By Elly Nyaga
Imagine observing elephants from a treehouse balcony or falling asleep to the sounds of hyenas in a tented camp. Well, in Kenya, these experiences aren’t just imagination. It’s part of a normal day in the wild. It’s no wonder the country attracts over 1.4 million international visitors each year, according to the Kenya Tourism Board.
Many of these visitors are drawn by the chance to connect with nature and experience local culture. While traditional hotels are popular, Kenya is known for offering unique accommodations that go far beyond the usual. From star beds to forest lodges and luxury safari tents, each stay brings you closer to nature. And with over 160 conservancies and many national parks, you have plenty of options to choose from. Let’s explore some of Kenya’s most unusual lodges and share helpful tips to plan your next great escape.
1. Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp
Cottar’s 1920s Camp brings the early safari era to life through elegant canvas tents and modern updates. Set in the 7,608-acre private Olderkesi Conservancy, the camp borders Kenya’s renowned Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The lodge is owned and operated by the Cottar family, Africa’s oldest established safari outfitters with over a century of experience. It revives the golden age of safari with authentic experiences. During your visit, you will enjoy wildlife drives, cultural visits, and peaceful moments in nature. This camp offers spacious cream-canvas tents styled in elegant 1920s fashion and features special amenities such as:
- Comfortable doubles
- Open-plan family tents
- Romantic honeymoon suite
- A pool and spa
- Safari canvas bath
- Two main tents for fine dining
They’re all thoughtfully spaced to ensure privacy and tranquility. You get to enjoy expertly guided day and night game drives and bush walks. Also, you meet and interact with the Maasai community, and the attentive service of Africa’s experienced safari guides.
2. Ol Donyo Lodge, Chyulu Hills
Ol Donyo is a hidden gem that combines luxury, adventure, and wildlife. It is positioned on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills. The lodge sits in the middle of the 275,000-acre Mbirikani Group Ranch, between Amboseli and Tsavo West National Parks. It acts as an essential wildlife corridor for migratory species.
Think of it as an ideal place for you to observe roaming elephants and other predators. The lodge has just ten suites, so it never feels crowded. Each one is designed with comfort and style, giving you a cozy and private space to relax. Eight of the suites even have their own small plunge pools—perfect for cooling off after a dusty game. One of the coolest features at Ol Donyo is the Star Beds. These are rooftop beds where you can sleep under the stars and hear the sounds of the wild at night. It is like camping, but way more comfortable.
Ol Donyo isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a place to slow down, enjoy nature, and make special memories you’ll never forget.
3. The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille
Perched high on one of Laikipia’s tallest hills, The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is a perfect example of unusual lodgings in Kenya. It combines exclusivity, adventure, and meaningful community impact. It’s set in a massive 43,000-acre conservation area and has just four private villas. Each villa is booked separately and has its own staff and personalized experiences.
Ol Lentille truly stands out because it’s owned by the Laikipia Maasai community. So when you stay here, you’re directly supporting local Maasai and Samburu families. The villas provide panoramic views and activities like bush walks and safaris. While the design of the villas may vary slightly, the warmth of the staff, great food, and cultural experiences compensate for it. In 2022, the lodge was refurbished, making it an even more welcoming retreat. If you’re seeking a lodge that offers privacy, comfort, and connection, then Ol Lentille is an inspiring choice.
4. Giraffe Manor
The lodge is one of Kenya’s most distinctive hotels. You get to experience a blend of comfort, heritage, and wildlife interaction. It is located within a 140-acre forest sanctuary just outside Nairobi. The manor is renowned for its resident herd of endangered Rothschild giraffes. The giraffes often walk by during breakfast and tea, creating magical encounters. The property is split into two parts, namely:
- The Historic Manor- built in 1932 with plenty of vintage charm
- The garden manor, a 2011 addition that mirrors the original design.
Every room blends classic style with modern comfort, making it easy to feel right at home. You get to enjoy tranquil views, rich décor, and the opportunity to take selfies with giraffes. Giraffe Manor promises a truly unique and memorable Kenyan experience.
5. Sasaab Lodge
Sasaab Lodge is a stylish and peaceful safari retreat. It is set in the heart of Kenya’s Samburu region, within the Westgate Community Conservancy. The lodge mixes Moroccan design with Swahili charm. Each of the nine large tented suites has canvas walls, thatched roofs, a private pool, and a spacious bathroom. It offers you the feel of a luxury villa and a safari camp. The shared spaces feature a cozy lounge, a scenic dining area, and a shaded pool where you can relax and observe the wildlife below. Further, it provides a wide range of activities, including:
- Game drives in Samburu and Buffalo Springs
- Camel rides
- Guided nature walks
- Birdwatching
- Quad biking
- Cultural visits to local villages and schools.
- Fly camping under the stars
Sasaab is also deeply connected to the local community. It supports conservation efforts and hires many of its team members from nearby villages. Just keep in mind that for safety reasons, children under six aren’t allowed.
Ngare Ndare Treehouse
Experience nature at Ngare Ndare Treehouse in Kenya’s forest canopy
Ngare Ndare is a beautiful indigenous forest at the northern foothills of Mt. Kenya. It plays a big role in nature, acting as a wildlife corridor between the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Mount Kenya.
