Best hotels in Kenya

The Masai Mara is Kenya's safari headliner, but the main reserve can feel like rush hour when the migration's on. Mara North Conservancy, where Hemingways River Camp Mara sits on the banks of the Njageteck River, is the antidote: 73,000 acres of community-owned wilderness with a fraction of the vehicles. Founded by late conservationist Richard Roberts, the camp has just had a top-to-toe refurbishment under the Hemingways Collection, who've kept the old-school safari soul intact. Eight canvas tents, a resident lion pride that hunts within earshot, and guides who'll happily revolve the whole day around you. Safari the way it used to be done.

Sanctuary Olonana is an elegant tented camp in the heart of Kenya’s finest safari region. It's situated within a private concession alongside the Masai Mara Game Reserve, overlooking a stretch of the Mara River with a resident pod of hippos. A mix of classic safari elements – canvas tents, timber and thatch – together with a strong Maasai influence gives this camp an authentic African feel, with luxury all round. Game viewing is excellent, and one of the highlights is the chance to spend a day at a Maasai village, and participate in some of the daily rituals and routines.

Experience timeless safari tradition in secluded luxury, within one of Africa's most prolific wildlife regions. This intimate villa is perched on a hillside in Cottar's Private Conservancy, within the Masai Mara region but just outside of the Masai Mara National Park itself. An indulgent and romantic homestead linked to Cottar's 1920's Camp, Cottar's Bush Villa is utterly exclusive. It comes with a discreet and professional staff, including a butler, private chef and guide. The ecosystem is hugely fertile, with abundant game (keep an eye out for the Big Five) and stunning landscapes to be explored by vehicle or on foot.

Along a bend in the Talek river, reached by a swinging footbridge sits Mara Intrepids camp, tucked in a prime position inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Shaded by large trees along the river bank with everything being a short drive away this camp blends the wondrous comfort of permanent camping with efficient and welcoming staff and some lovely sweeping views over the surrounds. Close by is some exceptional game viewing-expect some thrilling river crossings! Enjoy drinks by the campfire, dinners in the bush or simply sitting on your porch listening to the grunts of hippos and the splash of crocodiles.

Tucked along the Ntiakitiak River in the exclusive Olare Motorogi Conservancy, this luxury tented camp proves that five-star service and wilderness immersion can coexist beautifully. With just twelve tents and access to one of the world's highest concentrations of lions, you'll experience the Mara minus the crowds that typically swarm the main reserve. The camp's unfenced setting means wildlife wanders freely (hippos grunting from the riverbank are your evening soundtrack), whilst Edwardian safari styling meets contemporary comforts inside. There's 24-hour butler service, an organic garden supplying the kitchens, and game drives that venture into both the conservancy and adjacent Masai Mara National Reserve. The Kempinski name brings European hospitality standards to the African bush.

Sarabi Wild is a community-based luxury guest house in the heart of famous Masai Mara, designed, built and operated by local community members with the aim of improving community welfare and supporting conservation efforts. Sarabi Lodge is perfect for families, small groups or guests seeking exclusivity, comfort and privacy.

Tucked into riverine forest on the banks of the Mara River, this owner-run seasonal camp delivers one of Kenya's most authentic safari experiences. With just eight tents hidden amongst the trees in the famed Musiara Marsh area (yes, the location where BBC's Big Cat Diaries was filmed), you're guaranteed big cat sightings and a properly intimate atmosphere. Owners Peter and Wendy Twycross have crafted something refreshingly personal here - think campaign furniture that channels old-school safari romance, silverware-and-linen breakfasts perched above the river, and silver-rated Maasai guides who'll tailor each day to your whims. The hippos provide nightly entertainment from the water below.

“Entumoto” means “meeting point” in Maa, and that’s exactly what this place is — where the hills meet the plains, and where people come together to share the magic of the Mara. It’s an intimate, family-run camp where you’re welcomed as a friend, surrounded by wilderness, warmth, and a deep love for nature.