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Review: JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, Kenya

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Located in southwestern Kenya, along the Tanzanian border, the Masai Mara National Reserve is an area of preserved savannah wilderness famous for its abundant wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and hippos.

This pristine landscape, which is crisscrossed by the Mara and Talek rivers, is particularly famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, a spectacle of nature that draws visitors from around the world every year.

Hidden away right in the heart of this renowned reserve lies the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge which offers an opulent safari experience, beautifully blending a luxurious travel experience with the untamed beauty of the African wilderness.

Lodge guests are warmly welcomed and treated to an immersive, nature-centric experience that combines the thrills of wildlife encounters with the comforts of an elegant, luxury, eco-friendly retreat.

Location

The lodge overlooks the majestic Talek River, offering guests sweeping views of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Known for its grassy plains and rolling hills, the Masai Mara provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable safari.

A 25-minute drive from the Sekenani gate and the Keekorok Airstrip, the lodge ensures convenient access to one of the world’s most well-known wildlife destinations while still preserving the tranquility and seclusion that defines the Masai Mara experience. From this prime location, guests can witness some of the most spectacular natural phenomena, including the migrations where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing land, a truly breathtaking sight.

Style & Character

When thinking about the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, imagine yourself deep in the African wilderness, surrounded by nature and all manner of astonishing wildlife, while being cocooned in the safety and luxury of this five-star resort.

Each tented suite is crafted from sustainable materials, ensuring the lodge treads lightly on the environment. Maasai culture heavily influences the design, incorporating local craftsmanship, traditional storytelling, and natural, earthy tones.

Despite the lodge’s luxurious touches, it maintains an intimate, down-to-earth ambiance, inviting guests to disconnect from the world and fully immerse themselves in the African savannah’s sights, sounds, and serenity.

Service & Facilities

The service at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is exceptional, with a dedicated team ensuring that every aspect of your stay is perfectly tailored to your needs. From experienced safari guides who help you navigate the sprawling Masai Mara Reserve, to wellness specialists at the Spa by JW, every detail is managed with care and expertise.

Guests can enjoy a range of top-tier facilities, including a fully equipped fitness center that will give you a workout that’s out of this world with panoramic views of the wilderness, as well as an outdoor pool, where you can relax with your thoughts or cool off after a day of exploration.

The lodge also features a Canon photography studio, offering guests the opportunity to capture stunning shots of wildlife and landscapes with the latest mirrorless camera technology. For those interested in cultural immersion, the lodge also provides unique experiences that include interactions with local Maasai warriors and visits to the Maasai community, offering a glimpse into their rich traditions, crafts, and way of life.

Tents

The 21 luxurious tented suites at the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge offer elegant comfort and a taste of adventure. With expansive windows, each suite offers breathtaking views of the Masai Mara’s grassy plains and rolling hills, ensuring you remain connected to the reserve’s beauty during your stay.

The tents are outfitted with private decks, where you can relax in an outdoor Jacuzzi while watching wildlife roam the savannah below. Each suite is designed with sustainable materials, and the décor draws heavily on Maasai traditions, creating a space that is as culturally rich as it is luxurious.

For families, the 2-tent Family Suite offers additional space with king and twin beds and a large, shared deck, perfect for shared moments in the heart of nature. Every tent suite also features modern amenities, including an outdoor shower, double vanities, plush robes, and complimentary wireless internet. This ensures that guests enjoy the perfect balance between luxury and a close-to-nature experience.

Food & Drink

Dining at the lodge is a delight, with a strong focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Sarabi Restaurant offers an international menu, providing various options to suit every palate. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty breakfast before a morning game drive or a gourmet dinner after a day of exploration, the restaurant ensures a dining experience that’s as exquisite as the scenery.

JW Garden provides a unique opportunity to dine amid nature, with fresh ingredients harvested from the lodge’s organic garden, while The Fig Tree Lounge offers an idyllic setting for evening drinks, featuring a large viewing deck with a fire pit.

From this vantage point, you can watch wildlife around the Hippo Pool, all while enjoying premium drinks and snacks in a communal setting. For those preferring a more private experience, in-tent dining is available, allowing you to savor gourmet meals in the comfort of your suite, complete with a minibar and a curated in-tent menu.

Conclusion

The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience one of the world’s most famous wildlife reserves. From its luxurious tented suites to its exceptional service and facilities, the lodge provides everything you need for an extraordinary safari adventure. Whether you’re here to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, explore the diverse wildlife of the Masai Mara National Reserve, or relax and rejuvenate in a serene, nature-centric setting, this lodge promises an experience unlike any other.

Image(s) courtesy of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge.

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.

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