Kenya is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. Here you can watch the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara, search for big cats and wild dogs, ride horses across private conservancies, meet the last two Northern White Rhinos at Ol Pejeta, then unwind on white-sand beaches on the Indian Ocean coast. Let’s explore where to stay and experience a luxury Kenya safari in a responsible and sustainable way.
Early mornings start with your beverage of choice on a veranda watching the sunrise over the plains, followed by private or small-group game drives with expert guides who know each valley track and pride by heart.
Game viewing is superb year-round, offering opportunities to spot the Big Five, including cheetahs, giraffes, and large elephant herds. From July to October, the Masai Mara hosts part of the Great Wildebeest Migration, when over a million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle move up from Tanzania’s Serengeti in search of fresh grazing. River crossings and intense predator action make this one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on the planet.
Luxury, however, is not just about interiors and fine dining. It is also about space and exclusivity. Private conservancies limit vehicle numbers, allowing you to sit with a lion pride without feeling crowded, enjoy night drives, and, in some areas, step out on foot with your guide.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s best-known safari region, famous for sweeping plains, big cats, and the Great Migration. Many travellers stay in the core National Reserve, but the surrounding private conservancies, such as Olare Motorgroi, Mara North, and Lemek, offer a more exclusive and low-impact experience.
Laikipia is also one of Kenya’s best areas for horse riding safaris. Borana Lodge, for instance, has a genuine riding heritage, offering everything from short rides from the lodge to multi-day fly-camping expeditions across the conservancy. Wildlife is used to horses so that you can approach giraffe, zebra, and antelope in a calm, natural way. Nearby Ol Pejeta Conservancy is East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary and home to Najin and Fatu, the last two Northern White rhinos, protected as part of a pioneering IVF conservation project.
Samburu, in a semi-arid northern Kenya, offers rugged scenery and a sense of remoteness. The Ewaso Ng’iro River draws wildlife year-round, including elephant, lion, and leopard. The region is also known for the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.
The Great Rift Valley, with its volcanic hills and lakes, is a beautiful complement to the savannah. Lake Nakuru National Park is famed for its rhino populations and impressive birdlife, including flocks of flamingos when conditions are right. Lake Naivasha offers relaxed lakeside stays and boat trips.
Amboseli, located in southern Kenya, offers stunning views and massive herds of elephants. On clear days, herds cross the open plains and marshes with snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. The park is renowned for its excellent elephant sightings and good chances of spotting lions, buffalo, and a wide range of plains game.
Kenya’s coast is a natural add-on at the end of a safari. Diani Beach and its neighboring beaches, including Galu and Msambweni, offer powder-soft sands, swaying palms, and warm Indian Ocean waters.
Mara Plains Camp sits in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, on the northern border of the Masai Mara National Reserve. With only seven spacious tents and no cement used in construction, it offers an intimate, low-impact camp in a prime big cat area, close to key migration river crossing points.
Saruni Samburu is the only lodge in an enormous private conservancy in Northern Kenya. Set high on a rocky outcrop, it offers sweeping views across a wild landscape. Open, airy suites, infinity pools, and stylish communal spaces are paired with guiding by Samburu warriors, making for a culturally rich and intimate safari experience.
Borana Lodge is situated within the Borana Conservancy, a leader in rhino conservation and a haven for active safaris. Horseback riding has deep roots here, and guests can choose multi-day horse expeditions with fly camping or gentle morning and afternoon rides. Game drives, walks, and conservation activities can be woven into your stay for a varied itinerary.
In the southern part of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages offer private cottages with a personal chef and exclusive vehicle use. From this homey base, you can explore East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary, learn about the Northern White rhino project, and enjoy game drives in a conservancy that balances tourism, livestock, and wildlife conservation.
Saruni Mara is an intimate boutique lodge in a quiet valley bordering the Masai Mara. With just a few cottages and villas, it suits couples and families seeking a tranquil base near the migration. Saruni Wild, a small tented camp situated on the plains between Mara North and Lemek conservancies, offers a classic “under canvas” experience, complete with firelit dinners and wildlife often in close proximity to the camp.
Almanara Luxury Villas on Galu Beach offer fully serviced villas steps from a long, clean stretch of sand, away from the busier parts of Diani. Each villa has three en-suite double bedrooms and elegant, locally inspired interiors. Kinondo Kwetu, further south, combines a private house feel with a range of activities, from beach rides to kayaking, making it an ideal place to unwind after a safari.
There are many reasons to consider a custom Kenya Safari trip. International luxury trips and African safaris, in particular, benefit from local, expert assistance. Here are some of the surprising reasons you’ll be delighted you chose a tailor-made Kenya safari:
Plan your ideal itinerary: There’s nothing like the luxury of a trip tailored around your schedule and preferences. Travel at your own pace and make sure you see the animals most important to you and enjoy the lodging of your dreams.
Access to specialist experiences offers you some of the most memorable experiences a safari has to offer. A multi-day horse safari in the Masai Mara from Offbeat Riding Safaris or camel safaris in Laikipia or hot air balloon flights over the Masai Mara are on offer through specialists.
Responsible & sustainable travel choices allow you to enjoy the benefits of both nature and local communities. By staying in locally owned conservancies, you’ll support the lodges that employ and train local people and follow responsible travel guidelines.
Seamless logistics and peace of mind are priceless, especially when traveling around Kenya. Leave coordinating internal flights and transfers to the experts and focus on preparing for your safari adventures.
With Wayfairer access and experience in Kenyan Safari vacations, you can enjoy a world-class trip where you wake to the sounds of lion calls, ride alongside giraffes, observe elephants wandering around Kilimanjaro, and relax on the Indian Ocean beach. We are experts at planning luxury, one-of-a-kind vacations that give back to local communities and ecosystems. Make a difference with Wayfairer. Start your trip wishlist and reach out to Wayfairer Travel today to discuss a safari vacation in Kenya.
Resources:
https://masaimara.ke/mm-conservancies/
https://www.olpejetaconservancy.org/
https://www.samburureserve.com/
https://kws.go.ke/lake-nakuru-national-park
https://kws.go.ke/amboseli-national-park
https://www.glion.edu/magazine/luxury-travel/