12 Unique Hotels in Kenya for an Unforgettable Experience
Looking for unique hotels in Kenya? You’ve come to the right place.
Kenya is truly a magical place with some of the best safari hotels in Africa if not the best. In addition, the county has many other excellent hotels along the beaches, the highlands, and even in the city center.
Unique hotels in Kenya include the Giraffe Manor, Loisaba Star Beds, Tafaria Castle, Ali Barbour’s restaurant, and Salt Lick Safari Lodge just to mention a few.
Unforgettable memories aren’t hard to find in Kenya, whether you travel for wildlife, food, safaris, or beautiful accommodation, Kenya has it all. One thing I love about Kenya is that you can experience all this in one hotel.
Now let’s dive into the list!
Tafaria Castle
A beautiful castle located in Laikipia county overlooking Mount Kenya on one side and Laikipia plains on the other. Its strategic location on a hill presents breathtaking views stretching for miles in all directions.
It’s located in a rural area but it truly qualifies as a boutique hotel. The castle is a romantic getaway destination away from the city for those wanting quiet and a breath of fresh air. The hotel features different rooms suitable for couples, families, and solo travelers.
Besides admiring the castle, guests can engage in various activities such as horse riding, mini golf, swimming, game drives, hiking, and archery among others.
The hotel is conveniently situated near the Aberdare Ranges, camping sites, Mt. Kenya, and Thompson Falls. If your itinerary includes these destinations, then this is a good place to spend a night or two. Visitors can also stop by for lunch if not spending the night there.
Giraffe Manor
One of the most popular and unique hotels in the world. At Giraffe Manor the experience is out of this world and very unique, something you’ll only experience in Kenya.
This boutique hotel is located in Karen, Nairobi surrounded by lush green vegetation. Visitors have the pleasure of hand-feeding the giraffes through the windows and/or on the fields. You can take pictures with the giraffes by the swing, a popular spot for couples to take romantic pictures and even kiss a giraffe if you want to.
Visitors fall in love with the hotel not only for the unique experience but also because they get to help in protecting the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes found here.
Loisaba Star Beds
Another unique hotel in Laikipia County is situated in the Loisaba Conservancy. Unlike other safari camps here visitors get to sleep under the stars. The beds on wheels are wheeled out on each camp’s balcony at night for you to sleep under the stars and gaze at nature’s beauty.
If you are worrying about mosquitos relax, each bed has mosquito nets fitted and secured before the bed is rolled out. This prevents mosquitos from getting in before you come into bed.
Worrying about the cold? The beds are super comfy with heavy duvets to keep you warm. To my surprise, once you have fallen asleep you don’t even notice that you are sleeping outside. You only get a reminder when the sun rises and the birds are singing in the morning.
What about wildlife? The camp or sleeping area is located on higher ground and is surrounded by an electric fence that keeps the animals away. No lions or cheetahs will jump onto your bed while sleeping.
It is a very unique and intimate camp, with only 4 camps (meaning 4 beds) located far from each other privacy is topmost. This is a beautiful getaway for couples and star-gazing lovers.
One thing you should keep in mind is, remember to consider the rainy seasons in Kenya before booking your stay. Long rains start in mid-March to May while short rains are from Nov to Dec.
Other activities in the camp include game drives, sundowners, and short hikes. Since the camp is located deep within the conservancy full board booking is recommended. The food here is amazing and includes various Kenyan dishes.
The Sands at Chale Island, Diani
Are you in Kenya wanting a Maldives-like experience? Then you should be booking the overwater villas at The Sands resort located on Chale island. You can get a private overwater villa in Diani for a lower price than what it would normally cost you in the Maldives.
The hotel has two private overwater villas for this unique experience. From your villa, you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, or simply relaxing on the balcony. A romantic place for lovers and the distant location of the other buildings guarantees the utmost privacy.
Keep in mind the resort has other rooms so you will interact with other guests when dining or going for the activities included. Just to mention a few, activities include kayaking, scuba diving, and jet skiing.
Bubble Lodge at Rock & Sea Watamu
Yes, you read that correctly, why book a traditional hotel room when you can sleep in a bubble room? Rock and Sea resort is beautiful and very intimate surrounded by beautiful beaches and many other islands.
The bubble rooms are unique and offer those staying in them the chance to sleep under the stars. Although not the best place to spend a few hours during the day as it gets very hot, the bubble rooms are spectacular at night. The hotel’s dining area has a 360 view of the ocean and the surrounding islands.
The rooms come with a bathroom, toilet, bed, and a view of the beach and the sky. Spend the day exploring the resort, the beach, and nearby islands, or enjoy hand-made pasta straight from Italy. 🙂 Okay, not from Italy but a Kenyan kitchen. The resort is owned by an Italian and the pasta is prepared in Italian style.
