Luxury Safari in Kenya: Our Guide to the Best Safari Lodges and Camps

If you're dreaming of an unforgettable luxury safari experience, Kenya is where you want to be. There's something magical about the combination of wild, untamed nature and top-tier hospitality that makes it stand out. Whether you’re tracking lions across the Masai Mara’s vast plains, gazing up at the iconic peak of Kilimanjaro from Amboseli, or exploring the rugged wilderness of Tsavo, Kenya’s luxury safari lodges and camps offer a perfect balance of adventure and comfort.

Masai Mara - Luxury Safari Lodges in Kenya

Masai Mara offers an impressive variety of luxury lodges, and having stayed at a few, we can tell you each has its own unique charm.  Some of our personal favorites include:

  • Elewana Sand River Masai Mara : If you're heading to the Masai Mara, this safari resort near the Kenya-Tanzania border is a must-stay. It's tucked away in the heart of the wild, just about 2 kilometers off the E176 road and a quick 11 km from Keekorok. The tents here are pure luxury. They have a charming safari vibe, with wooden floors and beautifully furnished terraces. Inside, you'll find comfy lounge areas with plush sofas, mosquito nets, and amazing free-standing tubs that are perfect for soaking after a long day of game drives.

  • Neptune Mara Rianta: If you’re looking for a remote escape, this lodge in the Mara North Conservancy is a gem. It’s nestled along the Mara River,  away from the hustle. The permanent tents are super cozy and beautifully decorated, with stunning views of the river, right from your deck. You will have everything you need, from complimentary Wi-Fi to en suite bathrooms, plus a minibar and safe. And the butler service? It really adds that extra touch of luxury.

     

    The permanent tents are super cozy and beautifully decorated, with stunning views of the river right from your deck. You’ve got everything you need, from complimentary Wi-Fi to en suite bathrooms, plus a minibar and safe. And the butler service? It really adds that extra touch of luxury.

    You will love unwinding by the bar/lounge or by the outdoor pool, after the game drives.  Meals are a treat as well; served either by the pool or in a breezy open dining area with gorgeous views of the surrounding wildlife. 

  • Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp: Nestled in a dense grove of fig and elephant pepper trees, this cozy safari camp offers a front-row seat to the sweeping grasslands of the Masai Mara. With only eleven camps in the exclusive Mara North Conservancy, it feels like a hidden gem—far from the crowded tourist spots. It’s perfectly positioned in a prime wildlife area, making it a fantastic location for game viewing all year round

Masai Mara - Premium Luxury Safarai Lodges

No trip to Kenya is complete without visiting the Masai Mara, especially during the Great Migration. I’ve had the chance to stay at a few luxury camps in this incredible region, and they really know how to take care of you.

  • Bushtops Camp is one of our top picks. The service is impeccable, and you’re never far from the action, whether it's lions lounging in the shade or zebras on the move. For something even more exclusive, Mahali Mzuri, owned by Richard Branson, sits right in the middle of prime wildlife territory, making it perfect for migration season.

Tsavo and Amboseli: Wild and Rugged Adventures

If you're after something more off-the-beaten-path, Tsavo and Amboseli deliver an entirely different, yet equally captivating safari experience. Staying at Finch Hattons Camp in Tsavo West felt like stepping into a luxurious oasis in the heart of raw wilderness. And in Amboseli, Kibo Safari Camp gave me unbeatable views of Kilimanjaro while getting up close with elephants, which are everywhere here.

Laikipia: Remote and Luxurious

Laikipia is one of those places where the wildlife is as untouched as the landscapes, and the lodges here truly cater to those wanting an exclusive experience. Sirikoi Lodge was a highlight for me, tucked away on the edge of a waterhole where animals gather daily. If you’re after serious seclusion, Ol Jogi is a private, high-end lodge that lets you experience Laikipia’s beauty in total privacy.

Stress-Free Luxury Safari Packages

For a hassle-free experience, Kenya’s luxury safari packages are hard to beat. I’ve tried one that included stays at Finch Hattons in Tsavo West, Sanctuary Olonana in the Mara, and Mara Bushtops. These packages handle everything—from your game drives to gourmet meals—leaving you to simply soak in the magic of the savannah.

Final Thoughts

Luxury is a very broad term, especially in Africa.  When looking for a luxury safari, it's very important to be specific about what you expect from a luxury safari. Looking at reviews of the lodges may help, but only to a certain point, as the people who left those reviews wrote them from their own idea and standard. When contacting a tour company or travel agency, they will ask for your budget, based on that, they will suggest the property that sit within that budget