Mara Engai Lodge

Location

Set on the Siria escarpment, 1000ft above Kenya’s Maasai Mara with breathtaking views over the  Mara Triangle and Great Wildebeest Migration route. Here you will experience solitude and serenity. Exclusive access into the Maasai Mara, via a private road. This distinctly unique Mara Engai Wilderness lodge is in pristine Kenyan ravine forest on the Oloololo escarpment. Overlooking the amazing Maasai Mara national reserve and wildebeest migration route, 1,000ft below. With around 120km of unbroken views across the vast savannah of the Maasai Mara – it is simply breath-taking.

Mara triangle

The Mara Triangle is the North-Western part of the Masai Mara national reserve, Kenya, and the not-for-profit organisation The Mara Conservancy manages it on behalf of Trans-Mara County Council. Divided from the rest of the Masai Mara National Reserve by the Mara River, the Mara triangle is less visited and less crowded, often with many more game animals grazing on the plains and between the volcanic hills that distinguish this corner of the Mara. Our unique, specially adapted 6×6 Pinzgauer vehicles for game viewing will lead you via our private road directly from the Lodge to the gated Mara Triangle.

Big 5

All members of the “Big Five” are found in the Maasai Mara. The plains located below Mara Engai Wilderness are some of the best for game viewing, in particular lions.

Private road

We have our own private road, maintained by us, that leads directly form the Lodge to the Mara Triangle gate. Sit back in comfort in our specially adapted Pinzgauer vehicles and enjoy stunning views and game spotting from the moment you leave the Lodge. 4×4 vehicles are required to access our area.

Escarpment & ravine forest

The position and volcanic rock composition of the Esoit Siria Escarpment gives rise to lush ravine forest. This is where Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge is located – nestled amongst the rich forest like a natural hide. This elevated location overlooks the wide open grasslands of the Mara and the densely populated wildlife that favours this region.

Luxury tents

Spacious tented accommodation, beautifully furnished with king sized, deep comfort beds. Full en suite facilities featuring waterfall showers. Private viewing decks, overlooking the Masai Mara, and others nestled within the ravine forest. Relax in luxurious tented accommodation, decorated with antique and local art – spacious suites with, sumptuous beds, full ensuite facilities and large private decks boasting stunning views over the Masai Mara and ravine forest. The luxury continues in the lodge restaurant and bar with panoramic views.

Dining

Indulge in the masterpieces created by our talented chefs, prepared with fresh produce from our own organic garden. Dine in our spacious restaurant with panoramic views, within the intimacy of your own private deck or even al fresco in the bush. Our Head Chef is highly trained and experienced. Together with his talented team they work hard to develop stunning dishes influenced by a worldwide palate. Dining with a stunning backdrop. Whether you choose to dine in our main restaurant with panoramic views, on your private viewing deck or al fresco in the bush; you are guaranteed an amazing view quite fitting for the exquisite dishes. Our dishes include fresh meat, fish, pasta and vegetarian selections to suit every taste.  Look out for our bush feast at the Maasai Experience evening.

Breathtaking experiences

Unique to the Mara, the Lodge has specially adapted 6×6 Pinzgauer vehicles for game viewing within Masai Mara’s rich Wilderness Triangle. Enrich your visit with amazing activities, from walking safaris to cultural Maasai trips and balloon rides over the Mara.

Daily game drives

Unique to Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge are our Pinzgauer vehicles which offer a whole new experience when it comes to game drives. Along with our exceptionally highly trained and experienced guides you will be sure to see the very best Game that the Mara Triangle and Masai Mara have to offer. Game drives are scheduled twice a day but there is also flexibility during peak Migration to stay out all day so you are sure to catch nature’s greatest show in earth.

Hot-air balloon safaris

For the adventure of a lifetime we offer the unique experience of a balloon safari. The annual migration of the wildebeest from July to October is a sight never to be forgotten. Departure is from Little Governors’ Camp. It has a perfect natural launch site and offers easy access for the take off shortly. The flight lasts an hour. After landing there is a champagne toast. Each passenger is presented with a certificate to commemorate the flight. The balloon safari ends with a leisurely game drive which often allows you to return to the animals. There are no special requirements for participation. For safety reasons, children must be eight years old and above and taller than 1.2 metres. Balloon safaris can either be booked before the safari or at the lodge.

Quad bike adventure

Quad bike adventure is a thrilling ride through our organic garden. Take in the incredible views and see the wildlife. Ride past giraffe, elephants and zebra and go deeper.

