Kenya has a wide variety of accommodation in all the major game areas, ranging from lodges to small tented camps. On your first visit to Kenya you may feel more comfortable staying in a lodge. However, it is the smaller, privately owned, lodges and tented camps which are able to offer the highest standard of personal service, together with a variety of game viewing activities which are not available in the national parks, such as night game drives, walking and horse riding.

Il Moran, Masai Mara Anyone who has watched the BBC coverage of “Big Cat Diary” will already be familiar with this part of the Mara. Il Moran and its sister camp, Little Governors, are well known for big cat sightings, elephant, and large numbers of wildebeest & zebra during the migration. Hot air balloon safaris leave daily from Little Governors camp.

Rekero Camp, Masai Mara Rekero's tented camp is owner-run by Gerard and Rainee Beaton. This mobile tented camp is set up seasonally (Jun/ Oct, Dec/Mar), and is ideally situated for the annual migration. Wildlife viewing at Rekero is either on foot, guided by experienced Il Dorobo and Masai trackers, or in custom built 4 wheel drive vehicles.

Lewa Downs, Laikipia Lewa Downs, home to the Craig family for almost a century, is now one of Kenya’s renowned “bush homes”. Nine thatched guest cottages, within a private conservancy, allow guests many more activities than is possible within national parks. Walking, horse riding, night game drives, cultural visits to local villages and prehistoric sites are all offered.

Sabuk, Laikipia Perched high on a riverbank, Sabuk’s five cottages are open-fronted, with stunning views of the river and cliffs. This is an ideal base for walking and camel safaris, led by a professional safari guide together with a team of Laikipiak trekkers. Guests can opt to fly-camp in the wilderness before returning to the home comforts of the lodge.

Elephant Watch Camp, Samburu If elephants are your passion, this personalised 4-tented camp is the perfect choice. Inspired by Oria & Ian Douglas-Hamilton who have spent a lifetime researching elephant behaviour, guests are involved in the daily monitoring of local elephant herds. Samburu is game rich with some unusual species indigenous to this arid area.

Kitich Camp, Matthews Range The Italian owner of this camp is passionate about this area of northern Kenya, which captures the feeling of wild Africa. The six-bedded tented camp is lit by hurricane lamps, with bucket showers and long-drop loos! Traditional Tuscan cuisine, and walks with local Samburu guides, makes this the perfect escape from modern life.

Tortillis Camp, Amboseli Snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, can be seen from your luxury tent at Tortillis. Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant herds and, in addition to game drives, there are walks with local Masai guides. Food is delicious and fresh pasta is a speciality.

Kizingo, Lamu Island Kizingo is the ultimate 'no news, no shoes’ beach resort; a wonderful secluded and tranquil escape. Six bandas are situated at the end of a spectacular beach. The swimming is excellent and for the more energetic the choice of activities includes a guided tour of historic Lamu town, excellent snorkelling, guided cycle rides on the mainland, and swimming with dolphins.

Funzi Keys There is something very romantic about flying to an island, even if it is only a 15 minute hop from the mainland. This island hideaway has spacious, stone and thatch bandas, and offers a multitude of water-based fun things to do if you feel up to it. Watching the dhows sailing by whilst lounging by the pool is also recommended!