Staying at one of these top 5 luxury lodges in Masai Mara will guarantee you a safari adventure in the Masai Mara with a touch of luxury. These lodges offer a combination of comfort, exclusivity, and authenticity that will make your trip unforgettable.
Lets introduce you to the concept of luxury lodges in the safari context, and then give you a detailed overview of each of the top 5 luxury lodges in Masai Mara, highlighting their unique features, amenities, services, and experiences. We will also compare and contrast the different lodges to help you choose the best one for your needs and preferences.
Introduction to Luxury Lodges in Masai Mara
Luxury lodges are a type of accommodation that provide a high level of comfort and quality in a natural setting. They are usually located in remote and scenic areas, such as national parks or wildlife reserves, where guests can enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature. Luxury lodges are designed to blend in with the environment, using natural materials, local art, and traditional architecture. They also aim to minimize their environmental impact, by adopting eco-friendly practices and supporting conservation efforts.
Luxury lodges in Masai Mara are especially appealing for safari lovers, as they offer easy access to one of the most famous and spectacular wildlife destinations in the world. Masai Mara is home to a variety of animals, such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and many more. It is also the stage for the annual Great Migration, when millions of wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures. Staying at a luxury lodge in Masai Mara allows you to witness these amazing sights from the comfort of your room, or from a private balcony or terrace. You can also enjoy other activities, such as game drives, bush walks, cultural visits, or even hot air balloon safaris.
Lets introduce you to the top 5 luxury lodges in Masai Mara, each with its own distinctive features and advantages. We will describe their location, design, amenities, services, and experiences, and compare them to help you make an informed decision.
Angama Mara
Angama Mara is a luxury lodge that sits on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, overlooking the vast plains of Masai Mara. The lodge’s name means “suspended in mid-air” in Swahili, and it reflects its stunning location and views. Angama Mara consists of two separate camps, each with 15 tented suites that are spacious, elegant, and comfortable. The suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer panoramic views of the landscape and the wildlife below. They also have large decks where guests can relax and enjoy the sunrise or sunset.
Angama Mara’s design is inspired by the classic safari style of the 1920s, with a touch of modernity and sophistication. The lodge’s main areas include a library, a shop, a fitness room, a craft studio, and a photography studio. The lodge also has an infinity pool that overlooks the valley, and a shamba (vegetable garden) where guests can pick their own ingredients for their meals. The lodge’s cuisine is fresh, seasonal, and diverse, ranging from traditional Kenyan dishes to international favorites.
Angama Mara offers a variety of services and experiences for its guests. The lodge has its own airstrip and safari vehicles, so guests can easily access the Masai Mara National Reserve for game drives or walks. The lodge also offers hot air balloon safaris, which are a unique way to see the wildlife and scenery from above. Guests can also visit a nearby Maasai village, where they can learn about the culture and traditions of the local people. Alternatively, guests can simply enjoy the tranquility and privacy of their suites,
or indulge in a massage or yoga session.
Mahali Mzuri
Mahali Mzuri is a luxury lodge that is part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition collection. The lodge is located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a private wildlife reserve that borders the Masai Mara National Reserve. The lodge consists of 12 tented suites that are shaped like cocoons, and are perched on stilts above the ground. The suites are spacious, modern, and stylish, with large beds, en-suite bathrooms, and sliding glass doors that open to private decks. The decks have outdoor bathtubs and sun loungers, where guests can soak in the views and sounds of nature.
Mahali Mzuri’s ambiance is chic, fun, and vibrant. The lodge’s main areas include a lounge, a bar, a dining room, and a library. The lodge also has an infinity pool that overlooks a waterhole, where guests can watch animals come to drink. The lodge’s cuisine is creative, delicious, and varied, using local and organic ingredients. The lodge also caters to special dietary requirements and preferences.
Mahali Mzuri offers a range of services and experiences for its guests. The lodge has its own safari vehicles and guides, who take guests on game drives or walks in the conservancy or the national reserve. The lodge also offers night drives, which are a great opportunity to see nocturnal animals. Guests can also enjoy cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages, or participate in community projects that support education and health. For relaxation and wellness, guests can enjoy spa treatments or meditation sessions.
Mara Plains Camp
Mara Plains Camp is a luxury lodge that is located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a private wildlife reserve that borders the Masai Mara National Reserve. The lodge consists of seven tented suites that are hidden among the trees and bushes, creating a sense of intimacy and seclusion. The suites are spacious,
elegant, and cozy, with wooden floors, canvas walls, and thatched roofs. The suites feature four-poster beds, en-suite bathrooms, and large verandas that offer views of the savanna and the river.
Mara Plains Camp’s design is influenced by the Swahili and colonial heritage of Kenya, with a touch of contemporary flair. The lodge’s main areas include a lounge, a dining room, and a library. The lodge also has a swimming pool that overlooks the river, and a fire pit where guests can gather in the evenings. The lodge’s cuisine is refined, tasty, and diverse, using fresh and local ingredients. The lodge also offers private dining options for special occasions.
Mara Plains Camp offers a variety of services and experiences for its guests. The lodge has its own safari vehicles and guides, who take guests on game drives or walks in the conservancy or the national reserve. The lodge also offers horseback safaris, which are a unique way to explore the wilderness and get close to the animals. Guests can also enjoy photographic safaris, where they can learn tips and tricks from professional photographers. For cultural and educational experiences, guests can visit nearby Maasai villages or schools.
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is a luxury lodge that is located in the Olderikesi Conservancy, a private wildlife reserve that borders the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The lodge consists of ten tented suites that are designed to evoke the nostalgia and romance of the 1920s safari era. The suites are spacious, luxurious, and comfortable, with antique furniture, Persian rugs, and brass fittings. The suites feature king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas that offer views of the hills and plains.
