Safari Lodges in Kenya That Aren’t Canvas Tents
Some people want to go on safari, but they really don’t want to stay in canvas tents, no matter how luxurious they are.
From working in the safari travel industry, we don’t get complaints often, but the complaints that we do get about tented accommodation, are things like:
- “I don’t like camping.”
- “It’s too cold.”
- “There’s too many bugs.”
Yes these things happen but after all, you are out in the bush, and that is best. There is nothing and no-one, except nature and the creatures, big and small, who inhabit the area.
But not to fear, just because you may not want to sleep in a canvas tent, does not mean that your safari dreams are over.
If you are asking questions like, “Do I have to sleep in a tent?” or “Are there safari lodges with solid walls?” then here are the options available to you in Kenya.
Lodges in Kenya That Are Not Tented
Kenya is a very popular safari destination, especially well known for the Great Migration and Masai Mara National Park. There are such diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife that it is a popular choice year round.
Whether nestled in the Great Rift Valley, overlooking the vast savannahs of the Maasai Mara, or set against the backdrop of Mount Kenya, these lodges provide comfort and convenience while keeping guests close to nature.
Giraffe Manor
Location: Nairobi
Features: A boutique hotel where giraffes wander onto the property and poke their heads through windows during breakfast.
Why Stay Here? Unique and memorable—a great place to begin or end your safari adventure, but you MUST book far in advance as rooms are limited and they do get fully booked.
ol Donyo Lodge
Location: Chyulu Hills, between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks
Features: Stone-built suites with plunge pools, large verandas, and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Why Stay Here? Offers a combination of safari and cultural experiences, plus incredible views.
Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Location: Situated on a hill overlooking the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.
Features: Modern, Maasai-inspired rooms with private balconies offering sweeping views of the Mara plains.
Why Stay Here? Perfect for stunning views, abundant wildlife, and a front-row seat to the Great Migration (when they are in the area).
LOIRIEN Mara
Location: A sanctuary within the private Partakilat Conservancy, inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.
Features: Elegant villas with private decks, fine dining, and personalized game drives, all set in the heart of the breathtaking Maasai Mara.
Why Stay Here? LOIRIEN Mara is deeply committed to conservation, protecting endangered species like white rhinos, supporting local communities, and practicing regenerative farming — including raising beautiful Ankole cattle. By staying here, you directly support wildlife protection, sustainable agriculture, and community initiatives in the Maasai Mara.
Final Word
While tented camps do dominate the safari scene, these solid-structure lodges prove you can experience the wild without truly ‘roughing it’.
(In all honesty, they are also great when the weather is expected to be really cold.)
If you’re looking for a selection of lodges to stay at that aren’t tents, you should consider booking early, especially when the Great Migration is expected to be travelling through a particular area.
Have you stayed at any others?
