Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge — Hotel in Kiogoro ward

We stayed here for 3 nights in July. This was actually the second time we stayed here. The time before was in 2019. If it’s possible, it was better than the last time we stayed here. The route up to the lodge is via a pretty steep road with amazing views of the plains below. The lodge has its own vehicles to bring you up and down that steep road. Upon arrival we were greeted with a welcome drink of delicious juice and a warm, scented facecloth for your face and hands. The reception area/dining area is beautiful. Great views from the dining room and outside deck of the plains below the lodge. The fireplace in the dining area was a great place to sit and have a drink by at night. The food for breakfast and supper was delicious and had many many options. The boxed lunch we took every day on safari was plentiful and very good as well. The tents themselves were huge. Hard to describe how big they are. We were in tent #21. There were 2 queen sized beds, side tables, a sitting area with two sofas and coffee table, a desk area with coffee/tea supplies on it, a place to hang up your clothes, a huge open shelving unit, safe, make up table and chair, large shower area and separate toilet area and sink area. Lots of natural wood inside the tent and also outside on the deck, which also has a table and chairs. The wood is gleaming inside and out. Good water pressure and hot water. Everything is spotless both in the tents and in the dining area. There is a hot water bottle in your bed when you return from supper. That is a very nice treat as it can be cool at night. After dark you need an escort to walk you to and from your tent to the reception area/dining room. There is a whistle to call for an escort attached to the key for your tent lock. We didn’t need to use it though as it seemed like there was always someone close by when we were leaving the tent. Now I must mention the staff. We had some problems with the tour company we booked our safari with. We actually had many problems with the tour company we booked the safari with……I cannot say enough great things about the staff here. All the staff were professional and helpful and very friendly. I apologize that I can’t remember the names of the women on the reception desk, but all of them helped us immensely in dealing with the tour company we had issues with. Everyone on the front desk went above and beyond for us, as well as the manager, John Smith. John was kind and caring and generous and compassionate and treated us all like family. We are forever grateful. I wholeheartedly recommend this Lodge for many reasons. You will truly enjoy...

We had an unforgettable stay at Mara Engai Lodge, made even more special as we celebrated our 25th anniversary there. From the moment we arrived, the warm hospitality of the staff made us feel at home, especially the Food & Beverage team (Henry, Chef Wycliffe, Clement, William, Eunice, and others) who went above and beyond in every possible way.||A special mention goes to our guide, Lewice, who was not only knowledgeable and experienced but also friendly, observant, and genuinely passionate about the wildlife. He made our game drives fascinating and engaging, always sharing insights while ensuring we were safe and comfortable throughout.||They not only served us attentively and with genuine care for our dietary needs, but also engaged us in warm, charming conversations that made each meal feel personal. The team surprised us with a beautifully organized exclusive bush breakfast, a lovely sundowner experience, and a truly magical bush dinner shared with a few other guests, complete with tribal dance performances and a delicious surprise anniversary cake. Every detail felt intentional and from the heart.||Our room was well decorated with flowers, a fruit basket, and a celebratory drink - such a thoughtful touch that made us feel incredibly valued.||The interiors of the lodge are also worth mentioning. They reflect an aesthetic that’s deeply rooted in African traditions and values. Every corner felt authentic, warm, and rich with culture, which only added to the immersive experience.||The lodge itself is located in a perfect spot, offering breathtaking views and a deep connection to nature. But what stood out most was the warmth and sincerity of the people. They made this milestone in our lives truly unforgettable.||Highly recommend Mara Engai Lodge for anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with beauty, culture, and heartfelt...

We stayed for two nights at the Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge and the stay was an amazing experience. Mara Engai is located on top of the escarpment and the view from the rooms as well as the dining area is breathtaking (one can witness the beautiful sunrise from the dining area). The rooms are huge and very well furnished. Their shower is a novelty and standing beneath it you'll feel that you are standing underneath a waterfall. They have a good range of food and beverages and the sundowner is a great time to mingle with the other guests and the lodge staff. The staff is extremely hospitable and friendly and they look after you as one looks after a family member. Since the lodge is atop the escarpment they use Pinzgauer trucks (these were originally made for the Swiss Army) to ferry passengers to the lodge and even for the game drives. The trucks are sturdy and can easily go up the escarpment and can even wade their way through deep muddy tracks (I saw Range Rovers skidding through muddy tracks or finding it difficult to climb up the escarpment, but not these Pinzgauers). The Mara Engai guides were pretty good with the game drives and we had a good time with them. The one thing that can be improved upon is the size of the rooms because presently, they are a bit too huge. Something can be done to make them cosier. Otherwise, right from hospitality to food to game drives and other activities I would give Mara Engai, a thumbs up. Happy to be a part of the Mara...