Rhino River Camp
A hidden gem in Meru National Park. This eco-friendly tented camp is unique and something you will only find here in Meru. The camp features less than ten tents facing the Kindani River or the natural forest.
A serene environment to unwind, relax and meditate. Surrounded by lush green vegetation, the sounds of the river, and birds singing in the trees. The views from this camp are very Instagram-able with a natural backdrop and will leave you with lasting memories.
While at the camp you can enjoy game drives, go for relaxing nature walks, bike riding, or swim at the pool. It is a magical place to let go of all negative energy, breath in the fresh air, and recharge.
Salt Lick Safari Lodge
You can’t talk about unique hotels in Kenya and fail to mention Salt Lick Safari Lodge. The most photographed luxury safari lodge in Kenya. Located in Tsavo West National Park in the heart of Taita Hills overlooking the Taita plains and a water reservoir where wildlife comes to quench thirst.
The rooms are on raised pillars allowing wildlife to roam freely without causing conflict with the guests. The architecture of the lodge is something to marvel at. The roofs feature a hut-like design making the hotel unique. It’s like you are in a floating luxury hut over a wildlife conservancy.
From the comfort of your hotel room, you will enjoy viewing wildlife, sunrises, and sunsets over the Taita plains. Guests also have a chance to learn about the Taita TAveta people one of the communities on the Kenyan coast. Enjoy game drives, mouthwatering meals, and more.
Sieku Glamping
Are you into glamping? Experience glamping at this one-of-a-kind glamping site located in Laikipia County. Sitting on a raised 33-acre piece of land the luxury campsite offers views of Mt. Kenya and Laikipia plains to the south. The sacred Mount Ololokwe, Lol Daiga hills, Borana & Lewa conservancies, Mathew mountains, and the Mukogodo Forest to the north.
The huge camping grounds are ideal for biking and walking, as well as watching the sunset over the plains. For the utmost experience, the camp only features five tents making it very intimate. Perfect for couples, families, and friends.
If you are participating in the Lewa marathon you can stay here as it is very close to the conservancy.
TreeHouse at Segera Retreat
Located at the foot of Mount Kenya grasslands with different styles of accommodation to suit the different types of adventurers.
The most unique accommodation at the retreat is the Nay Palad Bird Nest. An award-winning destination with a room that looks like a huge bird’s nest from the outside. Built on a raised platform the room has views of the plains, Mt. Kenya, and the pristine nature surrounding the hotel.
When staying in this room you can enjoy 360 views of nature, wildlife, beautiful sunsets, sunrises, and the sky at night. Enjoy all this from your cozy and warm bed or from the rooftop of the nest.
Other rooms are available at the resort, but none beats the experience here in my opinion.
Watamu Treehouse
Built within the lush green Watamu forest, Watamu Treehouse offers guests a 360 view of the surroundings. On one side are views of the Indian Ocean while on the other side are the tree tops of the natural forest.
The hotel towers have very unique designs and nothing you have seen before. The inside is even more beautiful. From the white walls, and colorful glass decor, to the uneven details on the inside.
Enjoy the views from your room or on the balcony all around the tower. This offers a serene environment for meditation, reading, yoga, and relaxation.
Don’t worry, if you need to visit local sites, or relax on the beach, all these are only a walking distance or a short drive away from the treehouse. The experience here is one of a kind and leaves you feeling renewed and refreshed.
The Brandy Bus
Looking for accommodation near Giraffe Center, and Karen Blixen Museum, or simply looking for a unique and affordable stay near Giraffe Manor? Then this is your go-to accommodation. The Brandy Bus is located in Karen, Nairobi close to very many tourist attraction sites as mentioned.
The renovated bus has ou beds and on the bathroom. Ideal for families or a group of friends traveling together. If you are traveling as a couple or a solo traveler you can still enjoy this bus hotel as long as it’s available for booking. Check availability on Airbnb.
You can cook your own meals or order from the many restaurants nearby. It also comes with ample parking, a garden, a private patio and so much more. A quiet environment to relax and unwind or have fun with loved ones.
Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant
Unlike all other hotels mentioned above this one is a restaurant and doesn’t have accommodation. I felt it deserves a place on this list because it is one of a kind in Kenya.
Located on Diani Beach on the Kenyan coast. This restaurant is very unique and takes fine dining to a whole new level. The sitting area is in a naturally formed cave formed over 100,000 years ago. Formed from naturally occurring corals and has a huge opening on the ceiling.
At night dimly lit candles give the place a very romantic mood. Enjoy the diverse cuisines as you gaze at the stars and enjoy some music. Open from 5 pm to 11 pm. Bring you came to capture some beautiful photos.
