Lions, wildebeest, hippos and giraffes – Kenya is filled to the brim with some of Earth’s most diverse animals and ecosystems.
Whether you’re interested in herbivores or carnivores, vast savannah or towering mountains, this East African nation blesses all nature lovers with a great time with their world-class safari experiences.
But let’s say you can’t get enough of the wonderful outdoors in Kenya, what’s one to do? Well, how about living right inside Mother Nature’s embrace?
Giraffe Manor
Breakfast with giraffes, anyone？
Located right outside of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, Giraffe Manor offers you exactly what’s in its name – giraffes, with some occasional guests!
The manor itself is a colonial-style retreat with lavishly furnished luxury rooms named after former residents and even giraffes.
But by far its number one attraction is the herd of wild, endangered Rothschild giraffes that regularly greet guests outside and inside the manor!
You might be wandering the grounds or gardens or perhaps enjoying some breakfast or tea in the dining room, when one of these giant herbivores comes ambling along. Some will lower their necks to you or even poke their heads through open windows, all the while hoping for some food pellets. These moments are the perfect chance to admire their sheer height (up to 6m), powerful neck and mesmerizing patterns.
However, do make sure to feed them only one pellet at a time and to follow the Giraffe Manor’s do’s and don’ts when it comes to these long-necked guests!
Once the giraffes have had their fill of food and curiosity, do check out the surrounding local cafes and galleries to learn more about local Kenyan life. For more wildlife encounters, there are giraffe and elephant rehabilitation centres nearby too!
Kicheche Mara Camp
For those who feel like immersing themselves in Kenya’s great outdoors, then the extraordinary Kicheche Mara Camp is the place!
Situated in Mara North Conservancy, a large private conservation area, this glamping experience consists of ten luxury tents next to some of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife, with classic big game animals like cheetah, elephants and zebras easily reachable by safari jeep or bush walk.
During bush walks, you’ll be accompanied by experienced Kenyan guides and rangers, who’ll lead you safely to prime animal gathering spots. As for safari game drives, customized 4WD vehicles provide uncompromising views of savannah wildlife.
While you’re here, makes sure you get to know the other residents of the savannah – the Masaai people! The Kicheche Community Trust, which supports and empowers the local Masaai community, organizes tours to learn more about local small businesses and their stories. Many Masaai also work as safari guides too, so make sure to look out for them!
Once you’re done experiencing Kenya’s wild side, kick back and relax at Kiecheche’s tents, which are basically full-blown suites! Outfitted with private rooms, bathrooms with running hot and cold water, onsite meals, 24/7 electricity and even wi-fi, their glamping experience allows you to experience the savannah while enjoying creature comforts!
Ol Donyo Lodge
The Ol Donyo Lodge is a cozy, private and luxurious retreat into the wilderness of Kenya.
Nestled quietly in the cool shadows of the Chyulu Hills next to Amboseli National Park, each of their ten lodges features gorgeous interiors inspired by local architecture while being furnished with plenty of comforts such as swimming pools and even a spa.
But drag yourself away from your fine accommodations for a moment and you’ll be rewarded with a whole selection of safari experiences, ranging from walks, 4WD, horseback rides and mountain bikes. Not only that, there’s also night safaris, trips to Amboseli National Park and Masaai village visits. And best of all? You’ll always be blessed with a stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowy peak wherever you are!
For an Ol Donyo-exclusive experience, ask for the rooftop bed. Falling asleep atop a under the glittering night sky is an experience that’s not to be missed! They also have an underground hideout that offers you the chance to observe wildlife such as elephants acting naturally.
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
If a clubhouse resort style accommodation is what you’re looking for, then the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club is the place!
Housed in a vintage colonial style estate, this resort is peppered with posh suites, villas and bungalows fitted with wooden floors, fireplaces and lavish furnishings.
Outside, familiar diversions such as golf, spas and horseback riding await you alongside its unique animal orphanage, which rehabilitates orphan animals with the aim of returning them to the wild.
Natural scenery is abundant here as well, with gardens, ponds and forests decorating the grounds while the large Mount Kenya looms in the background.
Lewa House
What started out as a livestock farm in 1922 is now the home of the Macfarlane family, aka Lewa House.
The family lets out cozy and opulent ten rooms for visitors, all equipped with plenty of warm and inviting hardwood furniture. Most of the buildings here are also built using rustic stone walls and thatched roofs, further adding to the homestay feel of the place.
Thanks to its location on top of a hill in Northern Kenya, Lewa House affords visitors mesmerizing views of not one, but three mountains – Mount Kenya, Matthews Range and Mount Ol Olokwe.
In this region of Kenya, there’s a high chance of spotting species of Black Rhino and Grevy’s zebra here, not to mention the Big Five of Africa (elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and leopard).
Staying at Lewa is also highly recommended if you intend to visit the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is right next door.
Loisaba Star Beds
Vast savannah during the day and a sea of stars by night, all accessible from the comfort of your cozy bed at Loisaba Hotel!
Loisaba Star Beds are secluded, thatched-roof cottages that allows you to get unfettered views of the surrounding Loisaba Conservatory.
Start your day with a sunrise view that illuminates the hills and plains that support a diverse ecosystem.
In the afternoon, enjoy a huge variety of safari adventures such as bush walks, game rides, horse riding and even camel riding. Plus, since it’s right next to an elephant corridor, there’s a good chance you’ll spot a herd grazing out and about!
Finally, once the sun sets, enjoy the starry Kenyan night while tucked inside a comfy poster bed out on the open-air verandah!
Sasaab Camp
Swahili and Moroccan influences meet at Sasaab Camp, another one of northern Kenya’s great retreats.
Sasaab Camp boasts roomy and cooling thatched villas paired with warm and welcoming Moroccan interiors. Central areas feature swimming pools alongside plenty of space and sofas for you to lounge around.
Sasaab Camp is also perched high above the Ewaso Nyiro River, which provides not only clear views of elephants coming to sate their thirst, but also gorgeous views of Laikipia Plateau, Samburu National Reserve and Mount Kenya.
Besides elephants, the area is also home to the region’s own unique wildlife – the Samburu Special Five, which are Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Gerenuk antelope and Somali ostrich. Of course, they can also be spotted next to many other Kenyan wildlife.
Information collated by Rin Matsumoto
