Here is our selection of the top ten luxury safari lodges in Kenya. We have selected some of the top lodges and permament tented camps to give you the best experience in different regions of Kenya.
Regions included in this list: the Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park and Samburu National Reserve.
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The Mara Bushtops Safari Camp
At the Mara Bushtops Safari Camp, you have a front-row seat to the wildlife-rich Masai Mara. You will discover a balance of untamed wilderness and the camp's opulence from the moment you arrive.
Surrounded by a private conservancy spanning thousands of acres, it is yours to explore without the usual crowds. From your hot tub or while relaxing on your private deck, enjoy watching graceful giraffes amble past as lions roar in the distance. This is no ordinary vacation retreat. But luxury isn't confined to the extraordinary views and exclusivity.
As a unique feature different from other lodges and camps on the Mara, the Mara Bushtops even has its own animal-attracting salt-lick.
For a quick preview of the Mara Bushtops Salt Lick, click the video below.
View The Mara Bushtops Safari Camp video
Nairobi, Kenya
Each of the twelve tents is a masterpiece of refined comfort, accented by hot tubs, signature bedding, and round-the-clock butler service. Every aspect has been meticulously polished, from the panoramic deck designed for maximum wildlife viewing to the star-lit infinity pool that merges sky and water. Even the on-site wine cellar unfolds like a hidden treasure. Stocked with the finest wines and spirits to elevate each meal and celebrate your time in this extraordinary region.
Of course, the camp is simply your base on the Mara. You will head out on game drives at dawn, guided by trackers who know every corner of this vibrant ecosystem. Early morning is the best time to spot the iconic predators. Wildlife you'll be looking for includes lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as they hunt in the cooler part of the day.
Activities include:- Early Morning Game Drive
- Sunrise on the Mara
- Full Day Game Drive
- Private Sundowners
- Afternoon Game Drive
- Mara Village Visit
- Private Bush Breakfast
- Mara School Visit
- Kakiya Cave Visit
- Walking Safari
- Balloon Safari (add-on activity)
After your activities, return for a sumptuous lunch. Savor delicious local produce, then plunge back into the wild for sunset sightings. The famous wildebeest migration, the nightly chorus of Africa's animals, and moments of relaxation in the award-winning spa all contribute to a genuinely remarkable experience.
Check availablity for your dates and send your request using the button below.
4 days+The Mara Bushtops Safari Camp
Nairobi, KenyaThe Mara Bushtops Camp is where luxury meets the wild. Nestled in its own private paradise, the luxury camp offers you unrivaled views of the regi...
- Exclusive Luxury, Wildlife Salt Lick
From $ 3,360
/ person -
The Ololo Safari Lodge
To experience one of the world's most unique and iconic protected areas, the luxurious Ololo Safari Lodge offers you the perfect experience of the famed Nairobi National Park.
Imagine yourself lounging by a crackling fire-pit and sipping a crisp drink as giraffes wander across the horizon. At the Ololo Safari Lodge, this is your experience just 45 minutes after landing in Nairobi International Airport.
It makes a fantastic introduction to Kenya for a few days before heading to the Masai Mara or other parts of the country.
Originally a Kenyan homestead, the home has been lovingly restored as a luxurious family-run boutique lodge to explore the fantastic national park. Overlooking the national park and Mbagathi River, enjoy incredible views stretching out to the Ngong Hills.
Your meals will be from the onsite 20-acre farm, where eggs come fresh each morning and vegetables travel just a few steps to your plate. The converted stables, tented cottages, and rooms in the main house fuse heritage charm with modern amenities, creating unique hideaways with intrinsic beauty to relax between Nairobi National Park activities.
Days begin with dawn game drives. This is a rare chance to see lions, rhinos, or zebras against Nairobi's striking skyline. Return to the lodge to relax on a terrace that marries open-air dining with the gentle sounds of the bush.
Later, venture to the furniture workshop where skilled carpenters craft Ololo's signature pieces, or indulge in a soothing massage overlooking the park. Evenings invite you to unwind with a selection from the stone-walled cellar, joined by conservations and adventure planning with fellow explorers around the fire.
Activities include:- Nairobi National Park Visit
- Ololo Farm and Furniture Workshop
- Rejuvenate at Ololo
- Discover David Sheldrick's Wildlife Trust: The Baby Elephant Orphanage
- Discover Karen: A Journey Through History
- Explore Kitengela Hot Glass
Check availablity for your dates and click the button below.
4, 5 days+The Ololo Safari Lodge
Nairobi, KenyaThe Ololo Safari Lodge offers you a very comfortable base to experience the Nairobi National Park’s incredible wildlife and scenery. Upon arrival...
