Kenya Porini Safari Camps & Cottages
Our award-winning camps are set in exclusive conservancies teeming with wildlife, offering you unparalleled access to Africa’s iconic species—away from the crowds.
What sets a Porini safari apart is not just the wildlife, but the depth of the experience. Led by our expert Maasai Guides, you’ll explore in customised 4×4 safari vehicles and on foot, learning to read the tracks of big cats and their prey. Venture out on night game drives to witness elusive nocturnal species such as the civet cat or caracal—adventures rarely available in national parks.
Whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned safari enthusiast, Porini Camps invite you to go beyond the ordinary. This is more than a safari— Choosing Porini Camps means choosing conservation.
Experience Africa's Beauty with Unmatched Exclusivity at Our Porini Safari Camps in Kenya.
Experience our exclusive, award-winning & eco-conscious Porini Camps & Cottages in conservancies with limited vehicles and guests, giving you quiet, uncrowded spaces and closer, more intimate wildlife encounters
Small, eco-sustainable camps with personal service.
Intimate and private en-suite tents with warm Maasai hospitality, excellent food and a sustainable low-impact design.
Expert local Maasai guides.
Genuine local experts with a deep connection to the land and wildlife, who grew up on the conservancy and know the animals by name.
Conservation with real impact.
Your trip will directly fund habitat protection and wildlife protection, helping to pay for and sustain land leased directly from Maasai communities.
Enjoy Kenya’s wilderness all to yourself.
With only one tent per 700 acres and one tourist vehicle per 1,400 acres permitted, a safari at the Porini Camps give you quiet, crowd-free spaces and closer, more intimate wildlife encounters.
Choose a local safari expert and start planning.
Small, eco-sustainable camps with personal service.
Intimate and private en-suite tents with warm Maasai hospitality, excellent food and a sustainable low-impact design.
Expert local Maasai guides.
Genuine local experts with a deep connection to the land and wildlife, who grew up on the conservancy and know the animals by name.
Conservation with real impact.
Your trip will directly fund habitat protection and wildlife protection, helping to pay for and sustain land leased directly from Maasai communities.
Enjoy Kenya’s wilderness all to yourself.
With only one tent per 700 acres and one tourist vehicle per 1,400 acres permitted, a safari at the Porini Camps give you quiet, crowd-free spaces and closer, more intimate wildlife encounters.
Choose a local safari expert and start planning.
Why Choose Porini ?
- Good chance of seeing the “Big Five” within game-filled wildlife conservancies where animals are safe and protected.
- Game drives from the camps in shared 4×4 safari vehicles (not vans) with professional guides. (Private vehicles available at a supplement).
- Walks with Maasai warriors, visit to authentic Maasai village from Porini Amboseli Camp, opportunity for night game drives, exclusive wilderness areas with no tourist minibuses.
- An authentic safari experience staying in small exclusive camps with spacious guest tents, comfortably furnished with private bathrooms, solar lights and located in attractive unspoilt natural settings.
- At the camps all meals, drinks (wine, gin & tonic, beer, sodas, mineral water), game drives, walks, night drives and sundowners are included in the price.
- The Porini Safari Camps are small and exclusive and run on the same environmentally sound principles – working closely with the local communities. All camps are specially designed to have minimum impact with no permanent structures.
- We can include flights between areas to get you straight to the wildlife without spending hours travelling between the parks over rough roads.
Our Porini Camps are extra special. That means we are able to offer our guests much more than typical safari experiences.
You’ll stay in a small eco-safari camp with private en-suite tents, excellent food, and all the comfortable modern amenities at hand.
Unlike national parks and other public game reserves, our private conservancies limit guests and vehicles. Offering a peaceful, crowd-free experience with more intimate wildlife encounters and a deeper connection to nature.
The limited number of vehicles in the conservancies allows for more flexible and customised game drives. Meaning you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, with expert guides tailoring the experience based on your specific interests, whether it’s birdwatching, photography, or tracking a particular animal.
Eco-Rating Certification For Porini Camps - 2026
Interact with Maasai communities to gain a deeper understanding of the land, wildlife, and culture — an experience you won’t find in larger, commercialised safari destinations.
