Where you sleep matters as much as what you see
Economy to luxury lodges and tented camps across every major park, plus our picks for a Nairobi stay before or after your safari.
Two styles, the same standard of comfort
A safari lodge is built from separate cottages around a main building with restaurant, bar and reception - a rustic, settled feel that complements the surroundings.
A tented camp uses large en-suite canvas tents on solid floors, each with a private bathroom and small veranda - walls of canvas rather than brick, but every comfort still included. Both range from economy through to superior luxury.
Ask about accommodation optionsEconomy, comfort or luxury
Economy
Just outside the park boundary, private en-suite rooms, simple and comfortable - most have a pool.
Comfort
Inside or within about 30 minutes of the park entrance, private en-suite rooms, usually with a pool.
Luxury
The best locations inside the park or reserve, distinctive design, high service standards, and easy access to game viewing.
A sample of what's available
Every park below offers all three tiers - these are a handful of the properties we book regularly.
Masai Mara
40+ options, from Mara Sopa Lodge and Sarova Mara Game Camp to luxury camps like Governors Camp, Kicheche Mara and Olare Mara Kempinski.
Amboseli
Kilimanjaro views throughout - Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Oltukai Lodge and Amboseli Serena, up to Tortilis Camp and Tawi Lodge.
Tsavo East & West
Elephant country - Voi Safari Lodge, Kilaguni Serena, Salt Lick Safari Lodge and Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp.
Samburu
Samburu Sopa Lodge and Samburu Game Lodge through to Elephant Bedroom Camp on the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Lake Nakuru & Naivasha
Lake Nakuru Lodge and Naivasha Kongoni Lodge, up to Sarova Lion Hill and Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort.
Ol Pejeta
Serena Sweetwaters Tented Camp and its Morani Wing, plus Porini Rhino Camp inside the conservancy.
Recommended Nairobi hotels
Options exist near JKIA (Four Points, Hilton Garden Inn), the CBD (Fairmont The Norfolk, Sarova Stanley), Westlands (Villa Rosa Kempinski, Sankara), Karen (Hemingways, Karen Gables) and along Thika Road (Safari Park Hotel).
Nairobi hotel stays aren't included in listed safari prices, but we're happy to advise based on your budget and preferred area, and provide airport transfers as part of your safari.
Accommodation - your questions answered
What's the difference between a safari lodge and a tented camp?
Lodges use separate cottages around a main building; tented camps use large en-suite canvas tents on solid floors. Both offer private bathrooms and range from economy to luxury.
Which parks have the most accommodation choice?
The Masai Mara alone has over 40 options across all tiers - the richest choice of any single park in our network.
Do you book Nairobi hotels for pre or post-safari stays?
Nairobi hotels aren't included in listed safari prices, but we're glad to advise or assist with booking based on your budget and preferred area of the city.
Is airport transfer included?
Yes - free pickup and return to the airport or hotel is included for any guest booked on a 3-day or longer safari, even if you arrive or depart a few days outside your safari dates.
What's the best time of year to visit?
June-September (dry season) concentrates wildlife near water sources for the best game viewing. October-May (wet season) is greener and better for birdwatching.
How do I choose between properties?
Consider your budget, interests, preferred season, fitness level for walking safaris, and group size - tell us these and we'll narrow the list to a strong shortlist.