- Luxury, Close to Nairobi
From $ 660
/ person
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The Cottar's 1920s Camp
If you'd enjoy a luxurious safari reminiscent of the 1900s African explorers, Cottar's 1920s Camp in the Masai Mara offers you an immersive journey into the golden age of exploration.
The camp is a mix of a vintage feel, modern luxury, adventure, conservation, and cultural connection. And they combine in one of Africa's most spectacular settings. Nestled within the exclusive 7,608-acre Olderkesi Conservancy, bordering both the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, this award-winning camp is a living legacy of Africa's oldest safari family.
Beneath the canvas of luxurious cream-colored tents, you will find a high level of comfort, including four-poster beds, en-suite bathrooms, and the opportunity for an open-air bush bath with uninterrupted views of the savanna.
The camp's design ensures exclusivity, with personalized service that makes your safari a luxurious, tailor-made experience.
Experiences at Cottar's 1920s Camp:- Game drives in the Maasai Mara – Witness the drama of Africa's iconic wildlife
- Walking safaris with Maasai warriors – Explore the land as generations have before
- Conservation experiences – Join anti-poaching patrols, reforestation walks & vulture rehabilitation
- Private bush breakfasts & sundowners – Dine in the wild, under the vast African sky
- Spa & wellness – Eco-conscious treatments in a serene setting
- Cultural experiences & coffee tastings – Connect with Maasai traditions and local flavors
- Balloon safaris (optional) – A breathtaking sunrise over the savanna
Beyond these incredible experiences of game drives and classic wildlife encounters, Cottar's is a place where you can have a little deeper Mara experience.
You will walk alongside Maasai warriors and learn the secrets of the Masai Mara. You can join the region's only all-female ranger unit for a conservation patrol. And you can take part in vulture rehabilitation or explore the wisdom of medicinal plants on a guided reforestation walk.
Each experience is designed to leave a meaningful impact on both guests and the Masai Mara. For moments of pure indulgence, the camp's spa treatments use eco-conscious products to restore and rejuvenate, while private bush breakfasts and sundowners add a touch of magic to every day.
A hidden waterfall offers a tranquil retreat for swimming and fishing, and coffee-tasting sessions introduce guests to rich, locally sourced flavors.
For an unparalleled perspective, a sunrise balloon safari over the Maasai Mara reveals the endless beauty of the African plains.
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The Tawi Lodge
A hidden oasis for Amboseli, Tawi Lodge provides you with an intimate safari experience in the heart of a private conservancy. Here, beneath the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, nature and luxury exist in perfect harmony.
Set amid lush gardens and shady acacia trees, the lodge's elegant cottages provide you with a sanctuary of comfort. Each of these offers sweeping views of the mountain. And from your private deck, you can watch elephant herds wandering ancient migratory routes. In the distance you can hear the sounds of the region's 150+ bird species.
The lodge and itineraries were designed with a deep respect for the land. The Tawi Lodge blends rustic charm with contemporary touches, including four-poster beds, en-suite bathrooms with both bath and shower, and the warmth of a fireplace on cool Amboseli nights. The rhythm of your day's itinerary is determined by the wilderness.
You will venture out on game drives across the Amboseli ecosystem, where iconic elephants roam alongside lions, cheetahs, and grazing herds. The lodge's expert Maasai guides reveal the land's hidden secrets on guided bush walks, tracing animal tracks, identifying medicinal plants, and sharing the deep knowledge of their ancestors.
For a slower pace, the lodge also provides camel walks for a unique experience of the golden savanna.
The Tawi Lodge aims to elevate every moment of your experience. Bush breakfasts and sundowners transform the landscape into a dining room, where fresh organic meals are served with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. And as an extra activity, a hot air balloon safari lifts you into the dawn sky for an unforgettable aerial view of Amboseli's endless plains.
In the evenings, as the fire crackles and lanterns flicker, the stories of the wild are told beneath a incredible canopy of stars. This is a Gold Eco-Rated lodge and every stay supports the preservation of Amboseli's fragile ecosystem.
The lodge funds a 3,000-acre conservancy, which protects vital elephant corridors and ensuring the coexistence of wildlife and local Maasai communities. This is in addition to education initiatives, sustainable farming, and fair employment.