Let our expert Maasai guides take you on an exploration of Kenya in custom 4×4 vehicles and on foot, tracking big cats and their prey. Go on rare night game drives to spot elusive nocturnal creatures, like civet cats and caracals. Again, these are all experiences unavailable in national parks and on ‘traditional’ safaris.
Rest assured in the knowledge that our private conservancies are dedicated to both wildlife protection and the support of the Maasai communities, where they help to create jobs and economic opportunities.
This isn’t the mass-market version of Kenya you see online. This is your Kenya. Quiet, exclusive, and alive with wildlife.
Special Rates For 6 Nights or More
Stay a minimum of 6 nights combining two or more Porini Safari Camps (or Rhino River Camp) to benefit from specially-reduced rates.
Why Choose Porini ?
- Good chance of seeing the “Big Five” within game-filled wildlife conservancies where animals are safe and protected.
- Game drives from the camps in shared 4×4 safari vehicles (not vans) with professional guides. (Private vehicles available at a supplement).
- Walks with Maasai warriors, visit to authentic Maasai village from Porini Amboseli Camp, opportunity for night game drives, exclusive wilderness areas with no tourist minibuses.
- An authentic safari experience staying in small exclusive camps with spacious guest tents, comfortably furnished with private bathrooms, solar lights and located in attractive unspoilt natural settings.
- At the camps all meals, drinks (wine, gin & tonic, beer, sodas, mineral water), game drives, walks, night drives and sundowners are included in the price.
- The Porini Safari Camps are small and exclusive and run on the same environmentally sound principles – working closely with the local communities. All camps are specially designed to have minimum impact with no permanent structures.
- We can include flights between areas to get you straight to the wildlife without spending hours travelling between the parks over rough roads.
Talk to a Specialist
Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.
Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari to Africa.
Kenya
North America & Canada
North America & Canada
North America
UK & Europe
South America
Australia
India
Kenya
Head Office in Nairobi
We have an experienced team of Safari Consultants based in Kenya.
You can contact our Nairobi team at info@gamewatchers.com or call at +254-722-509-200.
North America & Canada
Rick Mcintyre
Hello, I’m Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I’ve journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you’re dreaming of a “once in a lifetime” vacation or you’re a seasoned safari traveler, I’m here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we’ll make your African dreams a reality.
North America & Canada
Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!.
You can reach me by email at rae@gamewatchers.com
North America
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I’m Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I’m here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let’s embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
UK & Europe
Tom Mees
Jambo, I’m Tommy Mees, most people call me Tom.
My connection with Africa began through years of travelling across the continent.
I later spent more than twelve years managing safari camps and lodges while supporting conservation initiatives including beekeeping and tree-planting projects.
Having travelled extensively throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic wilderness experiences and the conservation-focused approach of the Porini Camps.
I am originally from Belgium and now based in Spain, though my heart has always remained in Africa.
Alongside my safari background, I am also a professional photographer and enjoy helping travellers experience and capture the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Africa so special.
If you are considering an African safari, feel free to contact me at tom@gamewatchers.com or call me on
South America
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul.
If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com
Australia
Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call on +61 419 175 672.
India
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or call on +91 801 788 5256.
Safari Tours Combining Porini Camps
Make it your own. Customise your safari experience so that it includes our Porini Camps along the way, to ensure the best wildlife viewing experience in exclusive wildlife conservancies away from the crowds.
FAQs - Porini Safari Camps in Kenya
How many tents are there in each Porini Camp?
Every Porini Camp is intentionally small, typically 6 to 10 guest tents. This ensures privacy, quiet, and a personalised experience far removed from large lodges.
Which are the best parks and reserves to visit?
Kenya is home to a vast array of parks and reserves, each offering its own unique landscapes and wildlife experiences.
To see a wide variety of animals and scenery, we often recommend combining two or more parks.
Private Reserves and Conservancies provide added benefits such as walking safaris, night game drives, and fewer other vehicles on the land, allowing for a more intimate experience with nature.
