Where to Stay in Kenya: Choosing Between Hotels, Lodges and Holiday Homes

Where you sleep can make or break a trip. A well-placed stay means more time with wildlife and less on the road; the right style of accommodation means you come home rested rather than exhausted. Here is how to choose, stop by stop.

Key takeaways

• Hotels and lodges suit travellers who want everything taken care of.

• Holiday homes suit families, groups and longer stays, with more space and privacy.

• Stay close to the parks you are visiting to maximise your time on game drives.

• Mixing styles, a lodge on safari and a villa on the coast, often gives the best of both.

Hotels or holiday homes?

	Hotels and lodges	Holiday homes
Best for	Couples, solo travellers and short stays	Families, groups and longer stays
Meals	Restaurants and often meal packages	Your own kitchen, and sometimes a chef
Space and privacy	A room or suite	A whole apartment, cottage or villa
Service	Daily housekeeping and on-site staff	More independence, with help on hand

Nairobi

• Savannah Lodge: an eco-friendly lodge near Nairobi National Park, ideal before an early game drive.

• Modern Apartment with City View: a stylish two-bedroom apartment for families and small groups who want their own space in the city.

The mountains: the Aberdares and Mount Kenya

• Mountain View Resort: a luxury resort overlooking the Aberdare Mountains, perfect for cool, fresh air between safaris.

• Rustic Cabin near Mount Kenya: a peaceful wooden cabin surrounded by forest, ideal for hikers and couples.

The Rift Valley

• Rift Valley Retreat: a peaceful retreat with panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley.

• Lakeview Boutique Hotel: a charming boutique hotel by Lake Naivasha, perfect for couples and small groups.

Tsavo

• Savannah Dunes Resort: an eco-resort on the edge of the savannah, blending comfort with nature.

• Safari Cottage inside Tsavo West: a cosy cottage for two with wildlife views right from the porch.

Waking up inside a national park means you are on game drives while others are still on the road.

The coast

• Coastal Breeze Resort: a beachfront resort in Diani with luxury villas and suites.

• Beachfront Villa with Private Pool: a three-bedroom villa in Diani with its own pool and chef services, ideal for families and friends.

• Palm Haven Beach Apartment: a modern beachfront apartment in Nyali with ocean views.

• Cozy Beachside Apartment: a comfortable base for two in Mtwapa, north of Mombasa.

• Coastal Swahili-Style House: a traditional house in Lamu Old Town with a rooftop lounge.

What to look for when booking

• Location: how close is it to the parks or beaches you want to visit?

• The right size for your group, with enough beds and bathrooms

• Meals: included, available nearby, or a kitchen to cook your own

• Recent guest reviews

• Transfers to and from the property

Let us match you with the right stay

We know every property in our collection, so tell us who is travelling and what matters most to you, and we will recommend the right stay for each stop of your journey. Browse all our hotels and holiday homes.