Kenya’s Safari Lodges with the Most Breathtaking Views

Kenya’s Safari Lodges with the Most Breathtaking Views

From sweeping savannas teeming with wildlife to iconic Mount Kilimanjaro backdrops, Kenya’s top lodges combine luxury with unforgettable vistas. Here are the 10 best safari lodges for jaw-dropping views—perfect for photographers, honeymooners, and nature lovers.

1. Angama Mara (Maasai Mara)

Why? Perched 1,000 feet above the Mara, this lodge offers panoramic views of the Great Migration river crossings.

  • Signature View: Wildebeest herds from private decks (glass floors for vertigo-free gazing).
  • Best For: Honeymooners & photographers.

2. &Beyond Bateleur Camp (Maasai Mara)

Why? Nestled under ancient fig trees, it overlooks the Mara’s golden plains.

  • Signature View: Hot-air balloons drifting over lion territories at sunrise.
  • Best For: Classic safari luxury.

3. Tortilis Camp (Amboseli)

Why? Uninterrupted Kilimanjaro views with elephants grazing in the foreground.

  • Signature View: Snow-capped Kili at dawn, reflected in swamp waters.
  • Best For: Iconic Africa photo ops.

4. Saruni Mara (Maasai Mara Private Conservancy)

Why? Built into a rocky hillside, it has 360-degree views of the Mara North Conservancy.

  • Signature View: Private sundowner spots with endless horizons.
  • Best For: Seclusion & exclusivity.

5. Ol Donyo Lodge (Chyulu Hills)

Why? Infinity pools facing Kilimanjaro, with starry skies at night.

  • Signature View: Elephants moving through acacia-dotted plains below.
  • Best For: Romantic getaways.

6. Segera Retreat (Laikipia Plateau)

Why? A 360-degree wilderness panorama from its rooftop lounge.

  • Signature View: Rare Grevy’s zebras against mountain backdrops.
  • Best For: Art + safari lovers (owned by a Nat Geo photographer).

7. Elsa’s Kopje (Meru National Park)

Why? Carved into Mughwango Hill, it overlooks lush river valleys.

  • Signature View: George Adamson’s (of Born Free fame) former terrain.
  • Best For: Off-the-beaten-path wilderness.

8. Governors’ Camp (Maasai Mara)

Why? Tents along the Mara River, where hippos and crocs linger.

  • Signature View: Migration herds crossing right below your deck.
  • Best For: Classic tented safaris.

9. Sala’s Camp (Maasai Mara – Southern Border)

Why? The southernmost lodge in Kenya, with Serengeti-meets-Mara views.

  • Signature View: Huge lion prides patrolling the Sand River.
  • Best For: Migration front-row seats.

10. The Emakoko (Nairobi National Park)

Why? A clifftop escape just 30 mins from Nairobi, with skyline + savanna views.

  • Signature View: Giraffes silhouetted against city lights at dusk.
  • Best For: Pre/post-safari stays.

Bonus: Best Views for Budget Travelers

  • Mara Explorers Camp: Riverfront tents under $200/night.
  • Kibo Safari Camp (Amboseli): Kilimanjaro views for mid-range budgets.

Pro Tips for Choosing

✔ Migration Season (July–Oct): Book Angama or Sala’s Camp.
✔ Kilimanjaro Fans: Tortilis or Ol Donyo.
✔ Avoid Crowds: Saruni Mara (private conservancy).