Also, it is a historic route for elephant migration. Here, you can rest among the treetops and catch glimpses of the forest just beyond your balcony. If you love outdoor adventures like hiking and swimming in natural blue pools under waterfalls, this is your best pick.
You get to walk across East Africa’s longest canopy bridge. This 450-meter-long walkway hangs 30 feet above ground and gives you an amazing view of the forest.
Ngare Ndare is full of wildlife. The forest is home to over 200 bird species, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, and the elusive colobus monkey. If you are feeling adventurous, go try rock climbing, game drives, and forest camping at fully serviced campsites. This place is a perfect balance of conservation, community engagement, and raw natural beauty.
6. Loisaba Star Beds
Loisaba Star Beds delivers a one-of-a-kind safari experience. From here, you fall asleep beneath a sky full of stars, surrounded only by the sounds of the wild. Set on a rocky hill in Kenya’s Laikipia region, this lodge gives a front row seat to nature. It offers handcrafted cottages, each with four-poster beds rolled out onto private decks at night. The main lodge is built from stone and reclaimed wood and features:
- A cozy lounge
- An open-air dining deck
- A solar-powered swimming pool
Your experience is enhanced by the hospitable and warm Samburu and Laikipiak Maasai hosts. During your stay, you can go on game drives, camel rides, and guided hikes to explore the area. Loisaba Star Beds is owned by the Loisaba Community Trust, and it is all about blending comfort with conservation and community development.
7. Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu is a stunning safari lodge set in the remote and rugged lands of northern Kenya. It sits on a rocky hill inside the 200,000-acre Kalama Conservancy. From here, you can see across the wide Samburu plains and Mount Kenya in the distance. With only six spacious, open-air villas, the lodge combines sustainable design with an elevated experience. Each villa has:
- Outdoor bathrooms
- Amazing views
- An infinity pool
The lodge is peaceful, stylish, and close to nature. You can watch elephants, leopards, and rare species like the Grevy’s zebra and gerenuk. Also, you can participate in guided game drives, a hike up Mount Ololokwe, and peaceful bush walks. Cultural activities at the Warrior Academy are also part of the experience. As the only lodge in Kalama Conservancy, Saruni Samburu plays a vital role in the community. It creates employment and funds education. It’s an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and purpose.
8. Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge is a cozy safari retreat on the western edge of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. The lodge is located inside Lake Nakuru National Park and just a few hours from Nairobi. As one of Kenya’s best spots for birdwatching and wildlife, the park is famed for its massive flocks of flamingoes. Here, you will find white and black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, and over 450 recorded bird species.
Sopa Lodge has 60 spacious rooms with family units and wheelchair-accessible options. There is also a restaurant, bar, lounge, gift shop, and a swimming pool that overlooks the Rift Valley. If you choose to stay here, you can go on game drives, bird watching trips, nature walks, and even enjoy bush dining. This spot is ideal for both families and nature enthusiasts. If you’re looking to soak in the views, spot wildlife, or simply relax by the pool, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge offers a scenic and rewarding safari experience.
9. Elewana Sand River Masai Mara
Elewana Sand River Masai Mara is a tented safari lodge located inside the Masai Mara National Reserve, near the border with Tanzania. It sits along the Sand River, which is where it gets its name. The camp is designed to feel like an old-school safari from the early 1900s. The furnishings and décor bring to mind old adventure films set in Africa. There are 16 tented rooms and one family tent. These are divided into two separate areas, each with its own dining and lounge spaces. This setup allows for more privacy and a quieter experience for you.
If you wish to see a wide range of big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, Elewana Sand River is your best bet. The area is also one of the best places to witness the annual wildebeest migration. Even outside the migration season, this lodge is full of wildlife. It has received a Silver Eco-Rating for its focus on responsible tourism. Sand River Masai Mara continues to offer a simple, comfortable, and well-organized safari experience in one of Kenya’s well-known wildlife reserves.
Are You Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Now that you’ve explored some of Kenya’s most unique accommodations, it’s time to decide how you want your journey to unfold. Your choice of lodging plays a key role in shaping your travel experience. It influences what you see, how you engage with the environment, and the kind of memories you take home.
Start by identifying what matters most to you. Consider the type of setting that excites you and the kind of activities you want to include. At Travel Moran, we offer trusted accommodation reviews, smart booking tips, and tailored travel logistics to ensure your entire trip runs smoothly. Visit us today at travelmoran.com and let us make your Kenyan journey adventurous.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes lodging in Kenya “unique”?
Kenya offers accommodations that blend nature, culture and adventure. - Are these lodges suitable for families?
Some, like Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge and Cottar’s 1920s Camp, have family-friendly options. However, others (like Sasaab) have age restrictions. It’s best to check with the lodge or work with a travel planner like Travel Moran to find the right fit for your group. - How far in advance should I book?
These lodges often have limited rooms and high demand, especially during peak seasons like the Great Migration (July–October). Booking 6–9 months in advance is recommended. - Are these places eco-friendly?
Many lodges, such as Loisaba Star Beds and Ol Lentille, are rooted in sustainability, using solar power, supporting conservation, and working closely with local communities. - Do I need special permits to visit these areas?
Some conservancies or parks require entrance fees or permits. Travel Moran can guide you through requirements and ensure all logistics are handled ahead of your trip.
