Royal Mara Safari Lodge

PROS: Good property. Great Cabins, 5-star on-site staff service goes above. Simon was great, he went running with me twice on the Serengeti/Mara savanna. Josphat, the local manager, was very responsive to organizing tours, and every request I had. Game rides with James and excursions were personal, flexible, and knowledgeable. Food and table service was amazing. CONS: WiFi internet is very shaky there. It only worked about 40% of the time I was there and it was very slow, crucial when cell phone only picks up 2G. Also be aware that the updated policy is to charge for $30 for transit to/from the airstrip unless you book a "package". It didn't say that on the website (which will soon be corrected), but I was able to call off-site management and have the charge removed after 1 hour of conversation (which was way too long). Just FYI in case you have any billing questions.

We spent wonderful days in this lodge. The tent-bungalows are situated directly at the Mara River, the grunting of the hippos was our lullaby at night. Service was excellent. James, our guide for the game drive, did everything to show and explain wildlife to us. Once we were already nearly back to the lodge, when he heard that a leopard had been seen. Immediately he turned and we had the chance to see this elegant animal. One morning, we had a picnic on the prairie, in the company of zebras and antelopes, next day, we had a cool beer and appetizer, while watching sunset. Meals were served outside, we took breakfast in the morning sun at the hippo-pool and dinner at the bonfire. We had also the opportunity to do a walking safari, where we learned about masai life, we watched foot prints of different animals, saw the grazing grounds of the hippos and crocodiles sleeping in the sun. Thank you for the marvelous time.