Where to Stay During a Safari in Kenya?
With around fifty parks and reserves where the full range of African wildlife still thrives, Kenya is among the most sought-after destinations for a safari experience.
With around fifty parks and reserves where the full range of African wildlife still thrives, Kenya is among the most sought-after destinations for a safari experience.
Planning a Kenya safari and wondering what to expect regarding accommodation? Let's explore the different types of lodging available when sleeping during a Kenya safari.
Public camping, the most budget-friendly
Campsites are the most economical accommodation option during a Kenya safari. Most of Kenya's national parks, such as Masai Mara, Tsavo, Amboseli and the Aberdares, have designated camping zones managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service or private operators.
Campsites offer basic facilities with relatively modest amenities. In public campsites, you'll share the camp with other travelers. The camps include sanitary blocks with showers, toilets and washbasins, as well as a cooking area. Electricity is generally available only in common areas.
It's worth noting that camps vary from park to park. For example, some public campsites accommodate only 20 people, while others, like Twiga campsite in Nairobi National Park, can host up to 400 people.
While camping is the least comfortable accommodation option during a Kenya safari, it does allow you to experience authentic surroundings, as close to nature and wildlife as possible.
Wild camping, the most authentic and adventurous
Beyond public campsites, there are also private campsites. Also called wild camping, this option involves sleeping under a tent on land with no permanent structures or buildings, in the heart of the bush.
What makes wild camping special? You'll share your camp only with your loved ones and the team accompanying you (driver, guide, cook...). Although there are no toilets, showers or kitchens, all equipment and food can be provided and prepared by our teams.
As you can see, wild camping is the most authentic option for sleeping under the stars in the heart of the bush. Only your tent separates you from the wild world. You'll fall asleep to the songs of birds, the rustling of butterfly wings and the sounds of galagos, and wake up to the front-row spectacle of the savanna!
Needless to say, this unique adventure comes at a price. Since it's a private campsite requiring an armed guard to ensure your safety, wild camping is quite expensive.
Tented camps, the ideal compromise between camping and lodge
Tented camps are permanent or semi-permanent campsites consisting of spacious tents sheltered under a sturdy, weather-resistant roof of makuti (thatched or palm leaves).
Well-appointed and decorated, each tent contains beds and comfortable furniture. They all have their own ensuite bathrooms. This is far removed from campsite amenities!
Tented camps can be basic or luxurious. Some even offer private pools. In any case, each camp features a main tent in the center where guests can gather, dine and relax.
Another advantage of tented camps: they're strategically located within parks and wildlife reserves. Indeed, they're typically set up along riverbanks where animals congregate in greater numbers to drink. This geographical position allows you to observe wild animals up close, day and night!
In short, tented camps are the perfect compromise between the authentic experience of camping and the comfort of a lodge.
Lodges, the most comfortable and luxurious
If you're looking for ultra-comfortable and luxurious accommodation during a Kenya safari, then lodges are for you! These are bush hotels located within Kenya's national parks and private reserves.
Unlike other types of accommodation, lodges offer permanent structures (in concrete, wood or stone) set in a vast, well-maintained tropical garden with electrified fencing. Many lodges enjoy a majestic setting with breathtaking panoramic views.
You'll find very spacious, comfortable and well-equipped rooms or bungalows (bathroom, desk, lounge area, terrace, television, air conditioning, minibar...). Lodges are equipped with a bar and restaurant (with full board or half-board options) and sometimes a pool, shop and even a massage salon.
Have questions about the type of accommodation that would suit you best during a Kenya safari? Want to know more about conditions and rates? Don't hesitate to contact us—we'll be delighted to help you and organize your stay to discover the incredible wildlife of Kenya...
Frequently asked questions
Public camping is the most economical option for sleeping during a Kenya safari. Managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service or private operators, it's available in most national parks such as Masai Mara, Tsavo or Amboseli. Facilities are basic (bathrooms, cooking area) and shared with other travelers.
A tented camp is accommodation made up of large, comfortable tents under a thatched roof, often located by a river, offering an experience close to nature with basic to luxurious comfort. A lodge, on the other hand, is a permanent structure (concrete, wood or stone), similar to a bush hotel, with spacious rooms or bungalows, restaurant, bar and sometimes a pool. The lodge offers the highest level of comfort.
Yes, wild camping in Kenya is governed by strict safety measures. The presence of an armed guard is mandatory to accompany the group throughout the stay. This arrangement is typically handled by the agency or operator organizing the campsite. This is one of the reasons why wild camping represents a higher cost than public camping.
Most Kenyan national parks have designated public campsites, notably Masai Mara, Tsavo, Amboseli and the Aberdares. These campsites are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service or private operators. Capacity varies by site: for example, Twiga campsite in Nairobi National Park can accommodate up to 400 people.
It's highly advisable to reserve your accommodation several months in advance, especially if you're planning to travel during peak season (July-October, the period of the Great Migration at Masai Mara). Quality lodges and tented camps are often fully booked several months before peak tourism periods. Public campsites are generally easier to reserve, but advance planning is still recommended.
