Where to Stay in Kenya for Safaris (2025 Guide)
- BeyondForest
- Jun 19
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 21
Aerial View of Salt Lick Safari Lodge In Tsavo at Tsavo National Park
2.)Where to Stay in Each Safari Destination
4.)How To Avoid Overspending On A Kenya Safari
List of Top 10 Place To Visit Before Living Kenya
Planning your dream safari in Kenya but unsure where to stay? Whether you're tracking lions in the Masai Mara or waking up to Mount Kenya views, your lodge choice can make or break your experience. This guide breaks down the best safari accommodations across Kenya by budget, experience, and location.
In this top ten places that are a must visit to Kenya we are going to incorporate forests tours ,Mountain Hikes ,National parks, National reserves, Conservancies, Museums ,Lakes so that your travel to Kenya will be a blend of activities to do while inside this beautiful country
Nairobi National Park | Nairobi County |
Kereita Forest /Karura Forest | Kiambu County |
Mount Kenya National Park | Meru,Embu,Nyeri ,Laikipia County |
Lake Nakuru National Park | Nakuru County |
Diani Beach | Kwale County |
Masai Mara National Reserve | Narok County |
Amboseli National Park | Kajiado County |
Tsavo National Park | Taita Taveta County |
Ol Pejeta Conservancy | Laikipia County |
Bamburi Beach Mombasa | Mombasa County |
Nairobi Museum | Nairobi County |
Want To Learn More About Nairobi National Park Click Here >>>>
First-time safari visitors to Kenya often struggle with hidden costs, seasonal crowding, and logistics between parks. Park fees, conservancy fees, and compulsory game-package add-ons surprise budgets, while road transfers take longer than maps suggest.
Booking peak months without understanding migration patterns leads to disappointment or sky-high rates. Weight limits on bush flights force soft duffels and minimal camera gear, creating packing stress.
Want to Learn More About Amboseli National Park Click Here >>>>
Variable mobile coverage complicates payments and communication. Food preferences and child age limits aren’t always clear before arrival. Finally, unclear tipping norms and strict park rules (no off-road in parks) can limit sightings unless you choose conservancies, too.
Confused where to stay | Do I stay inside the park? Outside? Near which gate? |
💰Budget uncertainty | Will it cost $100 or $2,000 per night? |
🤯 Overwhelmed by choices | There are too many lodges—what’s actually good? |
🐘 Fear of missing wildlife | Will I see animals if I stay outside the park? |
🧭 Planning complexity | “Which lodge goes with which park, and how do I connect them?” |
💼 Booking trust | “Is it safe to book this lodge online? Or should I use a planner?” |
Where to Stay in Nairobi National Park
Budget/Backpackers
Image of Wildebeest Eco Camp In Langata
Wildebeest Eco Camp (Langata) | 147USD |
Hotel Troy Nairobi | 91USD |
Karen Camp | 80USD |
Mid Range
Image of Tamatind Tree Hotel In Nairobi
Eka Hotel Nairobi | 256USD |
Tamarind Tree Hotel | 140USD |
Nairobi Tented Camp (Inside the Park) | 95USD |
Luxury
Aerial View of Ololo Safari Lodge & Farm
The Emakoko | 765USD |
Ololo Safari Lodge & Farm | 1132USD |
Emara Ole-Sereni / Ole-Sereni | 321USD |
Where to Stay in Kereita Forest
Budget
Jumuia Conference & Country Home | 46USD-60USD |
Hill House Hotel | 129USD |
Mid Range
Brackenhurst Hotel & Conference Centre (Tigoni) | 71-106USD |
Thayu Farm Hotel | 72USD |
Luxury
Muthu Sovereign Suites & Spa (Limuru Rd) | 140-200USD |
