Guest User
November 27, 2023
We had a terrific time staying at Mara Engai. Though it takes a little extra time to be driven up to and back down off the escarpment to safari, it's well worth it for the incredible views and also cooler, breezier weather up top. The tents are spacious and well appointed, with lovely showers. Unlike some of the other camps in the area, there is plenty to do for kids. They offer a kid's pedicure and manicure at the cute spa (which also has amazing views) -- our daughter, age 10, got the pedicure. There is a small swimming pool, which is great on hot afternoons when taking some downtime from driving around on safari. There is also a scenic viewpoint and a separate picnic area at the top of the hill, which you can be driven to for an outdoor meal (we had a hot catered lunch at the viewpoint that was absolutely fantastic) or for a "sundowner" (drinks at sunset). Our daughter loved the viewpoint because there is a family of shy baboons and also a family of rock hyrax that live just below it that are fun to watch from the rocks. Rock hyrax are these cute furry rodents(?) that like to scream defensively at humans, and their babies look like little baked potatoes on feet. In the lodge there are both indoor and outdoor sitting areas, as well as a bar and a gift shop. The staff were absolutely fantastic. Very kind to kids and really paid attention to every little detail of what we needed. Their level of English was very high. You need to be escorted to and from your tent after dark (required at all lodges in the national parks); at Mara Engai this is done by Maasai warriors dressed in camo carrying a bow and arrows. All in all it was a terrific place to stay.