Get to Know Kenya
We’ve put together a round-up of some of our favourite places to stay in Kenya. From small, tented camps to wilderness lodges, lakeside abodes and beachside boltholes, these properties all offer a hugely personal experience focusing on enjoying Kenya’s landscapes and wildlife encounters. For a longer trip, you could certainly mix and match these spots, speak to us about a Kenyan itinerary that sees you exploring this diverse country.
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Offbeat Ndoto, Masai Mara
Underpinned by over 30 years of operating in Kenya, Offbeat Ndoto is a new, stylish, under-canvas camp of just four tents in the Mara North Conservancy. Running in step alongside the plains of the Masai Mara, this area is exclusive to people staying in the conservancy, so you get all the incredible wildlife but no crowds.
Being outside the national reserve gives you greater freedom to head out on walking safaris with the highly rated guides. Spend your days exploring by classic 4×4 with unlimited game drives, see the migration attempt river crossings, visit local schools and markets, and enjoy sundowners, bush breakfasts, picnics in the shade of huge fig trees and romantic dinners under the stars.
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Laikipia Wilderness Camp, Laikipia Plateau
To the north of Mount Kenya lies the Laikipia Plateau, a game-rich landscape set to the dramatic background of the Aberdare hills. Laikipia Wilderness Camp fuses extraordinary safari with some of the most family fun activities possible. This is truly nature’s playground with the very real possibility of spotting wild dogs, the Big Five and other endemic species of Laikipia.
Kayak on the dams, fish in the rivers, send the kids to make bows and arrows and plaster casts of animal prints with colourful tribesmen, letting them learn about this incredible natural habitat through having fun. This is a very family-friendly camp but with very grown up eco safari credentials. All ages will be irresistibly engaged.
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Loldia House, Lake Naivasha
Naivasha and the area surrounding this Rift Valley Lake is undeniably tranquil, and ideal for those who would like a softer start to their safari journey. Famed by birdwatchers, loved by those who like to take their time and relax into the easy rhythms of Kenyan life, Lake Naivasha is a jewel of a destination and often overlooked. The rich diversity of vibrant birdlife on and around the lake offers the perfect backdrop to zebra and antelope which graze the shoreline. Close by, rhino can be found at Nakuru.
Loldia House is on the shore of the lake and has tightly clipped lawns courtesy of nightly forays from the lake’s resident hippos. The lodge is framed with lush flower gardens and the interiors exude a calm and peaceful ambience with views down to the calm water. The food and service are immaculately presented, the freshest local produce served with huge smiles makes this a charming place to unwind for a few days.
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Karisia, Northern Rangelands
Spanning a vast area between the Laikipia Plateau and across to the edges of the Chalbi desert is this rugged wilderness. Despite the initial arid appearance of the area, wildlife abounds, and the myriad creeks and ravines are the perfect habitat for an astounding range of wildlife.
Karisia has been operating walking safaris in this region for years, accompanied by colourful Samburu and Masai tribesmen, plus camels to transport your daily needs. You can traverse this region in style, tracking wildlife and using all your senses to learn about the flora and fauna. At the end of the day, either return to the comforts of home camp or fly camp across some of the more remote parts of this region.
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Saruni, Samburu
Samburu runs from the Ewaso Ngiro river northwards into the Kalama Conservancy and presents a range of biomes that attracts a wide variety of animal and bird species. At the farthest point from the river and set on giant boulders overlooking the national park is Saruni Samburu. The panoramic views are extraordinary and as you relax in camp in between productive game drives, the sounds of the wildlife carry up to the lodge on the warm breezes.
Part of the Saruni stable of properties, this lodge uses excellent Samburu warriors for all their guiding and tracking, offering a different perspective and an insight into their beautiful culture.
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Kinondo Kwetu, Galu Beach
The white sand beaches of Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline are a tropical paradise and the perfect place to soak up some R & R after the dust and early starts of safari. Occupying a prime location on its own private beach close to Diani is a perennial favourite of ours – Kinondu Kwetu. This lodge on the beach has a range of rooms, suites and villas making it ideal for both honeymoon couples and families who want their own self-contained space with interconnecting rooms.
There are so many ways to get out, on and in the water, snorkelling, diving, or sailing and with horse-riding and tennis courts on site too, the only stress here is planning what to do next. You could of course just opt for a good book and a long cold drink by the pool.
