What if you could wake up to the sounds of the African wilderness and enjoy breathtaking views of the Maasai Mara?
Welcome to Jambo Mara Safari Lodge, where that dream becomes part of your everyday experience. Nestled near the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, offering the perfect blend of comfort, affordability, and authentic wilderness adventures. From thrilling game drives in search of the Big Five to evenings spent relaxing at the lodge, every moment here brings you closer to the magic of Africa’s most iconic safari destination.
Whether you are visiting the Maasai Mara to witness the Great Migration, planning a romantic honeymoon, embarking on a family holiday, or ticking a Kenyan safari off your bucket list, Jambo Mara Safari Lodge is the place to be.
In this travel guide, you will discover everything you need to know, from its history to its location, accommodation options, dining experience, best things to do during your stay, rates, the best time to visit, what to pack, and practical travel tips to help you enjoy your stay.
Why Stay at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
1. Jambo Mara Safari Lodge is conveniently located near the Sekenani Gate, one of the main entrances to Maasai Mara National Reserve. This means that you will spend less time travelling and more time exploring the reserve’s incredible wildlife, including the Big Five and the Great Migration.
2. The lodge has spacious and well-designed rooms that provide a peaceful retreat. You will get to enjoy comfortable beds, modern amenities, and a relaxing atmosphere.
3. One of the lodge’s greatest strengths is its friendly and attentive staff. From the moment you arrive, you will be welcomed with genuine hospitality and personalized service, ensuring your stay is comfortable, relaxing, and memorable.
4. Jambo Mara caters for a wide range of travelers, including couples seeking a romantic safari, families on holiday, solo travelers, groups of friends, wildlife photographers, and first-time safari travelers.
History of Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
Jambo Mara Safari Lodge is a relatively modern addition to the Maasai Mara’s hospitality scene, created to offer travelers a comfortable stay. The lodge was developed with a strong focus on sustainable tourism and environmental conservation, built using environmentally friendly materials, describing itself as a green, carbon-free lodge, designed to minimize its environmental footprint while blending harmoniously with the surrounding wilderness.
Jambo Mara Safari Lodge Location
Jambo Mara Safari Lodge is located in Siana Conservancy, approximately 11 km from Sekenani Gate, one of the main entrances to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve in Narok County. Its strategic location places guests close to the reserve while offering a peaceful setting away from the busier tourist areas. This allows visitors to enjoy both easy access to wildlife and the tranquility of the open grasslands. Whether you are planning a short safari or a longer wildlife adventure, the lodge’s location offers the perfect balance of accessibility, comfort and immersion in one of Africa’s most celebrated safari landscapes.
Accommodation
The lodge features 108 thoughtfully designed accommodation units, ranging from cozy wooden cottages to luxurious glass cottages and spacious suites. Each room is designed to provide privacy, relaxation, and beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness, allowing guests to immerse themselves deeper.
These accommodation options are divided into:
- Wooden Cottage Cabins
- Deluxe Glass Cottages
- Business Suites
- Presidential Site
Room Amenities
Regardless of the room category, guests can expect a comfortable and relaxing stay with amenities such as:
- King-size bed or twin beds
- Spacious ensuite bathroom with hot water
- Private terrace
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
- Safety deposit box
- Writing desk
- Wardrobe
- Complimentary toiletries
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Best Things to Do During Your Stay
- Embark on a thrilling game drive in the reserve accompanied by experienced safari guides.
- Enjoy a hot air balloon safari at sunrise over the savannah.
- Visit a traditional Maasai village and learn about their traditions, explore traditional manyattas, watch traditional songs and dances, purchase handmade beadwork and crafts, etc.
- The Mara is home to over 450 bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts to experience birdwatching.
- After a day of exploring the reserve, cool off in the lodge’s outdoor swimming pool.
- Watch spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
- Enjoy guided nature walks.
- Take time to savour freshly prepared meals at the lodge’s restaurant.
- Capture incredible photography
Best Time to Visit Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
Jambo Mara Safari Lodge welcomes guests throughout the year, with each season offering a unique way to experience the beauty of Maasai Mara, whether you are hoping to witness the Great Migration, enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing, predator sightings, lush greenery, excellent birdwatching, fewer crowds or take advantage of quieter safari experiences, there is never a bad to visit.
Jambo Mara Safari Lodge Rates
Jambo Mara Safari Lodge offers different rates depend on the season, room type and whether you are a Kenyan resident or non-resident. Rates are typically full-board, meaning they include accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner but excluding Maasai Mara National Reserve park entry fees.
Moreover, the rates at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge start from approximately USD 120 per night for a non-resident staying in a wooden cottage during the low season and rise to USD 400 per night for a double glass cottage during the peak season.
What to Pack for your trip
Packing wisely can make your Maasai Mara safari more comfortable and enjoyable.
Here are what you should bring for your stay at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors such as khaki, olive, beige or brown.
- Sun protection
- Binoculars
- A good camera
- A powerbank
- Insect repellent
- Travel documents
- A wildlife field guide
- Bird identification book
- A notebook or travel journal
Note that you should pack lightly if you are flying to the Maasai Mara on a light aircraft, as luggage is often restiricted to 15kgs.
With these essentials packed, you will be well prepared to enjoy everything Jambo Mara Safari Lodge and the spectacular Maasai Mara have to offer.
Visitor Travel Tips
When travelling to the Mara, a little preparation goes a long way ensuring you have a memorable experience.
Keeping these practical travel tips in mind before and during your visit.
- Book early during the peak season.
- Bring a valid passport or national ID, your booking confirmation and any important travel documents.
- Accommodation rates at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge do not usually include the Maasai Mara National Reserve entry fees. Budget these separately when planning your trip.
- Dress for the safari.
- Bring cash for extras like tipping, purchasing souvenirs or paying for local expenses.
- Always follow your guide’s instructions during game drives.
- Respect local culture.
- Follow sustainable travel practices.
By following these simple travel tips, you will enjoy a smoother, safer and more rewarding safari experiences while making the most of your stay at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge.
Final Thoughts
Jambo Mara Safari Lodge offers an excellent balance of comfort, and authentic safari experience in one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, the Maasai Mara National Reserve, blending modern amenities and natural surroundings making it an ideal choice for couples, families, solo travelers and small groups looking to experience the magic of the Mara without compromising on comfort.
