Top 10 Best Safari Lodges in Kenya (2025 Guide)
Kenya is home to some of the most breathtaking safari lodges in Africa, offering luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodations across iconic national parks like Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and Tsavo.
Whether you’re looking for a high-end luxury retreat with private pools and gourmet dining or an affordable safari lodge with excellent wildlife views, this guide covers the top 10 best safari lodges in Kenya for 2025.
Why Choose a Safari Lodge in Kenya?
Prime wildlife locations – Stay near Masai Mara’s Great Migration or Amboseli’s elephant herds.
Luxury meets adventure – Enjoy private game drives, infinity pools, & fine dining.
Unique experiences – Sleep under the stars, wake up to lions roaring or dine with giraffes.



How We Ranked the Best Safari Lodges in Kenya
To create this definitive list, we considered:
✔ Wildlife proximity – Access to Big Five game drives & natural landscapes.
✔ Luxury & comfort – Unique amenities, pools, private decks & world-class service.
✔ Guest reviews & ratings – Highly-rated by travelers & safari experts.
✔ Eco-friendliness – Sustainable lodges with conservation initiatives.
✔ Value for money – Best experiences for budget, mid-range & luxury travellers.
Top 10 Best Safari Lodges in Kenya (2025 Edition)
Rank | Lodge Name | Location | Price (Per Night) | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
1️⃣ | Angama Mara | Masai Mara | $ | Luxury, Great Migration Views |
2️⃣ | Ol Donyo Lodge | Chyulu Hills | $ | Exclusive, Horseback Safaris |
3️⃣ | Saruni Samburu | Samburu | $ | Secluded, Panoramic Views |
4️⃣ | Elewana Sand River | Masai Mara | $ | Luxury, Classic Safari Feel |
5️⃣ | Giraffe Manor | Nairobi | $ | Unique, Feed Giraffes at Breakfast |
6️⃣ | Tortilis Camp | Amboseli | $ | Best for Kilimanjaro Views |
7️⃣ | Basecamp Explorer | Masai Mara | $ | Eco-Friendly, Local Community Support |
8️⃣ | Mara Serena Safari Lodge | Masai Mara | $ | Affordable, Best Location |
9️⃣ | Samburu Intrepids Camp | Samburu | $ | Best for Unique Wildlife |
🔟 | Ashnil Aruba Lodge | Tsavo East | $ | Best Budget Option |
Angama Mara – The Ultimate Luxury Safari Lodge
Location: Masai Mara National Reserve
Best For: Unrivaled Great Migration Views & Luxury Experiences
✔ Set on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, Angama Mara offers stunning aerial views of Masai Mara.
✔ Private game drives & guided walking safaris for a more intimate wildlife experience.
✔ Infinity pool, private decks & fine dining overlooking the savannah.
Ol Donyo Lodge – Best for Horseback Safaris
Location: Chyulu Hills
Best For: Exclusive & Private Safaris
✔ Offers horseback safaris, bush walks & game drives in a private 275,000-acre reserve.
✔ Infinity pools & outdoor star beds for sleeping under the African sky.
✔ Ideal for honeymooners & photographers seeking exclusivity.
Saruni Samburu – Best for Remote Wilderness
Location: Samburu National Reserve
Best For: Seclusion, Panoramic Views & Cultural Experiences
✔ Luxury cliff-top villas with stunning views of Samburu’s rugged landscape.
✔ Exceptional game drives featuring Grevy’s zebras, leopards & elephants.
✔ Strong ties with the Samburu community – Supports local conservation projects.
Best Safari Lodges for Different Travelers
Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Kenya
✔ Angama Mara – Ultimate luxury & Great Migration views.
✔ Ol Donyo Lodge – Private pools & horseback safaris.
✔ Elewana Sand River – Classic safari experience with colonial charm.
Best Budget Safari Lodges in Kenya
✔ Mara Serena Safari Lodge – Great for mid-range travellers, close to migration routes.
✔ Ashnil Aruba Lodge – Best budget lodge in Tsavo East.
✔ Basecamp Explorer – Eco-friendly and affordable in Masai Mara.
Best Time to Visit Safari Lodges in Kenya
Season | Best For | Weather |
---|---|---|
July – October | Great Migration, Peak Wildlife Viewing | Dry & sunny |
November – May | Fewer tourists, Green Season | Lush landscapes, occasional rain |
💡 Pro Tip: Book at least 6 months in advance for high-demand lodges like Angama Mara & Giraffe Manor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Angama Mara is the best luxury lodge, while Mara Serena is best for budget travellers.
✔ Budget: $300+, Mid-range: $600+, Luxury: $1,500+ per night.
✔ Angama Mara, Mara Serena & Elewana Sand River Camp.