JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

We spent 5 unforgettable days on safari at the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, and from the moment we arrived to the moment we left, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. First and foremost, the resort itself is absolutely stunning. The interior design is among the best we’ve ever seen—elegant, serene, and inviting, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere that perfectly complements the natural beauty surrounding it. Our room was spacious and thoughtfully appointed, featuring a luxurious en suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers. The bed was exceptionally comfortable—a small but meaningful luxury after long safari days. Our room attendant, Duncan, went above and beyond. He was kind, attentive, and detail-oriented, making us feel so welcomed every single day. We were also celebrating our anniversary during our stay and were deeply touched by the surprise decorations and thoughtful handwritten note—it was such a special gesture. The food throughout the stay was wonderful, beautifully prepared and varied. One highlight was the bush breakfast, where we shared a lovely morning meal with the couple we rode with all week and our incredible guide, Sophie. Sophie was one of the true stars of this experience. A fearless and passionate guide, she worked tirelessly to ensure every guest saw the animals they hoped for. We learned so much from her and were lucky enough to witness two lion kills—an exhilarating and unforgettable part of the trip. Another highlight was our visit to a local Maasai village, where we were welcomed with traditional dances and given a fascinating, informative tour by Robert, who was a gracious and engaging host. The lodge also provides high-quality cameras for guest use, which was such a thoughtful touch. Kennedy, the in-house photographer, was an absolute gem—patient, knowledgeable, and kind. He taught us so much about photography, and thanks to him, we captured memories we’ll cherish forever. Every single member of the staff made us feel like royalty—genuine hospitality at its finest. This was truly the trip of a lifetime, and we cannot recommend JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge highly enough. It is worth every penny, and we will carry the memories with us forever.

Everyone there was very cooperative,what you ask for is what you get,i woyld say that everything there is 20/20 i was happy to interact with everyone there,i will realy vusit again.thank you team and everyone involved who made it easy for me.

From the very start, my experience at JW Marriott was nothing short of spectacular, and much of that is thanks to our guide, Sophy, the undisputed Queen of the Mara! Not only is she the best driver and guide you could ever hope for, but her deep personal knowledge of the land, keen ability to spot even the most elusive wildlife, and genuine connections with the local community make every safari an adventure of a lifetime. She knows every park ranger, every driver from other lodges, and—most importantly—where to find the animals! She has never met a stranger and has almost a sixth sense of what animals will do. She got us to see the Big 5 in the first twenty-four hours of arrival. After that, we made a crazy wishlist including a leopard carrying prey into a tree, the smallest baby elephant we could find, cheetahs making a kill, and scavengers stealing a lion’s meal along with a few others and she got all of those experiences for us! If I didn’t know nature better, I would think she was cueing the animals as we arrived. Being with Sophy means experiencing the Mara like never before, with insights and expertise that turn every drive into an unforgettable journey. Beyond the incredible safaris, the JW Marriott itself is a masterpiece of luxury and hospitality. The entire staff goes above and beyond to ensure every guest feels like royalty. Joseph brings endless joy with his legendary hippo impersonations and radiant hospitality, making every interaction a delight. The dining service is second to none, thanks to the exceptional care of Richard, Benjamin, Noah, Leshan, and Naicherwa, who deliver flawless, warm, and attentive service. I can’t say enough good things about them! At the lodge you can eat your meals pretty much anywhere and we found ourselves actively trying to give ourselves more time at the main lodge just so that we could run into the staff. Dr. Victor, the masterful bartender, crafts world-class cocktails with flair, making every drink an experience in itself. From the moment you arrive, Diana welcomes you with warmth and stunning beadwork (that she will teach you to make any time of day!), adding a personal and authentic touch to the experience. The front desk team, led by the outstanding Thelma, with the ever-helpful Wilson, ensures a seamless and stress-free stay. Kennedy and Moses, the talented photographers, will teach you how to use the cameras that they lend you so that the memories last forever. The camera was truly an unexpected favorite part of the trip, taking an already incredible safari to the next level as we all tried to get “the shot” in addition to viewing the animals. Also, for those in need of true relaxation, Faith provides the most rejuvenating massages, melting away every ounce of stress at the spa! There is also a fabulous cold plunge which in the middle of a 90 degree day saved me. Every detail of our room was meticulously cared for, by Emily, the best room cleaner, keeping accommodations pristine and welcomin

The phrase, “trip of a lifetime” is frequently used to describe this experience, this magical place and this exquisite lodge. It’s hard to put into words the majesty of this land and the kindness of this community and staff. In short, this has been the single greatest travel experience and destination. The combination of the JW experience and the Masai Mara will vividly play out in our minds for years. Every meal, every safari and every staff interaction was a joy. The level of service and the luxury of this lodge provided an unrivaled safari experience. If this experience is on your radar, the JW lodge is without question, the ultimate Masai Mara destination. Our thanks to the many staff who attended to our every need. Thank you seems inadequate.

Wow! This was absolutely the most amazing trip we’ve ever had. Everything about this lodge was first class- the incredible staff, lodge, the food- truly everything! We can’t say enough good things about our experience. They think of everything here! Special thanks to our outstanding guide Vinny, and also to Leshan and Elias (dining) Anna (housekeeping), Lilian (incredible on site nurse) Thelma and Brian (guest services), Bhuvan (chef) and Moses in the camera shop.

Fantastic experience. Janet our guide, Diana, Kilian, Ritchie, Joseph, and all of the staff was superb! Definitely a must visit place! The food is great, bartenders really knew what they were doing, and this all-inclusive doesn’t try to force you into low quality liquor. The vodka sprite was Grey Goose or Ciroc, margarita was 1800, and most of the wine was South African. We were really pleased with everything out here. Get help from the photographers Moses and Kennedy too! Those guys are the best.