Kenya’s three flagship safari regions each offer something special for travelers—Amboseli for its elephant herds and Kilimanjaro views, Masai Mara for the legendary migration and predator action, and Tsavo for its vast wilderness and off-the-beaten-track adventure. Your choice of accommodation can shape the entire experience. Here’s how they compare.
1. Destination Overviews
Amboseli National Park
- Highlights: Epic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, huge elephant herds, swamps and marshes, year-round wildlife, excellent birding.
- Location: Southern Kenya, close to the Tanzanian border.
- Access: Good road, regular flights, mostly within or near park gates.
Masai Mara National Reserve
- Highlights: The Great Migration (July–Oct), dense predator populations, classic savannah, private conservancies, Maasai culture.
- Location: Southwest Kenya, bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti.
- Access: Scheduled flights, road from Nairobi (long but scenic), multiple park gates.
Tsavo East & West National Parks
- Highlights: Kenya’s largest protected area, red elephants, wild landscapes, diverse habitats, fewer crowds, historical sites.
- Location: Southeast Kenya, split by Nairobi–Mombasa highway.
- Access: Good road and rail links, airstrips, convenient for coastal safaris.
2. Types of Accommodations Available
| Category | Amboseli | Masai Mara | Tsavo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Lodges & Camps | Yes – inside/outside park, some with Kilimanjaro views (e.g. Tortilis, Ol Tukai) | Outstanding selection in Mara and conservancies (e.g. Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri) | Several options in both parks (e.g. Finch Hattons, Severin Safari Camp) |
| Mid-Range Lodges/Camps | Strong options, especially near Kimana Gate (e.g. AA Lodge, Kibo Safari Camp) | Many on the reserve boundary (e.g. Basecamp, Ilkeliani, Sekenani Camp) | Good value around main gates (e.g. Kilaguni, Voi Safari Lodge) |
| Budget Campsites/Bandas | Limited, but community camps exist (Kimana area); some KWS bandas | Many budget camps, bandas, public campsites (e.g. Kambu Mara Camp, Enchoro, Miti Mingi) | Strong KWS bandas and campsites in both Tsavo East/West |
| Boutique & Eco-Lodges | Several eco-focused lodges, community-run camps | Strong eco-tourism and community lodges in Mara conservancies | Notable eco-lodges in Tsavo West, e.g. Campi ya Kanzi |
| Family & Group Options | Large lodges with family suites, pools, playgrounds | Family tents/suites, group lodges, private villas, children’s programs | Spacious lodges, self-catering houses, family cottages |
| Self-Catering & Villas | Few options, mainly KWS bandas | Some self-catering in camps/lodges, KWS campsites | Good range of KWS self-catering bandas, cottages, and campsites |
3. Accommodation Highlights by Destination
Amboseli
- Views: Many lodges have spectacular views of Kilimanjaro.
- Top Luxury: Tortilis Camp, Tawi Lodge, Ol Tukai Lodge, Elewana Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge.
- Mid-Range/Family: Kibo Safari Camp, AA Lodge, Sentrim Amboseli, Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
- Eco/Sustainable: Porini Amboseli Camp, Satao Elerai Camp, Tawi Lodge.
- Budget/Campsites: Kimana Community Campsite, KWS bandas, Nyati Safari Camp.
- Unique: Pool with mountain backdrop, Maasai cultural activities.
Masai Mara
- Diversity: Largest selection in Kenya—from ultra-luxury to shoestring.
- Ultra-Luxury: Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri, Mara Plains, Cottar’s 1920s, Bateleur Camp.
- High-End/Mid-Range: Governors’, Basecamp Explorer, Sekenani Camp, Ilkeliani, Tipilikwani, Zebra Plains.
- Budget: Kambu Mara Camp, Enchoro Wildlife Camp, Miti Mingi Eco Camp, Mara Springs, Rhino Tourist Camp.
- Community/Eco: Porini Mara Camp, Encounter Mara, Oldarpoi Mara Camp, Basecamp Explorer.
- Family/Group: Keekorok Lodge, Sarova Mara, Serena Safari Lodge, family tents at many camps.
