The BEST Places to Stay in KENYA

Nairobi:

Nairobi City:

I'll be honest, Nairobi is not my favourite part of Kenya, it's a big built up city with too much traffic and not much charm. However, there are some areas which make a visit worth it- Karen (a peaceful leafy suburb) and the National Park are great places to stay for an enjoyable retreat or a day or two before or after landing. Karen is also host to the Giraffe Centre and Elephant Orphanage- both of which are worth a visit! I have included a couple of central suggestions as well- for those that want to be in the hustle and bustle, or closer to the airport.

Located in the green peaceful suburb of Karen:

High-range:

Ol Losowan House and Cottages - Karen

@ThisWildSoul

Gorgeous little boutique cottages set in Nairobi's most beautiful and peaceful district of Karen. A beautiful pool, outdoor seating, dining and bbq/kitchen facilities make this a fabulous place to stay for a few days as a little city based retreat.

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Karen Gables

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This beautiful homestay in Karen is built in a traditional Dutch style, with a pool and beautiful garden seating area. There is also the is also the potential option for car hire at this property.

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Budget-Mid-range:

Edaala Comfort - Karen

@ThisWildSoul

Offering excellent value for money and set in a tranquil location, this lovely homestay is surrounded by nature, and boasts amazing hosts that go above and beyond to make your stay fantastic.

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Severine Cottages

@ThisWildSoul

Great budget stay, extremely friendly staff who are very accommodating. The beds are very comfortable and the shower is amazing. It's very close to the giraffe centre and many of Karen's top sights and amazing eateries and it's got a very peaceful vibe. Highly recommend this little place. The only thing I would mention is that it doesn't have aircon and the huts do get warm in the daytime so if you are someone that gets very hot and intend to be there during the day relaxing rather than going to see the sites, this might not be your best choice.

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Central Nairobi:

High range:

Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Nairobi Arboretum

@ThisWildSoul

This nicely designed hotel is in an excellent location for exploring Nairobi and just 1km from the National Museum of Kenya and several nice restaurants and bars in the Westlands neighbourhood.

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Mid-range:

Riverview Cove Loft

@ThisWildSoul

Excellent location and serious value for money. in a central but nice part of Nairobi, this loft apartment gives 5* vibes for a low price and at the time of writing, it can accommodate up to 12 people for just over £100 in luxury standard accommodation, making this the ideal location for a group. It is also an excellent location for those just landed in Nairobi or about to fly and has everything, it even has access to a stunning pool and well kitted out gym.

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Nairobi National Park:

Luxe:

Ololo Safari Lodge & Farm

@ThisWildSoul

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Nakuru:

Luxe:

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

@ThisWildSoul

This Sopa Lodge comes with views of beautiful Lake Nakuru which teams with wildlife. This lodge is the best place to stay in the area.

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Mid-range:

The Shed

@ThisWildSoul

A great option for people looking for an self contained unit, this is an airbnb style option that allows you to self-cater, there is also an on site restaurant, bar and pool.

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Budget- midrange:

North Manor Nakuru

@ThisWildSoul

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Maasai Mara:

Luxe:

Olarro Plains

@ThisWildSoul

Stunning, beautifully designed lodge with an absolutely incredible view of the Maasai Mara - if you can afford it- this is the place to be.

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Olarro Lodge - Maji Moto

@ThisWildSoul

Set just outside the Maasai Mara, in it's own stunning peaceful and private conservancy, yet close to several small Maasai Villages, making it the perfect spot to see both the Maasai Mara and the Maasai people. Many of the workers at this property are Maasai, including several I consider friends, so if you go, do book a consultation because I can probably make it extra special and arrange it so you get to meet them! Likewise, if there is anything Maasai related you fancy seeing or doing I might be able to arrange it with them for you. This is an absolutely magical spot to spend a very special few nights and I highly recommend staying here if you can.

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Muthu Keekorok Lodge

@ThisWildSoul

Keekorok Lodge is set in a great location inside the Maasai Mara National Park. Featuring beautiful gardens it has it's own viewing walkway/deck for a private lake which houses lots of Hippos. Even if you don't stay here it's a great place to pop in for lunch or coffee so you can enjoy the grounds.

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Cultural/Eco Camp:

Maji Moto Eco Camp

@ThisWildSoul

Staying with the Maasai tribe should be high on your list on things to do when you go to Kenya, often it ends up being peoples favourite trip highlight. Spend a night or 2 here at Maji Moto Eco Camp hearing their stories and experiencing their culture - you'll be sitting under magical stars in the Kenyan bush as they dance & sing around the campfire. Not to be missed!

