The JW Marriott Masai Mara is without doubt one of the latest accommodations in Marriott’s portfolio and amongst its first within the luxurious East African safari scene. In reality, this is without doubt one of the first safari lodges from any of the most important lodge chains. The JW Marriott Masai Mara is an expensive safari lodge situated within the coronary heart of Kenya’s Masai Mara Nationwide Reserve. Set towards the backdrop of the gorgeous savannah panorama, this resort affords an unparalleled mix of opulence and pure magnificence.
This extremely gorgeous property has rapidly turn into one in all Marriott’s most aspirational accommodations in keeping with the likes of the Ritz Carlton Maldives. I had visited the Masai Mara over a decade in the past and it blew my thoughts. The safaris in East Africa are unmatched anyplace else on the continent. Sadly, I used to be a lot poorer again then whereas on my Kenya and Tanzania journey with no information of non-public finance or of easy methods to make the most of bank cards. Fortunately, I’m an older but additionally a lot wiser human being!
This assessment will dive in nice element about the whole lot we skilled on the JW Masai Mara in addition to easy methods to e-book the keep on Marriott factors (which is what I did). Count on a ton of commentary, footage, and movies as a result of there may be simply a lot to speak about with this resort. When you’re trying to perceive as a lot as doable earlier than reserving this resort, look no additional than this assessment and information!
Overview of the JW Marriot Masai Mara
The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is one in all Marriott’s latest additions in Kenya and one of many first main lodges that belong to the bigger lodge chains. East Africa has at all times been residence to massive particular person operators like andBeyond, Singita, and others however that is the primary lodge that belongs to one of many lodge chains (Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and so forth.).
Whereas I’ve at all times stayed in additional small and intimate lodges throughout my safari visits round Africa, I used to be a bit apprehensive and cautious with how an enormous lodge chain like Marriott would method one thing like this.
Would the lodge keep that rustic however charming safari bush vibe or would it not be over commercialized from such an enormous lodge model?
My worries have been rapidly mitigated as quickly as setting foot onto the property. not solely
The place is the JW Marriott Masai Mara?
The JW Marriott Masai Mara Safari Lodge is situated throughout the world-renowned Masai Mara Nationwide Reserve in southwestern Kenya. This huge reserve is known for its wealthy wildlife variety and spectacular landscapes. The lodge itself affords a novel mix of luxurious and wilderness, permitting visitors to expertise the fantastic thing about the Mara whereas staying in a five-star property.
With solely 20 luxurious tents, the lodge is comparatively intimate in measurement, offering a extra personalised and unique expertise. This smaller capability ensures that every visitor receives attentive service, and it permits the lodge to keep up a peaceable, secluded ambiance within the coronary heart of the African wilderness.
Regardless of its measurement, the lodge’s location provides guests easy accessibility to the Huge 5 — lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos — and different iconic wildlife that roam the plains of the Masai Mara. One of the thrilling facets of staying on the JW Marriott is its proximity to key areas for wildlife viewing, significantly in the course of the Nice Migration.
From July to September, tens of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles transfer from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara, and the lodge’s location affords unparalleled alternatives to witness these dramatic river crossings and predator interactions.
Attending to the JW Marriott Masai Mara From Nairobi
All flights into the JW Masai Mara are from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. This isn’t to be confused with the a lot bigger and worldwide Jomo Kenyatta Worldwide airport. The Wilson airport is primarily used for regional flights and small planes into the sport reserves round Kenya.
The JW Marriott Masai Mara is located simply exterior the Masai Mara Nationwide Park in Kenya, roughly a 30-minute drive from the Keekorok Airstrip. Observe that it’s an airstrip, not an airport—a major distinction! Most guests arrive on the JW Marriott Masai Mara by first flying into Nairobi after which taking a 30-minute “bush flight” to the Masai Mara, which is the route we took.
We flew with SafariLink, which affords a 30-minute flight however with two stops, extending our journey to round 90 minutes. We booked this flight instantly via the JW Marriott Masai Mara, and the round-trip value was $450 USD per particular person. Though SafariLink’s baggage restrict is 33 kilos per particular person, they have been lenient on our flight, although this won’t be the case on smaller planes. General, the flight was easy, and we’d select SafariLink once more.
I discovered that the switch prices are very cheap, even whether it is on a industrial airline and never a personal airplane. This compares to the insane costs I paid on the Ritz Carlton Maldives which was $900 USD for a forty five minute speedboat experience!
Arriving on the Keekorok Airstrip
Our flight on Safarilink was quick and cozy. There are some wonderful views of the Kenyan countryside enroute to the Masai Mara which might be gorgeous from above. Upon arrival, the JW Masai Mara crew met us in a safari jeep which set the tone for the times to come back.
They got here ready with prosecco, snacks, and a crew of individuals to greet us. From the airport, we drove half-hour to the lodge whereas seeing animals en route. The safari had already started and we weren’t even on the lodge but!
