Best Kenya Hotel Recommendations for a Memorable Safari Experience

Over 12 days and 11 nights, I stayed at 6 hotels, with the 2nd to 5th being part of the safari package.

1️⃣ Nairobi, Kozi Suites Airport
This cozy hotel is just a 10-minute taxi ride from the airport and costs a little over $200 per night. The rooms are clean, hygienic, and safe, offering a private and secure stay. While the surrounding area isn’t the most scenic, the hotel’s 24-hour rooftop restaurant and nearby supermarket (within 1 km) make it a convenient choice.

For a short layover or one-night stay, I recommend skipping the hotel’s pick-up and drop-off service, as it’s significantly more expensive than a regular taxi—unless you’re feeling particularly lavish.

2️⃣ Maasai Mara National Park, Mara Serena Lodge
Nestled on a hilltop inside the reserve, this lodge offers breathtaking views of the African savannah. The treehouse-style rooms are charming and dreamy, providing a unique and enchanting experience. The gym, with its panoramic savannah view, is a highlight.

The buffet here is the best among the three safari hotels, making it a culinary delight. The only minor drawback is that the rooms are slightly smaller, though they remain perfectly comfortable.

3️⃣ Naivasha, Naivasha Lake Sopa Lodge
This well-known lodge, styled like an English manor, sits right by the beautiful Lake Naivasha. Despite some mixed reviews, my stay was delightful, especially for families. The property is teeming with wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, monkeys, and donkeys.

The spacious rooms and large beds ensure a comfortable stay. A hotel security guard will accompany you to the lake, providing fascinating insights into the local flora and fauna. Highly recommended, and it’s popular with Chinese tourists too.

4️⃣ Amboseli, Amboseli Sopa Lodge
While this lodge has its charms, it was the least impressive of the three. On the bright side, it’s conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from Amboseli National Park. The hotel also offers a temporary dining spot inside the park, allowing you to enjoy meals with a stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro.

However, the Wi-Fi is extremely poor, with no in-room connectivity and very slow lobby Wi-Fi. The room signal is also weak, so be prepared if you’re a digital nomad. The rooms are basic, and the food is average.

5️⃣ Mombasa, Flamboyant Diani Beach
This beachfront gem is ideally situated, just a 1-minute walk from a popular cave restaurant. A supermarket within 1 km ensures all your daily needs are met. The hotel itself boasts a pleasant environment and good food, offering great value for money. Plus, there’s a sailing activity shop on-site for adventure seekers.

6️⃣ Nairobi, Cysuites Apartment
Located in a upscale neighborhood, this apartment is about a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport. A nearby Carrefour and a fantastic, budget-friendly seafood restaurant called BigFish (just 300 meters away) add to its appeal. The apartment is newly decorated and perfect for families, offering a comfortable and stylish stay.

In summary, the quality of the hotels during my Kenya trip exceeded expectations!