Campsites & lodges in Kenya

Best campsites & lodges in Kenya

Where to stay in Nairobi?

Karen area is the best place to stay in Nairobi. Its very lush and green, boosts many nice restaurants, and is conveniently located close to the bypass either going towards the Maasai Mara, travelling north to Samburu or north west towards Lake Naivaisha. When traveling south, towards Tsavo and Diani Beach, stay along Mombasa Road area, which is also close to Kenyatta Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Don't stay down town. You might need to get used to driving in Kenya and knowing your Roadtrip Rental car, than you don't want to start from congested, down town Nairobi, unless you want to practice how to manoeuvre in traffic jams. Check the Nairobi section below, for the best places to stay in Nairobi when you start or end your Roadtrip Kenya adventure. 

Do I need to book my accommodation in advance?

Campsites in Kenya do not require advance booking - most of them can't even be booked in advance. In case you sleep in a lodge, booking in advance is recommended during high season (July-September, December-January). Most lodges will ask you to make a deposit. TripAdvisor is a great source of information, as well as our own list below. Airbnb also has a lot of hidden gems, especially at the coast.

Are campsites widely available in Kenya?

Kenya is a very suitable country for camping. Some lodges will allow you to pitch your own tent. The more fancy lodges will charge about US$ 20 pp. Basic nature campsites cost as little as USD $10/tent. Camping inside Kenya's national parks, reserves and conservancies costs between $15 to $50 per person per night. Wild camping is not recommended. The Kenya Lonely Planet guide also has detailed and up to date information about most campsites. More info with lots of inspiration and tips on camping in the wilderness can be found here.

Based on our own experience and that of other Roadtrippers, these are our recommended campsites & lodges in Kenya, catering to all budgets. Please drop us a line if you have discovered a nice place that we haven't already included!

Rate indication:
$ = between 0 and 80 USD for 2 pax per night, B&B (if available)
$$ = Between 80 and 200 USD for 2 pax per night, B&B, but some are only offering FB
$$$ = Over 200 USD for 2 pax, usually these places are inclusive of all meals

5 accommodations in Nairobi

Jungle Junction - $

Jungle Junction - $

A great spot for travellers who like to catch up with each other over a cold beer. Traveller's hub in the heart of beautiful Karen. Are you ready for some good stories?
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Wildebeest Eco Camp - $$

Wildebeest Eco Camp - $$

Wildebeest Eco Camp is a fabulous location in Karen. Its a fine lodge offering a small pool and accomodation in comfortable tents. Closed since the COVID pandemic. Check if they are open.
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Acacia Tree Lodge - $$

Acacia Tree Lodge - $$

Acacia Tree Lodge is a lovely boutique hotel in leafy Karen district. The lodge offers 15 rooms, decorated in contemporary safari style. There's an inviting garden and plenty lounging and sitting areas to relax. Great value for money and an all time favourite with roadtrippers.
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Eka Hotel - $$

Eka Hotel - $$

Eka is a contemporary style 4-star hotel that would appeal to those travellers looking for comfort and efficiency. There is an inviting pool. It is a grand set-up, so don't expect a homely ambiance, but it is good value for money.  It is located along Mombasa road, close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the main highway travelling south towards Tsavo National Park and the beach.
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Ole Sereni - $$

Ole Sereni - $$

Ole Sereni Eka is a contemporary style 4-star hotel, mostly catering to business travellers looking for luxury and efficiency. There is an inviting pool. It is a grand set-up, so don't expect a homely ambiance, but it is good value for money.  It is located along Mombasa road, close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the main highway travelling south towards Tsavo National Park and the beach.
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4 accommodations in Maasai Mara

Public Campsites in the Mara Triangle - $

Public Campsites in the Mara Triangle - $

One of the many options for accommodation are the public campsites in the Mara Triangle.
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Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp - $

Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp - $

Worth a stop-over for 2 nights. This is a cultural experience to get involved with the Maasai communities. Also a great place for a break in your trip on your way to the Masai Mara. Every roadtrippers should pass by!
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Mara Explorers - $$

Mara Explorers - $$

Mara Explorers camp is located just 3km before the Sekenani gate of the Maasai Mara National Reserve and only 300m from the main road.
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Aruba Mara Camp - $$

Aruba Mara Camp - $$

Aruba Mara Camp is a fine and friendly camp, just outside the Talek gate, with different options to suit everyone’s budget.
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1 accommodations in Lake Naivasha & Hell's gate

Camp Carnelley's - $

Camp Carnelley's - $

Camp Carnelley's is a relaxed camp with budget options such as camping, but also Lake view Banda's with en-suite bathrooms.
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2 accommodations in Lake Nakuru

Malakai Campsite - $

Malakai Campsite - $

Public campsite 'Malakai' in Lake Nakuru is istuated in the southern section of the park, near the waterfall. It is clean, but with a few facilities.
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Kembu Cottages - $$

