a small lodge in a private concession in the north-western part of the Chyulu Hills. There are seven spacious cottages, all with ensuite bathroom, solar powered lighting and water heating, and veranda facing Kilimanjaro. A central building has sitting and dining room. There is also a swimming pool, and a waterhole where animals come to drink. The lodge offers activities such as game drives, bush walks, and horse riding.

Web site: www.richardbonhamsafaris.com

Campi ya Kanzi is a tented lodge in a large Maasai group ranch at the western foot of the Chyuly Hills. There are eight tented cottages, including two suites. All have ensuite bathroom, a veranda with a view, and solar powered electricity. The main building has restaurant, lounge, and a terrace facing Kilimanjaro. There is an airstrip nearby. The lodge offers game drives, bush walks, fly camping, and bird watching.

Web site: www.campiyakanzi.com

Taita Hills Game Sanctuary
More about Taita Hills Game Sanctuary

Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge in Taita Hills Game Sanctuary has an unusual design with rooms in two-floor chalets built on high stilts, and walkways high above ground leading between the chalets and the main building. There are 96 rooms, all with ensuite bathroom. Many rooms face a waterhole. There is also an underground hide for viewing animals, accessed through a tunnel. The lodge has restaurant, bar and lounge. The lodge offers day and night game drives.

Web site: www.sarovahotels.com

Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge in Taita Hills Game Sanctuary has 60 rooms and two suites, all with ensuite bathroom. There is restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and conference facilitie. The lodge offers day and night game drives.

Web site: www.sarovahotels.com

Shimba Hills National Reserve
More about Shimba Hills National Reserve

Shimba Lodge is a treehouse style lodge in the northern part of the park, set by a waterhole that is floodlit at night. The surroundings and the lodge are quiet and peaceful. Shimba Lodge has 28 standard rooms and two suites. All rooms have a balcony and overlook the waterhole. The bathroom facilities are communal (the suites have private bathrooms). There is a restaurant, a bar, and platforms for game viewing. The lodge offers game drives and walks. Children younger than five years are not allowed to stay in the lodge for safety and sound level reasons.

 Web site: www.aberdaresafarihotels.com

Kutazama is a small luxury lodge outside of the national reserve, set in a landscaped garden and offering truly grand views of the surroundings. Accommodation is in spacious suites in a soft African design. The four-poster bed may be moved outside for nights under the starry sky. The main house has lounging and dining areas. The swimming pool is built in two levels and offers panoramic views. The activities offered include game drives in the park, walks, and day tours to Diani Beach.

Web site: www.kutazama.com

Mukurumuji Tented Camp is a small basic tourist class camp outside the national reserve. It has four tents and a honeymoon suite (all with ensuite bathroom and veranda), and a dining area. The camp offers game viewing in the reserve and in Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, walks, and visits to local farmsteads.

Mwaluganje Camp in Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary is a tourist class tented camp. It has 20 tents with ensuite bathrooms and dining facilities.

Other accommodation
A small camp with bandas is situated close to the main entrance. The bandas are basic, but the scenery is beautiful.

Northern Kenya

Maralal National Sanctuary
More about Maralal National Sanctuary

Maralal Safari Lodge is a tourist class lodge set by a lit waterhole in the southern part of the park. It has 48 beds in rooms with ensuite bathrooms and (for most rooms) verandas. The lodge has restaurant, bar, lounge, swimming pool, game viewing terrace facing the waterhole (which is the only permanent source of water in the park and thus attracts a lot of wildlife), and conference facilities. The activities offered include bush walks and safaris by donkey or camel.

Marsabit National Park 
More about Marsabit National Park

Marsabit Lodge is a fairly basic lodge set not far from one of the crater lakes in northern Marsabit National Park. It has 24 rooms, a restaurant and a swimming pool. An airstrip is 8 km/5 mi from the lodge – it's a 2.5-hour flight from Nairobi.

Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy 
More about Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy

Sarara Camp is a tented camp set at the foot of the Warges Mountain (some 40 km/25 mi north-west of Samburu National Reserve). It has five tents with open-air showers and verandas. The dining and lounging area is on a wooden deck with wide views of the surroundings. There is also a natural rock swimming pool, and a waterhole where wildlife comes to drink. The camp offers activities such as game drives, bush walks, hiking in the Mathews Range, and fly camping.

Mathews Range 
More about the Mathews Range

Kitich Camp is a tented camp on the bank of a seasonal river in the southern part of the Mathews Range. It has six tents ensuite bathrooms with open-air showers and verandas. The camp offers safari activities such as bush walks and game stalking, and outings to Samburu tribe villages and markets.

Web site: www.kitichcamp.com

Mount Nyiru
More about Mount Nyiru

Desert Rose Lodge is an environmentally friendly lodge set at 1,680 m/5,500 ft at the southern end of Mount Nyiru. The lodge has five houses with ensuite bathrooms, a lounge and dining area, and a swimming pool. An airstrip is a 30–40 minute drive from the lodge, which has it's own Cessna. The lodge offers activities such as walks and trekks, camel safaris, meeting the local Samburu tribe, and excursions to Lake Turkana and the Chalbi desert.

Web site: www.desertrosekenya.com

Chalbi Desert
More about the Chalbi Desert

Kalacha Camp is a basic lodge set in a permanent oasis in the Chalbi desert. It's built from doum palm trunks and leaves woven into mats for roofs and walls, and is run by members of the local Gabbra tribe. There are four bandas with bathrooms (flush toilet and cold shower) and verandas. There is also a central dining and lounge area, and a plunge pool. An airstrip is next to the camp. (The flight time from Nairobi is 2.5–3 hours by smaller aircraft.) Bring your own food and beverages.

Web site: www.kalacha.org

Lake Turkana
More about Lake Turkana

Oasis Lodge is a basic lodge by an oasis near Loyengalani, on the eastern side of the southmost part of Lake Turkana. There are guest rooms in 24 cottages, a central dining area and a swimming pool. There is also an airstrip. The lodge offers outings in the surroundings, including visits to an El Molo tribe village, and is otherwise mainly focused on fishing for Nile perch, tiger fish and tilapia in the lake.

Web site: www.oasis-lodge.com