Mara Enkaji - Lodges in Masai Mara National Park — Hotel in Siana ward

Location: Spent 3 days here. Perched on the hillside on the Mara border and only a few km’s from the gate entry. Depending on time of the year you can see wildlife across the valley. Got the opportunity to walk around the place - guard showed us cheetah footprints just below the property near the river and said elephants and buffalos are often seen/heard in the vicinity. Sunsets over the Mara…the snaps speak for themselves! My room was spacious, with a modern but safari decor and the shower was unique. Seems like they have focused on personalised experiences over commercialising the place, as it’s not a hotel with a large number of rooms. That said, they are extending the property with new additions on offer soon according to the manager (and saw this build progress on my walkabouts). Property is protected by perimeter electric fence so was not concerned about any threat from wandering wildlife.||Food & service: There was a mix crowd of occupants from around the world when I stayed there and food options reflected to cater for varied cuisines. As said in other reviews, food was delicious (much respect for the chef & team), lots of vegetarian options (separate dedicated kitchen in fact for vegetarian/vegan/jain food). Bush dinner night was a good experience too. Some Ingredients are sourced locally from the property, as advised by the dining room staff. Heck, I even saw 2 pizza ovens let alone one, so felt like they’d cater for much more than what I got to taste. They feed you well - includes afternoon tea and snacks before dinner which was unexpected. Service outside of that is very good too, with various touch points through out my stay, but not overbearing per se. ||My safari into Mara from this place was a short drive in and exceptional too, with several animal sightings on the day (cheetah, leopard, lion, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, migratory wilder beasts and zebras, gazelles!). I was told this was a very good day of safari in comparison. ||I will return to Mara Enkaji without a doubt if I make it back...

From the moment we began our journey in the Mara reserve, Mara Enkaji’s management and staff curated a unique, personal travel experience for us. Our Masai guide, Dominic, was waiting to pick us up from our flight despite a last minute airline arrival alteration, and was eager to lead us on our first safari experience. Following our drive through the majestic Mara reserve, we arrived to a personal greeting, breakfast, and introduction to the hotel. The general manager, Simon, took care to assure each detail of our arrival, and entire stay, was meticulously planned and we’ve never felt so welcomed! Throughout our time on the property, all staff were warm and personable - especially including Allen, who was with us our entire journey and was a pleasure to speak with; Bonaface, the bartender extraordinaire; Kipino and William, who guided us through the local wilderness to teach us about local cultures and the surrounding nature; all of whom made our experience so memorable. Other property experiences included a private fireside dinner overlooking the Mara; poolside breakfast for two; sunset tea and sweets; a guided nature hike; and lunch’s at the main lodge. In each case, the chef and staff assured that our meals were catered to our preferences, crafting different and delicious options for each meal. Simon often popped by to ensure our stay was to our liking, including finding a last minute massage following a full day game drive. To our surprise Jo Ann also warmed our beds every evening, which was such an incredible touch. The only problem to report is that the staff, execution, and commitment to details will almost certainly be unmatchable by other resorts. We truly felt at home here and are grateful for the hospitality. Don’t miss the truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that is Mara Enkaji and its incredible staff when...

What an incredible place! It‘s been open only a few months and is secluded, tranquil, like paradise on Earth.

The staff is extremely attentive and kind. I was particularly fond of the bartender Ezekiel who displayed tremendous patience by teaching me Swahili.

I stayed in a deluxe text but it felt like a honeymoon suite. Note: Honeymoon suites are currently being built with glass ceiling to stargaze (will be amazing).

The views are breathtaking, especially sunsets. After dinner, you can cozy up around the fire.

I was traveling solo but never once felt alone. I mingled with the friendly staff, owners and other hotel guests. I was also escorted to/from my room in the evenings.

If you have mobility restrictions, request a room close to the main building so you don‘t have to walk far & up the incline to get to the common areas.

There‘s also a yoga room, pool, sauna…I did not take advantage of any but I made sure to take a warm bath in the gorgeous wooden bath tub in the room after a long game drive.

Upon departure, I was asked to plant a small tree as well as a tree seed.

The road leading to the hotel is bumpy but I was told that they plan to do roadwork. It‘s not far from the main gate and is in a conservancy. You might see baboons and other animals.

One of the highlights was the bush dinner under a starry sky with Masaai performance. Can‘t wait to visit again but this time with my family!

I know that when word gets out, this place will become very popular and on traveler‘s...