How to build a fire Maasai style

Famed for their fire building skills, in this experience, Maasai warriors will teach you how to build a fire using traditional techniques. They’ll explain just how and why fire is so important.

Bush dinner

Indulge in fine dining under the twinkling stars of the African sky. It’s a wonderful al fresco dining experience overlooking the Mara open plains – add an extra memorable touch with traditional Maasai entertainment around the bonfire.

Bush breakfast

Not many experiences are more memorable, or as typically Kenyan, as breakfast in the bush. Setting off first you enjoy a fascinating game drive into the bush where, at one of our specially chosen breakfast sites, a full English breakfast will be cooked before you. Enjoy a glass of chilled buck’s fizz while you savour the experience.

Sundowner

Enjoy refreshing cocktails and tasty canapés whilst watching the sun set over that spectacular scenery – breath-taking. Soft drinks and mock-tails available for children.

Maasai village visit

Just outside Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge is a small settlement of a traditional Maasai community. A traditional Maasai homestead is known as a manyatta. We encourage clients to visit this manyatta if they are interested in Maasai culture and would like to experience a way of life unchanged for centuries.

Organic garden tour

The rich volcanic soil of the escarpment provides an excellent foundation for the organic garden. We have a cleverly designed irrigation system, rainwater collection and crop rotation process to ensure fresh produce all year round. Enjoy a tour of the garden and sustainable farming plot and meet our talented gardener. You may even get the chance to pick your own fruit or veg for your dinner!

In-room dining

For a wonderfully romantic experience, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or even Champagne & Canapés in the privacy of your own tent. Simply speak to reception to let them know which meal and which day and we’ll arrange this specially for you. Enquire about other extras including chocolates and fruit baskets.

Lunch at the vantage point

Wow, that view – perched on the rock at the Mara Engai vantage point, you can relax and enjoy an unbelievable and truly intimate dining experience. Overlooking the Masai Mara and great migration route, this is quite simply magical.

Picnic lunch

This is no ordinary picnic, this is a Mara Engai picnic. We’ll drive you into the Masai Mara, watching the game on route before setting up your table and chairs in a prime location. So you can enjoy scrumptious treats whilst taking in the views and still watching the unique wildlife.

Walking safari

Or “Bush Walks” will identify tracks; highlight interesting insects; talk about fascinating plants; and discuss the ecosystem in general. It’s a great way to appreciate the smaller wildlife, which can’t be so easily seen from a vehicle. It’s also offers the thrill of being in the bush with the big game.

Free child-minding services

If you would like to enjoy a little grown up time, why not book our child minding service — it’s completely free of charge. Let our child minders look after the little ones while you have some well deserved time to yourself. Enquire at reception for details.

Maasai naming ceremony

A lasting memento of your time at Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge – your own Maasai name. Take part in a traditional naming ceremony, and receive a certificate with your new Maasai name. It’s up to you which name you choose to use after that! We want your whole family to enjoy your stay at Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge, so ask at reception about other children’s activities including games, books and colouring fun – all free of charge.

The view

Mara Engai is nestled in a secluded location. It is 1000ft above the Maasai Mara with uninterrupted views over the incredible landscape and great migration route. The lodge is cleverly designed to blend into the natural environment and enjoy the stunning scenery with large private viewing decks. From the pink hues of the morning sunrise to the rich golds of the sunset and the mass of stars in the sky, the ever changing vista is always a sight to behold and treasure.

Weddings

The Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge also features a host of luxurious facilities perfect for a wedding or honeymoon. Traditional local team will entertain you while sampling fine wines and exquisite fine dining. If it’s privacy you’re after, why not retreat to your luxury accommodation and private veranda to sip champagne and watch as the sunset gives way to a mass of twinkling stars. Weddings at Mara Engai wilderness lodge are a luxury affair; from the amazing setting and breathtaking views to the stunning floral arrangements, fine dining, and extensive wine selection for your celebration.

Romance

In preparation for your wedding, your hen party can enjoy in a little well-deserved pampering with indulgent spa treatments, accompanied by champagne, of course. The stags may prefer a thrilling game-drive on the Mara plains; tracking lions, elephants, buffalo and zebra in our specially developed Pinzgauer vehicles. We can tailor your wedding package to create a truly memorable ceremony and reception. We will work with you to ensure we plan every detail, including the photographer to capture those magical moments. To round off your wonderful day, you will receive a complimentary bottle of champagne in your luxury tented accommodation to enjoy on your wedding night.