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 Accommodation in Nairobi
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 – $$
Wildebeest Eco Camp is a fabulous location in Karen. Its a fine lodge offering a small pool and accomodation in comfortable tents. Closed since the COVID pandemic. Check if they are open.
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Acacia Tree Lodge – $$
Acacia Tree Lodge 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 – $$
Eka is a contemporary style 4-star hotel that would appeal to those travellers looking for comfort and efficiency. There is an inviting pool. It is a grand set-up, so don’t expect a homely ambiance, but it is good value for money. It is located along Mombasa road, close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the main highway travelling south towards Tsavo National Park and the beach.
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Ole Sereni – $$
Ole Sereni 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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