Activities at Tawi Lodge:- Game drives (day & night) – Explore Amboseli's vast landscapes with expert guides
- Guided bush walks – Learn the secrets of the land from Maasai warriors
- Camel safaris – A slow, immersive journey through the conservancy
- Bush breakfasts & sundowners – Dine in the wild with spectacular views
- Hot air balloon safari (optional) – A breathtaking sunrise over Amboseli
- Cultural visits – Meet the Maasai and visit local schools and villages
- Eco-conscious relaxation – Enjoy organic cuisine, spa treatments, and the peace of the wilderness
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The Soroi Lions Bluff Lodge
The Soroi Lions Bluff Lodge is perched high above Tsavo offering spectacular views. This is a sanctuary of solitude, serenity, and incredible safari experiences.
Set within the Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary, this elevated retreat offers panoramic vistas stretching across Tsavo's rolling plains to the hazy silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro.
From sunrise to sundown, you can experience one of Kenya's most breathtaking and biodiverse regions. Tucked among the ancient Taita Hills, the lodge's ten luxury suites and two family suites are crafted from natural materials. They are designed to blend seamlessly into the environment while offering you uncompromising comfort.
Fitted with four-poster beds, indoor and outdoor showers, and private decks, the suites immerse you in your wilderness experience. Enjoy sipping coffee as the sun rises over Tsavo and stargazing to the sound of distant lion calls.
From the panoramic decks, you will see herds of elephant, kudu, and impala cross the conservancy below. Your days at Lions Bluff begin with early game drives. Expert guides lead you into the heart of Tsavo's wild corridors. You will be tracking lions, searching for elusive nocturnal predators on night drives, or birdwatching in one of Kenya's most species-rich areas.
And if you're looking for a closer connection, guided bush walks, nature trails, and ornithological hikes offer you an exceptional Tsavo experience. Adventurous guests can climb the Taita Hills, explore ancient lava flows at Shetani, or visit the cool, clear waters of Mzima Springs. And for a dose of history, a battlefield tour retraces World War I skirmishes in the region. This is a side of East Africa few ever see and certainly unique.
When it's time to relax, the spa, infinity pool, and sundowner deck invite you to unwind in style. Meals are an occasion in themselves. Enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine served in open-air dining areas with sweeping views. Private bush breakfasts, dinners under the stars, and drinks by the fire enhance your time here.
The lodge has a Gold Eco Rating and supports local Maasai and Taita communities through employment, land lease revenue, education initiatives, and a skill-sharing program. The conservancy protects vital elephant migration routes and sustains a delicate balance between people and wildlife.
Activities at Soroi Lions Bluff Lodge include:- Game drives (day & night) – Discover Tsavo's rich biodiversity
- Bush walks & nature trails – Learn from local rangers in their ancestral lands
- Sundowners & bush breakfasts – Unwind in unforgettable settings
- Taita Hills hike & Kasigau climb – Panoramic views and cultural immersion
- Birdwatching tours – Explore one of Kenya's richest ornithological regions
- Cultural visits – Meet local communities, visit schools, and explore village life
- Visit Mzima Springs & Shetani Lava Flow – Geological wonders and wildlife
- Battlefield tours – A walk through colonial history in the wild
- Spa treatments – Relaxation with a view
- Skill share programs – Share knowledge, inspire change
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The Soroi Larsens Camp
The Soroi Larsens Camp is a luxury lodge on the Ewaso Nyiro River in the heart of Samburu's arid wilderness. The camp brings a touch of refined comfort to one of Kenya's most dramatic landscapes.
Named in honour of the legendary explorer Eric Larsen, this boutique retreat channels the spirit of old-world safari with the elegance and detail of modern design. The intimate camp offers 12 river-facing luxury tents, 2 family units, and 2 exclusive deluxe suites. These are all designed to offer privacy while keeping you connected to the surrounding wild.
Each of the suites opens to the river, where elephants sometimes wander down to drink. When not enjoying the comfort of the lodge, you will head out to explore this incredible landscape. Game drives through the Samburu Reserve reveal rare northern species like Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich.
The Ewaso River corridor is a magnet for wildlife and an ever-changing stage for dramatic sightings. For birders, Samburu is a treasure trove. You can find over 400 bird species, and guided walks along the river often reveal hidden gems. You can also explore on bush walks guided by Samburu trackers who interpret the signs and stories written in the dust. They will teach you about the animal prints, medicinal plants and birdsong.
Unwind with a massage in your tent or an afternoon by the campfire with a cool drink and a view of the river. For a more personal connection to the region, the camp facilitates cultural visits to nearby Samburu villages. These are opportunities to learn, observe, and engage with the local way of life.
Mealtimes can also be an experience in themselves. You can choose to eat indoors or outdoors under the African sky. Cuisine is created with ingredients from the camp's organic garden. And the menus strike a balance between global comfort and local flavour. Whether you're dining riverside at sunrise or toasting the day's final light with a sundowner on the plains, every detail is quietly considered.
