The best accommodations Kenya

Budget & Tips

Budget. Generally speaking, spending always exceeds the initial budget: visitors are constantly asked to buy this or that, and it has to be said that mzungus ("whites" in Swahili) almost systematically pay a higher price than Kenyans. Hotels and lodges charge different rates for "residents", "non-residents" and "East African residents". Long reserved for wealthy travelers, travel in Kenya has now become more affordable. In particular, you can stay in the superb hotels on the coast for reasonable prices, which are still staggering when you consider the standard of living of the population.

In Kenya, you'll find all kinds of accommodation: camping, guest houses, 3 or 5-star hotels, luxury lodges and tented camps. From a few dozen euros for a small urban hotel with shared showers and toilets to €700 for a night in a luxury camp, depending on the season. With an average budget of US$300 per day, there's plenty of room to experiment. Rest assured, a trip to Kenya is perfectly feasible even on a budget of US$100 per day for two.

Campsites. This is the most authentic and exciting way to discover Africa. It's also the only way to visit Kenya without spending a fortune on accommodation. All parks and reserves have camping sites. These are usually located close to the lodges or park entrances, and offer virtually no facilities. This means you have to be totally self-sufficient and take care of the logistics, which requires a certain amount of organization due to the dangers posed by wild animals. On the coast, campsites are few and far between, but more comfortable. For the best sites, ask the rangers at the park entrances. However, you should expect to pay between US$20 and US$50 per night per person (for non-residents and depending on the site). Camping in the middle of the savannah is an unforgettable experience, but you need to take certain precautions.

Tented camps. These are closely related to lodges. They have all the same qualities and services: exceptional location, attentive staff, tranquillity. But here, huts and bungalows have been replaced by large tents offering unexpected comfort and refinement (meticulous decoration, excellent bedding, solid bathrooms, hot and cold running water, candlelight, guaranteed "Out of Africa" atmosphere...). Even more than lodges, tented camps offer a wide range of activities (walking safaris, night safaris, birdwatching safaris, etc.) and provide more direct contact with nature. On the other hand, prices are a little higher. In the parks, most camps and lodges offer all-inclusive packages including transport from Nairobi, one or two nights' accommodation, full board, game drives and sundowners.

House rentals. It's becoming increasingly easy to rent houses in Kenya, and this is a godsend for small groups, as rates are very attractive and accommodation conditions are often remarkable. These range from simple bungalows for four people to superb colonial homes for fifteen. Most of these houses are rented with household staff (cook, maid, janitor...). On the coast, particularly in Lamu, many Swahili houses have been renovated and superbly furnished, and can be rented for one or more days.

To be booked

It's good to know that in the off-peak period (April, May, June and November) most hotels and lodges revise their rates downwards, sometimes very significantly. This also means that opportunities are opening up for budget travellers, who should think twice before visiting Kenya during the festive season or in July and August. Depending on availability, of course, you can visit the country at times when the parks are less crowded and accommodation less expensive. In parks and reserves such as the Maasai Mara, some camps close during the rainy season, or low season, in April and May. Others remain open and offer the possibility of a low-cost safari. While the weather may be more capricious, the animals remain visible and the number of visitors considerably reduced. Lodges charge the highest rates in the high season, from July 15 to September 30 and from December 20 to around January 5. Be aware that the great migration takes place in July/August, when the Maasai Mara is in full swing. We recommend booking for this period several months in advance.

What's very local

Self Catering Bandas. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) operates cottages in most national parks (not in the reserves) that are more or less well-equipped and offer a comfortable stay at reasonable prices. This formula is particularly advantageous when traveling with a small group because the bungalows are usually rented in their entirety. The bungalows are called "Self Catering Bandas", which means that they have a fully equipped kitchen. There are three categories: guesthouses (the most comfortable), cottages and bandas (the most basic). All of these accommodations are described in detail in the sections on the parks in which they are located, namely the Aberdares, Nakuru, Mount Kenya, Mount Elgon, Mount Meru and near Malindi Marine Park. Rates and information: www.kws.go.ke

Tipping on safari. At the end of your safari, it is customary to leave a larger tip for your driver, guide or even cook. In all cases, the amount will be calculated according to the services rendered and the quality of the personnel. As an indication, it is recommended to give 5 to 7 US$ (4 to 6 €) per person traveling per day of safari for your driver-guide. In Kenya, tipping is a tradition in most services. The prospect of a good tip is often the best incentive.

Smokers

Most hotels are non-smoking, although some have smoking rooms.