By Stella Ndungu
Kenya boasts beautiful landscapes, rich wildlife, and vast savannahs. While the wildlife takes center stage, your choice of accommodation can transform your safari from good to extraordinary. From the thrill of encountering the Big Five to the serenity of vast savanna horizons, Kenya’s luxury safari lodges craft a unique journey, fulfilling your deepest aspirations for connection and indulgence.
1. Loisaba Lodo Springs – Laikipia Plateau
Nestled in Laikipia County, Loisaba Lodo Springs is a blend of sophistication and beauty of the African wilderness. It offers an ultra-luxurious safari experience that is close to none in that region. Elewana Collection operates this lodge. It’s one of the three lodges located within the Loisaba Conservancy.
A warm and tranquil ambience envelopes you from your arrival. Your adventure starts with the walk to your private villa, which is set high on the escarpment. The accommodation set-up consists of eight spacious tented suites. Each suite has elegant decor and floor-to-ceiling windows. This presents unhindered views of the Laikipia Plateau. Each accommodation unit comes with a dedicated guest ambassador to provide you with a personalized service for a comfortable stay.
The Loisaba Conservancy is also a vital wildlife corridor. On guided game drives, you may encounter majestic elephants, elusive leopards, pride of lions and the extinct black rhinoceros. Bush walks are also available for intimate interaction with the rich ecosystem. Other fun things to do include having bush breakfast, horse/camel riding, mountain biking and cultural excursions. The lodge has a plunge pool that awaits to cool you off after a game drive on a sunny day. You can also indulge in spa amenities or nap on swinging daybeds if you prefer a slow safari adventure.
Start your day with sweeping savannah views from your suite at Loisaba Lodge Springs
Highlights
- Engage in the conservancy’s anti-poaching activities
- Cultural experiences during visits to indigenous Samburu villages
- Ideal for couples and honeymooners; no family tents
2. Segera Retreat
Segera Retreat sits on a private conservancy within the grassland of Laikipia Plateau. The retreat, owned by the former CEO of Puma, offers more than a traditional safari experience. It has an inspirational art center and stables converted into art galleries. The property’s garden is dotted with sculptures made out of stone, steel and bronze, adding a unique rustic character. You don’t have to be an art enthusiast to enjoy the immersive contemporary art work. Segera goes down in record as the world’s largest private collection of African art.
On arrival, the warm reception by the staff leaves you feeling like royalty. The check-in process is seamless too. Accommodation consists of a house and six villas. Each villa is ensuite and has one bedroom, while the house has two bedrooms. All units are furnished with state-of-the-art furniture assembled to create a laid-back mood of a holiday home.
Your villa opens out to a private sunken jacuzzi and a garden, offering the well needed privacy during your vacation. The retreat has a communal infinity pool with exciting views of the iconic Mt. Kenya.
There are various activities you can engage in during your stay. From wildlife watching, bird viewing, to circling Mt. Kenya. The retreat offers exceptional marvels to keep you occupied and entertained. Other amenities you can enjoy include a bar & restaurant, gym, beauty therapy and steam rooms.
Dining at Segera is a lavish affair, with each meal served in a different part of the facility. Skillful local chefs prepare gourmet meals with a Kenyan twist. Segera retreat guarantees you a pleasurable meal, attentive service, and an opulent atmosphere.
Highlights
- Convenient transfer from the closest airstrip
- Optional helicopter tours for aerial views
- Delightful dining experiences
- Suitable for couples, families, and honeymooners
3. Mahali Mzuri – Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Mahali Mzuri Lodge, located in the Maasai Mara, is part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition collection. Travel+Leisure World’s Best Awards named this lodge the best hotel and safari lodge in the world in 2021. The award recognized the property’s exceptional rooms, location, service, food and value.
This high-end safari accommodation has 12 luxurious tents. They are designed to be your home away from home. Each tent has an ensuite bathroom stocked with top designer toiletry brands. The luxurious bedroom comes with elegant twin or king-sized beds. Sitting area has stylish decor with vibrant colors and fabrics reflecting Kenyan culture. It opens out to a private deck with a panoramic view of the overlooking savannah. Each accommodation has complimentary drinks and snacks replenished from time to time. Attention to detail is evident.
