Kenya Eco Lodges
Experience wild beauty and stunning wildlife at our Kenya Eco Lodges. Visit vast savannahs, mountains, and beautiful coastlines. The country is famous for safari parks and iconic animals. It also has a growing commitment to ecotourism through legislation. Explore our Kenya Eco Lodges below.
Kenya Ecolodges And Resorts
Kenya Ecotourism
Kenya is one of the pioneers of African ecotourism. The country is strongly committed to conservation and community-based tourism. What makes ecotourism in Kenya special?
- Community conservancies: many local communities manage nature reserves, such as in Laikipia and Samburu.
- Eco-lodges: many accommodations run on alternative energy, recycled water, and work together with local people.
- Sustainable safaris: small-scale, with respect for animals and ecosystems.
- Organizations like Ecotourism Kenya promote sustainable practices in the tourism sector.
Kenya Top Destinations
A trip to Kenya offers the perfect mix of wildlife, local culture and sustainability. Our Eco lodges run on alternative energy. Most lodges use solar power for electricity. They also work in close partnership with the Maasai.
Masai Mara National Reserve and Community Conservancies
• Masai Mara National Reserve. The Masai Mara is the northernmost point of the Great Migration. Over 2 million animals move in a massive cycle. This includes wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and eland. They travel between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara.
• Sustainable Safari Options. Neighboring community conservancies offer a better experience. For example, Olare Motorogi is more sustainable. These areas are also less crowded for visitors.
Laikipia Plateau
• Home to rare and endangered species such as the black rhino and Grevy’s zebra.
• Managed by local communities and eco-organizations.
• Many small-scale, luxury Kenya eco lodges.
Coastal Region: Watamu and Lamu
• Coral reefs, mangroves and sea turtles at Watamu Marine National Park.
• Lamu is car-free, cultural and perfect for slow travel.
• Eco-resorts offer sea turtle conservation and snorkeling trips.
Kenya Map
Ecological Footprint
If you want to know how to reduce your ecological footprint in Kenya, check out our Eco Guidelines
Mount Kenya National Park
• UNESCO World Heritage Site, with tropical rainforest, mountain forests and glaciers.
• Popular for trekking, birdwatching and staying in eco-campsites.
• Endemic plants and spectacular views.
Lake Naivasha and Crater Lake
• Bird paradise (including pelicans and fish eagles).
• Cycling and walking safaris among giraffes and zebras in Hell’s Gate National Park.
• Sustainable lodges on the shores of the lake.
Kakamega Forest
• Last remnant of tropical rainforest in East Africa.
• Unique flora, butterflies and monkey species. Among them the black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and the endangered De Brazza’s monkey.
• Great for hiking, ecological education using local guides.
Suggestions for a 2 week Sustainable Itinerary in Kenya
Week 1
Day 1–2: Nairobi
• Visit David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (elephant orphanage) and Giraffe Centre.
• Stay at one of the Kenya eco lodges in the area.
Day 3–5: Masai Mara Conservancy
• Go on safari with local guides in a community conservancy.
• Stay at one of the Kenya eco lodges in the area.
Day 6–7: Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park
• Cycle among zebras and giraffes.
• Boat trip on Lake Naivasha.
• Stay at one of the Kenya eco lodges in the area.
Week 2
Day 8–10: Mount Kenya National Park
• Hike or multi-day hike with local guide.
• Visit a permaculture farm or sustainable mountain camp.
• While trekking to the peaks, make a stop at Percival Waterfall.
Day 11–12: Kakamega Forest
• Hike with local nature guides, learn about medicinal plants.
• Stay in one of the Kenya eco lodges, a local guesthouse or research center.
Day 13–14: Watamu Coastal Region
• Relax by the ocean, snorkel, visit a marine reserve.
• Volunteer at sea turtle projects (e.g. Local Ocean Conservation).
Percival Waterfall- Mount Kenya
- Lake Naivasha
Flora and Fauna
Kenya is located at an ecological crossroads of savannah, rainforest, mountain ranges and coast. Its biodiversity is incredibly rich.
Flora – What Grows In Kenya?
- Savanna: acacias, baobabs and grasses.
- Kenya’s only tropical rainforest is Kakamega Forest. Located in Western Kenya, the forest is home to diverse flora, including over 380 plant species.
- Mountains: Afro-alpine flora is found in high altitudes on Mount Kenya. You will find species like giant groundsels and lobelias, some of them endemic to the region.
