10 Best Safari Lodges in Kenya in 2027

Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Kenya | Maasai Mara & Laikipia.

Kenya’s safari accommodation ranges from a Nairobi hotel where giraffes join you at breakfast to luxury tented camps above the Maasai Mara, remote wilderness lodges in Meru and conservation-focused retreats in Laikipia. The right choice depends on your route, budget, comfort level and the wildlife experiences you want. This guide highlights the best safari lodges in Kenya across several of Kenya’s best-known safari regions.

The Ten Lodges at a Glance

Lodge	Region	Best suited to
Giraffe Manor	Nairobi	Giraffe encounters and a pre-safari stay
Angama Mara	Maasai Mara ecosystem	Luxury, views and photography
Mara Serena Safari Lodge	Mara Triangle	Staying inside the reserve
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge	Maasai Mara ecosystem	Luxury-brand hospitality
Mahali Mzuri	Olare Motorogi Conservancy	An exclusive conservancy safari
Finch Hattons	Tsavo West	Luxury, scenery and wellness
Elsa’s Kopje	Meru National Park	Seclusion, wildlife and conservation history
Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp	Laikipia	Families, scenery and conservation experiences
Ol Donyo Lodge	Chyulu Hills	Star beds and views towards Kilimanjaro
Saruni Samburu	Kalama Conservancy	Northern Kenya and conservancy experiences

1. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi

Location: Lang’ata, Nairobi, with the journey to the airports depending on traffic and on whether you use Jomo Kenyatta International or Wilson Airport.

Giraffe Manor is a boutique hotel in a 1930s manor house, best known for its resident Rothschild’s giraffes, which put their heads through the windows at breakfast. It has about 12 rooms, split between the original manor and the Garden Manor. Rooms have an English country style, and some look out over the grounds where the giraffes roam.

Suits: travellers who want a memorable first or last night in Nairobi. Rooms are limited and in high demand, so book well ahead.

2. Angama Mara, Maasai Mara

Location: Perched on the Oloololo Escarpment above the Mara Triangle, with game drives into the reserve below.

Angama Mara is made up of two camps, Angama North and Angama South, with 30 tented suites in total, including family suites. The glass-fronted suites face the plains, and dining spaces include a garden-to-table venue. The lodge also hosts a beading studio that supports local Maasai artisans.

Suits: photographers, honeymooners and anyone who wants a dramatic view with luxury service. The lodge sits above the reserve, so game drives start with a descent into the Mara Triangle.

3. Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Maasai Mara

Location: On a hill overlooking the Mara River, inside the Mara Triangle.

Mara Serena has 74 rooms built in a circular manyatta style, with balconies facing the river. It is a full-service lodge with a main dining room, a pool and a spa. Its location within the reserve means shorter transfers to the wildlife.

Suits: families and travellers who want to stay inside the reserve and have the comforts of a larger lodge.

4. JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, Talek River

Location: On the Talek River, on community land in Narok County within the Masai Mara ecosystem.

The JW Marriott is a luxury tented lodge that brings a well-known hotel brand to a safari setting. It offers tented suites, some with private decks and jacuzzis, plus a restaurant, a lounge, a pool and a spa.

Suits: travellers who like the service standards of a global luxury brand.

5. Mahali Mzuri, Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Location: On a ridge in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, next to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Mahali Mzuri is a small camp with 12 luxury tented suites, created by Sir Richard Branson. It runs on an inclusive basis, with meals and drinks included, and has an infinity pool overlooking the valley. Night game drives are offered in the conservancy, which gives you another way to see wildlife after dark.

Suits: couples and small groups looking for a quieter conservancy experience with fewer vehicles.

6. Finch Hattons, Tsavo West National Park

Location: Within Tsavo West National Park, near natural springs, with views towards the Chyulu Hills and, in clear weather, Mount Kilimanjaro.

Finch Hattons is a luxury tented camp with around 17 tented suites, a restaurant offering multiple dining spots including bush dinners, an infinity pool and a wellness area.

Suits: travellers adding Tsavo to a longer itinerary who want scenery and relaxation.

7. Elsa’s Kopje, Meru National Park

Location: On Mughwango Hill inside Meru National Park, in a more remote part of Kenya.

Elsa’s Kopje has about 11 accommodations carved into the rock, including cottages, honeymoon suites, a family cottage and a private house. Meru is quieter than the Mara and has a rhino sanctuary, elephants and many rivers. The lodge is linked to the Born Free story of Elsa the lioness, and guests can visit her grave. Line fishing along the rivers is offered as a distinctive activity.

Suits: travellers who want seclusion and a less crowded park.

8. Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp, Laikipia

Location: On an escarpment in Loisaba Conservancy in northern Laikipia, with views towards Mount Kenya.

Loisaba Tented Camp has 12 tents, including family tents, and an infinity pool overlooking the Laikipia plains. Bush breakfasts are arranged in the conservatory. Visits to the anti-poaching K9 unit may be available, depending on availability and operations.

Suits: families and travellers interested in conservation as well as wildlife.

**An aerial view of the Elewana Loisaba tented camp**

9. Ol Donyo Lodge, Chyulu Hills

Location: On the Maasai-owned Mbirikani Ranch in the Chyulu Hills, between Tsavo West and Amboseli.

Ol Donyo Lodge offers about nine suites, most with private plunge pools and rooftop star beds for sleeping outdoors, with views towards Mount Kilimanjaro. Facilities vary between suites, so check which ones include a plunge pool or a star bed. The lodge’s dining areas overlook an active waterhole.

Suits: couples and photographers who want big skies and an Amboseli-style view without a busy park.

10. Saruni Samburu, Kalama Conservancy

Location: In Kalama Conservancy, which borders Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya.

Saruni Samburu has six villas cut into the rocky hillside, with views towards Mount Kenya and the Matthews Range. It is a boutique lodge, and dining is served communally, with picnic breakfasts by the Ewaso Nyiro River and bush dinners. Samburu cultural experiences are part of the stay.

Suits: travellers who want something different from the Mara, with northern Kenya wildlife and culture.

How to Choose a Safari Lodge in Kenya

First-time visitors: Mara Serena or Angama Mara are good starting points for classic Maasai Mara safaris.
Families: Mara Serena, Elewana Loisaba and Giraffe Manor have family-friendly options, so check age policies.
Honeymooners: Elsa’s Kopje, Ol Donyo and Angama Mara offer privacy and views.
Photographers: Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri and Loisaba offer scenery and fewer vehicles.
Seclusion: Meru, Chyulu Hills and Samburu are quieter than the Mara.

Plan around your route as well. Distances between regions are long, and some lodges are best reached by light aircraft.

Plan Your Kenya Safari

Chopper Tour and Travel can match your dates, budget and interests with the right lodges and build them into a Kenya safari itinerary, with transport and park fees explained clearly. Tell us what you are looking for, and we will suggest a plan.