RECOMMENDED BEST HOTELS IN KENYA

 

Best Hotels & Lodges in Kenya, By Two Monkeys Travel: check out our Ultimate List of Best Cheap Hotels in Kenya for recommendations for instance rates, locations, and great reviews. This article will definitely help you with your stay! Browse through our best hotel finds in these top cities that cover: Voi | Nairobi | Nakuru | Mombasa | Malindi | Kisumu. Kenya not only offers a true taste of African culture but also adventure like no other. Tourists will certainly be able to interact with the abundant wildlife and enjoy the scenery of stunning landscapes unfold before their eyes.

Table of Contents       

Best Cheap Hotels in Voi

Voi Safari Lodge

Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge

Sentrim Tsavo East

Best Cheap Hotels in Nairobi

Decasa Hotel

Kima Hotel

Hotel Barkley

Best Cheap Hotels in Nakuru

Ziwa Bush Lodge

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge

Eagle Palace Hotel

Best Cheap Hotels in Mombasa

New Palm Tree Hotel

Ziwa Beach Resort

Diani Bay Resort

Best Cheap Hotels in Malindi

Giraffe House

African House Resort

AHG Dorado Cottage

Best Cheap Hotels in Kisumu

Royal City Hotel

Hotel Homeland

Parkview Safari Hotel and Apartments

Best Cheap Hotels in Voi

Voi Safari Lodge:

Voi is specifically a major tourist hub in Southern Kenya famous for face-to-face interactions with Africa’s wildlife. Its must-see attractions include the Tsavo National Park, Voi Safari Lodge, Voi Wildlife Lodge among many others that will keep the most adventurous travelers an experience of a lifetime.

 

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

Voi Wildlife Lodge boasts a premier location at Kenya’s Tsavo East National Park. Their rooms are decorated with an authentic African design with basic amenities for example comfortable beds, electric fans, private bathrooms, and mosquito nets. The in-house restaurant serves guests international and vegetarian cuisine and the bar offers a variety of drinks.

The property also features a spa and wellness center where guests can avail of massages and beauty treatments. Other facilities for example a garden, a common area, an activity center, a playground, and a tour desk, where hotel staff will surely assist in your bookings.

 

Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge is a mere 600m away from the Taita Hills. The property offers rooms with private bathrooms and free wifi. Guests can enjoy their stay with the scenic outdoor garden and the in-house pool. Some of the rooms have a balcony where guests can enjoy a view of the scenery just outside. However, Lion Rock is just 9 km from the hotel, which makes it a favorite attraction among guests.

 

Sentrim Tsavo East

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostel in Kenya?

Strategically placed within a national park, the Sentrim Tsavo East is a favorite among tourists in Kenya. All 25 units offer furnished patios, 24-hour room service, and coffee makers. The property is evidently  just a few steps from the Epiya Chapeyu Tented Safari Camp and Tsavo East National Park Entrance. Moi District Hospital and Tsavo East are also just a few miles away. Guests can enjoy the in-house restaurant and bar, which serves African cuisine and continental breakfast.  Best Hotels & Lodges in Kenya

Monkey DividersBest Cheap Hotels in Nairobi:

Enjoy a wildlife experience in a unique urban setting in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. It is basically one of the rare cities in the world that hosts a nature reserve, the world-famous Nairobi National Park, among its infrastructure.

 

Decasa Hotel

Why is it one of the best backpackers hotels in Kenya?

At the heart of Nairobi is the Decasa Hotel. The hotel offers 65 rooms with comfortable bedding, flat-screen TVs with cable and free wifi. Guests can enjoy the in-house restaurant and 2 bars. The property is a mere 10-minute walk to the Tom Mboya Statue, American Embassy Memorial Garden, National Archives, city market, and Jeevanjee Gardens.

Kima Hotel

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

Kima Hotel offers premium accommodation in Kenya’s metropolis of Nairobi. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, free private parking, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms each room offer. The 24-hour front desk staff will be more than happy to help arrange tours around the city and travels to other parts of Kenya.  Best Hotels & Lodges in Kenya

Meanwhile, the closest bus depot is just half a kilometer away which makes transportation throughout the city really easy. Experience Nairobi like no other hotel can offer here at Kima.

