Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

© 123rf.com / Deborah Benbrook

Where to stay in Kenya

Hotels in Kenya

Hotels: 

Hotels in Kenya vary from lavish 5-star safari lodges, beach hideaways, and international brands with a full range of facilities, to simple board and lodgings catering to local business travellers. Many of Nairobi's hotels are of top international standard. Some are still in the colonial style. Boutique hotels are becoming increasingly popular. In the tourist areas on the coast, are some all-inclusive resorts offering water-sports and entertainment. On Lamu, accommodation is in atmospheric restored Arabic houses. Safari lodges in the parks and reserves range from large blocks of rooms catering for tour groups, to intimate camps. Most small towns have at least one adequate mid-range hotel. Hotel bills must be paid in foreign currency or Kenyan Shillings; larger hotels, resorts and safari lodges take credit cards.

Grading:
Accommodation in Kenya is divided into groups: town hotels, vacation hotels, lodges and country hotels. Within each group, grading is according to amenities and variety of facilities. For further information, contact the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers & Caterers.

Camping: 

There are no restrictions on camping in Kenya but, wild animals and the possibility of robbery can make bush camping dangerous. It is best to stick to formal, secure campsites. Most game reserves and national parks have sites with long drop latrines and perhaps a cold shower. In many tourist areas private campsites offer budget rates for backpackers.

Other accommodation: 

Budget: Almost all Kenya's towns offer basic budget hotels and lodgings. You should ensure that the sheets are clean and the door locks, and you may need to provide your own mosquito net.

Youth Hostels: There are several youth hostels in Kenya, but they are very basic and tend to be used by local student or church groups. For further information, contact the Kenya Youth Hostels Association (www.yhak.org).

Self-catering: Along the coast and on farms in the Rift Valley, there is a number of self-catering accommodation options to rent. These vary from rustic bungalows to lavish villas. Most have staff to help with cooking and cleaning. (www.holidayhomeskenya.com).

Lodges:
Accommodation in safari areas ranges from large safari lodges, often overlooking a waterhole or in a prime game viewing region, to small camps with just a handful of luxury permanent tents erected on platforms under thatched roofs.

Partner hotels in Kenya

Malindi Road, Bamburi
This is tropical resort set in the midst of 22 acres of gardens, and next to the longest beach...
DIANI BEACH, NORTH COAST, PO BOX 34
This resort is set amidst tropical gardens along a coral outcrop overlooking the beach, designed to...
Shanzu Beach
5 star accommodations Tranquil ambience Ideal accommodations for a vacation getaway Honeymoon...
KENYATTA AVENUE, PO BOX 46302
Set in landscaped gardens, this five star hotel overlooks Central Park and is five minutes walk...
Kenya Hill Uppherhil P.O.Box 25574-00100 Nairobi
Located just outside the city centre in the increasingly popular Upper Hill district, the Crowne...
CITY HALL WAY, PO BOX 30353
Overlooking the city of Nairobi, 5 minutes from the city centre and 15 minutes from the airport....
Loita Street & Uhuru Hwy Po Box 57549-00200
The hotel is located in the heart of Nairobi's business and shopping district, 15 kilometres from...
P.O Box 43564, University Way
The hotel is Kenya's only all suite hotel, offering luxury accommodation to Business visitors,...
THIKA ROAD, PO BOX 45038
An Oasis of tranqulity in the heart of Nairobi, the hotel blends sylishly elegant architecture,...
Kimathi Street& Kenyatta Avenue
Located in the very heart of Nairobi city, close to the best art and curio shops as well as the...
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