Mahali Mzuri is an excellent game viewing facility too. As a guest, you get to enjoy 2 game drives and a bush walk per day, led by expert Maasai guides . A heated infinity pool and spa treatments are also offered for relaxation.
The lodge has a refined central dining tent where all guests enjoy their meals together. You can opt to have intimate meals by the fireside, dinner at your private deck or better still, under the open African night sky. The lodge also offers bush breakfasts, picnics, afternoon tea and sundowners at various locations. Meals are curated to cater for all your dietary preferences. With accommodation limited to only a few guests, the lodge guarantees you a luxurious private safari experience.
Experience unmatched comfort and wilderness charm at the luxurious Mahali Mzuri Lodge
Highlights
- Intimate game drives
- Hot air balloon ride
- Spacious, luxurious en-suite tents
- Suitable for couples, families, and honeymooners
4. Angama Mara Safari Lodge – Mara Triangle
Angama Mara Safari Lodge sits on the Oloololo Escarpment overlooking the Great Rift Valley and Mara plains. Its name means sky in Swahili, reflecting its high vantage point over the Mara Triangle. It boasts a private airstrip which is a short 6 minutes’ drive to the lodge. You can take a 1 hour flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport or have a guided drive of about 6 hours to reach the lodge. Flying remains the preferred mode of travel. On arrival, you’ll notice 2 separate camp areas, each having 15 tents. The 2 camps share a central pavilion featuring an infinity pool, a studio, a shop and a library. There’s also a deck where you can relax, sip your drink and enjoy views of the wildlife and landscape.
As you step inside, your tent expands into a spacious multi-room sanctuary. You’ll find classy furniture, polished hardwood floors and handwoven rugs. All necessary amenities are available for a comfortable stay. Each tent is ensuite with floor-to-ceiling windows. The glass facade allows you to immerse in the surroundings from any room. Equally impressive, you do not need to step out of your tent to enjoy an enchanting sunrise or sunset.
Due to its excellent location within the Mara Triangle, Angama Mara has an all-year-round wildlife viewing. You will also not strain or drive far off to witness the great annual wildebeest migration. The action happens a stone throw away.
The lodge has a flexible schedule for game drives too. You are not limited to choosing between a morning or an evening drive. You can create your own safari timetable with the help of your personal guest host. Other enjoyable things to do are :- a hot air balloon ride, guided walking safaris and visits to local Maasai villages.
The overall atmosphere at Angama Mara is one of serene luxury and immersion in nature. The Lodge’s commitment to conservation and community engagement adds to its charm.
Highlights
- Hot air balloon rides available
- Unobstructed savannah views from your room
- Private picnics in the wilderness on request
- Suitable for couples, families, and honeymooners
5. Ol Donyo Lodge – Amboseli National Park
Ol Donyo Lodge is situated at Mbirikani Group Ranch in the Chyulu Hills. The lodge lies beneath the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro on a 111,000-hectare private land, between Tsavo National Park and Amboseli National Park. It is accessible by air on a 45-minutes’ flight or a 4-hours’ drive from Nairobi. Local Maasai community has leased the private land to Great Plains Conservation. Agreement on this is to conserve wildlife in the area alongside tourism activities. Rates at the lodge are full board. They include meals, accommodation, safari experiences and entertainment amenities.
This luxurious lodge offers you a unique blend of wildlife encounters with cultural experiences. They can organize for you a visit to a Maasai village, local school or an opportunity to explore a local market. Accommodation at the facility includes 10 spacious suites. Any suite of your choice comes with a plunge pool, an outdoor shower, and a rooftop terrace. As a guest, you can enjoy a broad view of the surrounding wilderness from the rooftop terrace. You can also sleep under the stars on a “star bed”. Guided game drives, bush walks, mountain biking and horseback safaris can be scheduled for you. Helicopter excursions are also on offer for aerial scenic tours.
