Camping is one of the most enjoyable activities. Can anything beat staying up late at night with family and friends while roasting meat and enjoying the night sky? I don’t think so. Kenya has a lot of camping sites in different and unique environments. There are camps in equatorial forests, the vast savanna grasslands, beaches, and deserts. From expensive luxury camps to free campsites, there is something for everyone. It’s hard to get bored as a camping enthusiast in Kenya.
These are some of the best camping spots around.
1) Kiboko Luxury Camp
Kiboko is a luxury camp located on the shores of Lake Naivasha. There are eight luxury tents in Kiboko Luxury Camp, with four facing the lake, offering you an incredible view of Lake Naivasha. The best thing about this campsite is you get close to nature. Giraffes, waterbucks, and zebras are frequent visitors to the campsite. Kiboko has lots of hippos too, with most of them staying just a few yards away from the tents. You can hear them throughout the night, and you get a chance to watch them during the day from your private veranda. Boat rides are also available and I recommend you take them. The food is also extremely good.
2) Rapids Camp – Sagana
Located on the river banks of River Sagana, Rapids Camp is the home of extreme water sports. Here you get to enjoy white water rafting, Kayaking, and canoeing in the grade 5 rapids of River Sagana. Rapids Camp is among the best-maintained camps in Kenya, with a well-manicured lawn and a clean environment. You are allowed to pitch your tent right next to the river, where you can listen to the flowing river as you sleep. When bored you can do some rock climbing next to the waterfall or zipline 110 meters above the river. Adrenaline junkies also get a chance to do a 60-meter bungee jump. At Rapids Camp, you can never get bored.
3) Lake Paradise Special Campsite
Lake Paradise Special Campsite is arguably one of the most beautiful camps in the world. And it is a true camping experience, as there are no extra camping facilities on this campsite, including toilets. However, the campsite deserves its name, as it is truly – paradise on earth. The lake next to the campsite is a sight to behold and the photos don’t do it enough justice. The campsite located in Marsabit National Park is empty throughout the year, due to its remote location. So, it’s always peaceful and serene. You will always be alone with your group when camping here. Encounters with wild animals such as Lions and Elephants are commonplace at Lake Paradise. And viewing them from afar offers unique entertainment. However, rangers are always present to keep you safe from any attack. I highly recommend Lake Paradise to everyone, including people who don’t do camping. The experience is worthwhile.
4) Leleshwa Camp
Leleshwa Camp is located on the Siana Conservancy in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The camp sits along a stream valley offering breath-taking views of the beautiful hills and plains around it. The camp offers a five-star camping experience, with really good food and service. The insect-proof tents are really beautiful and offer all the amenities you need including flush toilets and hot water.
5) Camp Carnelly’s – Lake Naivasha
Camp Carnelly‘s, located on the shores of Lake Naivasha, is one the most popular camping sites among Nairobians. City dwellers flock here every weekend. You can either bring your own tent or rent one. Bandas are also available if you don’t want to sleep under the night sky. The campsite has a ping pong table and volleyball court if you wish to entertain yourself with sports. A bar and restaurant are also present.
6) Oloolua Nature Trail
The Oloolua Nature Trail offers a campsite right within the forest. The area has a beautiful waterfall and deep caves that are ready to be explored. Camping at Oloolua Nature Trail overnight costs KSh2000 for adult citizens and KSh1000 for children. There is a barbeque area, washing area, and pit latrines within the campsite.
7) Wildebeest Eco Camp
Wildebeest Eco Camp is a luxury campsite located in Langata, right inside Nairobi. The campsite is equipped with deluxe tents. These tents have electricity and flush toilets, making your camp stay very comfortable. Located close to Nairobi National Park and Wilson airport, this one of the most convenient campsites for tourists to stay in. Wildebeest Eco Camp also provides free Wi-Fi, laundry services, and access to an infinity pool. Some people might say the experience is too luxurious to be considered camping, but every camper needs to treat themselves once in a while.
8) Kembu Farm
Kembu Farm is located on the outskirts of Nakuru town along Elburgon Road. The campsite is perfect for both small and large groups. Each group is given a terraced garden. This provides each of them with a separate private space. The facility also has nine cottages if you wish to have a more comfortable stay at the farm.
9) Mount Suswa
Mount Suswa has a beautiful campsite around the rim of Mount Suswa crater. From this site, you get a spectacular view of the landscape and crater. There are leopards and baboons near Mount Suswa but they are never a danger to anyone. The local Maasai’s are really friendly and offer tours of the area including the caves. It’s one of the best camping experiences around.
10)Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park contains three campsites: Endachata, Ol Dubai, and Naiburta. After a day of exploring the gorge and viewing animals in the park, you should treat yourself to a camping experience at one of these camps. All of these camps are awesome with beautiful views of the landscape. At Hell’s gate, there are a lot of activities to do including rock climbing, bike riding among the wildlife, and a relaxing bath in a Geothermal spa. You can camp here for a few days without ever getting bored.
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I’m a 25-year-old adrenaline junkie from Nairobi. I love travelling, attending music festivals and hiking. You can always find me at K1 Klub House playing pool and enjoying a drink with my friends.