At a Glance
- Experience luxury safari stays with panoramic views and personalized wildlife adventures.
- Enjoy eco-conscious lodges blending luxury, sustainability, and intimate game viewing.
- Discover Kenya’s elite safari camps in Mara, Lewa, Tsavo, and Chyulu Hills.
10 most exclusive safari lodges in Kenya
Kenya’s untamed wilderness is home to some of Africa’s most exclusive and luxurious safari lodges—sanctuaries where world-class comfort meets raw natural beauty.
From the snow-dusted peaks of Mount Kenya to the golden plains of the Maasai Mara, these exclusive retreats offer immersive experiences tailored for discerning travellers seeking more than just a game drive.
Here, luxury means waking up to elephants at your doorstep, dining under starlit skies, and enjoying spa treatments in the heart of the bush.
Each lodge on our curated list embodies a blend of opulence, sustainability, and authenticity. Whether it’s a cliffside tented suite with panoramic views, a heritage property steeped in colonial charm, or a contemporary eco-lodge powered by solar energy, every destination delivers personalized service, intimate settings, and unparalleled access to Kenya’s rich biodiversity. Handpicked based on criteria like location, amenities, guest experience, and conservation efforts, these lodges redefine the meaning of an African safari.
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, these lodges promise transformative moments—where wildlife, culture, and luxury converge.
Below is a curated selection of the 10 most exclusive safari lodges in Kenya as chronicled by Shore Africa
1. Angama Mara
Location: Maasai Mara, Kenya
Located on the Oloololo Escarpment with sweeping views of the Mara Triangle, Angama Mara is one of Kenya’s most iconic luxury safari lodges. Inspired by the romance of Out of Africa, its glass-fronted suites offer unparalleled sunrise vistas. Guests enjoy hot-air balloon safaris, community visits, and private picnics on the plains. The service is deeply personal, the food world-class, and the wildlife action—particularly during the Great Migration—simply unforgettable.
2. Mara Bushtops
Location: Maasai Mara, Kenya
Mara Bushtops is an ultra-luxury tented safari camp set in its own private conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Known for its opulence, each tented suite is fitted with a private hot tub and a personal butler, ensuring unparalleled comfort in the wilderness. The lodge combines five-star amenities with close-up wildlife experiences, including Big Five sightings. Its elevated wooden decks offer spectacular views of the savannah, making it a prime destination for discerning travelers seeking both seclusion and adventure.
3. Ol Donyo Lodge
Location: Chyulu Hills, Kenya
Situated between Tsavo and Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance, Ol Donyo Lodge offers unmatched privacy and panoramic views. With only seven suites—each with its own plunge pool and rooftop star bed—the lodge invites guests to experience Kenya’s untamed south in intimate luxury. Horseback safaris, mountain biking, and walking with Maasai guides round out a truly immersive wilderness experience..
4. Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp
Location: Maasai Mara, Kenya
This multi-generational, family-run camp blends old-world safari elegance with modern comfort. Located on a private conservancy adjacent to the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp features white canvas tents, antique furnishings, and vintage charm. Guests enjoy guided walks, game drives, and cultural interactions, all while contributing to sustainable tourism. The Cottar family’s deep-rooted conservation ethos makes every stay both luxurious and meaningful.
5. Sirikoi Lodge
Location: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
Located within the UNESCO-listed Lewa Conservancy, Sirikoi is an award-winning lodge renowned for its conservation efforts and personalized service. The main lodge, private cottage, and luxury tents are set around a waterhole frequently visited by elephants and rhinos. Helicopter tours, horseback safaris, and immersive wildlife experiences make Sirikoi a favorite among seasoned safari-goers. The food—largely organic and garden-sourced—is as exquisite as the scenery.
6. Mahali Mzuri
Location: Masai Mara, Motorogi Conservancy, Kenya
Located at Olare Motorogi Conservancy and owned by Sir Richard Branson, Mahali Mzuri is a futuristic tented safari camp located in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara. With only 12 luxury tents, guests enjoy intimate, crowd-free game drives and access to one of the richest wildlife areas in Kenya. Elevated decks, gourmet cuisine, and spa treatments in the bush make this retreat ideal for those seeking both adventure and indulgence in equal measure.
7. Segera Retreat
Location: Laikipia Plateau, Nanyuki, Kenya
A true sanctuary of art, wellness, and conservation, Segera Retreat sits in the heart of Laikipia on a private ranch teeming with wildlife. Each villa is a masterpiece of design and sustainability, combining Kenyan heritage with modern aesthetics. Guests can explore the Zeitz Collection of contemporary African art, relax in botanical gardens, or join anti-poaching patrols. Segera redefines safari luxury by blending eco-conscious living with holistic indulgence.
8. Finch Hattons
Location: Tsavo West National Park, Kenya
Named after the legendary aristocrat Denys Finch Hatton, this heritage-rich lodge is a haven of elegance in Tsavo West. Its 17 tented suites blend seamlessly into the surrounding forest, with hippos and elephants often visiting nearby springs. Guests can enjoy al fresco fine dining, spa treatments, and yoga in the wild. The lodge’s classic charm and serene setting make it ideal for couples and honeymooners seeking both adventure and romance.
9. Elewana Elsa’s Kopje
Location: Meru National Park
Built into the rocky slopes of Mughwango Hill, Elsa’s Kopje is named in honor of Elsa the lioness from Born Free. The lodge offers sweeping views of Meru National Park and beautifully designed open-fronted cottages that blend into the landscape. Guests enjoy guided walks, rhino tracking, and visits to the Tana River. It’s an iconic safari destination where history, wilderness, and exclusivity converge.
10. Solio Lodge
Location: Solio Conservancy
Situated between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains, Solio Lodge is Kenya’s premier rhino-viewing destination. With just six cottages, guests enjoy ultimate seclusion and front-row seats to Africa’s most successful private rhino breeding reserve. The lodge also offers helicopter trips, horse riding, and cultural excursions. Elegant décor, gourmet cuisine, and abundant wildlife—including both black and white rhinos—make Solio a top-tier safari escape.