Zereniti House (Redhill/Limuru) | 109USD |
Where to Stay in Mount Kenya National Park
Budget
Omega Gardens Hotel (Nanyuki) | 26-31USD |
Lions Court Lodge (Nanyuki) | 69USD |
Mid Range
Naro Moru River Lodge (Naro Moru Gate side) | 133-168USD |
Soames Hotel & Jack’s Bar (Nanyuki) | 90-160USD |
Luxury
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club (Nanyuki) | 640USD-870USD |
Serena Mountain Lodge (south slopes/forest) | 77USD |
Where to Stay in Lake Nakuru National Park
Budget
Sleepway Cottages (Nakuru town) | 11USD |
Buraha Zenoni Hotel & Resort (Nakuru town) | 48USD-62USD |
Hotel Citymax (Nakuru town) | 63USD-70USD |
Mid Range
The Ole-Ken Hotel (Nakuru town) | 92USD-135USD |
Sarova Woodlands Hotel (Nakuru town) | 130USD-182USD |
Midland Hotel Nakuru (Nakuru town) | 80USD-115USD |
Luxury (LNNP-Lake Nakuru National Park)
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (inside LNNP) | 180USD-504USD |
Lake Nakuru Lodge (inside LNNP) | 268USD-440USD |
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge (rim above the park) | 320USD |
Where To Stay In Diani Beach
Want To Learn More About Top Beaches on the Kenyan Coast Click Here >>>
Budget
Stilts Diani Beach (Treehouses/Backpackers) | 15 EURO-18EURO |
Diani Backpackers (Hostel) | 12EURO-26EURO |
Diani Hostel | 17EURO-58EURO |
Mid Range
Diani Sea Lodge | 150EURO-340EURO |
Diani Sea Resort | €131.96 – €286.33 |
Southern Palms Beach Resort | 139EURO-337EURO |
Luxury
Baobab Beach Resort & Spa | £188–£356. |
The Sands at Nomad (Nomad Beach Resort) | 294EURO-735EURO |
Swahili Beach | 226EURO-399EURO |
Where To Stay In Amboseli National Park
Budget
Kilima Safari Camp (Kimana side) | 142USD-499USD |
AA Lodge Amboseli (Kimana Gate) | 160USD-415USD |
Sentrim Amboseli Lodge (Kimana side) | 225USD-345USD |
Mid Range
Kibo Safari Camp (Kimana side) | 296USD-577USD |
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge (central) | 302USD-616USD |
Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp (SE/Kimana) | 339USD-770USD |
Luxury
Ol Tukai Lodge (central) | 488USD-791USD |
Tawi Lodge (private conservancy) | 523USD-1239USD |
Elewana Tortilis Camp (Kitirua Conservancy) | $1,376–$4,027 |
Where To Stay In Tsavo National Park
Budget
Ngutuni Safari Lodge (Voi/Ngutuni Sanctuary) | 50EURO-130EURO |
Voi Wildlife Lodge (Tsavo East – Voi Gate) | 160EURO-214EURO |
Manyatta Camp (Voi) | 185EURO -310EURO |
Mid Range
Ashnil Aruba Lodge (Tsavo East – Aruba Dam) | 132EURO-282EURO |
Sentrim Tsavo East Camp (Voi Gate side) | 198EURO-295EURO |
Voyager Ziwani Camp (Tsavo West edge) | 146EURO-345EURO |
Luxury
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge (Tsavo West) | 251EURO-434EURO |
Salt Lick Safari Lodge (Taita Hills Sanctuary) | €229 – €362 |
Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp (Tsavo West) | €1,700 – €2,655 |
Where To Stay In Olpejeta Conservancy
Budget
The Stables (inside) | US$70 pp full-board |
Ol Pejeta Public Campsites | KES 3,500 adult / KES 1,750 child (per night) |
Mid Range
Pelican House | US$80–150 pp |
Sweet waters Serena Camp (inside) | $540–$1,046 |
Porini Rhino Camp (inside) | $1,090 – $2,150 |
Kicheche Laikipia Camp (inside) | $1,140 – $1,730 USD |
Where To Stay In Bamburi beach Mombasa
Want To Learn More About Beaches In Mombasa Click Here >>>
Budget
Cowrie Shell Beach Apartments (Bamburi/Shanzu) | $56–$95 |
Kenya Bay Beach Hotel | $89–$119 |
Ziwa Beach Resort | $58–$266 |
Mid Range
Bamburi Beach Hotel | $131–$379 |
Travellers Beach Hotel & Club | $181–$265 |
