Mara Simba Lodge sits on the banks of the Talek River, within Masai Mara National Reserve, overlooking a kilometre of savanna and surrounding forest. Its architecture draws inspiration from traditional Maasai style: dark wood walls, thatched roofs, and illuminated pathways connecting communal spaces to guest rooms. With 84 rooms spread across banderas and a resident naturalist, the property caters to wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking to experience the great migration of the Mara River.

Why stay here

• Direct location within the reserve, on the Talek's banks
• Architecture in local materials (wood, thatch, stone) integrated into the bush
• Resident naturalist and morning, afternoon and evening safari programme
• Active environmental approach: treatment plant feeding garden irrigation
• Prime position on the migration corridor from July to September

Atmosphere and architecture

The lodge unfolds its traditional Maasai-style architecture across a kilometre of savanna and surrounding forest. The buildings combine dark wood walls and thatched roofs, accented by colourful furnishings in public spaces. Landscaped gardens, planted with indigenous species, attract a wealth of birds and butterflies, and benefit from a treatment plant that recycles wastewater for irrigation—an environmentally conscious approach.

The swimming pool is among the highlights: from its edges, you can observe crocodiles and hippopotamuses gathering in the nearby river.

Guest rooms

The lodge offers 84 chalet-style rooms, grouped by six in banderas built from natural materials: four ground-floor rooms and two interconnecting rooms upstairs. The breakdown is as follows:

• 60 twin rooms
• 12 double rooms
• 4 flexible double/single rooms
• 8 triple rooms

Set in blocks of thatch, wood and stone, each room features a private veranda, ensuite bathroom and ceiling fan. The décor emphasises neutral tones and raw materials, in the spirit of a safari lodge.

Dining and services

The main dining room, decorated in traditional Maasai style, serves a buffet blending international and local cuisine, with vegetarian options. Dinner is also available on the terrace at tables of four. The bar offers a selection of wines, spirits and soft drinks, to be enjoyed indoors or out.

For activities, the lodge organises:

• Vehicle safaris in the morning, afternoon and evening
• Guided walks and birding excursions with the resident naturalist
• Bush barbecues and sundowners
• Maasai cultural shows

Location

The lodge sits on the banks of the Talek River, within Masai Mara National Reserve. This location allows quick access to wildlife-rich areas without leaving reserve boundaries. Access is typically by light aircraft from Nairobi to one of the Mara airstrips, followed by a 4x4 transfer.

When to visit

Masai Mara can be visited year-round, but two seasons stand out:

• July to September: the great migration crosses the Mara River, the most spectacular period to witness herds of wildebeest and zebra
• January to March: short dry season, clear skies, resident wildlife concentrated around water sources

The rainy seasons (April–May and November) offer lush vegetation and fewer visitors, though some tracks can be challenging.

Nearby attractions

Masai Mara concentrates most of your stay's highlights, but it's common to combine this stop with other lodges and reserves in southern Kenya:

• Mara Olapa Camp, another option in the Mara area
• Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, in the eastern section of the reserve
• Loita Hills Basecamp, for immersion in Maasai country outside the reserve
• Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, a complementary stop heading north

Planning your stay

Mara Simba Lodge fits naturally into a broader safari itinerary. To build your route and combine Masai Mara, Rift Valley lakes and the Swahili coast, explore our Kenya holidays.