Mara River Lodge

My short stay at the Mara River Lodge was an exquisite experience. Before I share anything about my stay I wish to make a special mention of the wonderful team at the Lodge. A huge shoutout for Doris and Francis. I arrived here very late (close to midnight) on 18-Oct-24 but both, Doris and Francis, were there to ensure that I had a quick check-in and an incredibly tasty as well as a very satisfying piping hot meal (of grilled fish, green beans, rice and and dessert) The room was very comfortable and the nice firm mattress on the bed ensured that I dozed off in no time (after the long drive from Nairobi) and waking up well rested. I woke up early the next morning to the call of one of the "Big Nine" of the Mara. One step out of the room to catch the rising sun, I was taken aback (very pleasantly) with the hues that the sky and the Mara river had been painted. And yes, right before my eyes in the Mara river, a pod of Hippos. What an incredible start to the day. Breakfast was a continental fare of eggs, sausages, cereals. But having it at a restaurant overlooking the Mara river (and still continuing to watch the pod) is an unforgettable experience. A very eclectic and tasteful decor coupled with the use of solar energy for almost all their energy use, I surely recommend the Mara River Lodge for the 'responsible travelers'. Kudos to the team and the management there.

We had a marvellous two nights and three days of Safari at the Mara River Lodge. The setting of the Lodge couldn't be better, as it is located on the river which has hippos and crocodiles in it, and you can hear the hippos calling througout the night. The camp is beautifully laid out, with plenty of space between each chalet, and there were Dik Diks wandering freely around the gardens. Because there are no fences around the Camp animals can wander in freely, and they do, so a Security Guard escorts you from your room to the Reception area when it is dark, both morning and evening. The accommodation was very spacious and comfortable, and there was always lovely hot water. The only additional thing we would have welcomed would have been tea/coffee making facilities so we could have made a nice hot drink before our Safari. The staff at the Lodge were amazing! They were so kind and helpful and welcoming, and they even put hot water bottles in our beds as it was quite chilly at night. Anna welcomed us and looked after us beautifully, and Evans the Head Waiter could not have been more attentive. The food was excellent, and the bar was well stocked. We had lovely South African wine with our dinner each evening. The Safari itself was even better than we had been hoping for, and our wonderful Guide, Kamel, made it an unforgettable experience for us. He was simply brilliant. We hope to return one day.

A lovely old lodge on a hook of the Mara River. Around 100 hippos wallow in the river right outside. The people are friendly and they couldn't be more helpful. The lodges are basic but clean and well maintained. There is only electricity for limited hours of the day - but believe me this is part of the charm. The meals were great. The pool was perfect. It makes a great base for exploring Mara North and the Mara Triangle