Where to Stay in Kenya
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Kenya
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
Kenya's capital region offers the country's widest accommodation variety, from international business hotels to charming heritage properties and unique wildlife experiences within city limits. The surrounding highlands provide cooler-climate retreats, colonial-era manor houses, and access to Mount Kenya's trekking lodges.
Home to Kenya's most famous wildlife spectacle, this region features the country's highest concentration of luxury tented camps and safari lodges. Accommodation ranges from classic mobile camps to ultra-luxury conservancy properties offering exclusive game viewing and cultural experiences with Maasai communities.
Famous for elephant herds against Mount Kilimanjaro's backdrop, this region offers classic safari experiences with spectacular photographic opportunities. Accommodation tends toward mid-range and luxury lodges with stunning mountain views, plus community-run conservancy camps offering authentic cultural interactions.
Kenya's remote northern region offers rugged, semi-arid landscapes and unique wildlife species not found in southern parks. Accommodation is generally more exclusive and intimate, with luxury camps providing cultural encounters with Samburu people and access to rare species like Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe.
This vast highland region north of Mount Kenya is Kenya's conservation success story, with private ranches transformed into wildlife conservancies. Accommodation emphasizes sustainable luxury, horseback safaris, and pioneering conservation models, offering alternatives to traditional park-based safaris with excellent wildlife densities.
Kenya's premier beach destination features pristine white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and lush coastal forests. Accommodation ranges from all-inclusive beach resorts to intimate boutique hotels and eco-lodges, with options for diving, kitesurfing, and exploring nearby Shimba Hills National Reserve.
This culturally rich coastal region combines marine parks, Swahili heritage, and laid-back beach vibes. Watamu offers eco-conscious beach lodges and diving resorts, Malindi provides Italian-influenced beachfront hotels, while Lamu's UNESCO-listed old town features unique Swahili architecture guesthouses and boutique properties.
Kenya's second-largest city serves as the coastal hub with historic Fort Jesus, vibrant markets, and Old Town's Swahili architecture. Accommodation includes international beach resorts on adjacent beaches, business hotels in the city center, and heritage properties offering cultural immersion in the historic quarter.
The dramatic Rift Valley escarpment hosts a chain of lakes offering diverse birdwatching, flamingo spectacles, and scenic beauty. Accommodation around Lakes Naivasha, Nakuru, and Bogoria ranges from budget campsites to luxury lodges, often serving as convenient stopover points between Nairobi and the Maasai Mara.
Kenya's largest protected ecosystem encompasses Tsavo East and West national parks, offering vast wilderness, red elephants, and diverse landscapes from volcanic hills to savannah plains. Accommodation is more spread out than in the Mara, with classic safari lodges and intimate camps providing authentic wilderness experiences.
Kenya's least-visited region offers cultural richness, rainforest primates in Kakamega, and Africa's largest lake. Accommodation is predominantly budget to mid-range, with simple guesthouses in towns, lakeside lodges, and basic facilities near Kakamega Forest, appealing to adventurous travelers seeking authentic experiences.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Kenya
International chains including Radisson, Hilton, and Best Western operate primarily in Nairobi and Mombasa, catering to business travelers and transit guests. Regional chains like Sarova Hotels, Sentrim Collection, and Serena Hotels dominate the safari and coastal markets with properties across multiple parks and beaches. These local chains offer reliable mid-range to upscale standards with good knowledge of safari logistics. The luxury safari sector is characterized by small, independent operators and conservation-focused groups like Elewana Collection, Governors' Camp Collection, and &Beyond, each managing multiple high-end properties across prime wildlife areas.
Independent guesthouses and family-run lodges are abundant in towns and cities, offering authentic Kenyan hospitality at budget-friendly prices. Community-owned conservancy lodges and campsites are increasingly popular, particularly in Laikipia and around the Maasai Mara, providing income to local communities while offering guests cultural experiences. Coastal regions feature Swahili-style boutique hotels, often converted from historic buildings, showcasing traditional architecture with carved doors, makuti roofs, and coral stone walls. Private villas and beach houses are available for rent along the coast, particularly in Diani, Watamu, and Lamu, ideal for families or groups seeking self-catering flexibility.
Tented camps represent Kenya's signature accommodation experience, ranging from simple mobile camps that follow the migration to permanent luxury camps with hardwood floors, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas overlooking wildlife hotspots. Conservancy lodges offer exclusive access to private wildlife areas with low tourist densities, often combining luxury with conservation activities. Treehouse lodges like Treetops and The Ark provide unique overnight wildlife viewing experiences with animals visiting waterholes below. Traditional Swahili houses in Lamu offer authentic cultural immersion with rooftop terraces and courtyards. Ranch stays in Laikipia blend working cattle operations with wildlife conservation, offering horseback safaris and hands-on ranch experiences. Several heritage properties preserve colonial-era architecture, particularly around Mount Kenya and in Nairobi's Karen suburb.
Booking Tips for Kenya
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Premium safari camps and lodges, especially in the Maasai Mara and Laikipia, fill up 6-12 months ahead for peak migration season (July-October). The best properties have limited rooms to maintain exclusivity and minimize environmental impact. Booking early also secures better rates before seasonal price increases take effect.
Most safari lodges and tented camps operate on all-inclusive rates covering accommodation, meals, game drives, and sometimes beverages. This simplifies budgeting and often provides better value than room-only rates, as remote locations have limited alternative dining options. Always clarify what's included—some properties exclude premium drinks, conservation fees, or specialist activities like hot air balloon safaris.
Booking safari accommodation through Kenya-based tour operators often yields better rates than international booking platforms, as they have direct relationships with properties and access to net rates. Many lodges don't appear on major booking sites and work exclusively with tour operators. Reputable operators can also create combined packages linking multiple properties with ground transport.
Accommodation rates rarely include national park entry fees (currently USD 60-100 per person per day for major parks) or conservancy fees (USD 30-100 per person per night). These can significantly increase total costs, so always request a complete breakdown. Some luxury conservancy properties include these fees in their rates—verify to avoid budget surprises.
Beach hotels and resorts along the coast adjust rates seasonally, with peaks during European winter (December-March) and summer (July-August), and significant discounts during April-June rainy season. Some properties close entirely during low season. Always check if rates include breakfast or are all-inclusive, as this varies widely between coastal properties.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Kenya
For July-October (migration season) and December-February periods, book safari lodges 6-12 months in advance, especially for Maasai Mara properties and luxury camps. Coastal resorts should be booked 3-6 months ahead for Christmas/New Year and European summer holidays. Last-minute availability is rare at premium properties during these periods, and rates increase significantly as dates approach.
March-June and November offer good availability and value, with 2-4 months advance booking usually sufficient for most properties. Many lodges offer 'green season' discounts during April-May despite excellent wildlife viewing. This is ideal for flexible travelers seeking lower rates without sacrificing experience quality. Some properties use this period for maintenance closures, so confirm operational dates.
During April-May (long rains) and November (short rains), many properties offer substantial discounts (30-50% off peak rates) and last-minute bookings are often possible. However, some seasonal camps close entirely, and coastal properties may have limited operations. Budget and mid-range city hotels maintain consistent rates year-round, making last-minute booking feasible except during major conferences or events.
Book safari accommodation as early as possible for peace of mind and best selection, especially for specific properties or room categories. Coastal and city hotels offer more flexibility, though booking 1-2 months ahead ensures better rates and availability. Consider booking through tour operators for safari properties and directly with hotels for city stays to compare rates and package options.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Kenya