Kenya, a country of extraordinary natural beauty and diverse landscapes, is home to several stunning cliff-top hotels that take full advantage of these breathtaking settings.
Ranging from the vast, wildlife-rich plains of the Maasai Mara to the rugged landscapes of the Laikipia Plateau, these hotels offer a unique blend of luxury and adventure, providing their guests with an unparalleled immersive experience in the wild beauty of Africa.
Here are some of the top cliff-top hotels in Kenya.
Sirai House
Sirai House is a luxurious, private residence located in the heart of the Borana Conservancy, on the Laikipia Plateau in Kenya. Built by Nicky and Gaby Hahn and designed by renowned architects, it was initially built as a private home but is also available for exclusive hire.
The house is perched on a hilltop at an altitude of 2,000m, offering panoramic views of the wild Kenyan landscape, including Mount Kenya. The Borana Conservancy is a privately-owned, non-profit wildlife conservancy committed to the sustainable conservation of critical habitat and wildlife.
The house can accommodate up to twelve guests in six large and luxuriously appointed bedrooms, each with its own private outdoor terrace. The rooms feature contemporary designs that blend with traditional African elements, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. The house also includes a private study, a games room, and a wine cellar.
Guests at Sirai House have access to a gym, spa, steam room, infinity pool, and a hot tub. Outdoor features include a fire pit, a putting green, and stables for horseback riding. The staff provide personalized services and can arrange various activities such as game drives, horse riding, bush walks, and helicopter rides.
The Conservancy is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros). From Sirai House, guests can embark on exciting game drives and guided walks. Its location on a cliff provides an excellent vantage point for observing the wildlife below.
Sirai House is committed to sustainability and conservation. It uses solar power, sources water from a borehole, and operates a policy of minimal waste. The house’s existence supports the work of the Conservancy, contributing to the protection of wildlife in the area.
Angama Mara
Angama Mara is a luxury safari lodge located in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, overlooking the Great Rift Valley. Named after the Swahili word for “suspended in mid-air,” Angama Mara seems to float over the Mara Triangle, offering unparalleled views of the landscape below.
Location: The lodge is perched on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment, overlooking the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, known for its abundance of wildlife and the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra.
Angama Mara comprises two separate and intimate camps, each with 15 tented suites designed for comfort and offering magnificent 180-degree views over the plains below. The tents blend traditional safari aesthetics with modern design elements.
The lodge offers a fitness center, infinity pool, library, and craft studio. Each camp has its own guest area, with a library, bar, and dining area. Meals can be enjoyed in a variety of locations, from the privacy of your suite deck to the lodge’s picnic sites on the Mara plains.
Angama Mara offers exceptional wildlife experiences. Game drives are tailored to guests’ preferences, and the location provides a perfect base for witnessing the Great Migration. Aside from game drives, hot-air balloon safaris and walking safaris are available. The lodge is also just a short drive away from the location where some of the most iconic scenes from Out of Africa were filmed.
Angama Mara is deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the Maasai Mara ecosystem. It works in close partnership with the local Maasai community, with efforts including education, healthcare, and business mentoring initiatives. The Angama Foundation, funded by nightly contributions from guests, supports meaningful projects in the neighbouring communities and conservation initiatives.
Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu is a luxury safari lodge located in Kenya’s Kalama Community Conservancy, near Samburu National Reserve. Designed to be an eco-friendly space that offers a blend of contemporary and traditional elements, the lodge is notable for its impressive location atop a large rocky hill, providing guests with stunning panoramic views of the wild Kenyan landscape.
Saruni Samburu is situated in northern Kenya, about seven kilometers from the northern border of the Samburu National Reserve. It overlooks a vast expanse of wilderness, providing unparalleled views of the Matthews Range, the sacred mountain of Ol Lolokwe, the Samburu plains, and even Mount Kenya on a clear day.
The lodge offers six eco-chic, open and spacious villas that integrate local Samburu style with elegant Italian design. Each villa features a large, open-air veranda that offers unobstructed views of the landscape. The decor includes local artifacts and textiles, and every villa offers all the comforts of modern luxury lodging.
The lodge boasts two infinity pools, a spa, multiple open-air dining areas, and Wi-Fi in common areas. The staff at Saruni Samburu arranges guided game drives and walking safaris, and you can also partake in cultural experiences with the local Samburu community.
As part of the Ewaso ecosystem, the area around Saruni Samburu is teeming with wildlife, including large herds of elephants, lions, and endangered species like the Grevy’s zebra and the reticulated giraffe. The lodge’s location on a rocky outcrop provides excellent wildlife viewing and birdwatching opportunities.