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp’s design is authentic, elegant, and charming. The lodge’s main areas include a lounge, a dining room, a bar, and a shop. The lodge also has a swimming pool that overlooks the savanna, and a spa where guests can enjoy massages and treatments. The lodge’s cuisine is exquisite, hearty, and varied, using organic and homegrown ingredients. The lodge also offers bush breakfasts, picnics, and dinners for a more adventurous dining experience.
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp offers a range of services and experiences for its guests. The lodge has its own safari vehicles and guides, who take guests on game drives or walks in the conservancy or the national reserve. The lodge also offers fly camping, which is a more rustic and immersive way to experience the wilderness. Guests can also enjoy fishing, archery, or croquet for some fun activities. For cultural and historical experiences, guests can visit nearby Maasai villages or museums.
Sanctuary Olonana
Sanctuary Olonana is a stunning lodge located on the banks of the Mara River, in a private concession bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve. The lodge features 14 spacious and stylish suites, each with a private deck overlooking the river and the wildlife that frequents it. The suites are designed with natural materials and African art, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The lodge also boasts a spa, a library, a swimming pool, and a dining area where you can enjoy delicious meals prepared with organic ingredients from the lodge’s garden.
Sanctuary Olonana is not only a luxury lodge, but also an eco-friendly one. The lodge has been awarded a Gold Eco-Rating by Ecotourism Kenya for its sustainability initiatives, such as solar power, water recycling, tree planting, and community support. The lodge also offers guests the opportunity to participate in some of these initiatives, such as visiting the nearby Maasai village or planting a tree in the Olonana Tree Nursery.
One of the main attractions of staying at Sanctuary Olonana is the exclusive experiences and activities that the lodge offers. You can go on game drives with expert guides to see the amazing wildlife of the Masai Mara, including the famous wildebeest migration. You can also enjoy other activities such as hot air balloon safaris, guided nature walks, bush dinners, cultural visits, and more.
Comparison and Differentiation
Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri, Mara Plains Camp, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, and Sanctuary Olonana are our top 5 picks for luxury lodges in Masai Mara. However, each one of them has its own unique features and highlights that make it stand out from the rest. Here are some of the key differences between these lodges:
- Location: Angama Mara is situated on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, offering spectacular views of the plains and the Mara Triangle. Mahali Mzuri is located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a private and exclusive area with abundant wildlife. Mara Plains Camp is nestled in the Olare Orok Conservancy, surrounded by forests and plains. Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is set in an expansive private concession near the border of Tanzania, offering access to both the Masai Mara and Serengeti ecosystems. Sanctuary Olonana is located on the banks of the Mara River, in a private concession bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Design: Angama Mara has a contemporary and minimalist design, inspired by the Maasai culture and colors. The lodge has 30 glass-fronted tented suites that blend seamlessly with the landscape. Mahali Mzuri has a futuristic and innovative design, featuring 12 tented suites that resemble giant cocoons. The lodge has a striking red color scheme that contrasts with the green surroundings. Mara Plains Camp has a classic and elegant design, featuring 7 canvas tents that evoke the safari style of yesteryear. The lodge has a rich and warm color palette that reflects the African heritage. Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp has a vintage and nostalgic design, featuring 10 canvas tents that recreate the glamour of the golden age of safari. The lodge has an authentic and charming color scheme that matches
the colonial era. Sanctuary Olonana has a modern and chic design, featuring 14 spacious and stylish suites that are made with natural materials and African art. The lodge has a cozy and inviting color scheme that creates a relaxing ambiance. - Services: Angama Mara offers personalized and attentive services to its guests, such as private butlers, chefs, guides, drivers, and masseuses. The lodge also provides complimentary laundry service, Wi-Fi access, transfers to/from the airstrip, and drinks (except premium brands). Mahali Mzuri offers all-inclusive services to its guests, such as meals, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), game drives, bush walks, transfers to/from the airstrip, and laundry service. The lodge also provides Wi-Fi access, spa treatments, and access to the Olare Motorogi Trust Fund.
Mara Plains Camp offers all-inclusive services to its guests, such as meals, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), game drives, bush walks, transfers to/from the airstrip, and laundry service. The lodge also provides Wi-Fi access, spa treatments, and access to the Great Plains Foundation. Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp offers all-inclusive services to its guests, such as meals, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), game drives, bush walks, transfers to/from the airstrip, and laundry service. The lodge also provides Wi-Fi access, spa treatments, and access to the Cottar’s Wildlife Conservation Trust. Sanctuary Olonana offers all-inclusive services to its guests, such as meals, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), game drives, bush walks, transfers to/from the airstrip, and laundry service. The lodge also provides Wi-Fi access, spa treatments, and access to the Olonana Tree Nursery.
Booking and Reservation Information
If you are interested in booking one of the top 5 luxury lodges in Masai Mara, below are some of the contact details or links to the official websites of the lodges. Do you prefer hassle free planning? For an all inclusive safari package to the Masai Mara accommodated at any of these top 5 accommodations, you can reach out to us at Masai Mara Holidays, we are a reputable safari company offering some of the best tours to the Masai Mara. Feel free to contact us for a free quote.
- Angama Mara: You can book online through their website https://angama.com or contact them by email at [email protected] or by phone at +254 730 630 630.
- Mahali Mzuri: You can book online through their website or contact them by email at [email protected] or by phone at +44 (0) 208 600 0430.
- Mara Plains Camp: You can book online through their website or contact them by email at [email protected] or by phone at +27 (0) 87 354 6591.
- Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp: You can book online through their website or contact them by email at [email protected] or by phone at +254 (0) 733 773 377.
- Sanctuary Olonana: You can book online through their website or contact them by email at [email protected] or by phone at +254 (0) 20 248 7378.