- Coastal vegetation: mangroves, tropical plants, coconut palms.
Wild dog
Lobelia
Buffalo
Palm tree
Hyenas
Baobab Tree
Black Rhino
Elephants
Generuk
Leopard
Lioness
Fauna – What Animals Can You Spot In Kenya?
- Big Five: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino.
- Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, oryx, wild dogs. All are endangered but the gerenuk, which is near threatened.
- Birds: Over 1,100 species, including flamingos in Lake Nakuru and birds of prey in Rift Valley.
- Marine life: off the coast of Mombasa and Lamu are sea turtles, dolphins, coral reefs.
Small-Scale Nature Conservation Projects
Chyulu Hills REDD+ Project (part of Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust). A climate project that uses carbon credits to support forest management and Maasai communities.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Nairobi)
World-renowned elephant orphanage that takes in orphaned elephants, raises them and releases them back into the wild. You can visit or adopt them from a distance.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (Laikipia)
Conservation project for black rhinos, Grevy’s zebras and elephants. They work closely with local Samburu communities.
Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctua (near Mombasa)
Community-driven project where farmers make land available for elephant corridors in exchange for tourism revenue.
Watamu Marine Association
Works to protect coral reefs, turtles and manatees, and reduce plastic pollution. Volunteers are welcome.
Environmental Challenges in Kenya
- Deforestation
Logging and agriculture harm the Mau Forest Complex. This area is crucial for water catchment. Much of the forest has been lost to settlements. The Mau Forest acts as a “water tower.” It captures, stores, and slowly releases rainwater. It forms the headwaters of 12 major rivers. These rivers supply water to millions of people. They support hydropower, agriculture, and wildlife ecosystems. This impact spans Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. - Human-Animal Conflict
Population growth and farms now encroach on wildlife areas. This lead to conflicts with local communities. Both elephants and lions are affected by this expansion. - Climate Change
Increased droughts and irregular rains threaten people today. Failed harvests also put ecosystems at risk. This includes vital wetlands and savannas. - Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade
This area has seen much improvement lately. However, the demand for ivory and horns continues. Exotic pets also pose a threat to species. Government interventions have helped drive this improvement. Conservation groups and local communities provide strong support. - Plastic Pollution
Plastic waste is a growing problem in Kenya. This is true for urban areas and tourist hotspots. A ban on plastic bags has existed since 2017.
- Leopard
Kenya’s Policy on Ecotourism and Sustainability
Kenya was a leader in embracing ecotourism. Key policies and initiatives include:
- Community-Based Tourism (CBT): Local communities receive training and resources. They also get access to tourism revenues.
- National Tourism Blueprint (2018-2030): This focuses on sustainability and conservation. It also supports community-based tourism.
- Kenya Ecotourism Policy: Accredited lodges receive a Bronze, Silver, or Gold rating. This is managed by Ecotourism Kenya.
- Single-Use Plastic Ban: Plastics are banned in national parks since June 2020. This step protects natural areas from pollution.
Kenya Ecolodges and Travel Safety
Check in advance about the safety in Kenya and in the places you plan to visit. You can also consult your country’s official government websites. The Canadian Government has Travel Advisories for Kenya.
IMAGE CREDITS > Banner Kenya Eco Lodges. The Maasai Mara National Reserve. Image by Svein-Magne Tunli – tunliweb.no. Wikimedia C.C. 4.0.> Lake Naivasha. Image by Kenenock. Wikimedia C.C. 4.0.> Percival Waterfall. Image by Daniel Case. Wikimedia C.C. 4.0.> Mount Kenya Peaks. Image by Galkey. Wikimedia C.C. 4.0.> Wild Dog. Image by Elli Stattaus from Pixabay. > Lobelia. Image by Couleur from Pixabay.> Buffalo. Image by Thorsten Messing from Pixabay.
> Tree palm coco nut. Image by Pexels from Pixabay. > Hyenas at Olare Motorogi. Image by Regina Hart. Wikimedia C. C. 2.0. > Baobab. Image by Brand-itBeautifully from Pixabay. > Black Rhino. Image by Mani300 from Pixabay.> Elephants. Image by Herbert Aust from Pixabay.> Generuk. No author on Pixabay.> Leopard. Image by schliff from Pixabay. Lioness. Image by Pexels from Pixabay. > Leopard. Masai Mara park. Image by xiSerge from Pixabay
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