- Self-Catering/Camping: KWS campsites, Mara River Campsite, public/private options.
Tsavo
- Wilderness: Most lodges are inside the park, some in private conservancies.
- Luxury: Finch Hattons, Severin Safari Camp, Satao Camp (East), Campi ya Kanzi (Chyulu Hills).
- Classic/Mid-Range: Kilaguni Serena (West), Voi Safari Lodge (East), Ngulia Safari Lodge.
- Budget: KWS bandas/campsites, Ndololo Camp, Manyatta Camp.
- Unique: Camps by Mzima Springs, treehouse suites, bush breakfasts, walking safaris, and lava flows.
4. Wildlife, Activities & Setting
| Aspect | Amboseli | Masai Mara | Tsavo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Open plains, swamps, Kilimanjaro backdrop | Rolling savannah, rivers, woodlands | Vast, wild, hills, lava, rivers |
| Signature Wildlife | Huge elephants, lions, buffalo, birds | Migration herds, Big Cats, diverse plains game | Red elephants, lions, rhino (West), hippo, crocs, unique antelope |
| Safari Activities | Game drives, bush walks, Maasai visits, birding | Drives (shared/private), walks, hot air balloon, night drives (conservancies), village visits | Game drives, walking, birding, lava cave exploration, night drives (private camps) |
| Crowds | Can be busy in high season, but quieter than Mara | Busy in migration, quieter in conservancies | Least crowded, vast, wild feel |
5. Accommodation Value, Service & Booking Tips
- Amboseli: Lodges often include stunning Kilimanjaro views. Most offer all-inclusive or full-board packages. Book early for rooms with the best mountain views.
- Masai Mara: Widest range of prices and experiences. Conservancy camps include more activities (night drives, walks, off-roading). Family and budget options plentiful.
- Tsavo: Best for adventurous travelers, self-drivers, and those seeking solitude. Lodges less polished than Mara/Amboseli luxury, but offer excellent value and unique settings. Book KWS bandas/campsites well ahead for peak times.
6. Quick Comparison Table: Amboseli vs. Masai Mara vs. Tsavo Accommodations
| Feature/Region | Amboseli | Masai Mara | Tsavo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Lodges/Camps | Yes (Kili views, boutique) | Yes (conservancies, main reserve) | Yes (Finch Hattons, Severin, Satao) |
| Mid-Range Options | Several, near main gates | Abundant, many choices | Several, mainly at main gates/lodges |
| Budget Options | Few, mostly community/KWS | Many, including Kambu Mara Camp | Good, especially KWS bandas/campsites |
| Family Accommodation | Good, with suites and pools | Excellent, family tents/villas | Good, large rooms, self-catering |
| Self-Catering | Limited | Some options (Mara, camping) | Good (KWS bandas, cottages, campsites) |
| Eco/Sustainable | Growing, good selection | Outstanding in conservancies | Several notable eco-lodges |
| Unique Features | Kilimanjaro views, elephants | Great Migration, predator action | Red elephants, vast wilderness, solitude |
| Crowds | Moderate | Busy in season, quieter in edges | Least crowded, wildest feel |
7. Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Amboseli if: You want jaw-dropping Kilimanjaro views, legendary elephant encounters, and a manageable park that’s great for birding and photographers.
- Choose Masai Mara if: You seek the drama of the Great Migration, Big Five action, a huge choice of camps (from budget to ultra-luxury), and rich Maasai culture—especially in a private conservancy.
- Choose Tsavo if: You crave wilderness, fewer tourists, a sense of adventure, excellent value, and varied landscapes—with the bonus of combining your safari with the Kenyan coast.
8. Final Tips
- Book Early: Especially for Mara in migration season and Amboseli rooms with Kilimanjaro views.
- Consider Your Style: Luxury, family, eco, self-catering, or shoestring—each park has options but not all are equal in range.
- Plan Activities: If night drives, walks, or cultural visits matter, look for conservancy lodges or private camps.
- Mix & Match: Many travelers combine two or all three parks for the ultimate Kenyan safari circuit!