 

Hotel Barkley

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

The Hotel Barkley offers guests a smart location in the center of Nairobi, Kenya. Additionally this hotel is just a short walk from the National Archives, American Embassy Memorial Garden, and Tom Mboya Statue. Accommodations include 45 units, all with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, room service, and private bathrooms. The in-house restaurant offers free continental breakfast for guests. Dry-cleaning, laundry, and tour arrangements are also available upon request.

Monkey Dividers Best Cheap Hotels in Nakuru:

Nakuru may seem like a mere stopover for some, but those who choose to stay in one of Kenya’s major cities will surely be rewarded with an experience much like Nairobi, but more calm and peaceful. Camp out at Lake Nakuru and explore the various nature parks near the city.

 

Ziwa Bush Lodge

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

Experience Nakuru with the best accommodations from the Ziwa Bush Lodge. Especially the intimate 8-room property offers free wifi, parking, and 24-hour room service. Enjoy the in-house restaurant and bar which has free continental breakfast for guests. Guests will also enjoy the attractions nearby like the Lake Nakuru National Park, Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site, and Menengai Crater, Makalia Falls Viewpoint and Kariandusi Museum are also within 32 miles of the property.

 

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

The Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is a favorite among tourists visiting Nakuru, Kenya. The property has 65 rooms, all with wifi, minibars, coffee makers, and fans. Guests can enjoy the in-house restaurant with a free buffet breakfast for guests. They also offer special services like sauna and massage treatments. Lastly the lodge is close to the Makalia Falls Viewpoint, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site.

 

Eagle Palace Hotel

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

The Eagle Palace Hotel lies nearby the beach areas of Nakuru, Kenya. Hotel accommodations include 157 rooms with LCD TVs, wifi, and 24-hour room service. The highlight of the property is the private beach and 4-star restaurant. They also offer relaxation in the form of a full-service spa within the grounds. The place is only a short walk from Ouranoupoli Beach, St. Constantine, and the Tower of Ouranoupoli.

 

Monkey Dividers Best Cheap Hotels in Mombasa:

Mombasa – the City of Salt and Spice – is the largest trading port in East Africa. This diverse city hosts a blend of Indian, African, and Arabian culture with a rich history dating back to the galleon trade era. Enjoy its magnificent beaches, marine wildlife, and luxury hotels.

 

New Palm Tree Hotel

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

The New Palm Tree Hotel offers comfortable lodging for travelers in busy Mombasa, Kenya. The property has 30 rooms for rent, each with Wi-Fi, TV sets, refrigerators, and private showers. Guests can also enjoy the coffee shop and rooftop terrace with a great view of the port.  Best Hotels & Lodges in Kenya

The 24-hour front desk will gladly help in arranging city tours. This hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Holy Ghost Cathedral, Jain Temple, Fort Jesus, and Shree Kutch Sat sang Swami Narayan Temple.

 

Ziwa Beach Resort

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

Enjoy Mumbasa’s sun and sand in the Ziwa Beach Resort. Accommodations include 34 rooms with furnished patios and free wifi for all guests. The property will really give travelers a taste of the beautiful African shores with their sun lounges. Ziwa Beach Resort is just 3 miles from Bamburi Beach, Leisure Golf Club, and Nguuni Nature Sanctuary. 24-hour front desk staff will be more than happy to assist you in planning city tours.

 

Diani Bay Resort

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

The Diani Bay Resort is a favorite among Mombasa tourists. The family-friendly hotel offers free Wi-Fi and TV sets in every room. Guests are free to enjoy 2 outdoor pools, the in-house restaurant, and 2 bar lounges. Nearby attractions include Chale Marine National Park and Reserve and the Shimba Hills National Reserve. Hotel staff will be more than willing to assist guests in planning city tours and beach transports.

 

Monkey Dividers Best Cheap Hotels in Malindi

Wander through the city of Malindi and discover a side of Kenya like no other. Visit the old town and immerse yourself in African culture and, of course, the magnificent beaches on the coast of the Indian Ocean are impossible to resist.

 

Giraffe House

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

Have a wonderful time in Malindi, Kenya with accommodation from Giraffe House. Guests will definitely enjoy the place’s location just a few kilometers from Malindi Beach. All rooms are equipped with beds, private bathrooms, and free wifi. Those looking for extra relaxation in the tropical paradise may avail of massage services and free continental breakfast. The property also has a restaurant, coffee shop, 24-hour front desk assistance, and laundry facilities for your convenience.