Activities at Soroi Larsens Camp:- Morning & evening game drives – Spot rare wildlife in Samburu's unique ecosystem
- Bush walks & tracking – Explore the land with Samburu guides
- Private bush dinners – Dine in the wild beneath the stars
- Birdwatching excursions – Discover Samburu's extraordinary birdlife
- Sundowners – Unwind with drinks and canapés at scenic viewpoints
- Cultural visits – Spend time with the Samburu community and learn their traditions
- Star bed sleep-outs – Drift off under an open African sky
- In-room spa treatments – Rejuvenate in the comfort of your suite
- Stargazing – Guided night-sky sessions with a resident naturalist
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The Ol Donyo Lodge
Between Amboseli and Tsavo, in an area known as the Chyulu Hills, you will find the ol Donyo Lodge. And surrounding the lodge is a 275,000 wildlife-rich acres of private Maasai land.
Your views from Ol Donyo stretch toward Kilimanjaro, and the only schedule here is nature's. This is a place where elephants roam freely below your veranda, distant calls of lions are heard in the evenings, and mornings begin with the smell of coffee rising from the lodge's hide as giraffes wander into view.
To blend with the landscape, the lodge is built into the rock face and shaded by ancient acacias. The lodge's nine suites, including the two-bedroom Sambu Suite, combine modern luxury with East African character. Stone floors, hand-carved furnishings, and thatched roofs frame wide open views.
Each suite has its own plunge pool, outdoor lounge, and a rooftop star bed for sleeping beneath the sky. There are no fences, which means you maintain connection to the wild. There are some fantastic activities at the lodge.
Set out on horseback safaris, tracking elephants across open plains. Walk through the bush with Maasai guides who read the landscape like a book. Watch lions from a hidden waterhole hide, camera in hand and coffee at your side. Ride out again at night to glimpse creatures that disappear with the sunrise. And if the mood strikes, take to the air. Helicopter flights offer a rare bird's-eye view of lava flows, cratered hills, and scattered herds far below.
Adding to the experience, your visit directs helps habitat protection, wildlife and the Maasai communities. The land is Maasai-owned, and the lodge operates in partnership with the families who have lived here for generations.
Guests can visit homesteads, schools supported by the Great Plains Foundation, or the lively Kimana market to experience everyday life in this part of Kenya. These are genuine interactions, thoughtfully arranged and respectfully led.
What to Experience at ol Donyo Lodge:- Game drives (day & night) – Track wildlife in one of Kenya's most diverse ecosystems
- Horseback safaris – For experienced riders, a thrilling way to move among the herds
- Bush walks – Learn the land through the eyes of expert Maasai trackers
- Star bed sleepouts – Drift off under the open sky with only the sounds of the wild
- Sunken & open-air wildlife hides – Quiet observation at a busy waterhole
- Helicopter safaris (pre-booked) – Soar above Chyulu Hills and Kilimanjaro
- Spa treatments – In-suite or at the lodge, unwind after the day's adventure
- Community visits – Engage meaningfully with the people of Mbirikani
- Market & school visits – A deeper look into daily life beyond the lodge
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The Angama Amboseli
The Angama Amboseli is positioned within Kenya's first community conservancy, the Kimana Sanctuary. This is a 5,700 acre region of fever tree forest, perennial streams, and some of Africa's last great tuskers.
Amboseli is elephant country and to see this magnificent tusked animals is a sight to see. Positioned to get you close to the action, groups of elephants drift through the trees and past your suite and the super tuskers often feed just beyond the veranda.
Views from the lodge's 10 suites stretch across the savanna to Mount Kilimanjaro, framed by your floor-to-ceiling screened doors, your bed, your mirror. The mountain itself helps to decorate your suite. Guests have exclusive traversing rights across the Sanctuary and its abundant wildlife. Spot zebra, eland, giraffe, reedbuck, even lion and leopards.
And just 45 minutes away, Amboseli National Park opens up for day trips. Here, you can find dusty pans, wetlands, flamingos, and elephants marching in long lines toward the water. Kimana itself is owned by 844 Maasai families who welcome you to explore this incredible and lesser visited elephant paradise.
Activities at Angama Amboseli:- Guided game drives in Kimana Sanctuary and Amboseli National Park
- Bush walks led by expert naturalists and local guides
- Star-gazing and in-suite massages with Kilimanjaro on the horizon
- Photographic and weaving studios for slow, creative moments
- Visits to conservation partners like Big Life Foundation
- Optional hot-air balloon flights over Amboseli (pre-booked)
- Thoughtfully arranged community visits that go beyond the surface
This is your gentle start or graceful finish to an East African safari.
