Keekorok Lodge

After driving through dusty, bumpy roads for hours from Nairobi into the Rift Valley, we arrive at the entrance to the Masai Mara National Reserve. I don't know if they have the wildlife on their payroll or soemthing, but just after entering the gated park, there are elk and antelope and zebras along the path to our hotel - now that's the way to start a trip! Upon arriving at the resort, we are offered refreshing drinks in the lobby and greeted by staff dressed in traditional Masai red clothing and wearing heavy beaded jewelry and adornments. We have definitely stepped into another culture. We head into lunch (all meals are included in the package - drinks are an additional charge). The buffet is accommodating to all sorts of people's interests and preferences. Fresh cut fruit, pasta, meats and lots of veggies are all fresh and appetizing. We head over to our bungalow and while this property is more rustic than most resorts, we find very comfortable, mid-sized rooms with all basic amenities. Very clean rooms and friendly staff. Finally, we stroll over to the bar - you have to cross a small walking bridge to arrive at this little house-like structure on stilts and when looking out the window, you can enjoy the view of the hippo pond that is built on the property. Those animals are load, by the way! So fun to watch them, while sipping a glass of white wine and enjoying the serenity of the reserve. A great experience!

Unique Quality: Like many places in Masai Mara, I imagine, we humans are the visitors on the home turf of the animals, so compared to a resort in a big city, the unique aspect of this property was having wildlife share space with us during our entire stay. On the first night, a guard took us to the back of the property where we stood less than 50 feet from a mama and baby elephant, who ran from the trees and headed out into the dark of night. The next night, while getting escorted to our room by security, a zebra was hanging out in front of our room. We were only about 10 feet away from it and he seemed completely uninterested in our presence. Such incredible, unforgettable moments!

Directions: in the middle of the Masai Mara!! Follow the little wood signs on the roads...

I did not stay in this game lodge. However, our group visited briefly as there are few public restrooms in the Masai Mara reserve, and stopping by the side of the road in many locations simply isn't safe to do due to the dangerous animals.

The lodge is absolutely beautiful, and there were a number of people who told us great stories about staying here.

While I have no idea how much it costs to stay here, I have been told that it is very comparible to the costs of other lodges, such as Masai Mara Sopa Lodge.

Housing isn't quite as native African looking as the Masai Mara Sopa lodge, but it is reasonably close. The cabins where guests stay are A frame buildings separate from the main lodge.

For those interested in shopping, the gift shop at Keekorok is much larger than at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge as well.

Unique Quality: The lodge is located farther from the edge of the park than is the Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, where our group stayed. Certainly, that is a good lodge, but the fact is that you have to travel about an hour from it before the vegetation gets lush enough to support much interesting animal life. Keekorok, on the other hand, is much closer to the animals and the wild parts of the park. There were elephants within minutes of leaving the front gate of the lodge - in the middle of the afternoon (supposedly a "low" time for game viewing).

The lodge also has a wonderful water hole (as the good game lodges do) that attract animal life. After all, isn't the animal life the reason why most people come to a wild game park? There is a fairly long walkway network and wonderful viewing deck that not only support the viewing of the wildlife that comes to the water hole, but also has enough facilities for small groups to have meals, right there at the edge of the water hole. However, the main restaurant is much further away, so that animals are not scared away by the noise of people. Photo 4 shows the viewing platform, and 5 shows a view of the elephants and Cape Buffalo that were visiting the water hole at the moment of our visit to the lodge. There were also hippos in the water (not very easily seen in photos) and various other wildlife. I've been told that rhino occasionally visit.

Directions: It's deep in the park: you will have to have your safari leader drive you here. Individuals are not allowed to drive here unless they know what they are doing.

Although we did not stay here, we made it a point to visit this lodge for future recomendations to our clients/co-travelers.

We made arrangements through our tour operator, Madukha Tours, for a private viewing of their facilities, escorted by their lodge manager. We were immediately impressed by the organized, sprawling complex which is Keekorok, run by the African Safari group.
They are directly situated amongst the migratory route of the wildebeest and wildlife viewing from the comfort of your room or their well situated viewing platforms is convinient, although a bit far situated from other parts of the park.

The staff was friendly and welcoming and we had the overwhelming feel of a well run hotel rather than a lodge.
They were running at maximum capacity on the day we were there but were able to view a standard as well as a deluxe room. The overall feel was that of a Marriott or similar large deluxe hotel set in a prime location.
We liked this hotel but still prefered the laid back atmosphere to the Sarova Camp.

If you're looking for modern comforts, staying within your comfort zone and splurging, this hotel/lodge is definetely the one for you.

Unique Quality: The grounds are outstanding! Beautifully manicured lawns, gardens and a HUGE swimming pool surrounded by chaise loungers in which to spend the lazy afternoon while you sip a cool drink.
(We noted it was definetely a family hotel as alot of children running around).

The dining room is spectacular and formal looking and they are reputed to have some very qualified chefs with a vary wide array of menus.
Another big plus are the large private, screened in viewing gazebo overlooking a waterhole with hippos and an open terrace overlooking the drama which takes place during migration which can also be reserved for honey mooners wishing a private dinner or breakfast. Additionally, for a charge, weddings and private receptions can be arranged through the lodge.

Finally, the end "deluxe" rooms are practically all glass overlooking the Mara and you can view game migrating from your bed! Rooms are comfortably appointed with double beds, queen/King beds and even triple occupancy.