Best Hotels & Lodges

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.

Basecamp Wilderness is a nostalgic tribute to the safaris of the early explorers and safari pioneers. Free from artificial luxury and modern disturbances and providing the perfect escape close to nature with optimal tranquillity and stunning sunrise views, Basecamp Wilderness is how safaris and safari camps were meant to be. Tucked away deep inside the “Saddle Valley” in the heart of Mara Naibosho Conservancy, one of the most beautiful and important wildlife areas in Kenya and the centre of a successful conservation experiment led by Maasai landowners and investors, the 5 tents allow for complete privacy and ultimate views of the savannah. The dining tent offers a romantic sitting area with comfortable leather chairs, carefully selected reading materials and a vintage gramophone It is just you, the Maasai, the wildlife and the stars.

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.

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.

The family run Mara Camp is set up on the banks of the beautiful Mara River in the shade of the unique riverine forest and on the edge of Paradise Plains. Located in the world famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Strategically positioned to have access to both the main Masai Mara National Reserve and the Mara Triangle.

Tucked away in the serene northwestern plains of the Mara Triangle within the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve, ELATIA—meaning “The Good Neighbour” in Maa—is an exclusive luxury tented camp featuring sixteen spacious tents. Elegantly positioned along the breathtaking Oloololo Escarpment, ELATIA offers an unmatched blend of seclusion, style, and sweeping views of the savannah. Easily accessible and set atop the rolling hills of the Mara Triangle, ELATIA provides guests with indulgent comforts, personalized service, and immersive wilderness experiences designed to connect you with the magic of the Maasai Mara ecosystem. The camp boasts stunning views over the Mara River, world-renowned for the dramatic Great Wildebeest Migration that takes place between July and September.

Set in a sheep-breeding farm, Estancia Nibepo Aike offers rural accommodation with scenic mountain views, 69 km from Perito Moreno Glacier. There is a restaurant, and a lush garden surrounding the property. Heated rooms at Estancia Nibepo Aike are located in a picturesque wooden house with gabled roofs. They are decorated with wooden, rustic-style furniture, and parquet floors. A buffet breakfast including juices, fruits, bread, and natural jams is served in a breakfast room overlooking the mountains. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, and drinks can be ordered at the bar. Guests can explore the surrounding hills by horse riding and trekking, or take part in sheep-breeding activities to experience the local lifestyle.

Located just steps away from the city’s best restaurants and shops, this hotel is the perfect place for those seeking independence, comfort, and an exceptional location. With a modern and practical style, you’ll find a space specially designed for a functional and relaxing stay, always accompanied by warmth and dedication.

Overlooking the majestic Lake Argentino, Design Suites Calafate blends perfectly with the untamed Patagonian atmosphere. Its austere wood and stone design and numerous amenities make it stand out among El Calafate hotels. Enjoy unparalleled views of the lake from every part of the hotel, including the swimming pool, restaurant, and gym.

Some hotels simply provide a bed for the night; others invite you into a world they've meticulously crafted. This newcomer to El Calafate falls firmly into the latter camp. Born from the complete transformation of a former guesthouse, the property has emerged as something rather special – a design-conscious bolthole where every material, scent and texture has been chosen to echo the wild landscape beyond. Run by siblings Luisina and Facundo Perez Costa, there's a warmth here that feels genuinely familial rather than corporate. The building features charred timber using the ancient Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique – a rather clever nod to sustainability that also happens to look extremely handsome against the Patagonian stone. It's an ideal perch from which to explore the famous Perito Moreno Glacier and the wider wonders of Los Glaciares National Park, yet close enough to town for an evening stroll along Avenida del Libertador.

Opening in December 2026

Set within a stunning Patagonian estancia, surrounded by the sweeping pampas and offering glimpses of the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier, Explora El Calafate provides a serene starting point and sanctuary for those drawn to the wild beauty of southern Patagonia.