Laikipia Plateau
Perched on a hill with grand views of the plains below, the Kenyan-/English-run Bobong Campsite offers basic (and overpriced) bandas that will house three…
Must-see hotels in Kenya
Northern Kenya
The Desert Museum has a dozen bandas on the bluff overlooking the lake. The views are the best you will find in Loyangalani, though the bandas are…
Lake Victoria
The cheapest standard rooms here, located close to the hills, are sparkling-clean, white-tiled cubes. From there, the more you pay the fancier the rooms…
Nairobi
The elaborate lobby here is rather more prepossessing than the rooms, but it’s hardly worth complaining when you’re essentially getting a suite for the…
Amboseli National Park
Safari tents with simple furnishings and tiled floors make for a decent midrange choice around 3km southeast of Amboseli's Kimana Gate. Travellers like…
Kenya
One of six special campsites in Meru National Park (there are no public campsites), Chuma is deepest into the park nestled along the Rojewero River. You…
Kenya
This is a major base for Mt Kenya climbers and the operators of Old Moses Hut and Shipton’s Camp on the mountain. Popular with overland trucks, there are…
Lake Naivasha
Scruffy and sociable Fisherman's Camp attracts a young, backpacker crowd keen to eat and drink in the restaurant and hang out at the volleyball court. It…
Nairobi
Believe it or not, this big hotel opposite the National Archives once belonged to the posh Sarova chain, and while structurally not much has changed, room…
Southern Rift Valley
This shabby but charming colonial hotel was built in 1922 and is a delight as long as you don't expect too much from your room. Set around an inner…
Western Kenya
If you can overlook a few missing bathroom tiles and a little wear and tear, this is far and away the smartest hotel in town, although that's not saying a…
Watamu
If you're travelling with friends, this sprawling, plush Italian resort has, alongside standard doubles, some beautiful self-catering villas. Each comes…
Kenya
Set in a mature garden on the northern edge of town, this once-fine establishment is running down fast and is in urgent need of renovations or, at the…
Tsavo West National Park
With three safari tents and seven bandas, this simple place makes a decent base for Lake Jipe and the southern reaches of Tsavo West. It's lovely and…
Lake Naivasha
This expansive, verdant property sweeps down to the lake’s edge where gazelles and other wildlife roam. The rooms have a slightly dated style but they’re…
Northern Kenya
This campsite, located behind the KWS headquarters, provides firewood and ablution facilities for those not wanting to camp more wildly at the special…
Kenya
Following renovations, this lodge now has a new wing, swimming pool and restaurant. The new wing still looks under construction and the rooms are spacious…
Kenya
For one last night in Kenya or to otherwise break up your travels, consider this shady campsite that offers some tidy cabins with TVs and mosquito nets…
Nanyuki
While Kirimara isn’t going to win any architecture awards, and its website's claim that the rooms are comfortable and luxuriously furnished is absurd, the…
Mombasa
If you're looking for central, budget-friendly but reasonably comfortable digs, this place delivers. Rooms are arranged around a courtyard and while the…
South Coast
If your dreams run bigger and shinier than Tiwi's other offerings, there's always Amani. The tasteful makuti (thatched roof) of the main building, the…
Wildlife Club of Kenya Guesthouse
Lake Nakuru National Park
Hands down Nakuru's best budget choice, this rather charming cottage inside the park looks out towards the lake and often finds its own gardens frequented…
Kenya
Decent site with toilets, showers and a communal kitchen. The location is good, as most safari vehicles don't loop down this way and there's some good…
Lamu Island
Blending business amenities with gruff service, the New Mahrus has three categories of room, with KSh500 '3rd class' being the rock bottom option. Should…
Northern Kenya
Located very close to the post office, but up a quiet side road, this family-run place has colourful rooms with some character, small bathrooms with hot…
North Horr Mazingira Women Group Lodge
Northern Kenya
Despite the name, there are no women at this lodge, either working or staying. The bandas are passable, with comfortable beds, clean linen and mosquito…
Mombasa
The palace in the name may be entirely fanciful, but don't dismiss this city-centre cheapie immediately, as its rooms are far better than you'd expect…
Lake Victoria
In the town centre, Twin Towers (slightly unfortunate name, that) is a solid choice if all you require is a comfy bed and a bathroom that doesn’t need a…
Kenya
These wooden cottages, some almost completely enveloped by the forest overlooking the Burguret River, are simple but charmingly decorated inside. There's…
Mombasa
With an impressive colonial exterior, Castle Royal harks back to glory days of yore. The service is friendly and helpful. The rooms have good bathrooms…
South Coast
About the closest the Bamburi strip gets to a cheap beach hotel. The rooms are pleasant, but nothing more, and be warned that the place has a disco, and…
Watamu
Pretty in pink (and turquoise) on Watamu's main road, this female-run Christian guesthouse is a good bet for budget travellers. The friendly, no-nonsense…
Southern Rift Valley
Set in lovely grounds, the biggest draw here is the pool, which is fed by a nearby hot spring. Otherwise, the rooms (with mosquito nets) don't quite live…
Kenya
Two large stone houses sleep seven people each and command a good view of the moors that sweep into the Gura River. There are two bathrooms in each house…
Northern Kenya
Sitting on the Ewaso Ngiro River’s banks between town and Archer’s Post gate, this option has clean and comfortable bandas but bring your own mosquito net…
Kisumu
Sooper has become the de facto backpackers in town and you have a good chance of meeting other travellers here. The rooms, which come in a dizzying array…
South Coast
This cluster of 15 tiny bandas (thatched-roof huts) sits amid tranquil, leafy grounds 2.5km south of Shimoni pier. While there's no room to swing a cat in…
South Coast
These seven basic but cosy bandas (thatched-roof huts) are owned and managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). There's a kitchen (with some cooking…
South Coast
This rather fine place has very plush safari tents overlooking a waterhole. If you can’t afford the fancy-pants tents, then camp in your own tent at the…
Western Kenya
This well-priced if rather unexciting place in the town centre aims primarily at the local business market. The rooms are fine for the price and the…