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The Mara Plains Camp
Tucked away in a private pocket of riverine forest along the Ntiaktiak River, the Mara Plains Camp is an understated, yet refined retreat in the heart of Kenya's most iconic safari region.
Giving you direct access to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the exclusive Olare Motorogi and Mara North Conservancies, the camp offers the perfect base to one of Africa's richest wildlife regions.
The camp's design blends seamlessly into the surrounding wilderness. Built on raised decks of reclaimed railway sleepers, the canvas-and-wood suites are both elegant and grounded. Interiors draw inspiration from East Africa's golden age of exploration, such as thick Lamu doors, polished brass and deep copper bathtubs, balanced by sweeping views across the savannah.
Every element speaks to thoughtful detail and light environmental impact. Guest stays support conservation programs that protect over 40,000 hectares of wilderness and provide direct benefits to local Maasai communities.
Game viewing here is immersive and unhurried. With some of the lowest vehicle densities in the region and access to private land, guests can track lion prides at dawn, follow cheetah on the hunt, or venture out after dark in search of elusive nocturnal wildlife.
There are no fixed schedules. The safaris are tailored entirely to your interests. Each tented suite includes complimentary use of professional camera equipment and Swarovski binoculars, ideal for capturing the raw drama of the Mara with clarity and precision.
Experiences at Mara Plains Camp:- Game drives across the Olare Motorogi & Mara North Conservancies, and Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Night drives revealing rare nocturnal species
- Flexible, guest-led safari outings with no set timetable
- Hot air balloon safaris over the Mara at sunrise
- Photography experiences with high-end Canon equipment and expert guidance
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The Lentorre Lodge
Saving one of the lesser visited destinations until last, you can find the remote Lentorre Lodge in a wildlife-rich section of the Great Rift Valley.
Lentorre is a remote, low-impact safari lodge built for those seeking seclusion, authenticity, and comfort in equal measure. With just six villas and a maximum of 16 guests, this is a retreat where privacy is not a perk, but the baseline and for visitors seeking a different region of Kenya to explore.
Perched on a ridge overlooking the untamed Olkirimatian Conservancy, Lentorre is powered by natural springs and grounded in community conservation. The lodge sits unfenced, open to the movements of the wild.
Elephants visit the nearby waterhole, and the ancient tamarind grove behind the camp remains a meeting point for both wildlife and the local Maasai. The Maasai co-manage this landscape through a pioneering conservation initiative.
Each villa offers you a stand-alone escape with expansive views across the plains toward Shompole Mountain. Private plunge pools, open-air power showers, and, depending on the villa, a copper bathtub or two. This offers indulgent relaxations between safaris.
Whether you rise early for a dawn game drive or stay in to watch giraffe stroll past from the comfort of your deck, Lentorre offers a fantastic destination.
Experiences at Lentorre:- Day & Night Game Drives – Explore the conservancy by day, or seek out elusive nocturnal species after dark
- Guided Walking Safaris – Track wildlife on foot and hike to waterfalls behind the lodge
- Tubing the Ewaso Ngiro River – Drift beneath fig and tamarind trees in one of Africa's few crocodile-free rivers
- Birdwatching – Spot over 350 bird species, including seasonal migrants from soda lakes Natron and Magadi
- Walking with Baboons – Join researchers in a rare, respectful interaction with a habituated troop
- Stargazing – Enjoy unfiltered views of the night sky, far from any artificial light
- Community Visits – Meet the Maasai families behind the Olkirimatian Conservancy; walk with cattle or visit a traditional village
- Children's Experiences – Let young explorers live like a Maasai for a day—fetching water, tending livestock, and learning by doing
- Bush Dining – Dine al fresco at scenic spots across the conservancy with cuisine tailored to the moment
- Scenic Helicopter Flights – Soar over the Rift Valley for aerial views of the lakes, volcanoes, and escarpments (pre-booking required)
- Fishing – Try your luck with a line in the Ewaso Ngiro
Ash Card
Tour Advisor @TourTheTropicsAsh Card is a frequent visitor to the Tropics and has a passion for helping visitors get the best experiences from tropical locations. Ash is a contributor and tour advisor at TourTheTropics.com. Feel free to contact Ash for tour help in the tropics. When not helping tourists with tours and info, Ash can be found traveling, on wildlife tours or salsa dancing. Ash has completed a BSc in Biology, a Master’s degree in Zoology, and has undertaken a research scholarship at a world-class university on animal behavior. He has published scientific research in the Australian Journal of Zoology and the Journal of Behavioral Ecology. His goal is to help a global society live in balance with the natural world.