Saruni Samburu is committed to sustainability and working with local communities. The lodge operates on solar power, and its water is sourced from a local spring. Additionally, by staying at Saruni Samburu, guests contribute to the welfare of the local Samburu people and support the preservation of the unique culture and wildlife in the area.
Loldia House
Loldia House sits on a 6,500 acre ranch in the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by ancient acacia trees and green pastures. It offers striking views of Lake Naivasha and, in the distance, the dormant volcano Mount Longonot. The property is about a two-hour drive from Nairobi, making it a convenient getaway from the city.
Loldia House offers a selection of beautifully appointed rooms within the original colonial-style house and cottages in the garden. It is famed for its homely atmosphere, combining old-world charm with modern comfort. The decor is reminiscent of a bygone era, with colonial-era antiques and fresh flowers from the gardens, giving the house a distinct, timeless elegance.
The house boasts a spacious verandah for alfresco dining, an outdoor swimming pool, and expansive gardens that guests can explore. Game drives, boat trips, bird watching, and nature walks are part of the activities on offer. Excursions to Hell’s Gate National Park or a day trip to Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its flamingos and rhinoceros, can be arranged.
Lake Naivasha is known for its high avian diversity, and guests at Loldia House can enjoy excellent birdwatching. Wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes can often be seen roaming the property. Boat trips on the lake offer close encounters with hippos and a myriad of waterbirds.
Loldia House is part of the Governors’ Camp Collection, a company committed to sustainable tourism practices. The property engages in numerous community and conservation projects, including initiatives to protect local wildlife and their habitats.
Loisaba Tented Camp
The Loisaba Tented Camp is set on a 57,000-acre private wildlife conservancy. This location offers a seclusion that’s hard to match, with its expansive views of the wild, untouched Kenyan landscapes. This location, perched on the edge of a plateau, offers guests magnificent views towards Mount Kenya. It is approximately a four-hour drive from the city of Nanyuki.
Loisaba offers luxurious tented suites designed with a modern African decorative style. Each tent is positioned to maximize the panoramic views, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private verandah. The camp includes three family combinations, and there are options for exclusive use of part of the camp for larger groups.
The camp features a large dining area, a separate open-air bar, and a comfortable lounge. There’s also a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the landscape. Activities offered include day and night game drives, guided bush walks, horse and camel trekking, fishing, and visits to the anti-poaching security operations.
The Loisaba Conservancy is teeming with wildlife. You can spot elephants, a variety of antelope species, lions, wild dogs, and even leopards. The conservancy is also involved in the conservation of Grevy’s zebras and African wild dogs, providing unique wildlife viewing opportunities for guests.
The camp is committed to conserving Kenya’s biodiversity, and revenue from tourism directly supports conservation efforts in the Loisaba Conservancy. Loisaba works closely with local communities and has several programs designed to uplift these communities and ensure they benefit from tourism.
The Emakoko
Situated in Nairobi National Park, The Emakoko is nestled in the valley of the Mbagathi River, on the park’s southern border. The lodge is conveniently positioned, with just a 45-minute drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and a similar distance to the city center. This proximity offers guests the opportunity to see wildlife, such as lions and giraffes, within minutes of leaving the bustling city or landing at the airport.
The Emakoko has ten beautifully appointed rooms spread out along the cliff face, each enjoying privacy and views over the national park and the river. The rooms are spacious, elegantly designed, and furnished with a blend of modern and traditional African décor.
The lodge includes a swimming pool and a relaxing spa. It also has a restaurant and bar area that offers delicious, locally sourced meals and drinks, with views over the park. Game drives into Nairobi National Park and trips to local attractions such as the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre can be arranged.
Nairobi National Park, despite its proximity to the city, is a well-protected wildlife area. Guests can see a wide variety of animals, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and more. The park is also a rhino sanctuary, which makes seeing these endangered animals a likelihood.
The Emakoko is committed to operating sustainably and supporting local communities. They contribute to conservation efforts in the park, and also support local artisans and farmers by sourcing locally produced goods.
The Cliff
The Cliff, located in Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya, is a luxury tented camp that offers a unique blend of comfort and immersion in nature. Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking Lake Nakuru, the camp provides guests with breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and the park.
The Cliff is situated in the heart of Lake Nakuru National Park, an area renowned for its remarkable birdlife and rich diversity of wildlife. The lodge’s location on a high cliff offers stunning views of the park and the lake, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
The camp offers 10 luxury tents, each boasting a private patio with an outdoor seating area that provides a perfect vantage point for enjoying the views. The interiors are elegantly designed with a modern touch and include amenities such as a freestanding bath and a separate rain shower.
