Ultimate Guide to Luxury Homestays in Kenya

Have you considered staying with a local family in your next visit to Kenya?  What about luxury homestays in Kenya?

There is no better way to experience Kenya’s natural beauty than by staying with a local family in a homestay. Almost all the big vacation rental sites, such as Air BnB and TripAdvisor, list Kenya homestays.

However, very little is known about Kenya’s luxury homestays.

You can use this guide to explore the wide world of private homestays in Nairobi. Whether you plan a family trip, a romantic getaway, or a peaceful business getaway, this guide is for you.

What is a Luxury Homestay Accommodation – Is it a Good Fit for You?

Kenya’s holiday homes are just as diverse as the country itself. In Kenya, you can find a variety of holiday homes and villas for every budget and taste, from luxury villas in Maasai Mara national reserve luxury to beach bungalows in Mombasa and Lamu.

In Kenya, however, local family accommodation is the most popular accommodation option. In a homestay, guests get an authentic taste of Kenyan culture and hospitality. Furthermore, they provide a great opportunity to interact with the locals and experience local life.

Why You Should Book a Luxury Homestay

A homestay is a great way to experience life in another country. It gives you a chance to meet locals, see what they do day to day, and immerse yourself in local culture. In addition to this, it will give you a real insight into what it’s like living in a different part of the world.

Most of them may not provide you with the privacy you need when you stay there. Imagine yourself on a honeymoon where you want to spend quality time in your own space, not in a noisy hotel. Perhaps you are attending a business meeting in which your comfort and privacy are of the utmost importance.

You may find luxury homestays to be the best choice.

What to Expect in Luxury Homestays in Kenya?

Unlike staying in hotels, home stay accommodation offers a wide range of options. Luxury homestays, however, have a few things you’ll always find:

Privacy: A luxury homestay offers the privacy of a beautiful home while providing luxury services. In addition to being spacious and airy, the homes usually feature tastefully decorated rooms with hardwood floors.

Perhaps the most important aspect is that you can be sure to be utterly private from prying eyes. You and your visitors will be the only ones who know where you are. This is especially rewarding for business travellers.

Luxury Amenities and Comfort: You can expect unparalleled comfort and convenience at all luxury homestays in Kenya. You can expect a fully stocked kitchen, free wifi, satellite tv and a home entertainment system in all rooms, secure parking and access to the pool and lawn.

African Architecture: Expect beautifully restored houses surrounded by lush gardens and tranquil surroundings. You can relax in the common areas or read a book from the bookshelf. The bedrooms are spacious and comfortable, with comfortable beds, pillows, and soft duvets. With modern fixtures and designer fittings, the bathrooms are well-designed and well-fitted.

Home-cooked Meals: Most of their delicious meals are homemade. It is actually one of their main attractions, especially among foreign guests. Most of the meals are prepared from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. A few of the local foods from East Africa that guests can taste are Ugali, Dodo, Sukuma Wiki, and Chapati.

Cultural Exchange and Kenyan Family Life : As Kenya is renowned for its natural beauty, luxury homestays also allow guests to enjoy the country’s favorite activities and excursions during their stay. During your stay, you can enjoy bird watching in the garden or by the pool, then you can head out for some local fun on local tour spots.

Day Trips with Host Families: If you really want to find out more about the country, you can always arrange a field trip with the host families. This is one of the best ways to learn about the daily life of the country without the extra costs of homestays tours.

Real friendships and family ties:  Many guests at private homes find that they have gained new friends through their stay and also been able to connect with locals in a more personal way. In addition, Kenyan families have overcome challenges in their lives and want to share all their experiences with their guests. Guests almost always come away feeling richer in experiences.

Types of Homestay Accommodation in Kenya

Short-term homestays in Kenya range from heritage homes to beach villas to luxurious apartments to bungalows to cottages and even camping sites. Whether you’re looking for an escape from the city or an opportunity to experience Kenyan culture first-hand, there is a house for you!

