Aa Lodge Mara

The Masai Mara ecosystem, famed for the annual Great Migration, comprises the core National Reserve and a vital network of surrounding community conservancies.

Aa Lodge Mara occupies an elevated position bordering the Oloolaimutia Hills. This location was specifically chosen to afford extensive panoramic views across the plains towards the main reserve boundary.

Location and Proximity to the National Reserve

Aa Lodge Mara's position outside the official Masai Mara National Reserve necessitates a short drive to begin game viewing. The drive to the Oloolaimutia Gate, the nearest entry point, takes between 20 and 30 minutes, subject to the condition of the access road.

This logistical detail requires guests to plan their game drives in advance. The benefit, however, is the lodge's hillside perspective, which offers a vantage point unavailable to many properties located deeper within the reserve.

Access from Nairobi, approximately 250 kilometres to the northeast, is straightforward for most of the route. The main road is tarmacked to the town of Sekenani. The final section of the journey to Aa Lodge Mara is an unsealed earth and murram track.

During the dry season, this road is passable for most vehicles, including saloon cars with good ground clearance, although a 4x4 is always advisable. In the wet season, this final stretch becomes significantly more challenging and requires a 4x4 vehicle.

Lodge Design and Guest Safety

Aa Lodge Mara is constructed from local stone and timber, creating a solid and permanent feel. The main building serves as the central hub, housing the reception, a spacious lounge, the main dining area, and the bar.

Guest accommodation is arranged in a series of separate, multi-room blocks that are positioned along the hillside to ensure each has an excellent view. A key safety measure is the electrified perimeter fence that encloses the entire compound.

This provides a secure environment for guests moving between their rooms and the main lodge, particularly after dark.

Guest Rooms and Chalets at Aa Lodge Mara

The lodge offers a total of 42 rooms, designed with a focus on functional comfort and practicality for a wide range of travellers.

The accommodation is clean, secure, and built to provide a comfortable base for safari activities rather than overt luxury. The various room categories cater to couples, families, and small groups.

Stone-Built Standard Rooms

The standard rooms constitute the majority of the accommodation. Each room features solid stone walls and a cool, polished-surface floor, which helps to regulate the temperature during the day.

Furnishings are simple and robust, consisting of a double or twin beds, a small writing desk, and wardrobe space. All standard rooms have an en-suite bathroom equipped with a flush toilet and a shower with reliable hot and cold running water.

Superior Rooms and Private Chalets

The lodge offers larger chalets and superior rooms for guests requiring more space or comfort. These units provide a more generous floor plan and include a private veranda or balcony, offering a quiet spot to observe the surroundings.

Interior appointments are typically upgraded with an expanded seating area and slightly more refined decor when compared to the standard rooms.

Dining and Social Areas

A large, high-ceilinged dining hall features expansive windows that frame the Mara scenery. The lodge serves most meals in a buffet format, a common and efficient arrangement for a mid-range safari property of this scale.

The menu provides a mix of international dishes and popular Kenyan staples, designed to suit a broad range of tastes. This setup is particularly effective for managing the early morning departures required for game drives.

An adjacent bar and lounge provides a comfortable setting for pre-dinner drinks or for relaxing after a day's safari. Furnished with sofas and armchairs, the space shares the same impressive views as the dining room and has become a popular gathering point for guests at sunset.

Guest Facilities and Safari Experiences

The central swimming pool is a key feature of the public areas. The pool sits on a terrace with an open aspect, allowing for uninterrupted views while swimming or resting on the sun loungers.

While the lodge does not operate a dedicated children's club, the secure, fenced-in grounds and the large pool are significant assets for families. The staff can also arrange for child-minding services with advance notice.

• Large swimming pool with panoramic views
• Main lounge and bar with complimentary WiFi
• On-site curio shop selling local crafts and souvenirs
• Conference facilities available for corporate groups
• Game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles with experienced guides
• Cultural visits to a local Maasai village

Key Information for Aa Lodge Mara

Who Should Stay at Aa Lodge Mara

Aa Lodge Mara is an excellent choice for families with children and first-time safari travellers working with a mid-range budget. The electrified perimeter fence provides a tangible level of security that offers considerable peace of mind for parents.

For children, the large swimming pool is a welcome recreational facility between safari activities. The lodge’s location outside the reserve boundaries makes it a cost-effective option, delivering expansive views and comfortable, secure accommodation in exchange for a short daily drive into the main wildlife areas.