Lodges in East Africa range from permanent tented camps to luxurious stone cottages in the heart of the wilderness. The owners use local materials where possible to ensure a seamless experience between inside and outside. The rooms often face expansive views across dramatic plateaus, rivers and rolling grassy plains. Built into dramatic rock faces or perched on rock kopjes (outcroppings), Kenya has some of the most unique and inspiring lodges in Africa.

The three main types of accommodations are the large lodges built in fixed structures, permanent tented camps (usually tents on wooden platforms with fully plumbed bathrooms), and mobile tented camps. The large lodges are most often located in prime game viewing areas at the center of National Parks or Reserves. They have many rooms (great for groups) with large public areas, pools and scheduled game drives and meal times (most often buffet breakfast and lunch).

The smaller more intimate lodges usually contain no more than 15 rooms or permanent luxury tents. They are often located in the private areas on the edge of national parks and reserves and provide crucial dispersal areas and migration corridors for the wildlife. In Kenya, 70% of the wildlife live outside of national parks and reserves, so these private game conservancies are an important part of Kenya's healthy ecosystem. Many of them were once cattle ranches that have been converted into game ranches or conservancies and the owners have built beautiful accommodation near their own homes. Commonly known as 'bush home' properties, the hosts tend to offer a wide range of activities that are not possible in the more regulated national parks. Activities such as horseback riding, bush walks, experiences with the local tribes, camel riding, and much more. They also offer the ultimate in privacy and flexibility in terms of food, game drives and activities. The third type of accommodation is ‘Under Canvas', our exclusive mobile tented camps.

Olonana, Masai Mara

Olonana, a luxury camp idyllically nestled in the Maasai Mara on the banks of the Mara River (with resident hippo population!) The

Maasai Mara is renowned for its abundance and diversity of wildlife and your stay here should be rewarded with sightings of the BIG FIVE - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino. You will have the chance to meet the local Maasai community and interact with them and learn of their traditional lifestyle.

Accommodation is in twelve double tents, each attended by a personal butler and all placed to offer maximum privacy and tranquility. Each tent has en-suite facilities and hot and cold running water; double basin and WC. Spacious wooden verandah overlooking the river and unique hand crafted furniture & fittings. The tents have floor to ceiling mosquito netting ‘windows’ and 2 queen size beds. Olonana has a swimming pool, elegant lounge/dining cottage as well as a large deck outside lounge and dining area for breakfast, sundowners, afternoon tea & star gazing. The camp offers excellent cuisine by Belgian trained chefs.

Tortilis Camp, Amboseli

Amboseli is best known for unrivalled views of Kilimanjaro and its elephant population - over 1000 elephants in the park eco-system, which are some of the biggest elephants in Africa. Tortilis Camp is named after the flat-topped, umbrella thorn tree, the Acacia Tortilis, and is situated just outside the park in one of Amboseli's few remaining areas of unspoilt woodland, with the majestic backdrop of Africa's highest mountain, snow-capped Kilimanjaro.

The tents are all large and spacious, with king or twin-size beds, elegant en-suite bathrooms with steaming hot showers and modern flush toilets. There is a main lounge, bar and dining area, all exquisitely built with natural materials and thatched roofs, with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. During the day, you can take game drives with one of our guides in an open 4WD vehicle or go for a guided walk outside the park with one of our expert Maasai guides.

Elsa’s Kopje, Meru

Elsa’s Kopje is named after Elsa the lioness, made famous by George and Joy Adamson’s biographical film “Born Free”. Elsa’s Kopje is almost invisible to the eye as you approach it’s home on Mughwango Hill in Meru National Park. It blends into the rocky crags of the “kopje”, built very near to the site of George Adamson’s original campsite. The cottages are the ultimate rooms-with-a-view, uniquely designed and crafted, incorporating the natural features of the rocky hillside. Each cottage has spacious double or twin beds with en-suite, elegantly appointed bathrooms. There is an open bar, lounge and dining room with an exceptionally inviting infinity pool overlooking the Meru plains. Elsa’s Private House is a spacious, stylish, exclusive hideaway set slightly apart from the main lodge. It has 1 double room and 1 twin, both with en-suite bathrooms. There is a living and dining area, leading seamlessly outdoors into its own private swimming pool.

