Best hotels in Kenya

When the grandfather of the present owners of Borana arrived in this spot, 17 miles (27 kilometres) north of the equator and 6,000 feet (1,830 metres) above sea level, he simply fell in love with its isolation and wildness. Now his descendants have built a lodge on the land that he adored. Made of local, sustainable materials, Borana Lodge sits subtly on this malaria-free landscape, with panoramic views across the Samangua Valley and the Lewa Plains to the Ngare Ndare Forest and Mount Kenya beyond. Inside, all is luxurious and plush. A perfect breakaway location in a splendid setting.

Imagine an exclusive private home in a neighbourhood far removed from your own. Instead, you're in a vast, vast wilderness, and your neighbours are wild – elephant, giraffe, zebra and rhino, and 300-odd bird species. Imagine riding on horseback through hills and savannas. Then make it real. Lengishu is a family-owned estate set in the 13,000-hectare Borana Conservancy in northern Kenya. It sleeps up to 12 in great comfort, attended to by a dedicated staff of chefs, housekeepers, and a private guide. Borana's boundary with neighbouring Lewa Downs Conservancy is unfenced, so there's plenty of scope to realise your dreams.

Kifaru House, a gorgeous sprawl of thatch, windows and light, is an exclusive-use lodge in the heart of the privately owned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, itself in Kenya's geographical centre. The house takes its name from the Swahili word for rhino, and indeed the reserve is home to both black and white species. All the Big Five are present, along with plentiful other game and some awe-inspiring landscapes and vistas. The house, which combines colonial style with modern comforts, is perched on a hill with 360-degree views. It's the perfect spot for a private safari group of up to 12 guests.

Born out of an original 1940s design, the ranch has been beautifully re-done to meet its modern visitors, while still holding tightly to its vintage charm. Set on a 24,000 acre wildlife reserve in the Laikipia Highlands, Sosian Lodge offers a plethora of different ways to explore the area! Ride on horseback across the Laikipia plateau amongst herds of zebra, elephant and buffalo; or opt for game drives to spot bat-eared foxes, wild dogs, lion and leopard in true wilderness. There is a harmony between community, conservation and wildlife that extends to the sunny service in a ranch with the distinct feel of home.

Located in the heart of the semi desert Samburu National Reserve, along the Rift Valley province, Samburu Intrepids rests along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Here elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffe and zebra move along the the river that cuts through this reserve, crocodiles often found lounging on the riverbanks. Drawing its name from the Samburu people of Kenya who call the area home, and made famous by the Adamsons' who inspired the book and movie Born Free, this comfortable tented camp is a wonderful introduction to safari style in Kenya.

Clear customs in Nairobi and within 45 minutes you can be out in the bush amongst a myriad of birdlife and four of the Big Five. Positioned on the edge of Nairobi National Park, surrounded by acacia trees, the Emakoko is a firm favourite with those not quite ready to face civilisation after their holiday. Unpretentious and simple but with all the comforts hosts Anthony and Emma go out of their way to make sure you are looked after. With easy game viewing on your doorstep and a host of activities available this is a gem of lodge.

A new addition to Lamu Island's coastline, the low-key but charming Cabanas are a sublime destination for couples and honeymooners looking to kick off their shoes and indulge in some barefoot bliss and good food. The Cabanas are located on the more remote southwestern tip of the island, just a few kilometres from the living Swahili museum that is Lamu town, and are set amidst coconut and doum palms, with some indigenous woodland and picturesque sand dunes. With only crabs and migrant seabirds for company, you and your beloved can wander the vast, secluded shoreline undisturbed.