JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is on community land beside the Talek River, overlooking the Masai Mara National Reserve. As JW Marriott’s first luxury safari lodge, it has 24 tented suites with canvas roofs, private decks and outdoor whirlpools, making the lodge experience as memorable as the wildlife drives.

Resident photographers guide guests in capturing wildlife, birds and landscapes, with Canon mirrorless cameras and lenses available at the studio. Chefs use produce from the JW Garden, and Spa by JW offers treatments between excursions.

Getting to the lodge

Flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Keekorok Airstrip take about an hour, followed by an hour-long game-drive transfer. The lodge package includes return Keekorok transfers.

A road journey from Nairobi takes five to six hours, depending on conditions. We can arrange road transfers, flights and connections from other airstrips to suit your itinerary.

Tented suites and private decks

Every suite at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge has a private deck and outdoor whirlpool. Suites differ in bed configuration, indoor layout and outdoor space. The Executive Suite features a plunge pool, while the Two-Bedroom Suite connects separate sleeping areas with a shared lounge.

Suites have complimentary minibars, Wi-Fi, double vanities, tea and coffee facilities, writing desks and yoga mats.

Executive Suites and selected Deluxe Suites can be adapted for mobility and hearing requirements. We verify bathroom, deck access and routes to shared facilities before booking.

What the safari package includes

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge offers tented-suite accommodation with full-board dining, selected beverages, bush meals, sundowners, morning and afternoon shared game drives and return Keekorok Airstrip transfers. Meals, daily wildlife outings and arrival transfers are included in one package, so you do not need to book each element separately.

Complimentary laundry and pressing are provided as confirmed in your booking. Spa treatments, balloon flights, reserve entry fees and private vehicles are charged separately. Our quotation details inclusions and extra charges, letting you compare the package with other safari options.

Game drives and a view from above

Morning and afternoon departures offer varied chances to tour the reserve and see the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes and birdlife. Guides identify species, explain animal behavior and highlight details beyond initial sightings. Returning between drives gives you time to have lunch and relax at the lodge.

Guests seeking more time in the reserve can choose full-day outings, with four- and six-seat vehicles available. Sightings depend on animal movements and conditions.

A Masai Mara balloon safari offers a sunrise aerial view of the landscape, followed by a champagne breakfast. Guests see the scale of the plains and wildlife from above before landing for a meal outdoors. This experience is optional and subject to flight conditions.

Canon cameras and resident photography support

The Canon studio at the lodge provides access to mirrorless cameras and lenses, with resident photographers available to help guests develop their skills. This service benefits both newcomers learning equipment and enthusiasts seeking expert advice during their safari.

Photography guidance extends to birds, landscapes, and cultural experiences. On a Kenya photography safari, image quality often depends more on light, vehicle positioning and time at a sighting than on equipment alone. The studio provides the necessary tools and information to maximize your results.

Sarabi, garden meals and boma evenings

Sarabi serves international and African cuisine with a modern approach, indoors or outdoors. Ingredients from the organic JW Garden connect meals to the property, and garden dining offers an alternative setting among the produce and greenery.

A bush breakfast features live cooking in the open landscape, allowing guests to enjoy a freshly prepared meal outdoors after a morning drive. Sundowners pair drinks with the evening light before returning to the lodge.

Boma dinners feature a central fire, “nyama choma” grilled meats, ugali, and Maasai dance performances. For private dining, in-tent service delivers meals to your deck or indoor sitting area. A dedicated kosher kitchen, supervised by Mashgichim, provides a separate facility for guests requiring kosher meals.

Please inform us of any dietary requirements before booking so we can arrange suitable meals and accommodations.

Spa by JW and everyday wellness

Spa by JW has floor-to-ceiling windows with savannah views, treatment rooms, a plunge pool and relaxation lounges, creating an ideal setting for extended appointments.

The Big Five Self Journey combines full-body exfoliation, a hydrating massage, and a mini facial. Masai Celebration begins with body polish, followed by a 90-minute massage. Elephant Clay Detox Journey pairs an Earth Clay body mask with a targeted deep-tissue massage. 

Healing Earth products incorporate African botanicals such as Kalahari melon and Mongongo nut oil. Couples may book the Duos Connection Massage for side-by-side treatments. Spa appointments are available at an additional cost.

Complimentary fitness access includes cardio equipment, free weights, and strength machines.

Learning Maasai skills and traditions

In-house artisans teach beadwork, letting guests create bracelets and learn through hands-on participation. Maasai instructors introduce archery and spear throwing, guiding guests to practice techniques rather than just observe demonstrations.

Storytelling, music, and dance introduce the traditions behind these activities. Visits to a nearby village offer chances to engage with the local community, with arrangements coordinated based on host availability.

Family safaris with older children

Families traveling with children under six should contact us before booking, because the lodge has age restrictions for this group. We will clarify how these restrictions affect accommodation, game drives and family activities before confirming your reservation.

Eligible younger guests can enjoy activities such as storytelling, beadwork and supervised fire-making, in addition to wildlife viewing. Guided walks are tailored to age and ability, encouraging on-foot exploration.

The connected family suite lets families spend time together without requiring everyone to share a single bedroom.

Solar power, water and community partnerships

A large solar installation supplies power, while rainwater harvesting and water filtration support the lodge’s water management. Food comes from local suppliers and the JW Garden. Black soldier fly larvae turn food waste into fertilizer and animal-feed ingredients, reducing the amount of waste leaving the lodge.

Community initiatives include educational support through the Lazizi Welfare Foundation, internships and protection of the nearby hippo watering hole. Guests may join the Adopt a Tree program, planting on the property and learning about the local ecosystem.

Seasons and length of stay

June to October typically brings drier conditions and the seasonal migration period. Herd movements and river crossings vary, so specific dates cannot guarantee sightings. The greener months offer different scenery and birdwatching opportunities, though rain may affect roads and outdoor activities.

A three-night stay allows for multiple game drives and selected lodge experiences. Four nights provide additional time for photography, a balloon flight or a spa appointment without sacrificing other activities or over-scheduling your stay.

For itineraries combining the Mara with other destinations, our Kenya safari itineraries illustrate how a Mara stay can connect with Nairobi, other parks, or a coastal destination. These serve as starting points for determining the ideal length of stay at each location.

What to know before booking

• Arrival and departure: Check-in starts at 2:00 pm, and check-out is at 10:00 am. We coordinate flights and transfers to match these times.
• Children under six: The lodge has age restrictions for this group. We will clarify the implications for your booking, including accommodation and activities, before confirming your reservation.
• Accessibility: Selected suites have roll-in showers. Executive accessible options include adapted bathroom facilities and visual alerts for hearing needs. Our team verifies the specific room, deck access and routes to shared facilities, not just the bathroom.
• Flight luggage: Please confirm baggage allowance and soft-bag requirements for your airline. Inform us if you carry photography equipment or extra luggage for your journey.
• Additional experiences: We list entry, spa appointments, balloon flights and private vehicles separately in your quotation.
• Marriott Bonvoy: Provide your membership number before booking. We confirm if your chosen rate and booking route qualify for points, elite night credit, or member benefits.