Accommodations

One of the biggest concerns prior to the trip was the accommodations we would be staying in and what amenities they would have. Here is an overview of where we stayed.

Nairobi – Argyle Grand

We stayed at the Argyle Grand in Nairobi on 3 different occasions, our first night, after we returned from Zanzibar, and we had a day room there the day our flight left. The Argyle is a typical hotel that started to feel like home. It has multiple restaurants, a pool, and a small shop. We never felt unsafe and the staff was incredibly friendly.

Zanzibar – AirBnb

For our time in Zanzibar we chose to rent an AirBnb rather than stay in a resort. We found a place with 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, full kitchen, infinity pool, waterfront with beach access, washing machine, air conditioning, and not far from Stonetown for under $100 CAD a night per person.

Pros – kitchen, large rooms, private pool, water front

Cons – not close enough to walk to anything, need to hire a driver to explore or go on any excursions, does not include any food

I’m not sure if this was a pro or a con, but we did have our own 24/7 security guard. He was able to help us when we had a few issues with the house, but it did make us question why we needed a security guard? We never had issues or felt unsafe, so it may just be something the owner does to make people feel safer.

I was happy with the choice we made to stay in an AirBnb; however, we did hire a driver each day which was an added cost.

Lake Naivasha Crescent Hotel

While visiting Lake Naivasha we were supposed to stay at the Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp; however, the Lake Naivasha Crescent Hotel was brand new and they upgraded our group to stay at that property instead.

The Crescent Camp is waterfront and we still attended the property to depart on the boats to Crescent Island. Since the Camp is along the lake shore, there was a variety of wildlife on the property. It definitely would have been cool to step out of our door and see a waterbuck, hippo, or waterfowl. In comparison, the Crescent Hotel is approx. 1 km from the lake and the property is fully fenced. The property we stayed at was gorgeous, the food was incredible, the pool was clean, the staff were all friendly and professional.

Each room was part of a “duplex” where each building had two suites. Each suite had a private balcony with views into a green space in the middle of the lodge.

Lake Nakuru – Lake Nakuru Lodge

The Lake Nakuru Lodge sits on a hill within Nakuru National Park. Wildlife is right on your doorstep when staying here. There is even a sign within each room reminding you to close the patio doors as baboons will let themselves in if you leave it unlocked! This lodge has a pool, a large bar and restaurant, offers massages, and other amenities like horse back rides.

Our room had a gorgeous view over the park where we could see the lake from a distance and watch wildlife move around the park.

Nairobi – Tamarind Tree

After our trip out to Lake Navaisha and Lake Nakuru, we returned to Nairobi and stayed one night at the Tamarind Tree. The biggest benefit of this hotel for me was the forest between the hotel and the Carnivore restaurant which is home to a tribe of Vervet monkeys. The hotel has a pool and multiple restaurants. The food and drinks here were more expensive than other hotels or lodges and the bar area had more of a club feel than anywhere else we stayed with loud music playing and lights flashing. Overall, this hotel was sufficient for a night, but it’s not somewhere I would stay for any length of time.

Nairobi – Giraffe manor

Without a doubt, Giraffe manor is the fanciest and most expensive place I have ever stayed. We arrived mid-morning, got checked in, had a tour of the grounds, sorted out our laundry (included!), then met on the terrace for drinks and to enjoy the views of giraffes in the distance. The food at Giraffe manor was incredible and they will cater to whatever you wish.

We stayed in the Lynn room, which is on the main floor and used to be the kitchen. Walking down the stair case to the room felt like you were heading into an entirely separate area of the building, but it’s just down to your private space that included your bedroom, a huge bathroom, and a covered porch. Staying at giraffe manor is a once in a lifetime experience that I will not forget any time soon.

Masai Mara – Tembo by Jackson Bush Camp

Our first camp after flying out of Nairobi was in the Masai Mara. Tembo by Jackson Bush Camp is located a shady forested area that is frequently visited by wildlife. The tents were spacious and far enough apart you never heard your neighbours. We didn’t have any close encounters, but one couple in our group opened their tent flaps to an elephant right outside the steps! Our group were the only ones in the camp, so we had all of the common areas to ourselves. The owner of this camp, Jackson, is also a photographer, so his knowledge of where to go and how to position the vehicle was definitely a bonus. There was a small shop filled with locally made items. If anyone goes to this camp, get your shopping in! Items at this shop were significantly cheaper than other camps and also cheaper than Nairobi.

Naboisho Conservancy – Saruni Wilderness Camp

After leaving Tembo by Jackson and the Masai Mara we headed to the neighbouring Naboisho Conservancy. The Masai Mara is a national park, while conservancies are owned cooperatively by large groups of land owners. The parks have similar landscapes and wildlife. Saruni Wilderness Camp is located away from other camps in the conservancy. The tents are spread along the west side of a valley, giving a gorgeous view, especially of the sunrise. This camp had some of the best food of the trip. Each meal is three courses and there are a couple of options per course. The staff were happy to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences without sacrificing the quality of food.

Naboisho Conservancy – Saruni Eagleview

Our last camp, Saruni Eagleview, was definitely a show stopper. The camp is perched along the top of a cliff, giving an expansive view over the conservancy. Of particular note, there is a river and a salt lick under the common area of the camp. This part of the river is one of the areas that never dries up, so the combination water and salt make it a frequented area for wildlife. The dining area, pool, and bar all had open views. The tents at this camp were HUGE. I swear it was about the size of half my house. The food at this camp was also incredible.

Overall, the customer service in every accommodation was extraordinary. The lodges / camps knew everyone by name, knew their dietary restrictions, and drink orders after the first day. We had incredible guides at each camp who were friendly and knowledgeable about the landscapes, wildlife, and local culture.

Thanks for wandering with me,
Julie