 

African House Resort

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

African house resort is a family-friendly place to stay near the beaches of Malindi, Kenya. The intimate 7-room lodging ensures that hotel staff is attentive to all their guests’ needs. Accommodations include comfortable beds, plasma TVs with cable, Wi-Fi, and coffee makers.  Best Hotels & Lodges in Kenya

There is also a restaurant, bar, massage rooms, and an outdoor pool for guests who just want to stay in and relax. The Marine Park and Malindi Beach are walking distance away from the resort while the Ruins of Gedi are also accessible at 12 miles.

 

AHG Dorado Cottage

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

The AHG Dorado hotel is a favorite among traveling couples. The place exudes a romantic vibe with comfortable accommodations with soft beds, cable TV and refrigerators, safe boxes, and private showers in every room. The property has a private beach where guests can enjoy the sun and sands of Malindi, Kenya without the usual crowds. There are an in-house restaurant and bar, free wifi, and a beachside bar. AHG Dorado hotel is a quick walk from the Marine Park and Malindi Beach. Bamburi Beach and the Ruins of Gedi are also within a reasonable distance.

 

Monkey Dividers Best Cheap Hotels in Kisumu

Located on the banks of Lake Victoria’s Winam Gulf, Kisumu is one of the largest towns in Kenya but offers a much more peaceful atmosphere than other major cities. The town offers a multi-cultural experience to travelers with the Ndere Island National Park, Kisumu Museum, Hindu Temple, and Impala Sanctuary among many attractions.

 

Royal City Hotel

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

The Royal City Hotel is strategically located near tourist attractions in Kisumu, Kenya. It’s just 2km from the Clock Tower and a quick walk from there are Dunga Bay and Kisumu Museum. The place offers 81 rooms with Wi-Fi, bathtubs, and cable TV. There is an in-house restaurant, outdoor pool, and dry cleaning service available to guests. The front desk officer will be happy to assist travelers with their itineraries and arrange transportation services during their stay.

 

Hotel Homeland

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

Located in the heart of Kisumu, Kenya, Hotel Homeland offers great accommodation for travelers. Guests can enjoy comfortable beds, private showers, and free wifi during their stay. The on-site restaurant also serves food to guests in case they decide to stay in for the day. The property is near Kisumu Museum and the airport which makes it a favorite among tourists. The 24-hour front desk will gladly arrange city tours and transportation upon request.

 

Park-view Safari Hotel and Apartments

Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?

Parkview Safari Hotel and Apartments is certainly a favorite for Kisumu tourists. All 33 rooms offer private showers, refrigerators, coffee makes, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi. There are an in-house restaurant and bar with a free buffet breakfast for guests. The property is a mere 10-minute walk from Kisumu Impala Sanctuary and the Clock Tower. Guests can easily approach the friendly hotel staff for assistance in planning their tours and transportation.  Best Hotels & Lodges in Kenya

Named in honors of its ancestral inhabitants, the Maasai people, and their fitting description of the landscape when viewed from afar – ‘Mara’ means spotted in the Maa language, referring to how the country is dotted with acacia trees, indentations and craters – Kenya’s Masai Mara is, without doubt, one of the best safari destinations in the world.

Not only can visitors experience authentic cultural interactions with the Maasai people but also witness one of nature’s biggest spectacles: the Wildebeest Migration from about July to November. Eventually throw in excellent year-round game viewing and a wide range of accommodation options for families, couples and honeymooners, and you’ll understand why Kenya’s flagship conservation area is one of Africa’s best-loved safari destinations.

 

Porini Lion Camp

Type: luxury tented camp

Head out on thrice-daily game drives in the private Olare Motogori Conservancy, renowned for its superb big cat sightings. Return to the authentic Porini Lion Camp in time for a refreshing cocktail while being entertained by the boisterous hippos in the adjacent Ntiakatiak River. Solar power and no permanent structures mean that Porini has a tiny impact on the environment.

 

Highlights

Intimate and eco-friendly

Situated in exclusive and private Olare Motogori Conservancy

Excellent game viewing and guides

Notable big cat sightings of lions and leopards

Optional hot-air balloon safaris

Best for these travellers types

Couples, honeymooners, families and small groups

 

2. Sand River Masai Mara

Type: luxury tented camp

Wake up to the sounds of the African bush and slowly make your way out of a snug 4-poster bed. Saunter across your spacious tent’s polished hardwood floors, step out onto a private veranda and be greeted by the gorgeous morning vista of the Sand River and its rolling flood plains.  Your elegantly decorated canvas suite at Sand River Masai Mara.