Overview of the JW Masai Mara Rooms
Staying on the JW Marriott Masai Mara felt like getting into an ideal mix of luxurious and nature. The rooms are literally fantastically designed safari tents, providing a novel technique to expertise the African wilderness with out sacrificing any of the comforts you’d count on from a high-end resort.
After I first walked into my tent, I used to be struck by how spacious and opulent it felt. The king-sized mattress was extremely inviting, and the wealthy picket accents and Maasai-inspired decor added a lovely sense of place.
Despite the fact that it’s a tent, it felt extra like a classy, personal retreat. The very best half? The room was decked out with the whole lot you might want—air-con, a rainfall bathe within the en-suite toilet, and even a Nespresso machine!
They actually considered the whole lot to make you’re feeling at residence, regardless of being in the course of the wild.
Unbeatable Views Proper from the Deck
One in every of my favourite issues concerning the room was the personal deck. Each morning, I’d step out with my espresso and simply take within the unimaginable views of the Masai Mara. Generally you might see the odd zebra or gazelle roaming round within the distance.
The connection to nature right here is unbeatable—it feels such as you’re a part of the panorama, however with the luxurious of lounging by yourself deck. The sunsets have been completely gorgeous, too. There’s one thing magical about sitting there, drink in hand, watching the colours of the sky fade over the Mara.
Fashionable Facilities within the Center of the Wilderness
Regardless of being out in the course of the Masai Mara, the tents are surprisingly trendy. Wifi is quick and dependable and the mini fridge is stocked with goodies.
It was the proper technique to unwind after a day of sport drives. Despite the fact that you’re surrounded by nature, the JW Marriott has made certain you don’t need to compromise on consolation or comfort.
Eco-Pleasant Luxurious
What’s nice concerning the JW Marriott Masai Mara is their dedication to sustainability. The resort actually makes an effort to attenuate its environmental impression, and it felt good figuring out that, regardless of all the luxurious, they have been working in an eco-conscious approach. It’s a considerate contact that provides to the entire expertise.
An Intimate, Unique Escape
With solely 20 tents on the property, it felt intimate and private. I cherished that there was a way of seclusion, however the principle areas of the resort have been only a quick stroll away. The workers have been extremely attentive, at all times checking in to verify the whole lot was good. It felt like an actual escape—luxurious, personal, and deeply linked to the panorama round us.
JW Marriott Masai Mara – Resort Overview
The JW Marriott Masai Mara isn’t nearly luxurious tents and breathtaking views—the frequent areas and amenities actually elevate the entire expertise. From cozy lounges to gorgeous out of doors areas, the resort has created an surroundings the place you may really unwind between sport drives, all whereas staying linked to the fantastic thing about the Mara.
The Fig Tree Lounge
One in every of my favourite locations to unwind was the Fig Tree Lounge. It’s a small, cozy area with only a handful of barstools, however what it lacks in measurement, it greater than makes up for in character. The lounge is fantastically adorned, with snug seating and a laid-back vibe that’s good for kicking again after a day of exploring.
I usually discovered myself right here within the afternoons, sipping on a cocktail or a glass of South African wine whereas soaking within the peaceable environment. The workers have been at all times pleasant and attentive, ensuring my drink was by no means empty. It’s additionally the place I found my favourite safari drink—Amarula! When you’re on the lookout for a quiet place to calm down and replicate on the day’s adventures, the Fig Tree Lounge is the proper spot.
The Pool on the JW Masai Mara
One other standout characteristic of the JW Marriott Masai Mara is the beautiful out of doors pool. Set towards the backdrop of the sprawling savannah, the pool affords a serene place to chill off and calm down.
I cherished spending time right here between sport drives—whether or not lounging by the water with a e-book or taking a dip whereas watching the wildlife roam within the distance. There’s one thing so surreal about swimming in a pool whereas zebras and giraffes stroll by within the background. It’s the last word reminder that you simply’re within the coronary heart of nature, however with all of the comforts of a luxurious resort.
The Spa on the JW Masai Mara
After a couple of days of journey, I made a decision to deal with myself to a go to to the spa, and it didn’t disappoint! The spa is tucked away, providing a peaceable retreat the place you may unwind and recharge.
I opted for a deep tissue therapeutic massage, and the mixture of the skilled therapist and the sounds of the encircling wilderness made for one of the vital enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had.
The spa makes use of native, pure elements of their therapies, including a novel contact that made the expertise really feel much more particular. When you’re trying to calm down after a day of bumping alongside safari trails, a go to to the spa is an absolute should.
Eating Space of the JW Masai Mara
The resort’s eating areas are simply as gorgeous as the remainder of the property. Whether or not you’re eating on the Sarabi Restaurant or having fun with a meal on the out of doors deck overlooking the Talek River, the surroundings is at all times part of the expertise.
I cherished the pliability of selecting whether or not to sit down inside or take within the recent air and delightful views from the deck. The eye to element within the design actually makes these areas really feel each luxurious and linked to nature.
The resort was designed with sustainability in thoughts, and it’s evident within the considerate use of pure supplies and eco-friendly practices all through. The stability between luxurious and environmental consciousness provides to the general sense of concord you’re feeling whereas staying right here.
