Where to stay in Kenya: Areas & booking tips

Where to stay in Kenya depends on more than your budget – it’s about how much time you want to spend in a vehicle. National parks are massive, roads can be rough, and distances are rarely as short as they look. Pick the right location, and you’re watching elephants at sunrise or sipping coffee with a view of Kilimanjaro. Choose wrong, and you’re in for long transfers and missed moments.

Kenya accommodations offer more than just a place to sleep – they shape the trip. Stay deep in the Maasai Mara and you’re in the thick of the action. Go for a lodge outside the park and you’ll lose precious hours on the road. On the coast, it’s all about vibe – Lamu’s rooftops, Diani’s beach huts, Watamu’s low-key charm. Book wisely, and the place where you stay will become part of history.

Where to stay in Kenya: From budget to luxury

Kenya isn’t a shoestring destination – but if you plan ahead, it’s possible to find good value across all budgets. The best places don’t just offer a bed – they connect you to the experience. Think giraffes outside your tent, sunset views over the savannah, or beachside hammocks with nothing but the sound of the tide.

Budget travel works best if you're flexible and self-sufficient. You’ll find backpacker hostels in Nairobi and Mombasa, simple guesthouses on the coast, and basic campsites near safari parks. Dorm beds or budget doubles usually cost $20-40 per night. Facilities are often shared – and Wi-Fi isn’t a given – but you get the essentials: clean rooms, friendly staff, and somewhere to cook or grab a cheap meal.

Mid-range Kenya accommodations cover a wide spectrum – from family-run lodges near the Maasai Mara to boutique guesthouses in Naivasha or Nanyuki. Prices range from $70 to $150 per night, often including hearty meals. You’ll usually get en suite bathrooms, hot showers, and maybe a few perks like guided walks or transfers to the park gate.

Luxury here means wild locations with serious service. Expect canvas-and-wood suites overlooking migration routes, private villas on the coast, or lodges with infinity pools and bush breakfasts. Prices start around $200 and can climb above $1,000 per night in high-end conservancies. You’re paying for exclusivity, top-notch guides, and the kind of moments you’ll talk about for years.

Best accommodation types in Kenya

Kenya accommodations are as diverse as the landscapes you’ll travel through. One night you might be sleeping under canvas in the Mara, the next soaking in sea breezes from a clifftop villa. It’s not just about comfort – it’s about where you wake up. And here, that could be on a Kenya safari, with elephants just beyond your tent flap, or by the Indian Ocean, feet in the sand.

Here’s what you can expect from the main types of accommodation:

Campsites and budget bandas

From $20-50 (€18-47)

Scattered around national parks and along self-drive routes, these basic stays are often run by local communities or the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Facilities vary – shared bathrooms, fire pits, sometimes cold showers – but they offer an affordable way to experience wild places up close.

Self-catering cottages and guesthouses

From $50-120 (€47–112)

A good fit for independent travelers – and especially practical for anyone exploring Kenya with kids. You’ll find them around Naivasha, Nanyuki, and Nairobi’s outskirts. Most come with small kitchens, decent space, and garden areas for downtime. The vibe is relaxed and local.

Mid-range safari camps and lodges

From $120-250 (€112-233)

Expect solid comfort, en suite bathrooms, and access to guided game drives. These camps and lodges are usually well located, just outside major parks or in conservancies. Meals are often included, and many places offer extras like sundowners or bush breakfasts. Ideal for your first Kenya safari without blowing the budget.

Luxury lodges and conservancy stays

From $300-1000+ (€280-930+)

These aren’t just places to sleep – they’re part of the journey. You’ll find open-fronted suites in the Mara, infinity pools in Samburu, or tented retreats in Laikipia with private guides and gourmet meals. Some of the best Kenya safari lodges also offer walking safaris or community visits. You’re paying for exclusivity, attention to detail, and front-row seats to the wild.

Fly-in lodges and remote escapes

From $600-1500+ (€560-1400+)

Reaching these requires effort – or a small plane – but the payoff is huge. From the misty forests of the Chyulu Hills to far-flung beaches in the Lamu archipelago, these stays deliver serious solitude. With top-tier service and jaw-dropping settings, they’re perfect for once-in-a-lifetime trips.

Coastal rentals and city apartments

From $70-150 (€65-140)

Best in Nairobi, Diani, or Watamu. These serviced apartments and short-term rentals offer kitchens, decent Wi-Fi, and space to breathe. They’re a great pick if you want flexibility while exploring the best beaches in Kenya – whether that’s snorkelling in Watamu or sunset swims in Diani.

Average prices per night

Kenya isn’t the cheapest destination in East Africa, but with a bit of planning, it offers solid value, especially if you book early. Accommodation ranges from simple bandas to remote luxury lodges with big views and bigger price tags.

Budget options – dorm beds or basic campsites – cost around $20-40 (€18-37) per night. These usually come with shared bathrooms, cold showers, and the occasional bush kitchen. Guesthouses and self-catering cottages run $50-120 (€47-112), often with en suite bathrooms, secure parking, and simple kitchens.

Mid-range safari camps and lodges cost $150-250 (€140-230). Meals are often included, and many throw in guided activities. At the high end, expect to pay $300+ (€280+) per night – or double that in private conservancies or fly-in camps with personal guides and all-inclusive service.