Elsa’s Honeymoon Suite is a 3 level room, with a double bed and ensuite bathroom. With it’s breathtaking views, this latest addition is most definitely Elsa's 'pride'!

Sabuk, Northern Frontier

Sabuk Lodge is a stunning wilderness destination, perched on the high banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in the Northern Frontier District, overlooking the Laikipia Plateau and Samburu land. The lodge has 6 beautifully furnished open sided ensuite cottages, plus a Eagle Cottage (family cottage) which consists of 2 bedrooms (both en-suite), an adjoining sitting room and it’s own private swimming pool. Both the lodge rooms and the cottage have their own fabulous views. Sabuk was fashioned out of the local landscape, built with local materials, twisted wood and stone boulders incorporated into the architecture. Open walls and private veranda’s face out over the river gorge 150 feet below.

Sabuk Fly Camp is perfect for clients spending 3 or more days. Walk with a professional safari guide, a team of trained Laikipia Maasai warriors and camel train through completely deserted tracts of wilderness: no other tourists, no roads or vehicles, only wildlife and their tracks, breathtaking scenery, the sounds of the bush, just Africa.

Joy’s Camp, Shaba (Samburu)

An elegant oasis in the arid lands of Samburu; Joy’s Camp is built on the site of Joy Adamson’s tented home in Shaba National Reserve. The site was also home to Penny the leopard, the heroine of her last book.

The 10 chic canvas bedrooms are set raised off the ground with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. The camp overlooks a large natural spring where elephant and lion jostle for watering rights with herds of buffalo and the rare desert species of Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra.

Each sumptuous tent has it’s own private verandah, ideal for private game viewing as well as relaxing, reading and soaking up the truly wild environs offered by Shaba and is uniquely decorated with Boran/Somali cloth design, handmade glass and the vibrant fabrics of the local nomadic tribes creating a chic, sophisticated and stylish camp.

Shaba, in the eastern corner of the Samburu eco-system, is a secluded idyll; an arid landscape dotted with lush springs and rocky river gorges. Joy’s Camp is the perfect choice for discerning guests interested in a glimpse of Kenyan history, as well as those looking for an authentic wildlife experience combined with the comfort of a luxury-tented camp.

Loisaba, Lakipia

Loisaba Lodge is set on an escarpment within 61,000 acres of its own private game ranch. Each of the 7 rooms has its own private deck overlooking the views of Laikipia. The lodge has a swimming pool, tennis court, spa and massage room. Kiboko Star Beds are 20 minutes drive from the lodge and overlook a waterhole/dam. Koija Star Beds are 30 minutes drive from the lodge and overlook the Ewaso Nyiro River. Each Star Bed is designed on a raised, handcrafted, wooden platform that is partially covered with a thatched roof. Homemade ‘Mukokoteni’ beds can either be wheeled onto the open deck for a night under the stars, or left under the shelter of the roof. Loisaba Cottage is approximately 9kms from the main lodge. It is set back from the escarpment in beautifully landscaped gardens with a private swimming pool. The Cottage has three double en-suite rooms with shower and one double/twin room with access to large bathroom via an external staircase.

Loisaba House is a truly exclusive, self-contained private house with cliff-top infinity pool, built on the edge of the escarpment entirely from local stone and thatch. The location and architecture of the house are breathtaking, as are the furnishings, most of which have been designed and made at Loisaba. 2 bedrooms ensuite.1 double,1 twin.

Elephant Pepper Camp, Massai Mara

Elephant Pepper Camp is located in the middle of the 3600 sq km protected Koiyaki wilderness area, away from other lodges. In order to preserve this special area, the camp is seasonal and is dismantled for three months of the year. The spacious canvas tents, with an en suite dressing room, eco-friendly flush loos and safari showers are comfortably furnished. Nothing rivals sitting around the campfire enjoying the sounds of the African night. Extended game drives which continue into the evening make game viewing a complete experience. Elephant Pepper Camp brings people back to nature, no traffic, no permanent structures obstructing your view, just the sights and sounds of the African bush.

