Are you looking for an unforgettable luxury safari experience? If so, Kenya is the perfect destination for you. With its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, Kenya offers some of the best safari opportunities in the world. And thanks to its growing glamping industry, you can now enjoy a luxurious safari experience without having to sacrifice any of the comforts of home. Here are just a few of the top luxury glamping safaris in Kenya.
What is a luxury glamping safari?
While its history dates back to 16th century Scotland when Earl of Atholl introduced the concept of ‘glamorous camping’ for his guests, luxury glamping is now a global phenomenon. It offers all the comforts of home in stunning outdoor locations without compromising on style and elegance. Luxury glamping safaris in Kenya combine the best of both worlds – access to the country’s incredible wildlife while enjoying the comforts of luxury accommodation.
Why go on a glamping safari – 5 Key reasons:
1. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life – A luxury glamping safari gives you a chance to disconnect from the day-to-day grind, recharge your batteries and reconnect with nature.
2. Enjoy luxurious accommodation – You don’t have to sacrifice comfort in order to experience nature. Luxury glamping safaris offer accommodation that is both luxurious and eco-friendly, with stylish tents and lodges set in breathtaking locations.
3. Experience the thrills of a safari – Kenya is home to some of the world’s most incredible wildlife. You can now enjoy a safari experience without having to rough it in basic accommodations or compromise on comfort.
4. Immerse yourself in Kenyan culture – Luxury glamping safaris offer the chance to experience Kenya’s vibrant cultures and customs. You can explore traditional markets, learn about local cuisine and visit villages to meet friendly locals.
5. Get value for your money – Luxury glamping safaris provide excellent value for money compared to a standard hotel stay. With all the comforts of home and access to incredible wildlife, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank.
Luxury glamping safari vs regular tent camping Safari – 9 Key differences:
Cost:
Luxury glamping safaris are considerably more expensive than regular tent camping safaris. The cost of luxury accommodation, amenities and activities add up to create a much higher price tag. A review of glamping vs camping prices revealed that glamping will cost you at least double what you would pay for a normal tent camping safari.
Location:
Luxury glamping safaris offer access to far more remote locations than regular tent camping safaris. As most luxury camps are located in private reserves, this means you can enjoy a much more exclusive and private experience, away from the hustle and bustle of other tourists.
Accommodation:
The accommodation provided on luxury glamping safaris is much more luxurious than what you would get with a regular tent camping safari. Instead of basic canvas tents, you’ll be treated to spacious and well-appointed luxury tents or villas, complete with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers and even private plunge pools.
Amenities:
Luxury glamping safaris come with a range of amenities to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable, such as private chefs, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and even spa treatments. Regular tent camping safaris may offer some basic services such as meals or laundry but are generally much more limited.
Activities:
On a luxury glamping safari in Kenya, you can enjoy a range of activities such as hot air balloon rides, guided bush walks, game drives and more. With regular tent camping safaris, you’ll be limited to basic game drives in the local area.
Food and Drinks:
Luxury glamping safaris come with gourmet meals cooked by private chefs, as well as an array of drinks including cocktails, wines and spirits. Regular tent camping safaris will provide basic meals and limited drinks options.
Staff:
On luxury glamping safaris, you’ll be looked after by a team of experienced and knowledgeable staff who will ensure that all your needs are taken care of. Regular tent camping safaris often lack the same level of personal attention.
Privacy:
Luxury glamping safaris offer far more privacy than regular tent camping safaris, as most camps are located in remote and private reserves. This means you can enjoy an exclusive and peaceful experience.
Overall Experience:
When it comes to overall experience, luxury glamping safaris come out on top. With luxurious accommodation, a range of activities and amenities, as well as attentive staff and private reserves, they offer an unforgettable African safari experience like no other.
Pros and cons of luxury camping:
Pros:
– Luxury glamping safaris combine the comforts of home with a unique outdoor adventure.
– You can enjoy luxurious accommodation in stunning locations.
– Experienced guides provide insight into local culture and customs.
– Specialized tours allow you to explore some of the most remote areas of Kenya without compromising on comfort.
Cons:
– Luxury glamping safaris tend to be more expensive than a traditional camping trip.
– The luxurious accommodation may not provide the same level of privacy as a regular hotel stay.
– While glamping is a great way to experience nature, it doesn’t offer the thrill of a true safari experience.
– Glamping sites are often crowded during peak season, so it can be difficult to get away from the crowds.