Highlights

Private riverside setting in the Masai Mara

Eco-friendly with glamorous 1920’s aesthetic

Private Butler service

Superb Big 5 viewing year-round

Well-sited for the Wildebeest Migration

Best for these travellers types

Couples, honeymooners, and families

 

3. Topi Mara Bush House

Type: private villa

Sink into a comfortable armchair on the veranda right outside your room, observing elephant and giraffe amble by. Or stretch out on Topi’s lush lawns with a tipple and a good book under the shady canopy of an acacia tree. Don’t forget to chat with your chef about your next delicious meal… A secluded farmhouse in a charming acacia tree forest on the border of the Masai Mara.

Highlights

Secluded farmhouse bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve

House manager, personal chef and wildlife guide

You decide your own schedule – dining and safari activities tailor-made around your wishes

Mara-inspired East African cuisine

Stone’s throw away from annual Wildebeest Migration route

Visit the Koiyaki Guiding School for young Maasai men and women

Best for these travellers types

Families and groups

 

4. Saruni Mara

Type: luxury safari villa

Journey to the community-focused Saruni Mara, hidden in a secret valley of olive and cedar trees. Settle into your luxurious cottage boasting antiques, Persian carpets, and wide cedar wood beds. Join Maasai warriors on a guided bush walk in order  to explore the surrounding hills, followed by a relaxing spa treatment in the tranquil Maasai Wellbeing Space. Saruni Mara’s cottages offer comfort and closeness to nature.

Highlights

One of only ten lodges in a 74 000-acre private conservancy

Great base for a Wildebeest Migration safari

Game drives to exclusive, sole-use areas

Walking safaris guided by Maasai warriors

Spa treatments at the Maasai Wellbeing Space

Best for these travellers types

Families, couples and honeymooners

 

5. Sala’s Camp

Type: tented camp

Set in the heart of the Masai Mara’s northern corridor, Sala’s is definitely one of the first camps to witness the Wildebeest Migration from the Serengeti into the Mara.  Best Hotels & Lodges in Kenya

Keep an eye on the dark-haired gnus as they stroll past your tent and gather to drink at the confluence of the Sand and Keekorok Rivers. Furthermore, Salas is one of the first camps to see the Wildebeest Migration into the Mara.

Highlights

Watch wildebeest herds pass your tent

Excellent wildlife sightings on game drives and guided nature walks

Romantic hot-air balloon safaris

Babysitting service for children of all ages

All tents have private plunge pools overlooking the Sand River and northern Serengeti

Best for these travellers types

Families, couples and honeymooners

6. Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

Type: tented camp

Kichwa Tembo is a much-loved safari lodge in Kenya. Certainly a wonderful home from home with an incredible staff, expert guides, and front-row seats to the Wildebeest Migration from about August to November. Then views of Mara’s sweeping vistas from your bed.

Highlights

Beautiful location in a private concession within the Masai Mara

Directly in the path of the Wildebeest Migration

Day and night game drives

Guided walks and bush picnics

Sensational swimming pool with a view

Best for these travellers types

Couples and families

7. Mara Intrepid Camp

Type: tented camp

Mara Intrepid is a fenced camp on the shady banks of the Talek River, the perfect escape for families with children. This secure camp also offers a unique game-viewing experience with early and mid-morning, and late afternoon game drives. Meanwhile, Mara Intrepids Camp recreates the romance and charm of vintage safari experience.

Highlights

The romantic and old-charm safari experience

Fenced camp – children can walk about safely

Thrice-daily game drives (early morning, mid-morning and late afternoon)

Educational family outings with the Adventurers’ Club

Cultural tours to neighboring Maasai villages

Best for these travellers types

Families and groups

 

8. Angama Mara

Type: ultra-luxe safari lodge

Perched in the gorgeous hills of the Mara Triangle escarpment lies one of Kenya’s most exclusive safari lodges. Angama Mara is specifically famous as the location of Robert Redford and Meryl Streep’s romantic picnic scene in the movie, Out of Africa. Finally everything about this lodge exudes elegance. Best Hotels & Lodges in Kenya

Floor-to-ceiling glass walls maximize the endless views from Angama.

