Camping in Kenya: The Best Camp Sites to Experience

You've always wanted to go camping in Kenya, and now you finally get the chance, but what should you pack?

Kenya has some amazing national parks and wildlife reserves where you can camp out and experience nature at its finest.

Whether you want to hike through the mountains, observe wild animals, enjoy a tented camp or luxury camp, or just relax in the sun during an afternoon game drive, here are some things you'll definitely need to bring along.

When going camping, you’ll want to take plenty of supplies with you.

These include food, water, a tent, sleeping bags, flashlights, a stove, a lantern, a compass, a map, a knife, matches, toilet paper, soap, sunscreen, insect repellent, mosquito netting, flashlight batteries, a lighter, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a camera, a phone charger, a GPS device, a book, a journal, a pillow, a towel, a toothbrush, money for the park fee (often based on a person per night), safari guides, and a change of clothes.

There are many campsites in Kenya where you can spend some time with nature and enjoy the beauty of this country. If you want to go camping in Kenya, here are some of the best campsites in Kenya:

Best campsites lodges in Kenya

The best place to camp in Kenya is at Ololosokwan Game Reserve. It has a variety of accommodation options ranging from camping to luxury tents. There are also plenty of activities available including horse riding, canoeing, hiking and fishing.

Tree Platform Ngare Ndare Forest

The tree platform is located at the Ngare Ndare forest which is one of the largest protected areas in Kenya. It has many different species of trees including acacia, baobab, eucalyptus, mango, mahogany, oak, pine, rubber, and willow. There are also several types of grasses and shrubs.

Lake Paradise Special Campsite Marsabit National Park

The camp site is located at the foot of Mount Marsabit, which rises to 3,000 metres above sea level. It has a number of facilities including electricity, running water and toilets. There are also two restaurants nearby where guests can enjoy local cuisine.

Central Island National Park Lake Turkana

The lake has become increasingly polluted since the 1960s due to agricultural runoff from nearby farms and villages. In fact, it was once so polluted that it was considered too dangerous for swimming.

Camping in the Rift Valley western Kenya

The best time to visit the area is during the dry season from November through April. During this period, temperatures average between 15°C (59°F) and 30°C (86°F). It gets hot at night, so it’s important to pack plenty of layers.

Camp Carnelly’s Lake Naivasha

The campground at Lake Naivasha has a number of activities available including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching, and photography. There are also plenty of restaurants nearby, so it’s easy to grab food before heading out into nature.

Bongo campsite Aberdare National Park

The best place to camp in Kenya is at Aberdare National Park. This national park has a variety of accommodation options from camping to luxury lodges. It’s located just outside Nairobi and is home to some of the country’s most famous wildlife, including elephants, lions and leopards.

Mount Suswa crater rim Mount Suswa

The mountain range has a number of peaks including Mount Suswa which is located at 3,895 metres above sea level. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Camping in eastern Kenya

The campsites are located at the foot of Mount Elgon, which is one of the highest mountains in Africa. There are two main camping areas – Mwea and Kidepo Valley. Both offer accommodation, food and drink, and activities like hiking, horse riding, fishing and bird watching.

Camping in southern Kenya

There are many campsites around the Masai Mara National Reserve, but most are located outside the reserve itself. The best camping spots are within the park, where you will find plenty of wildlife and beautiful scenery. If you want to camp inside the national reserve, you should book accommodation at one of the lodges.

Wildebeest Eco Camp

The camp has a great location near Lake Naivasha and offers activities like horse riding, hiking, canoeing, and fishing. It’s also close to Masai Mara National Reserve, where you can see wildebeests migrating from July through October. There are also plenty of opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, zebras, giraffes, baboons, and rhinos.

Acacia Tree Lodge

The lodge has a great location overlooking the Aberdare Mountains National Park. It offers comfortable rooms with en suite bathrooms and hot showers. There is a restaurant serving local cuisine and a bar where guests can relax after a day of hiking.

Eka Hotel

The hotel has a restaurant serving local cuisine, but it’s not recommended for vegetarians. It’s best to book at least three days in advance.

Ole Sereni

I am a Kenyan born, American educated entrepreneur who has lived in Africa since 2003. My company, Sereni Travel, provides safari tours throughout East Africa. I am passionate about travel, adventure, and helping people find unique ways to experience the world around them.

Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp

The campsite has a pool, barbeque facilities and a restaurant. It’s located in the middle of the Serengeti National Park, which means it’s surrounded by wildlife. There are also plenty of activities available including horse riding, hiking, canoeing, fishing, bird watching and game drives.

Aruba Mara Camp

The camp offers a variety of activities including horse riding, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. It has a restaurant, bar, and spa. The camp is located near the beach and is close to the airport. 

Do I need to book my accommodation in advance?

If you want to stay at one of our campsites, then you should book well ahead. There are only so many places available, and we don’t always have space to accommodate last minute requests.

Are campsites widely available in Kenya?

There are plenty of campsites around the country, but they tend to be found along the coast rather than inland. The best way to find one is by contacting local tour operators who will usually be able to arrange this for you.

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