Kenya Luxury Safari Lodges:
If you’re looking for a truly luxurious glamping safari experience in Kenya, here are some of the best lodges to consider:
– Maasai Mara EcoCamp
– Ololo Safari Lodge
– Porini Safari Camps
– Tortilis Tented Camp
– Chui Lodge Nairobi
– Saruni Rhino Camp
– Sentrim Mara Tented Camp
– Ol Seki Hemingways Mara
– Elephant Pepper Camp
– Elsa’s Kopje.
Each of these lodges offers an unbeatable combination of luxury, comfort and adventure that will make your Kenyan safari experience unforgettable.
Luxury Kenya Safari Holiday:
If you’re planning a holiday in Kenya and want to combine the thrills of an African safari with the comforts of home, then a luxury glamping safari is the perfect choice. With luxurious accommodation, attentive staff and access to incredible wildlife, you can enjoy a unique African experience like no other.
Depending on the length of your holiday, below are some of the best high-end holiday packages you can get today;
Amboseli and Maasai Mara Safari (7 days):
With this 7-day safari, explore Amboseli and Maasai Mara—two of Kenya’s most picturesque locations. Get up close to elephants and witness the Great Migration of wildebeest while you’re there!
Masai Mara and Samburu Safari (9 days):
Experience the best of Kenya with this 9-day package. Visit Masai Mara and explore its vast savannah, then head to Samburu National Reserve where you can witness the ‘big five’ in their natural habitat.
Tsavo West & East Safari (13 days):
This 13-day package takes you through Tsavo West and East, Kenya’s two largest national parks. You’ll to explore the stunning landscapes of both parks while enjoying luxurious accommodations in between.
Whether you’re looking for a short weekend break or a longer holiday, luxury glamping safaris offer an unforgettable African experience.
How much is a glamping luxury safari?
The cost of a luxury glamping safari in Kenya depends on the type of accommodation you choose, as well as the length and location of your trip. Generally speaking, prices range from $600 per person for a two-night stay in a basic tent to upwards of $3,000 per person for more luxurious accommodation. Prices may also include activities such as game drives and visits to local villages. It’s worth shopping around for the best deal, as some companies offer discounts or special packages.
Comparing this to traditional safari packages, luxury glamping offers a unique and luxurious experience for those who don’t want to sacrifice comfort. Prices are generally higher than regular safaris, but you get the chance to explore some of the most remote regions of Kenya in style.
How glamping safaris work:
- You select a Kenyan safari package from the long list at safaribookings.com or any other travel agent. The operators will then help you to select the perfect luxury glamping safari that suits your budget and interests.
- After booking, you will be assigned a professional guide who will accompany you throughout your stay. This includes providing insight into local culture, wildlife and nature as well as helping to arrange activities such as hiking, hot air balloon safaris, cultural visits and more. You will usually be picked up at the airport by your guide and transferred to your glamping site in a private vehicle.
- Once there, you can relax in luxurious accommodation as you plan out your days of exploring the beautiful wilderness of Kenya.
- Some operators offer special safaris that include unique activities such as volunteering in conservation projects or visiting Maasai villages to learn about their culture.
- At night, you can enjoy a romantic dinner in the wilderness under the stars, while listening to the sounds of African wildlife.
What glamping safaris include:
A luxury glamping safari in Kenya usually includes the following:
– Transport to and from your destination.
– Experienced guides.
– Luxurious accommodation, complete with modern amenities.
– Personalized experiences tailored to your interests and budget.
– All meals during the stay.
– Activities such as safari tours, guided hikes, cultural visits and more.
– Optional extras such as hot air balloon rides or volunteering in conservation initiatives.
Top glamping safaris destinations in Kenya:
1. Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy:
Located in the beautiful Laikipia region of Kenya, Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy offers the chance to experience a luxury glamping safari. The conservancy is home to some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife, including lions, rhinos and cheetahs. You can take part in guided game drives or hot air balloon rides over the spectacular landscape.
With nine different tented camps, lodges and homestays available Ol Pejeta has the perfect accommodations for every type of traveler. No matter your budget or preferences, we have something that will suit you perfectly.
Tented camps, lodges and homestays
- Kicheche Laikipia Camp
- Mutara Camp
- Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
- Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages
- Pelican House
- Porini Rhino Camp
- Sanctuary Tambarare
- Sweetwaters Serena Camp
- The Stables
2. Masai Mara National Reserve:
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular safari destinations in Kenya. During your stay, you can spot the Big Five animals: lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopards. There are also plenty of other birds and animals to see during game drives or walking safaris with a guide from Masai Mara.
You can choose from various luxurious tented camps and lodges that offer a unique glamping experience.