Highlights

Exquisite and romantic setting high above the Mara

Luxurious lodge with outstanding décor

20 minutes from a Wildebeest Migration river crossing hotspot

‘Garden-to-table’ dining experience in the shamba (garden)

Photography studio

Exclusive-use safari vehicles for outstanding game viewing

Best for these travellers types, Couples, and honeymooners

 

9. Cottar’s 1920s Camp

Type: luxury tented camp

Journey back in time to a golden era of safari, to an elegant tented camp straight off the pages of Hemingway’s safari diary. Decorated in an authentic historic style, Cottar’s offers its visitors unrestrained adventure and romance, as well as game drives in an original wood-paneled vehicle from the 1920s. Cottar’s white canvas tents feature fabrics, antiques, and artifacts that align with its 1920s theme.

Highlights

Exclusive setting in a private concession bordering the Serengeti

Perfectly placed to witness the Migration between about May and October

Authentic and historic décor that emanates a golden era of safari

Private Butler

Game drives in a vintage wood-paneled 1920’s car

Fantastic year-round game viewing, especially of predators like lion, leopard, and cheetah

Best for these travellers types

Couples, honeymooners, and families

 

10. Rekero Camp

Type: seasonal tented camp

Firstly, head out on expertly guided game drives in searches of animals like lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, and hippo. Watch the dramatic thrills and spills of the Wildebeest Migration as the herds traverse croc-infested waters. Secondly return to camp after an action-packed day and relax with a sundowner drink as you take in the gorgeous views over the Talek River. Lovely views over the Talek River, accompanied by a glass of wine.

Highlights

Intimate eco-camp overlooking the well-frequented Talek River

Three regular wildebeest river crossing points in the area during the Migration between about June and October

Excellent game drives accompanied by some of the Mara’s best guides

Visit the Maasai cattle market

Best for these travellers types

Couples and honeymooners

 

11. Naboisho Camp

Type: tented camp

A classic and intimate safari camp originally established as a community initiative. Surely Naboisho is situated in a private conservancy that limits the number of vehicles allowed. Enjoy exciting game drives during the day in order to  search of Africa’s Big 5, and to witness the Wildebeest Migration between about July and November. Best Hotels & Lodges in Kenya, Being in a private conservancy means that you’re able to head out on night drives to discover Mara’s elusive nocturnal creatures. Your tent’s covered veranda features a day bed, perfect for an afternoon siesta.  Best Hotels & Lodges in Kenya

Highlights

Located in a protected and private conservancy

Excellent Big 5 game viewing

Guided bush walks

Night drives in search of big cats and nocturnal animals

Fly-camping for the more adventurous

Best for these travellers types

Families, couples and honeymooners

 

12. Elephant Pepper Camp

Type: tented camp

The very spacious canvas tents at Elephant Pepper Camp feature en suite dressing rooms and bathrooms, and private pit fireplaces for dining under the stars. Also expect little extras like hammocks, hot-water bottles, and beautiful brass fittings from India. Best Hotels & Lodges in Kenya

Sip on a pre-dinner drink around the campfire or enjoy a game of croquet before savoring a delicious Italian recipe. Games are often seen strolling past the tents at Elephant Pepper Camp.

Highlights

Traditional northern Italian-inspired cuisine

Spacious tents with views of the Mara plains and the wildlife that ambles past

Set away from other lodges in a private conservancy

Game drives in the greater Mara and exclusive areas

Best for these travellers types

Families, couples and honeymooners

13. Sanctuary Olonana

Type: luxury safari lodge

Romantic and secluded, Olonana is hidden within a forest along a private stretch of the Mara River. It’s a popular choice for honeymooners but also offers first-class family-friendly accommodation. Between about July and October, you’ll enjoy a grandstand view of the Wildebeest Migration’s treacherous river crossings. Olonana’s lounge, bar, and dining areas walk out onto a large terrace overlooking the Mara River.

Highlights

Located on the famed Mara River – front-row seats to the Wildebeest Migration

Incredible and intimate Big 5 sightings all year round

Cultural tours to Maasai villages

Hot-air balloon safaris

Treatments and therapies in the mini-spa

Best for these travellers types

Families, couples and honeymooners

Best Hotels & Lodges in Kenya