From breakfast with giraffes to sleeping under star-strewn skies, here is your guide to the most incredible accommodations in Kenya.
Kenya's Top 5 Stays
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Title: Dreaming of Kenya: The 5 Best Places to Stay for an Unforgettable Trip Subtitle: From breakfast with giraffes to sleeping under star-strewn skies, here is your guide to the most incredible accommodations in Kenya.
Kenya is the undisputed heavyweight of African travel. It is the land of the Masai Mara and the Great Migration, the backdrop for Out of Africa, and home to some of the continent’s most dazzling white-sand beaches.
But planning a trip here can be overwhelming. The sheer variety of landscapes—from rugged northern frontiers and lush highlands to turquoise coastlines—means your accommodation choices are vast. The "best" place to stay in Kenya isn't just about thread count; it’s about the immersion, the unique location, and the connection to the environment.
Whether you are seeking the ultimate luxury safari, a barefoot beach escape, or a quirky urban adventure, here are the five best places to stay when visiting Kenya.
1. The Iconic Bucket-Lister: Giraffe Manor (Nairobi)
If you’ve seen one picture of a hotel in Kenya on Instagram, it’s likely this one. Located in the leafy Karen suburb of Nairobi, Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest.
The Vibe: 1930s grandeur meets wildlife wonder. The manor itself is a stately, ivy-covered building dating back to the colonial era, offering an elegant, old-world charm.
Why It’s The Best: It’s the only place in the world where you can sip your morning coffee while a resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes poke their long necks through the breakfast room windows looking for a treat. It is surreal, magical, and deeply photogenic. Beyond breakfast, it’s a sanctuary that works closely with the Giraffe Centre to protect this endangered subspecies.
Ideal For: Honeymooners, families wanting a magical start to their trip, and anyone seeking that once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. Note: You must book very far in advance (often a year or more) for a room in the main manor.
2. The Ultimate Safari View: Angama Mara (Masai Mara)
The name "Angama" is inspired by the Swahili word for "suspended in mid-air," and there is no better description for this lodge. Perched high on the rim of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Angama Mara overlooks the vast expanse of the Masai Mara National Reserve below.
The Vibe: Modern architectural brilliance. Forget traditional dark canvas tents; Angama features glass-fronted suites offering uninterrupted, cinematic views of the savannah. It feels sleek, bright, and incredibly luxurious.
Why It’s The Best: The location is legendary; it’s situated right where some of the most famous scenes from Out of Africa were filmed. The game viewing in the "Mara Triangle" below is spectacular year-round, and especially during the Great Migration (July-October). Angama offers a private airfield, exceptional culinary experiences, and a highly personalized safari approach.
Ideal For: Luxury travelers, design lovers, and those who want the best seat in the house for the greatest wildlife show on earth.
3. The "Barefoot Luxury" Beach Escape: Kinondo Kwetu (South Coast)
After the dust of a safari, the Kenyan coast is essential. While Diani Beach is famous, travel a little further south to Galu Beach to find Kinondo Kwetu, a Swedish-owned boutique resort that feels less like a hotel and more like a very stylish friend's private estate.
The Vibe: Laid-back, bohemian elegance. There are no massive buffets or wristbands here. It’s quiet, intimate, and deeply relaxing, nestled between the Indian Ocean and sacred coastal forests.
Why It’s The Best: Kinondo Kwetu strikes a perfect balance between total relaxation and activity. You can lounge by the two pools or on the pristine beach, but they also offer incredible activities: horse riding on the beach at sunrise, yoga platforms with ocean views, and excellent diving and snorkeling nearby. It offers privacy that the larger resorts up the beach cannot match.
Ideal For: Couples seeking romance, families who hate "kids clubs" but want activities, and travelers looking to decompress in style.
4. The Adventure Under the Stars: Loisaba Star Beds (Laikipia)
Laikipia, located on the high plains north of Mount Kenya, offers a wilder, more private safari experience than the crowded Mara. Loisaba Conservancy is pioneering a unique way to experience the African night.
The Vibe: Rustic adventure with high comfort. You aren't just sleeping near nature; you are sleeping in it.
Why It’s The Best: The "Star Beds" are handcrafted four-poster wooden beds designed on raised platforms that sit partially covered by a thatched roof. At night, the beds are rolled out onto the open deck. You sleep protected by a mosquito net, with nothing between you and the immense, star-filled African sky. Waking up to the sunrise lighting up the valley below while still tucked under your duvet is unforgettable.
Ideal For: Adventurous couples, stargazers, and travelers who have already done a traditional safari and want something different.
5. The Cultural Conservationist: Sarara Camp (Mathews Range)
For travelers who want their stay to have a profound positive impact, Sarara in Northern Kenya is unparalleled. Located within the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, this area belongs to the Samburu community.
The Vibe: Rugged, remote, and deeply authentic. The landscape here is dramatic—ancient cycad forests, dry riverbeds, and striking mountains. The camp is luxurious but blends seamlessly into the harsh environment.
Why It’s The Best: Sarara is community-owned, meaning your stay directly supports the local Samburu people and their incredible conservation efforts. You won't just see elephants here; you can visit the nearby Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Africa’s first community-owned elephant orphanage. You can also witness the "singing wells," where Samburu warriors sing to their cattle as they bring them to water—a centuries-old tradition rarely seen by outsiders.
Ideal For: Ethical travelers, culture seekers, and those looking to get far off the beaten tourist track.