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Budget:

If you have your own tent, or you've hired a vehicle with one- I recommend camping in the Maasai Mara Public Camp Sites for a truly adventurous stay (but do not expect great facilities, this is very back to basic), or if you are tentless, there is a very budget place in Ngoswani Village (a Maasai Village) but you will not be able to book it online- I have stayed there and it's fine, the showers/toilets are clean and the rooms have single beds. It's around £10-15 a night if I recall, but they do not have a website online so I would have to book it for you via contacts- so you if you intend to book a consultation that is something we could talk about me arranging.

Amboseli:

Luxe:

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

@ThisWildSoul

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Mid-Range:

Little Amanya Camp

@ThisWildSoul

Cute self contained little units, with killer views of Kilimanjaro Mountain! Perfect for a little romantic outdoorsy escape.

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Amboseli cultural camp

@ThisWildSoul

Camp with Maasai hosts, back to basics but comfortable and excellent reviews at this little place in Amboseli.

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Very Budget:

Amboseli Eco Camp

@ThisWildSoul

£ If price is your main concern, this place is very cheap- it's very basic but if you're backpacking or on a budget it's an ideal way to save some money in a country where acomodation in and around National Parks is genrally hellishly expensive.

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Tsavo:

Mid-range

Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp

@ThisWildSoul

Situated on the banks of the Sante River this safari lodge offers panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Tents are fully furnished and comfortable, and the staff are lovely. Guided game walks and night drives are offered.

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Mombassa:

Mid-range:

Severin Sea Lodge

@ThisWildSoul

Lovely resort right on the beach, people have likened it to feeling like they are somewhere James Bond might frequent. Lovely pool and activity options of diving, cycling and windsurfing.

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Serena Beach Resort & Spa

@ThisWildSoul

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Budget:

Anvil House

@ThisWildSoul

This is an airbnb type listing where you have the entire apartment to yourself. Great for if there is a group of 4 of you- as there are two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It's tastefully decorated and the beach is just a 5minute uber or tuk tuk away.

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Watamu:

High-range:

The Mida Creek

@ThisWildSoul

Secluded and tucked away in nature for a truly serene stay, The Mida Creek Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre, restaurant and a gardens. A beautiful stay with sea views and a stones throw from Watamu National Marine Park.

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Mid-range:

Palm Garden Boutique Hotel

@ThisWildSoul

Serene boutique hotel set just 1.1 km from Garoda Beach and just 400 metres from Mida Creek. Beautiful rooms and calm atmosphere make this place a lovely little retreat.

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Rafiki Village

@ThisWildSoul

With beautiful costal design Rafiki Village boasts an outdoor pool and sun terrace and a range of lovely activities can be arranged from the hotel.

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Diani:

Mid-range to Luxury options:

Swahili Beach Resort

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One of the most beautiful hotels you can stay in in Kenya. Swahili Beach is dripping in style, with a beautiful layered pool that gives you views all the way to the beach. My top choice for this area!

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Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort

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Beautiful resort set right on the the beach, fabulous facilities and a lovely restaurant. A must if you're a golfer, and lots of activities to keep anyone staying here entertained!

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Boutique:

The Villa Luxury Suites Hotel

@ThisWildSoul

Really pretty Swahili inspired decor at this little tranquil boutique villa, this is the perfect place to relax -a little oasis in Diani.

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Mid-range:

Footprints House

@ThisWildSoul

Cute decor and a nice atmosphere, this is a great place to stay if you're venturing to Diani.

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Tombo House

@ThisWildSoul

Beautiful little place, very calm and clean. Set back away from the beach surrounded by nature.

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Budget-mid range:

Boxo Diani

@ThisWildSoul

With friendly and helpful staff, this trendy clean hotel offers affordable accommodation with great stylish facilities including pool, bar and restaurant!

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Kilifi:

Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers

@ThisWildSoul

My top choice for Kilifi- pretty, surrounded by nature and sociable- an idyllic little base for your costal adventures.

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Where NOT to stay:

- Sarova Hotels/Lodges

Hopefully you take my advice and stay at one of the wonderful places listed above, but either way, please if you can, boycot Sarova Hotels/Lodges. -They do not pay all of their employees fairly, feed them properly or provide adequate accommodation. There was a situation earlier this year when local friends of mine were asked to work for less than $3 a day doing full days of back breaking manual labour, living in giant warehouse style rooms where they would have to sleep 3+ to a bed, whilst only given rice and beans for lunch and dinner, and no breakfast. ....Modern day slave labour. What makes this worse is the price tags of their hotels are around $400+ a night.