Best hotels in Kenya

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.

For families or friends wanting a proper slice of Lewa to themselves, this three-bedroom private house delivers total independence without sacrificing intimacy. Set within the grounds of family-run Sirikoi - itself a multiple Condé Nast Gold List winner - the house operates as its own self-contained world, complete with dedicated chef, private guide, exclusive safari vehicle and that rather lovely heated pool. Two separate cottages (a master suite plus a twin-bedroom cottage) connect via a central living and dining space that's become quietly famous for its positioning and style. Your private deck with fire pit overlooks the wetlands where elephants regularly pass through, whilst Mount Kenya looms in the distance. You can dine privately or wander over to join the main lodge's deck when you fancy company.

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.

Beautifully stylish canvas rooms, spectacular 270 degree views and a truly fabulous location in the heart of the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, just outside the Masai Mara Reserve, are just a few of the reasons that we love Ol Seki. And then there’s the activities. The private conservancy is yours to explore as you wish and the game drives, night drives and walking safaris, all led by a team of fantastic local guides in their traditional red shukas, are intimate and private. And with only four other camps in 200 square kilometres, you see hordes of game, not hordes of tourists – just as it should be.

Unfortunately, this camp is currently closed.

In Kenya's conservation capital, Laikipia, the private Mugie Conservancy does more than its fair share with projects to protect cheetah, African painted dog and lion. If you'd like to visit to see for yourself, you can't get much better than Mugie House. Set on 50,000 acres of acacia plains and olive forests, this is a grand manor house with a chandeliered dining room and luxurious bathtubs, as well as an infinity pool overlooking the waterhole where a hide provides close encounters of the best kind. When you're ready for adventure, there are guided bush walks to spot reticulated giraffe and sundowners on the plains - and you'll be pleased to know that the wildlife sightings are always astonishing and action-packed.

Tucked into a riverine forest setting on the very edge of Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve is an intimate tented camp so peaceful, elegant and close to the best of the game viewing that safari-goers visit it time and again. This sister camp to Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp at the foot of the Oloololo Escarpment offers the quintessential East African safari experience with a generous dash of old-world glamour. The vintage atmosphere transports you back to the golden age of exploration, while still delivering all modern comforts. From thundering herds during the Great Migration to resident big cats stalking the golden plains, wildlife encounters here are truly spectacular. After thrilling game drives, return to butlers who remember exactly how you take your gin and tonic, and dinner tables set under acacia trees illuminated by lantern light.

Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp sits on the outskirts of southern Kenya's Tsavo West National Park. On the edge of a small lagoon near the Santee River and within a private sanctuary, it enjoys an ever-constant parade of hippos, crocs and numerous water birds, to name but a few. Ziwani is part of a collection of Kenyan camps, known for their sociable, high-energy atmosphere, and there's plenty of activities on offer, fro guided game walks to night drives. The kids club in particular is a highlight and little ones will be well looked-after and entertained!

A new lodge with a fresh approach in an area long heralded as the planet's paramount game-viewing destination, Mara Nyika lies in the Naboisho Conservancy (part of the greater Mara landscape). Its attraction? This intimate, five tent retreat is built in the treetops. Wooden walkways wind through the umbrella-thorn canopy to link the tents with platforms and other structures. The concept is the brainchild of veteran safari operator, Great Plains, and the effect is singularly enchanting. Privacy, the spectacle of the Great Migration on your doorstep, and a bed in the trees, make this camp idyllic.