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Imara Africa Safaris
Where to Stay

Safari Accommodations

From luxury lodges perched above the savanna to intimate tented camps under the stars — discover where you'll rest between game drives.

Handpicked StaysVerified PropertiesLuxury & BudgetEast Africa

Showing 112 of 105 stays

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Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Featured Best Location
Lodge

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Masai Mara National Reserve

Unwind at Mara Serena Safari Lodge, offering magnificent views of Kenya's Great Migration while providing the luxury and personalized experience of Imara Africa Safaris.

PoolRestaurantBar+8
5 highlights6 activities11 dining100 rooms
Melia Arusha
Featured
Hotel

Melia Arusha

Arusha City

Gran Melia Arusha is a five‑star luxury hotel in Tanzania offering stylish rooms with city or mountain views, multiple restaurants, a pool, spa and wellness facilities, and easy access to safari destinations.

Swimming PoolRoom Service AvailableFitness Centre & Yoga Area+13
4 highlights5 activities5 dining171 rooms
Melia Zanzibar
Featured Luxury
Hotel

Melia Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Melia Zanzibar is a luxurious 5‑star beachfront resort located in Kiwengwa on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, set on a 16‑hectare estate beside a 300‑metre long stretch of pearly white sand lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Private white‑sand beach & sun loungersFree Wi‑FiTennis court & outdoor sports areas+3
4 highlights10 activities8 dining159 rooms
Ol Tukai Lodge
Featured Best Location
Lodge

Ol Tukai Lodge

Amboseli National Park

Ol Tukai Lodge is a luxurious safari lodge nestled within the heart of Amboseli National Park, offering stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak.

RestaurantEn-suite BathroomBar+15
4 highlights10 activities4 dining80 rooms
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Featured Best for Families
Lodge

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge

Lake Nakuru National Park

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge offers classic chalet accommodation with private terraces and sweeping views of Lake Nakuru, plus a pool, spa, great dining, and easy access to wildlife and flamingo‑rich scenery inside Lake Nakuru National Park.

Swimming PoolSpa & WellnessGift Shop & Boutique+14
7 highlights9 activities16 dining
Sarova Mara Game Camp
Featured Best Location
Lodge

Sarova Mara Game Camp

Masai Mara National Reserve

Sarova Mara Game Camp offers luxury tented safari accommodation in the Masai Mara, with private decks, pool, restaurant, and activities like game drives, wellness, and cultural experiences.

Wi‑FiRestaurant (Isokon & Boma Dining)Laundry Services+5
5 highlights6 activities11 dining
Satao Elerai Camp
Featured Eco-Friendly
Camp

Satao Elerai Camp

Amboseli National Park

Satao Elerai Camp is an exclusive luxury safari camp set on a private conservation area near Amboseli National Park, offering breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and abundant wildlife right outside your door.

Lounge & Viewing Deck AreasWi‑Fi in Public AreasOutdoor Swimming Pool+9
4 highlights9 activities6 dining17 rooms
The Cliff Nakuru
Featured Eco-Friendly
Hotel

The Cliff Nakuru

Nakuru City

The Cliff Nakuru is a luxury cliff‑top lodge overlooking Lake Nakuru, offering chic tented suites with panoramic lake views, modern amenities, restaurant, pool, and easy access to birdlife and game drives.

Outdoor Infinity‑style Swimming Pool overlooking the lakeWi‑FiFitness Centre / Gym+5
4 highlights5 activities6 dining10 rooms
Zebra plains Mara Camp
Featured
Camp

Zebra plains Mara Camp

Masai Mara National Reserve

Zebra Plains Mara Camp offers a selection of luxury tents that combine comfort with the raw beauty of the Masai Mara. Each tent is spacious and elegantly furnished, with a blend of African-inspired décor and modern amenities. The camp’s tented accommodations include:

swimming poolWi-FiEn-suite Bathroom+11
7 highlights
Aa Lodge Amboseli
Best Value
Hotel

Aa Lodge Amboseli

Amboseli National Park

AA Lodge Amboseli offers comfortable accommodation near Amboseli National Park with pool, restaurant, bar, spa, and panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro ideal for safari travellers.

Bar & Poolside LoungeWi‑FiPlayground & Family‑Friendly Facilities+6
4 highlights5 activities4 dining64 rooms
Almanara Luxury Villas
Luxury
Villa

Almanara Luxury Villas

Diani Beach

Discover opulence at the Almanara Villas in Diani Beach. Indulge in unparalleled luxury, enjoy private pools, personalized services, and an exotic beachfront club amidst lush Kenyan gardens.

ButlerLaundryGym+20
5 highlights12 activities9 dining11 rooms
Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Best Views
Lodge

Amboseli Sopa Lodge

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli Sopa Lodge is a charming and spacious lodge situated in the heart of Amboseli National Park, offering unparalleled views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Surrounded by lush gardens, the lodge features comfortable accommodations with traditional African décor and modern amenities.

