Why Choose Kenya for a Luxury Safari
Kenya remains one of the most celebrated safari destinations in the world, famed for its vast savannas, dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpments and unparalleled wildlife spectacles. From the annual Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara to the elegant highland forests of the Aberdares, and the semi-arid valleys of Samburu, Kenya’s varied landscapes offer something extraordinary at every turn. The country’s long history of conservation and community-managed conservancies ensures that visitors enjoy intimate wildlife encounters with minimal crowds.
The climate is typically warm and dry between July and October, creating excellent game viewing conditions, while the green season between November and May brings fresh births, spectacular birdlife and emerald landscapes. Whether you prefer the classic 4×4 safari, walking with expert guides or viewing from a hot-air balloon, Kenya caters to all interests with top-end lodges and camps that place comfort and authenticity at the forefront.
“Kenya’s combination of classic safari landscapes and cutting-edge luxury accommodations creates an experience that appeals to both traditional safari enthusiasts and those looking for exceptional comfort,” says Frank Steenhuisen, co-founder and lead safari expert at SAFARI FRANK. His decades of guiding across East Africa inform every tailored itinerary, guaranteeing that guests encounter the very best of Kenya’s wildlife and culture.
SAFARI FRANK’s Tailor-Made Kenya Safaris
At SAFARI FRANK, we specialise in crafting a bespoke luxury safari that highlights Kenya’s most iconic destinations as well as its hidden gems. Each itinerary is custom-designed to your interests, whether that involves:
- Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara
- Tracking elusive big cats on private conservancy game drives
- Participating in guided walking safaris and birdwatching excursions
- Enjoying exclusive night drives under the starry African sky
From the moment you arrive in Nairobi to your final farewell dinner in the bush, our on-ground team manages every detail. Private charter flights, luxury ground transfers and hand-picked accommodations ensure seamless service. Whether you seek an adrenaline-fuelled photography safari or a relaxed family adventure, our experts, led locally by Frank Steenhuisen, deliver unforgettable experiences.
Top Luxury Lodges & Camps in Kenya
We partner with Kenya’s finest lodges and camps, each selected for exceptional service, stunning settings and strong conservation credentials. Below are some of our top recommendations for a luxury safari in Kenya.
Mahali Mzuri
Location: Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Maasai Mara
Owned by Sir Richard Branson, Mahali Mzuri (meaning “beautiful place” in Swahili) features twelve tented suites perched on a hilltop overlooking the Mara plains. Each suite offers a private viewing deck, en-suite bathroom and plunge pool. Daily game drives in the adjacent Olare Motorogi Conservancy guarantee sightings of lion prides and cheetah hunts. Sundowners at the hilltop lounge and gourmet bush dinners complete this exclusive experience.
Angama Mara
Location: Mara Triangle, Maasai Mara
Angama Mara is situated three hundred metres above the floor of the Great Rift Valley, offering one of the most dramatic vistas in Africa. With thirty cliffside tented suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, guests enjoy panoramic views of the Mara below. Expert guides lead private game drives, walking safaris and Maasai cultural encounters. Angama’s commitment to community development is demonstrated through support for local schools and health initiatives.
Elsa’s Kopje
Location: Meru National Park
Nestled on ancient volcanic outcrops once home to Elsa the lioness of “Born Free” fame, Elsa’s Kopje comprises ten stone cottages with private plunge pools and panoramic bush views. The lodge blends historic legacy with modern luxury, offering daily game drives to spot elephant herds, black rhino and rare wild dogs. A small on-site museum celebrates Elsa’s story, while fine dining showcases local ingredients.
Ol Donyo Lodge
Location: Chyulu Hills
Set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro’s silhouette, Ol Donyo Lodge features ten stone cottages, each with an outdoor sala and heated plunge pool. Situated within a twelve thousand-acre wildlife conservancy, the lodge provides curated game drives, guided nature walks and visits to the Maa Trust community projects. Sundowners on the lodge’s fire pit deck offer unforgettable Kilimanjaro views.
Elephant Pepper Camp
Location: Amboseli National Park
Elephant Pepper Camp overlooks a floodlit waterhole that attracts bull elephants against the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro. Eighteen luxury tents on wooden platforms include Egyptian cotton bedding and outdoor showers. Guests can enjoy photographic safaris, birding expeditions and cultural visits to neighbouring Maasai communities, while dining under a canopy of stars in the open-air boma.
Olare Mara Kempinski
Location: Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Maasai Mara
With nine elegant suites each featuring a private veranda and plunge pool, Olare Mara Kempinski combines contemporary design with traditional Maasai motifs. The lodge operates carbon-neutral excursions and supports local education and employment. Guided walks, horseback safaris and yoga sessions at the infinity pool add variety to classic game drives.
Exclusive Cultural Encounters
Beyond wildlife, Kenya offers immersive cultural experiences that enrich your safari. Safari Frank can arrange visits to Maasai and Samburu villages, where you’ll learn about traditional beadwork, herding practices and community rites. Participate in local culinary workshops, enjoy traditional dance performances under the stars and engage with projects that benefit village schools and healthcare.
Unique Safari Experiences
For travelers seeking distinctive adventures, SAFARI FRANK offers optional add-ons that elevate your journey. Float over the Mara in a hot-air balloon at dawn, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Explore Laikipia on horseback, track rhino on foot with experienced rangers or embark on a camel safari at the edge of Mount Kenya. Each activity is designed to showcase Kenya’s landscapes in a new light.
Best Time to Visit Kenya
The dry season from July to October is ideal for witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration and consistent wildlife viewing. Bird enthusiasts may prefer the green season, November to May, when migratory species arrive and the landscape turns emerald. Peak months (August and September) attract more visitors, so SAFARI FRANK can recommend less-crowded conservancies or private camps for an exclusive experience.
Planning Your Luxury Kenyan Safari
Comprehensive planning is essential for a seamless luxury safari. SAFARI FRANK handles visa and permit guidance, private air charter bookings and detailed packing lists. We advise on travel insurance, local health requirements and seasonal weather. Our pre-departure briefing includes an in-depth overview of your itinerary, wildlife calendar and cultural insights to ensure you arrive fully prepared.
Health & Safety Considerations
Kenya requires certain vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis for safari regions. SAFARI FRANK provides up-to-date health advice and can arrange medical evacuation coverage if needed. All vehicles are regularly serviced, and lodges adhere to stringent hygiene protocols. Guides and staff are trained in first aid and emergency response, offering peace of mind throughout your journey.
Sustainability & Community Impact
SAFARI FRANK partners exclusively with lodges committed to conservation and community empowerment. From anti-poaching patrols in the Mara to wildlife research programs in Meru, and support for Maasai education projects, your safari directly contributes to protecting Kenya’s natural heritage. Our partners use eco-friendly power solutions, water conservation measures and local staff to minimise environmental impact.
Wildlife Highlights of Kenya
Kenya hosts all of the renowned “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – as well as rare species like Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Witness the thunderous wildebeest crossings of the Mara River, track elusive leopard in dense riverine forests and encounter shoals of flamingos on Lake Nakuru. With over one thousand recorded bird species, Kenya is a paradise for ornithologists and nature photographers alike.
With its unparalleled natural beauty, diverse wildlife spectacles and world-class luxury lodges, Kenya stands at the forefront of safari destinations. Let SAFARI FRANK’s expert team, guided by Frank Steenhuisen’s deep knowledge and passion, design the ultimate luxury safari that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
About Frank Steenhuisen
Frank is the co-founder and lead luxury safari expert at five-star African safari providers Safari Frank, helping travelers experience Africa’s wildlife safely and sustainably. Learn more at Safari Frank.