Luxury Accommodation

These homes offer a gorgeous and secluded getaway to the middle of nowhere or near the ocean. The design is whimsical with perfect proportions and well-placed details.

The interiors are extravagant and inviting with luxurious furnishings, open fireplaces, high ceilings, beautiful floors and lush gardens surrounding them. Some of these homes even have their own pool for enjoying the natural surroundings.

Heritage Homes

These homes were lovingly restored by local people who wished to preserve our beautiful country’s heritage. Many of the colonial houses were taken by the British officers during the colonial times and many Heritage homes are from the era of independence in Kenya.

Homestay owners love their Heritage homes for their history and culture. Some of these houses were taken from Kenyans during colonization by the British, but others date back to independence in 1963. Regardless of when they were built, these homes are all steeped in Kenya’s history and culture.

Beach Villas

The luxurious beach villas are situated beside the most beautiful beaches in the country with perfect views of the ocean and palm trees. These villas usually have bedrooms, living rooms and balconies to enjoy amazing views of the Indian Ocean. They are favorite for tours operators.

Urban Homestays

These properties are usually located in the city suburbs and are even within walking distance of the city centre. This makes them easily accessible via public transport.

The properties that come with these homes usually have large living rooms and dining rooms with designer furniture inside, as well as balconies to enjoy views of the Kenya skyline or greenery in the backyard. Some of these homes include private pools but at an affordable rate.

They also offer basic accommodation and in many cases you get to use the host’s spare bedrooms.

Rural Village Homestays

These homes are located in villages that are far away from the city, but are still close enough to get to easily. Most of these homes have attached or detached kitchens and gardens, so you can cook your meals or relax in a garden while you watch the wildlife. Expect to involve yourself in village chores and to meet community leaders. Other than field visits, rural homestays are a great way to improve your local language skills.

These homes also have beautiful views of either the Mt. Kenya, a national park, or even wildlife in the distance!

Farm and Ranches Homestays in Kenya

Farms offer a unique opportunity to involve yourself in the daily life of friendly family members.

These homes are situated in Kenya’s fertile countryside, and many are run by local communities. Most of the homes are located in remote and unexplored areas surrounded by beautiful forests or savannah. These homes usually have attached or detached kitchens, living spaces, and bedrooms.

These homes are our most popular type of accommodation and are mostly booked with families and youth groups throughout the year or with international schools and Universities. It’s a chance to experience the warm hospitality of the host community.

Homestays in Nairobi Explained: FAQ’s

Are homestays better than hotels?

There are many benefits to choosing a home stay over staying in a hotel. For one, hotels offer convenience of always having meals available (24/7), but with the added peace of mind that comes with knowing that housekeeping and room service are handled by people you know and trust.

Home stays in Nairobi, on the other hand, offer a more authentic experience by allowing you to interact with local families. This can be great for families travelling with young children or people who want to get a sense of what life is like in Kenyan villages.

What is considered a homestay?

A homestay is something that can be enjoyed by many people. It allows you to live with a host family and learn their day-to-day life for a set period of time. Most guests choose to stay for about a week or two, but others enjoy the experience for a few days or even a week. You can stay with the family or go with a small group as well.

Why do people choose homestays?

Known around the world for its welcoming nature and friendly nature toward visitors, Kenya has an excellent reputation for its warm hospitality and smiles.   Apart from the friendly welcome, the homestays offer a unique and intimate way to experience Kenyan life and culture. Guests get to spend time with locals in a non-touristy way

How do I choose a homestay?

You should look for a home that suits your tastes and requirements. Typically International guests looking for luxury accommodation wish to pay more for a home that offers elegance and style while locals who are looking for comfort, affordability and homely feel.

A homestay allows you to connect with the locals in a meaningful way. This is a great way to learn about their culture and get a sense of their lives. Getting to know people in different places and building friendships for life is a wonderful experience.

Private homestays are a great alternative to hostels, hotels, and Airbnbs. Your homestay family can easily become like a second family if you do it right.

Now what are you waiting for? Book your next luxury homestay in Kenya only at Amanzili.