Lake Naivasha
This charming guesthouse is run by the charismatic and elegant Dea. The main house has three guest rooms and is a gorgeous chalet of Swiss inspiration,…
Must-see hotels in Kenya
Diani Beach
Among the loveliest of Diani's beachfront boutique hotels, the Maji – which means 'water' in Swahili – is simply gorgeous. The water feature in the…
Nairobi
The fabulous collection of stylish suites – at what was one of the first genuine boutique hotels in Kenya – is perfect for well-heeled sophisticates who…
Northern Kenya
One of the remotest camps in Kenya, Kitich falls squarely into the luxury-tented-camp category, but staying here is unquestionably a wild-Africa…
Nairobi
Sophistication and style are the hallmarks of this stunning boutique offering. Every room is different according to its theme – the slate-grey colour…
Masai Mara
Considered one of the premier camps in the area, and run with the kind of casual efficiency that brings guests back, Kicheche Bush has well-spaced,…
Kenya
Built by the local community, these timber-and-canvas bandas with coconut-palm-thatched roofs get the balance right between being genuinely rustic yet…
Tsavo West National Park
This luxurious tented camp, arranged around a stream full of crocs and hippos, is now looking fancier than ever after a renovation. The 17 massive,…
Diani Beach
With just 10 individually decorated rooms and an elegant lobby and common area filled with West African carvings, this intimate hotel is all about…
Nairobi
Almost equidistant between the city centre and the National Museum, this place is a terrific budget choice. Billing itself ‘economy with style’, it…
Masai Mara
Whether you're camping or looking for a little more comfort in one of their simple safari tents, Crocodile Camp, close to Talek Gate, is an excellent…
Nairobi
This stunning, artfully designed lodge inhabits a rise overlooking Nairobi National Park from its southern boundary and the Mbagathi River. It's a…
Southern Rift Valley
This classy tented camp is the ideal place to rest in this remote corner of Africa with luxury, riverside safari tents that let you hear the night sounds…
Southern Rift Valley
A relatively recent addition to the Serena Hotel chain's fine portfolio, this classically styled tented camp at the northern end of the lake has…
Kenya
A fine addition to Lumo's portfolio of accommodation, this tented camp is outrageously good value by East African standards and the seven safari tents…
Nairobi
Stylish decor, attention to detail in everything from the mattresses to the pillows, and a commitment to donating its profits to worthy causes, Acacia…
Kenya
Offering 10 wooden log cabins complete with king-size beds, this is the top place to stay in the area. Just under 4km away from Naro Moru, the hotel is…
Kenya
Treetops is sold through the Outspan Hotel in Nyeri, where check-in happens. From here guests must drive themselves to Treetops, where they dine, sleep…
Amboseli National Park
Lying at the heart of Amboseli, on the edge of a dense acacia forest, Ol Tukai is a splendidly refined lodge with soaring makuti (thatched roofs of palm…
Southern Rift Valley
Inside the private Soysambu Conservancy and named for the shape of the mountain formation that cradles it, the Sleeping Warrior is exquisitely remote – it…
Kilifi
Both an ecolodge and a backpackers, this place gets it so right. The fantastic owners, staff and guests have created a living, breathing space that's a…
Masai Mara
A traditional Maasai manyatta (village) 2km north of Sekenani Gate, offering a homestay with the Maasai. During your stay you'll help with daily chores…
Lake Naivasha
Within a private 400-acre conservancy and dairy farm, this beautiful place makes the perfect weekend escape from Nairobi. The rooms are stylish, high…
Lamu Island
Wonderfully situated right on the waterfront, this is the beating heart of Shela. Owner Carol knows everything there is to know about Lamu (and provides…
Northern Kenya
Undoubtedly the most unique and memorable place to stay in Samburu. Massive thatched roofs cling to crooked acacia branches and tower over cosy, palatial,…
Malindi
Drowning in a riot of bougainvillea, this makuti (thatched-roof of palm leaves) guesthouse overlooks a kidney-shaped pool in a secure, gated property. The…
Northern Kenya
For our money, this is the best place to stay in Loyangalani, just a few hundred metres north of the village and with slight lake views. There's a range…
Lamu Island
In a town where every building wants to top the preservation stakes, Lamu House stands out. It consists of two fused Swahili villas. Each of its handful…
Lamu Island
Hands down the best place in town for budget travellers, this friendly guesthouse is owned by German world traveller Arnold, a treasure trove of all…
South Coast
Whitesands is beautiful: a seafront Swahili castle of airy corridors, marble accents and wooden detailing uplifted by every flash, modern amenity you can…
Serena Beach Hotel & Spa Kenya
South Coast
This lovely, polished resort is extensive and is styled on a traditional Swahili village – the pathways around the tree-filled complex even have street…
South Coast
These beautiful self-catering apartments are brought to you by the owners of the excellent Tamarind restaurant (right next door) and Nairobi's Carnivore…
Kenya
We challenge you to find a lovelier backpackers' spot on Kenya's north coast! A converted luxury resort, the Merry Crab retains the rain-head showers and…
Lamu Island
With 10 spacious, palatially decorated rooms scattered across three traditional Swahili houses and overlooking the beach, this tranquil spot sits in the…
Diani Beach
This small, stylish kitesurfing lodge is one of our favourite places to stay in Diani. The gorgeously rustic rooms are simple but lovely, with painted…
Kilifi
On gorgeous Takaungu beach and off the electricity grid, this eclectic, relaxed three-bedroom house makes a great escape. Catch the sunrise from the top…
Lamu Island
This five-storey house rises above the sleepy, donkey-filled alleyways of Shela. Apart from the warm welcome and plenty of advice from owner Thomas and…
Malindi
Venture 25km from Malindi, and you can have Mambrui North Beach almost to yourselves at this intimate and relaxed camp, run by fantastic hosts. Glamp in…
Southern Rift Valley
Perched above the town with soaring views towards the lake, this well-run, stylish place is a tranquil escape from the traffic below. Rooms wrap around a…
South Coast
Backpackers seem to love Tulia. It's clean, well-run and knows how to party. Accommodation is in well-kept dorms, hammocks and good private rooms, while…
