Top 10 Best Safari Lodges in Kenya

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.

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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)

RankLodge NameLocationPrice (Per Night)Best For
1️⃣Angama MaraMasai Mara$Luxury, Great Migration Views
2️⃣Ol Donyo LodgeChyulu Hills$Exclusive, Horseback Safaris
3️⃣Saruni SamburuSamburu$Secluded, Panoramic Views
4️⃣Elewana Sand RiverMasai Mara$Luxury, Classic Safari Feel
5️⃣Giraffe ManorNairobi$Unique, Feed Giraffes at Breakfast
6️⃣Tortilis CampAmboseli$Best for Kilimanjaro Views
7️⃣Basecamp ExplorerMasai Mara$Eco-Friendly, Local Community Support
8️⃣Mara Serena Safari LodgeMasai Mara$Affordable, Best Location
9️⃣Samburu Intrepids CampSamburu$Best for Unique Wildlife
🔟Ashnil Aruba LodgeTsavo East$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

SeasonBest ForWeather
July – OctoberGreat Migration, Peak Wildlife ViewingDry & sunny
November – MayFewer tourists, Green SeasonLush landscapes, occasional rain

💡 Pro Tip: Book at least 6 months in advance for high-demand lodges like Angama Mara & Giraffe Manor!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best safari lodge in Kenya?

Angama Mara is the best luxury lodge, while Mara Serena is best for budget travellers.

How much does a safari lodge cost in Kenya?

✔ Budget: $300+, Mid-range: $600+, Luxury: $1,500+ per night.

Which lodge is best for the Great Migration?

Angama Mara, Mara Serena & Elewana Sand River Camp.