🦁 Overview
The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is a luxurious safari destination located within Kenya’s world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Opened in 2023, it redefines safari sophistication with five-star service, contemporary Kenyan design, and exclusive wildlife access. With only 20 tented suites along the Talek River, guests enjoy both privacy and front-row seats to the rich biodiversity of the Mara ecosystem.
The lodge caters to honeymooners, families, photographers, and seasoned safari-goers seeking ultra-comfort, fine dining, and elevated experiences in a natural setting.
📍 Location & Access
Location:
- Located within a private riverfront setting along the Talek River, which forms a natural boundary of the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Set near one of the primary wildlife corridors, offering exceptional year-round wildlife sightings—often from your own deck.
Getting There:
- By Air: Guests fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Keekorok Airstrip (approx. 1 hour), followed by a 30-minute drive through the reserve to the lodge.
- By Road: A scenic 5.5 to 6.5-hour drive from Nairobi through the Great Rift Valley and Narok Town. 4WD vehicles are recommended.
🛏️ Accommodation
The lodge offers 20 ultra-luxurious tented suites, blending modern design with local artisan craftsmanship. All suites overlook the Talek River and offer privacy, elegance, and immersion in the wild.
Tent Categories:
- Tented Suites (Standard): Each features a king bed, indoor and outdoor showers, and a private deck with a temperature-controlled plunge pool and daybed.
- Honeymoon Suite: Offers enhanced privacy, premium positioning, and a private outdoor lounging area with scenic river views.
- Family Suite: An interconnecting configuration of two suites, suitable for small families with children or multigenerational groups.
Room Features:
- King-sized bed with luxury bedding
- Spa-style bathroom with soaking tub and dual vanity
- Outdoor and indoor rain showers
- Temperature-controlled plunge pool
- Private lounge area with binoculars for game viewing
- Minibar and coffee/tea station
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors for uninterrupted views
- Solar-powered lighting and 24-hour electricity
💰 Rates (Per Person, Per Night – Full Board)
| Season | Per Person Sharing | Single Occupancy |
|---|---|---|
| Jan – June / Nov – Dec 19 | From $1,595 | From $1,925 |
| July – Oct / Dec 20 – Jan 5 | From $2,475 | From $2,990 |
Children aged 6–12 receive discounted rates when sharing with parents. Minimum age for guests is 6 years.
✅ Inclusions
- Luxury tented suite accommodation
- All meals: gourmet breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Non-premium drinks: water, soft drinks, local beers, house wines, and spirits
- Twice-daily game drives with professional guides
- Transfers to/from Keekorok Airstrip
- Laundry service
- Wi-Fi in guest areas and suites
- Wellness and yoga sessions
- Use of the lodge pool and gym
❌ Exclusions
- Masai Mara park entry fees (approx. $80–$100 per adult/day)
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Premium imported alcohol and special wines
- Spa treatments
- Travel insurance and medical evacuation cover
- Gratuities and personal purchases
- Private game drive vehicle (available at extra cost)
🍽️ Dining Experience
The lodge offers a refined and flexible culinary experience inspired by African flavors and global cuisine, with menus curated for seasonal, fresh ingredients.
Highlights:
- Main Dining Pavilion: Breakfasts and dinners served buffet-style or à la carte with riverfront views.
- Private Bush Dinners: Set under the stars, surrounded by lanterns and Maasai guards.
- Outdoor Firepit Bar: Evening cocktails or tea served with sunset views.
- In-Suite Dining: Available on request for quiet, private meals.
Dietary needs including vegan, gluten-free, halal, and kosher can be accommodated with advance notice.
🛁 Amenities & Facilities
- Riverside Swimming Pool with sundeck and loungers
- Spa by JW: Offering body treatments, facials, and massages using organic African oils
- Wellness Studio: Daily guided yoga or meditation
- Boutique Gift Shop: Curated Maasai crafts, jewelry, and safari gear
- Fitness Center with modern equipment
- Curated Experiences Desk: Tailor-made bush activities and excursions
- Solar-Powered Power Supply: Entire lodge runs on clean energy
🚙 Safari Activities
- Morning and Afternoon Game Drives: Explore lion territories, elephant herds, cheetah plains, and migration crossings (seasonal).
- Full-Day Safari Options: With picnic bush lunches for extended wildlife tracking.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: A sunrise balloon flight over the Mara (extra cost, pre-booking recommended).
- Bush Walks & Maasai Talks: Learn about flora, tracking, and local culture (dependent on availability).
- Children’s Ranger Activities: Mini-safaris, wildlife drawing, and storytelling (for ages 6+).
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Features
- Family suites and child-friendly room configurations
- Kid-sized amenities, bathrobes, and meals on request
- Game drives tailored to shorter durations for younger guests
- Cultural experiences designed to engage children
- Minimum age: 6 years old (safety and experience standards)
💬 Guest Reviews – What Visitors Say
🌟 Highlights Guests Rave About:
- “The most luxurious tent I’ve ever stayed in—the plunge pool alone is worth it.”
- “Staff hospitality was next level. They knew our names, preferences, even how I take my coffee!”
- “Felt like we were in our private piece of the Mara. Quiet, uncrowded, just wildlife and serenity.”
- “The spa and yoga in the bush was a beautiful touch after a dusty day of game drives.”
- “Food was five-star hotel standard. Best meals I had in Kenya.”
⚠️ Common Feedback:
- “The price is high, but worth every penny for the level of service and seclusion.”
- “No evening game drives within the National Reserve, but days were packed enough.”
- “Wi-Fi was decent, but I was glad to unplug.”
📅 Best Time to Visit
- July–October: Great Migration season. Book far in advance.
- December–March: Calving season, good for predators and dramatic sightings.
- April–May: Lush landscapes and quieter experiences. Best for photography.
- June & November: Shoulder seasons with pleasant weather and fewer visitors.
🕐 Check-in / Check-out
- Check-in: From 12:00 PM
- Check-out: By 10:00 AM
- Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability.
🌟 Why Choose JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge?
✔️ One of the most luxurious new lodges in the Masai Mara
✔️ Perfect balance of safari immersion and modern comfort
✔️ Exclusive location with year-round game viewing
✔️ Unmatched hospitality and curated experiences
✔️ Great for families, honeymooners, wellness travelers, and photographers
✔️ World-class cuisine, wellness center, and spa