The best parks to visit also depend on the time of year and the wildlife you hope to see.
That’s why it’s essential to speak with one of our Safari Specialists, who can advise on the ideal itinerary tailored to your interests and preferred destinations.
Click here to view Kenya's Parks & Conservancies.
How comfortable are the tents at Porini Camps?
Very. Porini tents are spacious and fully en-suite with flush toilets, hot showers, comfortable beds, and solar-powered lighting/charging points. They feel like a boutique room in the middle of the wilderness, not ‘camping’ in the traditional sense.
Is it safe to stay in a tent in the middle of the bush?
Yes. Your safety is our top priority. The camps are unfenced but carefully managed by experienced Maasai staff who monitor the camp day and night.
How is the food? Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Our Camps are fully able to cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other dietary needs with advance notice.
Is there wifi or phone signal if we need to stay connected?
There is phone signal at the Porini Camps, and Wi-Fi in some communal areas.
And while many guests will enjoy the chance to disconnect, there is still enough connectivity to stay in touch if needed.
What wildlife will I see at each camp? Can I see the Big Five?
You’ll see exceptional wildlife at every Porini Camp.
Your itinerary can be designed to maximise specific wildlife interests:
- Rhinos are seen at Porini Rhino Camp (Ol Pejeta) and Rhino River Camp (Meru).
- Big cats (lions, leopards, cheetahs) are abundant in our Porini Mara Camps - (Porini Mara Camp, Porini Lion Camp, Porini Cheetah Camp, Porini Giraffe Camp and Ol Kinyei Safari Cottages) and in other places. See the Maasai Mara Conservancies
- Elephants and giraffes thrive in Amboseli (Selenkay) and in the Mara Conservancies and Laikipia</aregion.
What's included in the stay?
Almost everything:
- Shared Game drives
- Night drives
- Guided walks
- All meals and drinks (house wine/beer/vodka/gin and soft drinks)
- Conservancy fees
- Airstrip transfers
- Laundry in most camps
- Safe, effortless travel. Simply fly-in to Nairobi, we will meet you there and take care of everything from your hotel to camp.
We can also arrange internal flights and hotel nights anywhere else in Kenya and Africa on your behalf.
What are the rules in the conservancies? Can we go off-road or do night drives?
Yes. Conservancies allow activities that national parks do not, including:
- Off-road driving for closer sightings.
- Night drives using red-filtered spotlights.
- Guided bush walks with Maasai trackers.
- Bush breakfasts, picnics and sundowners.
What is a typical day like at Porini Camps?
Every day is different, but your day might include:
- Early morning game drive
- Bush breakfast
- Relaxation at camp
- Afternoon or evening drive
- Sundowners overlooking the plains
- Night drive back to camp
No two days are the same, as the wildlife dictates the rhythm.
Are we expected to give tips to camp staff and the driver-guides and is there any advice on the normal amounts?
Tipping is entirely at your discretion and although it is not a requirement it is customary to tip for good service.
As a guideline the following are the standard tipping rates, with tips in Kenya Shillings preferred over US$:
- Driver / guide on safari - KES. 1300 to 1950 ($10 to $15) per guest per day.
- Camp staff - KES. 1300 to 1950 ($10 to $15) per guest per day into the staff tip box.
I’m not sure of all the necessary precautions to take before heading out on an African safari. Can you help me with this?
Yes. Our specialists will tell you everything you need to know and do before committing to a safari at the Porini Camps with us. Including advice on the vaccinations, travel insurance, visas and more.
Once you’re on the ground, we’ll take care of everything domestic, so you won’t have to worry about a thing.
How long do you recommend staying at a Porini Camp?
We recommend a safari duration of 6 to 10 nights to give you enough time to settle in, experience two or three conservancies without rushing, and minimise travel fatigue for everyone involved.
Is Porini.com the same as Gamewatchers Safaris?
Yes, Gamewatchers Safaris is the tour operator responsible for organising safaris and booking experiences, the website is www.porini.com.
Porini is the brand for our award winning, eco-friendly, exclusive Porini Camps & Cottages within private conservancies that we run and manage.