Kembu Cottages - $$

Kembu Cottages are a variety of unique cottages, based on a farm. A
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3 accommodations in Samburu National Reserve

Isiolo River Campsite - $

Isiolo River Campsite - $

The River Special Campsite (they call it Isiolo River Campsite) at Buffalo Springs. It's next to the river and has big trees for the shade (no facilities). The campsite is next to good game spot areas, and there are no baboons like at the camp in Samburu.
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Lion King Bush Camp - $$

Lion King Bush Camp - $$

Lion King Bush Camp is located inside Samburu National Reserve on the Ewaso Nyiro River. It offers a natural, unspoilt environment with very little interference to the bush and its inhabitants. Elephants are regular visitors, often crossing the river, or taking mud baths directly in front of the camp.
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Ashnil Samburu Camp - $$

Ashnil Samburu Camp - $$

Ashnil Samburu Camp is one of the many upmarket tented camp chains in Kenya.
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5 accommodations in Amboseli National Park

Kimana Camp - $

Kimana Camp - $

A very quiet and beautiful place close to Amboseli National Park (Kimana Gate).
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Amboseli public campsite - $

Amboseli public campsite - $

A public campsite with bathrooms and water, located 200 meters from the Amboseli National Park headquarters. An ideal campsite for Roadtrippers to set up your tent and have a good rest before continuing to explore the National Park.
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Maasai Simba Camp - $$

Maasai Simba Camp - $$

Maasai Simba Camp is in a private ranch on the outskirts of Amboseli National Park at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, about 160km from Nairobi. It's outfitted with friendly staff and has comfortable (budget) cottages and tents.
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Private Safari Camp via AirBnB - $$

Private Safari Camp via AirBnB - $$

There is a great Private Safari Camp that you can book via AirBnB to visit in Amboseli National Park.
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Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge - $$$

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge - $$$

Safari in Style with Serena lodges.
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1 accommodations in Mount Kenya & Laikipia Plateau

Castle Forest Lodge - $ + $$

Castle Forest Lodge - $ + $$

Set on the slopes of Mount Kenya, this is a tranquil birding paradise.
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2 accommodations in Tsavo West & East National Park

Rhino Valley Lodge - $

Rhino Valley Lodge - $

Rhino Valley Lodge is located in Tsavo West National Park with 6 standard rooms, 10 luxury rock rooms and a campsite for budget travellers.
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Severin Kitani Banda's - $

Severin Kitani Banda's - $

Severin has a spotless reputation for providing luxurious memories to travelers. Their Kitani Banda's in Tsavo West NP makes it an affordable option as well!
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4 accommodations in Kilifi & Watamu

Distant Relatives - Kilifi - $

Distant Relatives - Kilifi - $

Another concept that is unique, contemporary and charming. The Distant Relatives is a backpackers, but not so much the drunken kids style. Awe and praise for their permaculture and eco setup and a fantastic restaurant.
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Watamu Treehouse - Watamu - $$

Watamu Treehouse - Watamu - $$

Watamu Treehouse has been praised by so many magazines in the past years that we were quite amazed (but very happy) that it is still affordable and available. We hope it will stay this way!
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Kola beach resort - $$

Kola beach resort - $$

Roadtrippers are very enthusiastic about this quiet and private resort, far away from the sounds of the busy streets and its traffic. Spacious, clean rooms and friendly staff. Apart from acces to the beach, you will also be able to enjoy a dip in the pool.
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Mawe resort - $$

Mawe resort - $$

Mawe resort is a beautiful small boutique hotel offering cosy yet spacious rooms. Friendly staff, clean spaces and a breathtaking view make sure that everyone will enjoy their stay at this resort.
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5 accommodations in Diani Beach

Kenyaways Kite Village - $$

Kenyaways Kite Village - $$

Kenyaways Kite Village offers delicious meals with affordable accommodation right at the beach and world class surfing in Diani.
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South Coast Backpackers - $

South Coast Backpackers - $

Budget place, friendly staff, young crowd. Stay here if you are looking for some friends to party with at the 40 Thieves bar.
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Diani Blue - $$

Diani Blue - $$

Same owner as Lion’s Bluff Lodge, this place is charmingly set up and very affordable for its luxury set-up.
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Flamboyant - $$$

Flamboyant - $$$

Homely, vibrant villa turned to boutique hotel.
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Twiga Campsite - Tiwi Beach - $

Twiga Campsite - Tiwi Beach - $

Campsite right at the beach.
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2 accommodations in Kisumu

Dunga Hill Camp - $

Dunga Hill Camp - $

It is right on the shore of Lake Victoria, with bar and restaurant and a fabulous sunset lake views.
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Clarice Guesthouse - $

Clarice Guesthouse - $

A small relaxed guesthouse in a nice neighborhood of Kisumu.
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