Sentrim Mara Lodge

The Masai Mara National Reserve features vast, acacia-dotted plains known for high wildlife densities and the annual Great Wildebeest Migration.

Sentrim Mara Lodge is situated on a gentle rise within the reserve's eastern Sekenani sector, providing elevated perspectives across the surrounding savanna, which is frequently visited by plains game.

Location and Game Drive Access at Sentrim Mara Lodge

The lodge's strategic position inside the Masai Mara National Reserve, approximately three kilometres from the Sekenani Gate, allows direct access to established game drive circuits. This location, around 280 kilometres by road from Nairobi, is advantageous for experiencing the eastern and central regions of the reserve.

For observing the Great Migration's river crossings, the lodge is a considerable drive from the primary Mara and Talek River crossing points located further west. Game drives to these specific areas require a full-day excursion from the property.

Permanent Canvas Tents at Sentrim Mara Lodge

Guest accommodation consists of over fifty permanent canvas tents built on raised wooden or concrete platforms.

The tents are carefully spaced along stone pathways, ensuring a good degree of privacy for each unit while maintaining a connection to the natural environment.

Classic Safari Tent Design with Private Verandas

Each tent follows a classic safari design, with heavy-duty canvas walls beneath a solid, permanent roof that improves insulation against daytime heat and rain.

A private wooden veranda at the front of each tent, furnished with campaign chairs and a small table, serves as a personal viewing deck overlooking the plains.

This setup creates an immediate sense of immersion, with the scent of canvas and the sounds of the African bush defining the experience.

En-Suite Bathrooms and Timed Generator Power

The tent interiors are spacious, configured with either double or twin beds, a small writing desk, and luggage racks. A permanent en-suite bathroom structure is located at the rear, separated by a zipped canvas partition.

These bathrooms are equipped with a flush toilet, a washbasin with running water, and a shower with a reliable hot water system. The lodge runs on generator power at set times, usually in the early morning and from the late afternoon until after dinner.

Power outlets for charging devices are only active during these periods, and electricity is not available 24 hours a day. The tents are not fitted with electric fans.

• Private en-suite bathroom with a hot shower
• Raised private veranda with outdoor seating
• Mosquito netting fitted over all beds
• Bottled drinking water supplied daily
• Timed electricity for charging devices

Central Lodge Facilities and Guest Amenities

The main lodge building is constructed from local stone and wood, housing the reception, lounge, bar, and dining area. This central structure is open-sided to encourage natural airflow and offer continuous views of the landscape.

Wi-Fi service is available in these main public areas, though its performance can be intermittent as it relies on a satellite connection.

Savanna-View Swimming Pool and Sundeck

The lodge's swimming pool is a key facility, situated adjacent to the main building. The pool and its surrounding stone-paved sundeck are positioned to provide uninterrupted views across the savanna.

This thoughtful placement allows guests to observe wildlife from the comfort of a sun lounger, a significant feature for a mid-range property located inside the reserve.

Wilderness Safety in an Unfenced Camp Setting

Sentrim Mara Lodge is an unfenced camp, which means wildlife can move freely through the grounds. While this offers an authentic wilderness experience, it requires the enforcement of strict safety protocols.

Guests are not permitted to walk between their tents and the main lodge after dark without an escort. A member of the camp staff, typically a Maasai askari (guard), accompanies guests at all times during hours of darkness to ensure their safety.

Sentrim Mara Lodge Key Facts

Who Should Stay at Sentrim Mara Lodge

Sentrim Mara Lodge is well-suited to travellers on a mid-range budget who prioritise an authentic, in-reserve location over high-end luxury.

The unfenced nature of the camp provides a genuine connection to the wilderness, and the swimming pool is a welcome asset for families and for relaxation between game drives.

Prospective guests must be comfortable with the practicalities of timed generator power and the need for escorted movement after dark. Its position in the eastern Mara serves as a solid base for general game viewing, but reaching the main migration river crossings is a full-day commitment.