The lodge has an educational Young Explorers Program designed to keep children entertained. The program issues children with books on animal tracking, Swahili vocabularies and word games. Free WIFI is available across the camp keeping you connected to the outside world.
Highlights
- A ‘sunken blind’ at the waterhole to watch animals drinking
- Optional helicopter tours for aerial views
- Cultural visits to nearby Samburu villages
- Supports conservation and community development
Are you ready to trade your day-to-day routine for an exclusive adventure in the wilderness? Dive into our curated list of Kenya’s most exquisite luxury safari lodges and imagine waking up to breathtaking wildlife right outside your door. Don’t just dream of an unforgettable adventure – start planning your opulent Kenyan safari today.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much is a luxury safari in Kenya?
The cost of a luxury safari in Kenya can vary widely depending on the level of exclusivity or time of year. Generally, a mid to high luxury facility can go for $800–$1,500 per person per night. An ultra-luxury camp/lodge like Angama Mara or Mahali Mzuri can cost $1,500 to $3,500+ per person per night. This price may include internal flights between parks, park/conservancy fees, luxury accommodations, guided game drives, all meals and drinks, cultural excursions and/or spa amenities. Extra costs which are not always included are: – international flights to Kenya, travel insurance, tips, optional activities offered by the lodge.
- Which is better, Amboseli National Park or Maasai Mara National Reserve?
Each facility offers distinctively different safari experiences. The ideal choice depends entirely on your priorities and what you hope to see and do. Here’s a comparison to help you decide:
Amboseli National Park
Highlights
- Iconic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro
- Large elephant herd including ‘super tuskers’
- Dramatic photography with elephants and Mt. Kilimanjaro as backdrop
- Birdlife and swamp wildlife
- Drier open landscape with seasonal wetlands
- Fewer crowds compared to Mara
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Highlights
- Big Cats sightings (lion, leopard, cheetah)
- Great Wildebeest Migration (July-October)
- Classic “Out of Africa” savanna scenery
- Incredible wildlife density year-round
- Opportunities for hot air balloon safaris
- Why is Maasai Mara National Reserve expensive
Maasai Mara National Reserve is more expensive than many other safari destinations for several reasons tied to its exceptional wildlife, location, and exclusivity. The Mara has one of the highest concentrations of big cats in Africa. It’s home to the Great Wildebeest Migration between July and October, drawing global demand. The reserve has year-round wildlife viewing, making it highly sought after.
Most top-tier camps and lodges in Mara are luxury-level, offering all-inclusive and highly curated experiences.
- Which is better: – Kruger National Park (South Africa) or Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Kruger National Park and Masai Mara offer world-class safari experiences-but they cater to slightly different preferences. Maasai Mara is known for its vast open grasslands, the Great Migration, and high concentrations of big cats, making wildlife spotting easier. Kruger, while also boasting the Big Five, has more diverse ecosystems with denser vegetation, requiring more specialized guidance for spotting wildlife.
Kruger offers a wider range of budget-friendly lodging options and is more accessible, with both guided and self-drive safari options. Mara tends to have more luxurious, but costly accommodations and is less accessible through self-drive safaris.
- Which is better: – Samburu National Reserve or Amboseli National Park?
Choosing between Samburu and Amboseli depends on whether you’re drawn to rare wildlife and rugged landscapes (Samburu) or iconic elephants with Kilimanjaro views (Amboseli). They both offer distinct and rewarding safari experiences, each appealing to different interests.
Amboseli National Park is closer to Nairobi with only a 3 hours’ drive while Samburu National Park is further away with a 5 hour’s drive from the Capital. If you enjoy grasslands with Mt. Kilimanjaro views, Amboseli is your go to place. On the contrary, Samburu has a semi-arid, mountainous and rocky landscape. It is also less crowded and offers the opportunity to experience Samburu cultural experiences. Amboseli National Park offers an opportunity to immerse in Maasai culture.