After a day’s excitement in the wilderness – we’re talking safaris, hiking, bird watching and diving – nothing beats heading back to your lodge to rest your feet, refuel and trade travel stories by a crackling fire. Whether you want to sleep under a star-studded sky in a tented camp or laze away the days in a beachside resort, there’s something for everyone. Read on for our guide to the accommodation in Kenya to discover where you can call home during your next African adventure.
Lodges
Kenya’s lodges come in all shapes and sizes. Some are rustic and authentic while others ooze luxury (we’re talking copper baths, heated plunge pools and private butlers). Most feature a number of stone or wooden buildings sprinkled over a plot of land within a national parks. The main building – consisting of a restaurant, bar and sometimes a small shop – is usually in the centre with the guest rooms dotted nearby. With most lodges equipped with ensuites, running water and electricity, it’s easy to kick back and relax while you take in the gorgeous views.
Tented Camps
Tented camps have a similar layout to lodges but are made up of large safari tents rather than solid structures. These chic canvas lodgings are a far cry from your typical tents. Like lodges, they typically feature ensuite bathrooms with running water and viewing decks where you can soak in the surrounding nature, and are a great option for travellers looking to truly immerse themselves in the safari lifestyle.
Beachside Hotels
It’s easy to understand the lure of Kenya’s coast, with its swaying palms laded with juicy coconuts and deep blue waters begging to be swum in. Whether you choose to stay on the lively Diani beach in the south or the quieter beaches of Bamburi in the north, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to hang up your hat. Wherever you end up it’s likely that you’ll find yourself sipping cocktails at a poolside bar just footsteps from the sea, drifting off to the sound of gentle African music as you lie on a sunbed in the shade, or getting stuck into watersports like kitesurfing and snorkelling.
Urban Hotels
Cities such as Nairobi and towns such as Naivasha are vibrant urban hubs, and visiting their beating centres means opening yourself up to Kenya’s colourful culture beyond the wildlife. With bustling markets, decadent dining options and well-connected transport links, staying in a hotel here means you’re never far from the action. Helpful staff and a cheerful ambience will gladly ease you into a night of relaxation after experiencing the urban offerings or exploring a nearby national park.