The Cliff’s facilities include a fitness center, spa, infinity pool, and an a la carte restaurant that serves international and local Kenyan cuisine. The camp arranges game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park, guided walks, and other bespoke activities as per guests’ requests.
The park is a sanctuary for both black and white rhino species, and it’s home to lions, leopards, buffaloes, and more. Lake Nakuru itself is famous for the pink cloud of flamingos that often gather at its shores. From the vantage point of the camp, guests can enjoy watching wildlife roam across the plains and observe the changing colors of the lake.
The Cliff is committed to sustainable practices. The camp operates on solar power and has a rainwater collection system. Also, much of the food served in the restaurant is sourced from local suppliers to support the local economy.
Tumbili Cliff Lodge
umbili Cliff Lodge is a boutique hotel located on the banks of Lake Baringo in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Perched on a rocky cliff, the lodge offers stunning panoramic views over the lake and the surrounding wilderness. Here are more details about the property:
Tumbili Cliff Lodge is situated on a cliff overlooking Lake Baringo, one of Kenya’s most diverse ecosystems. The lodge is about a four-hour drive from Nairobi and offers a peaceful retreat in a location teeming with birdlife.
The lodge offers 12 spacious rooms that overlook Lake Baringo. Each room is designed to blend with the natural surroundings and features a private verandah where guests can take in the views. The rooms are equipped with modern conveniences to ensure a comfortable stay.
Tumbili Cliff Lodge features an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar. The restaurant offers a selection of local and international dishes, and the bar is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink while watching the sunset. The lodge can arrange for a variety of activities, including bird watching, nature walks, and boat rides on the lake.
Lake Baringo is one of Kenya’s premier locations for bird watching, with over 450 species recorded in the area. The lake is also home to hippos and crocodiles, which can often be seen from the lodge. The surrounding area is rich in local culture and guests can visit nearby Pokot and Njemps villages for a cultural experience.
Tumbili Cliff Lodge is committed to maintaining an eco-friendly environment. The lodge operates in a way that minimizes its impact on the environment, and it also works to support the local community.
Maji Moto Eco Camp
Maji Moto Eco Camp is situated approximately 3 hours from Nairobi by road, located close to the famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The camp is nestled in a scenic valley, offering views of the nearby Loita Hills and the vast savannah.
The camp provides a traditional Maasai experience with accommodations in small, semi-permanent manyattas (traditional Maasai huts). These huts, made from local materials, are simple but clean and comfortable, with bedding and mosquito nets provided.
The camp has basic facilities with an emphasis on sustainability. There’s a communal dining area where guests are served organic meals, often prepared with locally grown ingredients. The camp also organizes various activities such as guided walks, wildlife safaris to the Maasai Mara, traditional Maasai warrior training, and cultural visits to a local Maasai village.
While the camp itself is not in a wildlife reserve, its proximity to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially during the Great Wildebeest Migration. The surrounding area is also excellent for bird watching and nature walks.
Maji Moto Eco Camp operates on principles of sustainable tourism and community involvement. It’s run by local Maasai people and a significant portion of the camp’s profits are invested back into the community to support education, healthcare, and other local initiatives. The camp also has a strong emphasis on environmental conservation.
Maili Saba Camp
Maili Saba Camp is a small, intimate camp situated on the edge of the Menengai Crater, near Nakuru in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. It offers stunning views of the crater and a unique combination of comfort, relaxation, and adventure in a serene environment.
Maili Saba Camp is located on the outskirts of Nakuru, approximately a 15-minute drive from Nakuru Town. It’s perched on the edge of the Menengai Crater, one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world.
The camp offers 10 luxurious tented suites, each equipped with a private verandah offering panoramic views of the Menengai Crater. The suites are spacious, featuring comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and a cozy seating area.
Amenities at the camp include a restaurant serving both local and international cuisine, a bar, and a swimming pool. They also offer a variety of activities, such as guided hikes to the Menengai Crater, cultural visits to nearby local communities, bird watching, and trips to Lake Nakuru National Park for game drives.
While wildlife at the camp itself is minimal, its proximity to Lake Nakuru National Park allows for easy access to view the park’s abundant wildlife, which includes flamingos, rhinos, lions, giraffes, and more. The views of the Menengai Crater from the camp are spectacular, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
Maili Saba Camp emphasizes sustainable tourism practices. They strive to minimize their environmental impact and actively involve the local community in their operations.
