Kenya has many scenic and peaceful places and most of them are great spots to go camping. The picturesque scenery, warm temperatures, and great landscapes have made Kenya a camping destination for those who love outdoor activities such as picnic, fishing, and hiking. There are lots of places to go camping in Kenya and they are all located in well-preserved localities, most are frequently close to the National Parks. The country’s national parks are widespread all through the areas and they are a great environment for numerous styles of camping.

There are numerous camping sites or places where you can pitch your tent. However, for campers looking for the best places to pitch their tents or rent a tent, here are 15 great places to go camping in Kenya.

1. Rapids Camp, Sagana

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Located right by the river, Rapids Camp is a camping site well-known for its adventurous outdoor activities. The riverside campsite is a perfect place to pitch a camping tent, relax, and indulge yourself in fun activities. Rapids camp offers scenic surroundings with magnificent landscapes. You can pitch your tent next to the Sagana River and enjoy a variety of water sports such as kayaking, water rafting in Tana River, and canoeing.

2. Malewa Bush Ventures

Located near Naivasha, next to the Kigio Wildlife Conservancy, Malewa Bush Ventures is an ideal camping site, a quick getaway into a serene environment, which is surrounded by lush vegetation. Malewa Bush Ventures offers outdoor activities such as rock climbing, trekking, game viewing, boating, and fishing. The campsite offers a variety of accommodation including luxury tents and dome tents with suitable facilities.

3. Camp Carnelley’s

Let’s drive a little inland now and go to the great camping town of Naivasha. In Naivasha, not only will you find legendary roast meat at Kikopey, a few kilometers away, but you will also find exquisite camping sites such as Camp Carnelley’s. The owners describe it as a ‘hippy chic’ camp that offers the best ‘outdoorsy’ atmosphere you could hope for. The best part is that they provide the camping grounds right next to Lake Naivasha. You either bring your own tent or rent one from them. They have a fully stocked bar, a kitchen, and Bandas, in case you are not looking to pitch a tent on your arrival night.

4. El Karama

This is a beautiful family-run eco-camp site. It is located centrally within Laikipia District. El Karama stands out, not only because it has luxury camping facilities, but because this region has the most diverse fauna and flora than anywhere else in the entire country! The riverside campsite and the beautiful cottages will give you a time to remember.

5. Kiboko Camp

This is a 12 tented camping site only 100KM from Malindi. It is ideal for those travelers who want to experience a bit of the countryside but do not want to go too far from the beach. It has a fully stocked bar and kitchen, an amazing overview of a fast-flowing river that brings with it different types of animals from the wild. This truly is Africa at its best.

6. Mamba Village

Only 20 minutes from the CBD, Mamba village in Nairobi’s sprawling Lang’ata suburb is the ideal destination for those who want to view crocodiles, ostriches and have some experience in upmarket tented camping. You also get to eat some rare game meat while you are at it!

7. Camp Malta

For those looking for a wholesomely Christian camping experience, Camp Malta in Thika town presents the best choice for you. Located less than an hour from Nairobi, this is a simple tented campsite that provides the best opportunity for Christian folk to interact and enjoy themselves in a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

8. Thompson Falls Lodge Camp

Thompson falls in Nyahururu is not only an incredibly beautiful place, but the campsite owned by Thompson Falls Lodge is an equally gorgeous place. It is serene, lush, and very quiet. You can see the stars and listen to the rumble of the massive falls while staying here.

9. Hell’s Gate Gorge and National Park

With a name like Hell’s Gate, there is nothing else but sheer spectacle when you visit this region. Near Naivasha town, at Hell’s Gate, you will get to see what natural geological formation can do to any landscape. You will see volcanic landforms, souring red cliffs, a deep gorge, and lush grassland with an assortment of wildlife. Within the National park, there are three tented campsites that provide you with the best camping facilities in the region and they are Ol Dubai, Naiburta, and Endachata.

10. Kongoni Camp

If you want to have a beautiful view of Mt. Kenya in the morning, or if you are planning to go up Kenya’s highest mountain, then spending a night or two at Kongoni luxury lodge and campsite is the ideal option for you. This is a beautiful hub for those trekking the Burguret and Sirimoni routes.

11. Old Moses & Shipton’s Camp

The first thing you need to know is that this is NOT your ordinary camping site. No, you cannot bring a date here, not unless they caught the ‘mountain climbing bug’! Old Moses mountain hut & Shipton’s Camp are located at 3330m and 4200m above sea level respectively. If you are staying here, you are practically halfway up Mt. Kenya. The accommodations are very basic. You have a sleeping area and a kitchen. It is not luxurious, but any mountain climber knows that this is all you need when you are up there.

12. Camp Ya Kanzi

Located deep in the Maasai territory, Camp Ya Kanzi is an award-winning camping site that is at the foot of the legendary Chyulu Hills. Here, you will experience first-class wilderness accommodation, amazingly exotic wildlife, and get a taste of authentic Maasai culture.

13. Olorgesailie

Only an hour from Nairobi, Oloolua Nature Trail in Olorgesailie provides a wonderful opportunity for the history buffs to view the ancient remains of early man. The area is an ancient excavation site that has a beautiful waterfall, wonderful surroundings, and more than an interesting nature walk. The camping facilities are rather unique with simplicity being the main motto. You have tents, a barbecue area, pit latrines, and a washing area.

14. Kembu Farm

Now, this is the country! Even the name gives it away. Kembu Farm, just outside of Nakuru town is the place to go when all you need is a little fresh air, lush gardens, comfortable accommodation, and no noisy neighbors. The campsite is set in a very peaceful part of the farm. Should you request it, the owner provides self-catering facilities. This ensures you are not bothered at all!

15. Wildebeest Eco Camp

This is an eclectic camping site located in Lang’ata, just next to Mamba Village. Here you will find all sorts of camping facilities, from low budget tents to high luxury tents with electricity and flushable toilets. It is the ideal place for a quick ‘one night’ getaway for city folk looking to go country!

As mentioned earlier, there are thousands of camping sites within the country. But since you cannot possibly visit them, try these 15 for a start. Get a feel of what the Kenyan night sky looks like and see if you are one for the outdoors!
Have you gone camping in any of these campsites before? Share your experience with us.