Best hotels in Kenya

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.

The third jewel in the Loirien Mara crown, Naika Villa nestles south of the main Loirien Villa on the Oloololo Escarpment within the private Partakilat Conservancy. This 225-square-metre sanctuary offers two-bedroom privacy with all the trimmings: dedicated staff team, private safari vehicle, resident chef, and those sweeping Mara Triangle views that never get old. Floor-to-ceiling windows dissolve the boundaries between your villa and the wilderness, whilst a private infinity pool, fireplace-warmed sitting room, and both indoor and outdoor dining spaces let you tailor each day to your mood. Named in Maasai tradition like its sister villas, Naika delivers ultra-exclusive safari living where game drives run on your schedule and the northern white rhino sanctuary sits right on your doorstep.

Tangulia Ndogo is a tented safari camp situated on private land on the Western boundary of the Mara Reserve. It is located a short distance from Tangulia Mara camp and is booked on an exclusive use basis with a minimum requirement of four guests for two nights. Its location allows easy access for game drives around the Musiara Marsh, the short grass plains and Rhino Ridge in the Mara Reserve; or across the Mara River bridge into the Mara Triangle west of the river. Both areas are rich in biodiversity and offer prime wildlife and big cat viewing; and, during the migration, ready access to some of the main river-crossing sites.

Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp is an eco safari camp located in Mara North Conservancy which borders on Maasai Mara National Reserve. The primary focus at Oltepesi is wildlife photography and the camp is dedicated to both professional and keen amateur wildlife photographers, offering experienced guides, unique opportunities, and specially modified off-road vehicles best for capturing the breathtaking wildlife. Located in a genuine Maasai village, guests can experience this proud people and their ancient culture from the inside. Sustainable and ethical, Oltepesi Camp provides an adventure that benefits both wildlife and local communities.

You will find Zebra Plains Mara Camp in Maasai Game Reserve, home to lion, cheetah, elephant, hippo, and giraffe, among many other incredible species. Photographers flock to this corner of the world, famous for its fantastic game-viewing opportunities and for the chance to witness the annual Great Migration. The camp has the best views of the open plains of the Mara and is frequently visited by wildlife. The camp’s hospitality and unique setting are the perfect formula for a memorable safari adventure. The tents are well-equipped with hot and cold water, mosquito nets, and deck chairs. Watch the wildlife from the comfort of your verandah.

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.