• Prices peak from July to October – the dry season and the heart of the Great Migration. This is when top lodges fill up fast. December holidays also get pricey, especially on the coast.
• March to May is low season – wetter, with fewer visitors – and that’s when deals pop up. Just be aware: some lodges shut down for the rains, and road conditions can get messy.

Wi-Fi and air con aren’t guaranteed, especially in remote safari areas. Always check what’s included. Some places charge extra for firewood, bottled water, or even hot showers.

Where to stay in Kenya: Best areas by region

Travel times in Kenya can be unpredictable – long distances, rough roads, and few real shortcuts. That’s why where to stay in Kenya matters just as much as what you plan to see. Choose the right base and you’ll spend less time stuck in traffic – and more time watching elephants at sunrise or enjoying a cold beer after dark. Many of the best places to visit in Kenya are spread out, so planning your overnight stops is key to making the most of your trip.

Nairobi

You probably won’t come to Kenya for the capital, but you’ll likely land here. It’s busy, sprawling, and full of contrasts.

• Karen and Lang’ata are green, quiet, and close to Nairobi National Park and top attractions like the Giraffe Centre. Great for a soft landing or final night.
• Westlands is livelier, packed with restaurants, bars, and shopping malls. Well-connected and safe, but loud at night.
• CBD (Central Business District) has budget hotels near transport links – handy, but hectic and best avoided after dark.

Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara is one of Kenya’s safari icons, and where you stay here seriously affects your wildlife time.

• Talek and Sekenani Gates offer the most options – mid-range lodges, tented camps, and a few budget-friendly stays nearby. Expect crowds during peak migration season.
• Mara Triangle is quieter, with fewer vehicles and excellent guiding. Lodges here are higher-end, but the experience is worth it.
• Private conservancies like Naboisho or Olare Motorogi offer exclusive stays, walking safaris, and top-tier wildlife viewing. Higher cost, higher reward.

Amboseli

Amboseli is all about elephants and epic Kilimanjaro views – and where you base yourself makes a big difference.

• Inside the park puts you close to the action for sunrise and dusk drives. KWS bandas and a handful of high-end lodges operate here.
• The Kimana Gate area has more mid-range options just outside the park, usually with views and quicker access than you'd expect.
• Loitokitok is farther away, quieter, and more local – good if you’re not rushing and want to see village life.

Coast: Diani, Watamu and Lamu

Kenya’s coast is where you trade dusty roads for sea breeze, and each beach has its rhythm.

• Diani is the classic beach stretch – white sand, palm trees, and a mix of backpacker hostels and luxury resorts. Lively, with bars and kite surfing.
• Watamu is more laid-back, with coral reefs, small lodges, and family-friendly villas. Great for snorkeling, coastal walks, and turtle spotting.
• Lamu is for slow travel – think dhow trips, car-free lanes, and rooftop sunsets. Stay in Shela for charm and beach access, or in Lamu Town for history and culture.

Laikipia and Mount Kenya

Laikipia and the Mount Kenya region deliver wild landscapes, high-altitude air, and strong conservation efforts.

• Nanyuki is the main hub – good for gear, food, and a soft entry into the region. It has a mix of guesthouses and boutique lodges.
• Ol Pejeta is packed with wildlife and conservation experiences – from chimpanzees to rhino tracking. Most lodges here are mid to high-end.
• The Mount Kenya area has mountain lodges, forest cabins, and farm stays. Ideal for hikes, horseback rides, or just cooler air.

Booking tips and travel advice

Booking accommodation in Kenya isn’t just about price or stars – it’s about location, access, and being realistic about travel time. A lodge might look close to a park gate, but if it’s on the wrong side of a slow road or outside a conservancy, that “short drive” could cost you sightings. Good planning makes all the difference.

Here are some practical Kenya travel tips to help you book wisely:

• Book early – especially for safari hotspots. Kenya’s peak season runs from July to October, during the Great Migration and dry months. The best lodges in the Maasai Mara, Samburu, and Laikipia fill up fast – some a year ahead. Book at least 3-6 months early for top wildlife areas or coastal holidays in December.
• Low season is wetter – but cheaper. March to May is rainy and quiet. You’ll find better prices and fewer crowds, but also slippery roads and the odd washed-out bridge. Some camps close temporarily, so check carefully before booking.
• Always check what’s included. Some stays come with full board and game drives – others are self-catering or B&B only. Ask about meals, park fees, Wi-Fi (patchy in remote areas), and whether you need a 4x4 to reach the lodge.
• Skip the big booking platforms when possible. Many camps and lodges offer better rates via direct booking – email or WhatsApp works best. It’s also a good chance to ask about road conditions, transfers, or last-minute deals.
• Prioritize location over luxury. A basic camp inside Amboseli beats a fancy stay two hours outside the park. The same goes for the Mara – the closer you are to the action, the more time you’ll spend spotting wildlife and less bouncing over rutted roads.
• Check recent reviews – not just the star rating. Lodge ownership changes fast, and so do standards. Look for up-to-date info on guiding, food, road access, and service, not just filtered photos.
• Traveling the coast? Sort your airport transfers early. Especially in Lamu and Diani, where getting to your stay might involve a boat, a tuk-tuk, or a 4x4. Confirm arrival details in advance.
• Don’t wing it – book ahead. Distances can be long, signal unreliable, and budget stays limited. In Kenya, a confirmed booking saves stress and makes your trip smoother once you're deep in the bush or off to the coast.