In the world of tourism, Kenya has consistently ranked among the top and has, in turn, attracted some of the most powerful leaders and stars who take a special interest in the country's wildlife and top-of-the-range hotel facilities.
Take sports personality Jose Mourinho for instance, the soccer maverick has developed a special liking for a little-known Almanara Resort located in Diani for its elegance.
Naomi Campbell, an award-winning supermodel, has developed a close relationship with Kenya's coastal region and its people to the point she pledged to help market the country's tourism sector.
Here are the six resorts in Kenya with mouthwatering nightly charges that the world's rich people like to frequent.
1. Mahali Mzuri
In 2021, Mahali Mzuri resort founded by Billionaire Richard Branson of Virgin Galactic was ranked as the best hotel worldwide and for good reason.
Charging a fee of Ksh300,000 per night, the hotel rose to the top spot through popular vote in an annual listing carried out by ravel + Leisure Magazine, a global travel publication.
The hotel has 12 well-furnished tents that can accommodate 2 guests each, bringing to total 24 guests at any given time.
Inside each tent, guests are treated to an ensuite private bath, cozy bedding, leather furniture for lounging, grand clawfoot soaking tubs, and expansive windows and doors.
A night at the hotel ranges between Ksh190,000 for a solo traveler, and Ksh330,000 for two depending on the season.
2. Almanara Resort
The hotel has a celebrity clientele including former Tottenham Hotspur Manager Jose Mourinho and President Uhuru Kenyatta who are willing to splash Ksh300,000 for a night of rejuvenation and rest.
Perched along Diani Beach, the hotel which opened its doors in 2007 has played host to some of the wealthiest politicians, businesses persons and celebrities looking to have a good time.
In 2013, at the height of their bromance, President Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto retreated to the resort to unwind after they had emerged victorious. It was at the resort that they crafted the first Cabinet and filled other senior government positions.
The facility has a private haven, 6 villas and a sizeable presidential suite. The villas have open-plan dining and living area with top-of-the-dollar furniture and three ensuite double bedrooms.
3. Sirai House
For now, Sirai Hotel is arguable the most expensive establishment of its kind charging up to Ksh1 million for a night at its world-class facility.
The lodge sits on a secluded 250-acre estate, surrounded by indigenous forests, hills, and plains in Laikipia County and aims at providing a suitable ecosystem for endangered species.
To book the private home at the Borana Conservancy, one (or a group) must spend at least three nights, tripling the cost alluded to above.
The property is owned by Michael Spencer who has been described as the richest self-made person in the City of London with a net worth of Ksh108 billion.
4. Sirikoi Lodge
Sirikoi Lodge located at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has continued to attract high-end clientele since it was crowned as the best hotel in the World in 2019 by Conde Nast Traveller.
The resort was founded by a Brit couple Willie and Sue Roberts and consists of a 3-bedroom house and two and a four-bedroom tent that provides guest accommodation.
Its fortunes are often compounded by its closeness to Lewa Conservancy which was classified as a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Ever since the lodge has received numerous awards including retaining a gold level rating from Ecotourism Kenya from 2015 to 2021. It was also crowned as Kenya's leading safari lodge in 2020 by that year's World Travel Awards.
5. Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp
Situated at the Mara North Conservancy, Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp is part of the Elewana Group that has operations in Tanzania, Zanzibar and Kenya.
Its location places it at the center of one of the world's wonders where visitors can watch the migration of the wildebeests.
The Tatler Magazine praised the lodge's ability to combine rustic simplicity with unquestionable luxury.
In a high season, between July and October as well as December and January, a room at the facility costs Ksh224,000. On the low season, a room for two costs Ksh172,000.
6. Governor's Mugie House
Governor's Mugie House is a lodge located in Laikipia County and forms part of the Mugie Conservancy which sprawls for 50,000 acres.
Charging an average of Ksh142,000, the lodge contains eight stone cottages, each with breathtaking views of the Laikipia landscape.
There is a large main house that has spots for cocktails as well as scrumptious meals and guests have the option of participating in the Mugie Conservancy’s nine-hole golf course.
