Introduction to Muthu Keekorok Lodge
Keekorok Lodge holds the honor of being the first lodge ever built in the Maasai Mara, established in 1962. With its rich heritage, prime location within the national reserve (not in a conservancy), and incredible wildlife visibility year-round, Keekorok remains one of the most iconic lodges in Kenya.
This classic property combines old-world safari charm with modern comforts and is particularly well-known for its hippo-filled waterhole, central location for game drives, and accessibility to the Great Migration route.
📍 Location & Access
- Region: Southern Maasai Mara National Reserve, near Sekenani Gate
- Coordinates: Deep within the reserve, surrounded by open savannah
- Access by Air: Daily flights to Keekorok Airstrip (just 10 minutes away by road)
- Access by Road: ~280 km from Nairobi (6–7 hours by 4×4 or private transfer)
Its proximity to major migration routes and resident big cats makes Keekorok a hotspot for photography and game viewing.
🛏️ Accommodation
Keekorok Lodge offers 99 rooms, thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural surroundings, all with views of the gardens, savannah, or waterhole.
Room Categories:
- Standard Rooms
- Queen or twin beds
- En-suite bathroom
- Private veranda
- Garden or park views
- Chalet Rooms
- Slightly larger with polished interiors
- Often closer to the pool and main lodge
- More privacy
- Executive Suites
- King-size beds
- Sitting area or lounge
- Larger bathroom with bathtub
- Ideal for honeymooners or VIPs
- Presidential Suite
- Two bedrooms, two bathrooms
- Separate lounge and dining area
- Premium décor and amenities
- Ideal for families or small groups
💵 2025 Rates (Estimated Per Person Sharing)
| Room Type | Low Season (USD) | High Season (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Room | $180–$220 | $260–$320 |
| Chalet Room | $220–$250 | $300–$350 |
| Executive Suite | $350 | $450 |
| Presidential Suite | $700+ (per suite) | $900+ |
Rates include full-board (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Park entry fees are charged separately.
✅ What’s Included
- Full board meals
- Accommodation in your selected room category
- Use of pool and lodge amenities
- Guided walks within lodge vicinity (e.g., to hippo bar)
- Taxes and service charges
❌ What’s Not Included
- Park entry fees (currently $70 per adult/day for non-residents)
- Game drives (arranged at additional cost)
- Drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)
- Tips & gratuities
- Airport transfers (charged separately unless in a package)
- Hot air balloon safaris
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
Keekorok Lodge features:
- Main Restaurant: Buffet-style meals with a mix of local Kenyan, Indian, and international dishes
- Hippo Bar: Overlooks a natural waterhole where guests can watch hippos and other wildlife while enjoying drinks
- Bush Dining: Private setups available on request for special occasions
🌿 Facilities & Highlights
- 🏊♂️ Large outdoor swimming pool
- 🌺 Beautiful garden pathways with native plants
- 🦛 Elevated wooden boardwalk to the hippo viewing platform
- 🍸 Sundowner spots and firepit lounges
- 📶 Wi-Fi in public areas (can be spotty)
- 🛒 Gift shop
- 🧖 On-request massage service
🚙 Safari Activities
Keekorok Lodge offers access to the heart of the Maasai Mara, making it a fantastic base for wildlife activities:
- Daily Game Drives – In lodge vehicles or private rentals
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris – Depart from nearby sites
- Nature Walks – Around the lodge and with Maasai guides (limited to lodge grounds)
- Birdwatching – Over 400 species in the Mara ecosystem
- Cultural Visits – To nearby Maasai villages
👨👩👧👦 Family & Group Friendly
- Children of all ages are welcome
- Babysitting services can be arranged
- Spacious family rooms available on request
- Lodge can host weddings and group retreats with special event packages
🕐 Check-In / Check-Out
- Check-in: From 12:00 PM
- Check-out: By 10:00 AM
- Early check-in or late check-out subject to availability
🌟 Why Choose Keekorok Lodge?
✅ Oldest and most established lodge in the Mara
✅ Located inside the national reserve (no need for gate entry each day)
✅ Amazing views of hippos and elephants right from the bar
✅ Great value for money with consistent service
✅ Close proximity to the Great Migration corridor
✅ Year-round wildlife sightings