Severin Sea Lodge | $149–$260 |
Luxury
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa | $199–$349 |
Serena Beach Resort & Spa | $228–$338 |
Where to Stay in Masai Mara National Reserve
Budget
Kambu Mara Camp (Sekenani) | $59–$239 |
Rhino Tourist Camp (Oloolaimutia Gate) | $95–$121 |
Masai Mara Manyatta Camp (inside/Keekorok area) | $105–$118 |
Mid Range
Masai Mara Sopa Lodge (Oloolaimutia side) | $226–$489 |
Jambo Mara Safari Lodge (Sekenani) | $312–$516 |
Ashnil Mara Camp (Mara River) | $337–$916 |
Luxury
Mara Serena Safari Lodge | $388–$1,127 |
Sarova Mara Game Camp | $596–$1,442 |
Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp | $1,034–$1,772 |
Governors’ Camp | $1,339–$1,974 |
FAQ About Kenya Safari
Is it better to stay inside or outside the park?
Inside is closest to wildlife , but pricier and stricter rules. Outside especially in conservancies often means fewer crowds, off-road/night drives allowed, and better value—just factor gate/drive times
What’s the best safari lodge for honeymooners?
Top romantic picks: Angama Mara, Finch Hattons in Tsavo West, Elewana Tortilis in Amboseli, Ol Donyo in Chyulu Hills, The Emakoko in Nairobi NP. Think private decks, bath-with-a-view, and private game drives.
Can you do a safari on a budget?
Yes use public campsites, simple tented camps, or town hotels near gates; join shared game drives, travel in shoulder season, and prioritize 1–2 key parks instead of many transfers.
What are the most kid-friendly safari lodges in Kenya?
Great with kids: Mara Intrepids, Ol Tukai (Amboseli), Amboseli Serena, Sweetwaters Serena (Ol Pejeta), Sarova Mara—family rooms, pools, and kids’ clubs/activities.
What’s the average cost per night in Kenya safari lodges?
Rough guide (per person, sharing): Budget $60–$150, Mid-range $180–$400, Luxury $500–$1,500+. Ultra-luxury can exceed $2,000. (City hotels price per room.)
Do I pay park fees separately from my lodge rate?
Usually yes for KWS parks/reserves. Many conservancy camps include the conservancy fee in the nightly rate—always check inclusions.
Is full-board the same as game package?
No. Full-board (FB) = meals only. Game package (GP) = FB plus 2 game drives daily (and often airstrip transfers; sometimes fees). Terms vary by camp.
Do lodges include game drives?
Only on a game package or fully-inclusive basis. On FB/bed & breakfast, drives are extra or you book with a tour operator.
Can I self-drive, or do I need a guide?
Self-drive is allowed in most parks (daylight hours only), but off-road is banned in KWS parks. Conservancies may require/assign guides. First-timers see more with a pro guide.
Best month to see the Great Migration in Kenya?
Typically July–October in the Masai Mara; dramatic river crossings peak Aug–Sep. Nature varies year to year.
Are children discounted at lodges/parks?
Often yes. Many lodges discount 50% for ages ~3–11 (sharing), some free under 3. Parks also have child/teen rates check each property/KWS page.
How far in advance should I book?
High season (Jul–Oct; Dec holidays): 6–12 months. Shoulder/green seasons: 3–6 months. Shorter if you’re flexible on camp/room type.
Road vs air—what’s better for first-timers?
Air saves 4–8+ hours and maximizes time on safari though pricier per person. Road is cheaper, scenic and good for groups.
Can lodges handle dietary restrictions?
Yes most cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher-style with 24–72h advance notice. Tell them early; remote camps need time to provision.
Comments