Some of the best luxury glamping experiences in Masai Mara National Reserve include:
- Kicheche Bush Camp
- Mara Plains Camp
- Naibosho Wilderness Camp
- Offbeat Mara Safari Camp
- Rekero Camp
- Saruni Mara Safari Lodge
3. Amboseli National Park:
Amboseli National Park is another popular safari destination in Kenya. Here you can spot the Big Five animals, including plenty of elephants. You can also take part in hot air balloon rides over the magnificent landscape and observe wildlife from above.
I have done both regular camping and glamping at Amboseli and must say that the high cost of getting a glamping safari is worth it. Here are some of the best luxury glamping experiences that Amboseli National Park has to offer:
- Kibo Safari Camp
- Loisaba Tented Camp
- Oltukai Lodge & Luxury Tented Camp
- Porini Amboseli Camp
- Tawi Lodge & Luxury Tented Camp
- Tortilis Camp
Which is a luxury safari destination in Kenya?
Laikipia is often regarded as the premier luxury safari destination in Kenya. The region is home to some of the most luxurious and exclusive tented camps, lodges and homestays in the country. Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy, one of the largest conservancies in East Africa, offers guests a five-star glamping experience with stunning views of Mount Kenya and plenty of wildlife.
Laikipia is also home to some of the best game viewing experiences in Kenya, from guided game drives and bush walks to cultural visits with local tribes. You can also take part in hot air balloon safaris or volunteer for conservation initiatives.
What luxury glamping is like – what do you really get?
- Comfortable tented camps, lodges and homesteads
- En-suite bathrooms,
- Air conditioning,
- Private decks,
- Wi-Fi access and more.
During your stay you will be served all your meals and drinks by attentive staff who will make sure that your every need is taken care of.
You can also take part in various activities such as guided game drives or bush walks, hot air balloon rides or cultural visits with the local people. There are plenty of optional extras to choose from during your stay, including volunteering for conservation initiatives or spa treatments.
At night, you can relax in your luxurious accommodation and enjoy the spectacular views of the African wilderness.
Luxury Safari Camps Kenya:
When it comes to luxury camping in Kenya, there are several camps that offer unrivaled experiences. These include;
– Fairmont Mara Safari Club : Located on the banks of the Talek River, this luxurious camp offers an ultimate glamping experience with private verandas and plunge pools.
– Kicheche Bush Camp : Located in the Laikipia region of Kenya, this camp offers a unique blend of luxury and adventure. You’re sure to spot plenty of wildlife during your stay!
– Ol Seki Hemingways Mara : If you’re looking for something truly special, then head to Ol Seki Hemingways Mara. With its luxurious villas and unbeatable views, it’s a perfect spot for honeymooners or anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.
These luxury camps offer the best in comfort and adventure, so you can enjoy your safari in style. From private tents with en-suite bathrooms to five-star lodges, there’s something for everyone!
How to make the most of your luxury safari in Kenya:
Go for all game drives:
With some of the best game viewing opportunities in Kenya, make sure that you take advantage by doing all your game drives. Some tour operators will give you the option of going for the drive in the morning, mid-morning, afternoon or in the evening. If they offer full-day drive, take that option or just opt for an option where you get plenty of exposure to wildlife.
Go for a hot air balloon ride:
For an unforgettable experience and stunning views of the landscape, go for a hot air balloon ride over Maasai Mara or Amboseli National Park. These rides cost as high as $400 per person and most glamping packages may not include this in their package. If they do offer this in the package that you’ve paid for, don’t miss it.
Visit local tribes:
Take part in cultural visits with local tribes such as the Masai Mara. Learn about their culture and customs and experience something unique that you won’t get to experience anywhere else.
Fly camping:
I highly recommend trying out fly camping in your safari. Fly camping involves packing your tent and all the essentials you need, going on a walk through the wilderness to the camping destination. Of course the glamping company will get their staff to help you move all your stuff. It’s an experience of a lifetime!
These are just some of the tips to make the most of your luxury glamping safari in Kenya. The region offers plenty more that you can experience and explore. So, if you’re looking for a luxurious and unique safari holiday destination, don’t hesitate to book your trip to Kenya today and camping in the wilderness. It’s an incredible experience that will stay with you for life.
Features of Luxury tents:
In Kenya, East Africa Canvas Company based in Nairobi is among the leading suppliers of luxury tented accommodation and they’ve done so for over 25 years now. Most glamping accommodations you’ll find in big lodges and hotels during your safari are most likely designed and built by the East Africa Canvas Company. You can read more about them here.
Most luxury tented accommodation feature the following;
- Hard wearing, UV stabilized, flame retardant, mould resistant, weatherproof canvas
- Durable rain flysheet, shade net flysheet
- Power coated steel frames
- Removable YKK zip for easy replacement
- Treated wooden poles
- UV stabilized thread.