With its iconic scenery, world-famous wildlife migrations and endless rolling plains, Kenya has long been held as one of the world’s greatest safari destinations. Over its many years as a safari stalwart, a crop of exquisite lodges have popped up throughout the country, perfect for those who like their wildlife viewing with a side of style. Take a look at our favourite trips to see Kenya in luxury.
Classic Kenya
As with most Kenya trips, you’ll start your journey in the buzzing capital of Nairobi and whilst one of its many fabulous properties makes for an ideal spot to scrub up and enjoy a little R&R, there are plenty of activities to delve into. Why not pay a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants, or peruse hand-crafted items at the Maasai Market? Ease into the safari portion of your trip with the peaceful scenes of Lake Naivasha, where awe-inspiring surroundings and lazy boat trips to spot hippos, flamingos and more are the name of the game. Then, it’s off to the sweeping plains and epic wildlife of the Masai Mara before your trip ends with a little beach bliss in Diani. Unwind on the white-sand shores, a cocktail in hand, as you reflect on what is sure to have been an adventure for the books.
Opulent spots to stay
In Nairobi, Giraffe Manor, with its up-close encounters with the long-necked residents, tops most wish lists, whilst in Lake Naivasha, we love the vintage charm and well-honed hospitality at Loldia House. The Masai Mara certainly isn’t short of luxe places to stay but we’d be remiss not to introduce you to &Beyond Bateleur Camp. How does a luxury tent complete with a bathtub and exquisite furnishings, starlit dinners, and a pool overlooking the extraordinary landscape sound? In Diani, it has to be the Alfajiri Beach Villa. You’ll have the whole house to yourself, bar the exceptionally discrete team, and are free to enjoy unparalleled beach views from the infinity pool.
Epic East Africa
Combining the wonders of the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, two of East Africa’s most prolific wildlife destinations, this trip is reminiscent of a David Attenborough documentary. You’ll set off from Nairobi where you can either soak up the urban buzz or retreat to one of the many local wildlife sanctuaries and see the incredible work they do. Next, you’ll be whisked away to the Masai Mara and then the Serengeti to spot the immense numbers of wildlife that call the plains home. Time your trip right and you’ll witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife shows on earth. Your final stop is Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the caldera of an ancient volcano. As you can imagine, the landscape is surreal but so is the showing of animals and you can expect everything from Big Five sightings to dizzying numbers of zebra and wildebeest – they don’t call it Africa’s Eden for nothing.
Opulent spots to stay
Eden Nairobi Hotel is a sanctuary in the heart of the city, packed with perfectly curated art pieces, antiques. If your idea of a safari is of the Out of Africa persuasion, then Angama Mara in the Masai Mara is the place for you. More than just its starry connection and epic views, the lodge is steeped with style, from its designer decor to the pool with a view. In the Serengeri, Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a celebrated eco-lodge, but it’s also Luxe with a capital L – think canopy beds, open-air baths and private verandas to take in the views. Finally, end your trip at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Voted one of the best hotels on the planet (!), it has an unmatched view of the crater floor and, of course, incredible access to this world-renowned spot.
Conservation in Kenya
Experience Kenya’s Lion King-worthy wildlife, rich and diverse culture, and dedication to conservation on this conservation-focused trip. Your first stop is Nairobi, which may be Kenya’s bustling capital, but is actually home to some incredible conservation projects – plan a visit to both the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see some of the extraordinary work that’s being done. Next, you’ll head to the under-the-radar Samburu, a park that is equally as blessed in solitude as it is in fantastic sightings, including the Samburu Special 5. Not only is the wildlife something to write home about, but you’ll learn about the species from experienced Samburu trackers who know the landscape better than anyone else. Finally, you’ll hop over to the Laikipia Plateau where you’ll see the Big Five and learn about some of the country’s greatest conservation success stories, most famously the work with black rhinos. When it comes to really getting under Kenya’s skin and having some other-worldly wildlife encounters, this is the trip that does it all.
Opulent spots to stay
At Hemingways in Nairobi, impeccable service is a guarantee (especially with the help of your private butler), and the views overlooking the Ngong Hills are spectacular. Tapping into the beauty of the exceptionally remote Samburu, Moroccan-style Sasaab Camp has amazing ties to the local Samburu people and plentiful ways to see the area’s weird and wonderful wildlife. There’s even a helipad so guests can take to the skies on an adventure through the vertiginous mountainscapes. In Laikipia, round your adventure off with a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Nay Palad Bird’s Nest. Created by a local designer, the avant-garde structure resembles an enormous bird’s nest and offers the chance to sleep out under the stars in style. Think 360-degree views, total privacy, gourmet picnics and, despite being out in the bush, flushing toilets and hot showers.
The Highlights of Kenya
This trip of Kenya’s highlights begins in Nairobi, from where you’ll make your way up to Laikipia, a patchwork of private houses, reserves and farms sitting in the shadow of Mount Kenya. The region is incredibly dense in wildlife and you’ll no doubt tick off some of the must-sees right away. Opulent camps, the Great Wildebeest Migration and hot air balloon safaris await in the Masai Mara, and then it’s time to head eastwards to Amboseli & Chyulu Hills. Considered to be one of Kenya’s most spectacular game viewing destinations, the iconic sight is the enormous herds of ‘big tusker’ elephants framed by snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance – and plenty of big cats and giraffe too. Your adventure comes to an end on the beaches of Msambweni, a near-untouched idyll where your days will be spent lazing on sugary white sand, diving in the turquoise ocean, and bedding down each night in an eco-chic hideaway.
Opulent spots to stay
Begin your trip at Nairobi’s Giraffe Manor and meet the long-necked animals that wander the grounds, and then enjoy the authentic connections at Ol Malo Nomad in Laikipia. The camp also offers horseback safaris and nights spent camping under the stars. For a safari in the style of yester-year, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp in the Masai Mara is gorgeous – just wait until you see the outdoor bath set up. In the picturesque Chyulu Hills, stay at Ol Donyo, a lodge with everything you need for an unforgettable safari experience, and then relax at the Xanadu Villas & Retreat in Msambweni, a thatched Swahili-style haven in a corner of sun-kissed paradise.
