Mara Sun Lodge

I stayed at the Mara Sun Lodge on a last minute solo photography trip to Kenya in September 2019, my second time in Africa and my first visit to Kenya. The lodge itself is situated high up on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment, blending in to the surrounding environment. The lodge offers parking at the ground base before traversing up the escarpment in a 6-wheel drive vehicle. The lodge is set in a crescent shape, rustic with rooms clean and spacious in the the design of traditional Maasai Manyattas. My double room had a comfortable bed with mosquito net, bedside tables, a desk space and two chairs with table. There is hot running water in the rooms shower, and a kettle was provided for me on arrival by the staff as I am a big tea drinker! The jewel was the private balcony of each room which offers breathtaking views over the Mara Triangle. When not out on drive, this is where I spent my time listening to the sounds of the busch, and watching the many animals that pass below. One evening I watched two elephants pick fruit from tall trees by standing on their hind legs. You may have gathered there is no TV in the rooms, but why the hell would you need one! It was not uncommon at night to hear or see bushbabies on the roof, or be woken by the residential Baboons that refuge in the rocks at night The dinning and communal area in the central area of the lodge is a spacious area, providing 3-4 course evening meals decided on the menu earlier that day, and breakfast. There is a TV located here, as well as an outdoor fire pit and balcony dinning area. At the time of my trip myself and my guide were the only two guests at the lodge, as I had timed by trip just out of season. The staff were all very friendly and accommodating during my stay, being able to exchange cultural conversations and learning about Maasai life. The location is at the far South/West of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, roughly 6 hours from the capital of Nairobi, so if a secluded stay with stunning scenery and abundant game is what you are looking for, this would be a great place for you.