COMPLETE LIST OF RECOMMENDED BEST HOTELS IN KENYA
Best Luxury Hotels & Lodges, some of them are By Two Monkeys Travel, Before you go, check out our Ultimate List of Best Cheap Hotels in Kenya for recommendations that include 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 offers a true taste of African culture and adventure like no other. Tourists will 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 is 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.
Voi Safari Lodge
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 like 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 themselves of massages and beauty treatments. Other facilities include a garden, a common area, an activity center, a playground, and a tour desk, where hotel staff will gladly 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. Best Luxury Hotels & Lodges, 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. 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 hostels 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 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.
Monkey DividersBest Cheap Hotels in Nairobi
Enjoy a wildlife experience in a unique urban setting in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. It is 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 backpacker hostels 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 Best Luxury Hotels & Lodges, 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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 cultures 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. 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. Best Luxury Hotels & Lodges, 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. 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 Marine Park and Malindi Beach. Mamburi 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. Best Luxury Hotels & Lodges, 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.
Parkview Safari Hotel and Apartments
Why is it one of the best backpacker hostels in Kenya?
Parkview Safari Hotel and Apartments is 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 Luxury Hotels & Lodges, 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. 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.
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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
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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
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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.Best Luxury Hotels & Lodges, 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
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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 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
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Sala’s Camp
Type: tented camp
Set in the heart of the Masai Mara’s northern corridor, Sala’s is one of the first camps to witness the Wildebeest Migration from the Serengeti into the Mara. Best Luxury Hotels & Lodges, 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. 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
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Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
Type: tented camp
Kichwa Tembo is a much-loved safari lodge in Kenya. A wonderful home from home with an incredible staff, expert guides, and front-row seats to the Wildebeest Migration from about August to November. 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
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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 offers a unique game-viewing experience with early and mid-morning, and late afternoon game drives. Mara Intrepids Camp recreates the romance and charm of vintage safari experience.
Highlights
A 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
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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 famous for the location of Robert Redford and Meryl Streep’s romantic picnic scene in the movie, Out of Africa. Best Luxury Hotels & Lodges, Everything about this lodge exudes elegance. 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
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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
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Rekero Camp
Type: seasonal tented camp
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. Best Luxury Hotels & Lodges, 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
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Naboisho Camp
Type: tented camp
A classic and intimate safari camp originally established as a community initiative, Naboisho is situated in a private conservancy that limits the number of vehicles allowed. Enjoy exciting game drives during the day, in search of Africa’s Big 5, and to witness the Wildebeest Migration between about July and November. 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.
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 travelers types
Families, couples, and honeymooners
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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. 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
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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 travelers types
Families, couples, and honeymooners
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Little Governors’ Camp
Type: tented camp
Hop on a boat to be transferred across the renowned Mara River, before strolling through a gorgeous riverine forest to discover an intimate tented camp hidden beneath the vegetation around a waterhole. Best Luxury Hotels & Lodges, Head out on a game drive or hot-air balloon ride at dawn to discover the Masai Mara during this magical time of day. Little Governor’s bar area is a great place to relax after a day of game drives.
Highlights
Intimate and remote location, only accessible by boat
Tents overlook a waterhole where resident elephants and warthogs drink
Bush dinners in the wilderness
Game drives and guided walks in the Mara
Early morning hot-air balloon rides
Best for these travellers types
Couples and honeymooners
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Governors’ IL Moran Camp
Type: luxury tented camp
Arguably one of the premier safari camps in the Masai Mara, Il Moran’s forest setting is a wonderful retreat for honeymooners. Ten luxurious tents are dotted along the Mara River beneath the shady canopy of evergreen trees. Inside you’ll find super king-sized beds, Best Luxury Hotels & Lodges, beautifully constructed from fallen olive trees. Bathrooms are en suite and equipped with double vanities, showers, and classic Victorian bathtubs.
Each tent’s super king-sized bed is constructed from fallen olive trees.
Highlights
Romantic setting in a forest beside the Mara River
Intimate and private with only 10 tents
Game drives and walking safaris in an excellent game viewing area
Terrifically skilled guides
Romantic candlelit dinners in the wilderness
Early morning hot-air balloon safaris
Best for these travellers types
Couples and honeymooners