Cottar’s 1920’s, Massai Mara

The Cottar Safari tradition began in 1919. 80 years on, they continue to provide an unparalleled safari experience to discerning guests. Extending an era of luxury and quality, you return to the original spirit and essence of ‘safari’, reminiscent of a golden era – an era of romance, adventure and elegance.

Situated in the Massai Mara, bordering the Serengeti and Loliondo reserves in an untouched exclusive concession guaranteeing privacy and an abundance of wildlife. The camp accommodates up to 22 guests in authentic white canvas tents, which are spacious and luxuriously furnished. They incorporate original safari antiques from the '20's, private en suite dressing rooms, bathrooms the main bedroom and a verandah.

Manda Bay, Manda Island

Manda Bay is located on the North-western tip of Manda Island, one of the many unspoiled, idyllic islands of the Lamu archipelago. An exclusive resort, Manda Bay offers relaxation, water sports, dhow safaris and luxurious pampering throughout your stay. There is a games room overlooking the sea with a pool table, darts and table tennis. Surrounded by miles of soft white sand, Manda Bay is the perfect retreat for families and honeymooners.

The cottages are in keeping with the local landscape and were constructed using local materials. They all have large ceiling fans, en-suite bathrooms, and their own private verandah’s overlooking the Indian Ocean. There is a central dining room and a separate bar/sitting area featuring locally crafted Lamu furniture situated right on the sea wall overlooking the ocean.

Saruni is a deluxe and intimate lodge set in a private conservation area outside the Massai Mara National Reserve. With accommodation for only 12 guests in six spectacular cottages, it is set in a remote valley in the heart of the most exciting wilderness of Kenya.

Saruni offers a new concept of safari: a real African adventure experienced in harmony with Maasai warriors and coupled with high standards of style and comfort. The accommodations are furnished with colonial antiques, Persian carpets and African art. The atmosphere of the camp is informal but elegant.

Each cottage has hot and cold running water, 220-volt electricity, elegant Italian bathroom fittings, polished wooden floors, and large bathrooms with canvas fronts that can be opened to offer you an amazing "shower with a view". Décor is unique to each cottage and from the large verandahs one can enjoy a view of the Mara plains and watch the many wild animals that come to the nearby waterhole. The camp offers its own private spa treatment centre, the “Massai Well-Being Space”.

Richard’s Camp is a traditional tented camp in true African safari style with a few modern surprises.

Each of the 8 large and spacious custom-designedindividually decorated tents has either twin or double beds with triple rooms available for families upon request. The solar system provides clean, silent power and 24-hour light to all the tents. All of the tents have an en-suite flush toilet and shower - rarely has sleeping under canvas been made so comfortable.

Most meals are enjoyed outdoors under  the Kenyan skies. During those rare rainy or chilly evenings, dining moves indoors, adjacent to the beautiful, cosy sitting room with a roaring fire. Enjoy flopping on the sofa to read or just relax. At the end of the day, you can indulge in an open-air Victorian bath tucked away in the forest, surrounded by flickering candles and the sounds of the bush.

Borana

Borana Ranch lies at the foot of Mount Kenya, just sixteen miles from the Equator and 6,500 feet above sea level. Adjacent to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, its unique geographical situation makes the 35,000-acre ranch a haven for a wide diversity of wildlife. The ranch is home to fifty indigenous tree families and over 300 species of bird life, supplemented throughout the year by a multitude of migratory visitors.

Borana and its environs constitute one of the most beautiful parts of Kenya . In one day guests can enjoy the dry lowlands at the foot of the escarpment, the rolling plains at the top and the cool, snow-capped magnificence of Mt Kenya. Accommodation is in eight cottages all with an open fireplace, ensuite bathrooms and private verandas.