Cultural VisitsSwimming PoolDaily Housekeeping+10
4 highlights7 activities4 dining83 rooms
...

Why Your Safari Accommodation Matters

Your accommodation is more than a place to sleep — it's an integral part of the safari experience. Imagine waking to elephants at your waterhole, dining under a canopy of stars, or falling asleep to the distant roar of a lion. The right lodge or camp transforms your trip from ordinary to extraordinary.

East Africa offers an incredible range of stays: from ultra-luxury tented camps with private plunge pools in the Masai Mara, to eco-friendly bush lodges in the Serengeti, intimate boutique camps in the Okavango, and community-owned conservancy retreats that fund local education and wildlife protection.

Whether you're a first-timer seeking comfort or a seasoned traveller craving adventure, we've handpicked every property on this page — personally inspected by our team for quality, location, and value.

Types of Safari Accommodation

Luxury Tented Camps

Canvas walls, real beds, ensuite bathrooms, and gourmet dining — the iconic safari experience. Perfect for the Mara, Serengeti, and Amboseli.

Safari Lodges

Permanent stone or wood structures with modern comforts, swimming pools, and panoramic views. Ideal for families and longer stays.

Eco Lodges & Treehouses

Sustainable properties that minimize environmental impact while maximising immersion in nature. Often powered by solar energy.

Budget Camps & Bandas

Simple, clean, and affordable options near park gates. Great for budget-conscious travellers who want to maximise game-drive time.

Mobile & Fly Camps

Lightweight camps that follow wildlife migrations. The most exclusive and adventurous safari experience available.

When to Book

Peak season (July–October and December–February) sees the highest demand — book 6–12 months ahead for popular camps in the Mara and Serengeti. Shoulder season (March–May and November) offers excellent rates and fewer crowds. Budget camps often have availability closer to travel dates, but luxury properties fill fast year-round.

What's Included

Most safari lodges and camps operate on a full-board basis — all meals, teas, and coffee are included. Many luxury properties offer all-inclusive packagescovering house drinks, laundry, and guided game drives. Budget options may be room-only or half-board. Always check what's included before booking.

Popular Combinations

  • Masai Mara luxury camp + Nairobi boutique hotel
  • Serengeti tented camp + Ngorongoro Crater lodge
  • Bwindi gorilla lodge + Queen Elizabeth safari camp
  • Amboseli eco-lodge + Tsavo wilderness camp

Our Quality Promise

  • Every property personally inspected by our team
  • Direct partnerships — no middlemen or hidden fees
  • Honest reviews and real guest photography
  • 24/7 on-ground support during your stay

Frequently Asked Questions

1What type of safari accommodation is best for first-timers?

Safari lodges are ideal for first-time visitors — they offer permanent structures with familiar hotel-like comforts including ensuite bathrooms, electricity, and Wi-Fi. Many have swimming pools, restaurants, and knowledgeable staff to help you settle in. Once you're comfortable with the bush, upgrade to a tented camp for a more immersive experience.

2Are safari camps safe?

Absolutely. Safari camps are professionally managed with trained staff, security patrols, and strict protocols. Canvas walls may feel thin, but camps have been operating safely for over a century. Animals rarely approach camp areas, and Maasai or ranger escorts are provided for night walks. You're statistically safer in a safari camp than driving on a city highway.

3What's the difference between full-board and all-inclusive?

Full-board includes three meals a day plus tea and coffee. All-inclusive adds house wines, spirits, soft drinks, laundry, and often guided activities like game drives, bush walks, and cultural visits. All-inclusive is more common at luxury properties and represents better value if you plan to participate in multiple activities.

4How do I choose between a lodge and a tented camp?

Lodges offer more space, modern amenities, and usually better connectivity — perfect for families and longer stays. Tented camps provide a more authentic bush experience — you hear the wildlife at night, feel closer to nature, and enjoy a romantic atmosphere. Many travellers combine both in a single trip for the best of both worlds.

5Can I stay inside national parks?

Yes, many parks have lodges and camps within their boundaries. Staying inside the park means you start game drives earlier and finish later — maximising your wildlife viewing time. Properties outside parks (in conservancies or buffer zones) often offer exclusive experiences like night drives and walking safaris that aren't permitted in national parks.

6What amenities can I expect at a safari lodge?

Even mid-range safari lodges typically include ensuite bathrooms with hot water, comfortable beds with mosquito nets, a restaurant, lounge area, and often a swimming pool. Luxury properties add private decks, plunge pools, spa services, Wi-Fi, laundry, and in-room charging stations. Budget options may have shared facilities but are always clean and secure.

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