Kenya


5 Hip Hotels in Kenya

Kenya has many national reserves set aside to protect an area’s distinctive ecology and wildlife. Combine stays at more than one national park and experience for yourself the diversity of Amboseli, Masai Mara, Meru, and the Great Rift Valley.

Contact our Travel Gurus for inspiration and advice on luxury hotels in Kenya.

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  1. Cottars 1920s

    Masai Mara, Kenya

    A visit not just to the legendary Masai Mara, but to the golden era of safari – with the spirit of romance, adventure and elegance.

    Photos of Cottars 1920s

    • A visit not just to the Masai Mara, but to the golden era of safari – with the spirit of romance, adventure and luxury.
    • A visit not just to the Masai Mara, but to the golden era of safari – with the spirit of romance, adventure and luxury.
    • Cottars has inspired countless versions of African safari chic, and the camp could easily double as the location for an epic film like <i>Out of Africa</i>.
    • Drinks following long established tradition are at sundown, and directors chairs are set up wherever guests fancy, in a manner that hasn’t changed since Roosevelt and Hemingway.
    • A tent is designated for dinner, a rustic but nonetheless elegant affair that strikes a delicate balance between linen, silver and crystal glassware and the great outdoors.

    Prices from:

    £1,745 per person

  2. Elsa’s Kopje

    Meru, Kenya

    Built above the site of George Adamson’s original campsite, Elsa’s Kopje’s is a jewel in the untamed wilderness of Meru National Park.

    Photos of Elsa’s Kopje

    • Possibly one of the most famous lodges in East Africa, thanks to its link with George and Joy Adamson of ‘Born Free’ fame.
    • Possibly one of the most famous lodges in East Africa, thanks to its link with George and Joy Adamson of ‘Born Free’ fame.
    • Elegant open-fronted rooms are very spacious with en-suite bathrooms, a separate lounge area and double or twin beds.
    • There is an open bar area perfect for pre-dinner drinks or relaxing with a nightcap.
    • Elsa’s Kopje makes a point of growing its own produce so food is fresh and delicious with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

    Prices from:

    £1,259 per person

  3. Giraffe Manor

    Nairobi, Kenya

    Set in 140 acres of forest on the outskirts of Kenya’s capital, Giraffe Manor was built in 1932 by David Duncan of the ‘Macintosh Toffee’ family. Inspired by Scottish hunting lodges, it earned its unusual name as a result of an effort by Jock & Bette Leslie Melville (who had bought the Manor from David Duncan) to save two highly endangered Rothschild giraffe. They were moved onto the estate and they thrived, as did future generations. So much so that the property is now also home to the Giraffe Centre, established by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife.

    Judging from the four poster beds, the stone fireplaces, the big beams, the leaded windows and the panelled doors, you really could be in a lodge in Scotland. That is, until a giraffe sticks its head through the window and tries to steal your toast from the breakfast tray. This being a manor, there is a dining room, not a restaurant and the bar is a living room with big, overstuffed club chairs and a large stone fireplace. The food is fresh and homemade, like what you would expect from a hunting lodge in Scotland with an African twist.

    Giraffe Manor is a legend; a small hotel just outside Nairobi with a big reputation.

    Photos of Giraffe Manor

    • The Giraffe Manor is a legend; a small hotel just outside Nairobi with a big reputation.
    • The Giraffe Manor is a legend; a small hotel just outside Nairobi with a big reputation.
    • Four poster beds, big beams, leaded windows and panelled doors; you could be in a lodge in Scotland.
    • In the classic British country house model, the bar is a living room with big, overstuffed club chairs and couches, a large stone fireplace and mahogany butler tables.
    • This being a manor, there is a dining room with a set menu, not a restaurant. The food is fresh and homemade, like what you would expect from a hunting lodge in Scotland with an African twist.

    Prices from:

    £1,509 per person

  4. Mahali Mzuri

    Masai Mara, Kenya

    Special Offer

    Kenya’s most awe-inspiring of landscapes is the setting for Mahali Mzuri, Sir Richard Branson’s tented camp in a pristine part of the African bush.

    Photos of Mahali Mzuri

    • Sir Richard Branson’s new tented camp in a pristine corner of Kenya’s African bush.
    • Sir Richard Branson’s new tented camp in a pristine corner of Kenya’s African bush.
    • Within the Maasai Mara ecosystem- the place to be for a front row view of the abundant game.
    • Across the valley are sprawling plains as far as the eye can see.

    Prices from:

    £3,099 per person

  5. Tortilis Camp

    Amboseli, Kenya

    The sudden enormity of Kilimanjaro sticking out of the African bush never ceases to amaze.

    Photos of Tortilis Camp

    • Tortilis camp, named after the flat-top umbrella thorn tree (acacia tortilis) is distinguished both by its unrivalled views of Kilimanjaro as well as the local elephant population.
    • Tortilis camp, named after the flat-top umbrella thorn tree (acacia tortilis) is distinguished both by its unrivalled views of Kilimanjaro as well as the local elephant population.
    • Guests are housed in tents, and each tent is housed under a hand-crafted roof of makuti – traditional thatch made from palm leaves,
    • The bar is under the main thatched area that also includes a lounge and a dining room.
    • Dining takes place in a purpose-built thatched hut with the distinction of a spectacular view of Kilimanjaro.

    Prices from:

    £1,115 per person

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