Eating places At JW Masai Mara
As you’d count on with an extremely excessive finish lodge, the JW Masai Mara makes no compromises on its restaurant and meals high quality.
The JW Marriott Masai Mara affords a various and refined eating expertise that completely enhances the luxurious safari journey. The resort options the Sarabi Restaurant as its important eating venue, however the culinary choices prolong far past the eating room, with particular experiences like bush breakfasts and personal backyard lunches. Right here’s a more in-depth take a look at what visitors can count on from the eating places and meals throughout their keep.
Sarabi Restaurant: The Coronary heart of JW Marriott Masai Mara’s Eating
Sarabi Restaurant serves because the central eating spot, providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant boasts a sublime but relaxed ambiance, with the choice to dine inside or on the deck, which overlooks the attractive Talek River.
The main target is on farm-to-table delicacies, with elements sourced domestically every time doable. Breakfast is out there till 11:00 AM and sometimes follows the morning safari, providing a variety of choices from hearty classics like Eggs Benedict to recent native fruits, together with Kenya’s famously candy bananas. Lunch is simply as satisfying, with quite a lot of sandwiches, salads, and day by day specials—don’t miss the favored rooster sandwich!
Particular Eating Experiences: Breakfast within the Bush
For a extra immersive expertise, the JW Marriott Masai Mara affords distinctive eating choices corresponding to a bush breakfast. This enables visitors to get pleasure from their meal within the coronary heart of the savannah throughout a break of their morning sport drive.
Whereas some could choose the restaurant’s consolation, bush breakfast is a memorable expertise that brings you nearer to nature with out sacrificing high quality. One other particular choice is lunch within the lodge’s personal backyard, which affords an intimate and scenic setting for a calming meal.
Dinner: Themed Nights with World and Native Flavors
Dinner on the JW Marriott Masai Mara sometimes begins at 7:00 PM and is served in a extra formal setting, with a three-course themed menu provided most evenings.
Themes vary from Kenyan to Thai, Indian, and Chinese language nights, offering quite a lot of international flavors. Whereas the dishes are sometimes tailored to go well with a extra worldwide palate, the cooks are accommodating, so don’t hesitate to request a spicier or extra genuine model if desired.
Kenyan evening, particularly, stands out for its wealthy flavors and native elements, and lots of visitors want for extra Kenyan-inspired dishes on the menu.
The Fig Tree Lounge: A Boutique Bar with Premium Choices
Positioned within the Fig Tree Lounge, the resort’s intimate bar could also be small, but it surely options an distinctive collection of premium liquors, together with Italian Gin Mare, Japanese whiskey, and South African wines.
The cocktail menu is in depth, and most drinks are complimentary, apart from a couple of premium wines listed with costs. The South African Merlot and glowing wine are visitor favorites, and the pleasant workers ensures that your glass isn’t empty. If there’s one factor lacking, it’s a cider—maybe one thing to sit up for on a future go to!
Breakfast on the JW Marriott Masai Mara
Three day by day meals are included, and I guarantee you, you gained’t go hungry. All meals are served on the Sarabi Restaurant, the only on-site eating choice, until you select to get pleasure from breakfast within the bush or lunch within the JW Marriott Masai Mara’s personal backyard.
The resort ensures visitors are well-fed, with beneficiant parts and loads of selection. Each meal affords a number of choices, together with no less than one vegetarian alternative. I’ll go into extra element about every meal beneath, however you probably have a particular request, don’t hesitate to ask—the lodge is prone to accommodate it. And be sure you strive the unimaginable rooster sandwich at lunch!
Espresso Bar on the JW Marriott Masai Mara
The primary “meal” of the day on the JW Marriott Masai Mara is a fruit, pastry, water, and occasional bar, out there within the restaurant beginning round 5:00 AM. This gentle unfold is designed for visitors to seize a fast chunk earlier than heading out on the morning sport drive.
The pastries, reportedly made in-house, have been scrumptious. Make sure to request a espresso to go, as there’s no espresso or tea break in the course of the sport drive, in contrast to another safaris. Although it opens early, this espresso bar stays out there all day. For breakfast, we loved cappuccinos and French Press espresso.
Breakfast on the JW Marriott Masai Mara is served at Sarabi till round 11:00 AM, good timing for visitors getting back from the morning safari drives, which generally wrap up by 10:00 AM. The day by day menu affords quite a lot of choices, and we regularly opted for the Eggs Benedict, which was glorious. A spotlight for me was the native bananas, that are noticeably sweeter than what I’m accustomed to.
Breakfast within the Bush
Along with the common breakfast on the restaurant, the JW Marriott Masai Mara affords visitors the chance to get pleasure from a bush breakfast no less than as soon as throughout their keep. This implies you’ll have breakfast throughout a break on the morning safari.
Whereas I personally most well-liked eating on the restaurant, the bush breakfast is a novel and memorable expertise. The meals remained heat and tasted nice regardless of the out of doors setting. The lodge additionally affords a cook-on-site bush breakfast, which we sadly didn’t get to expertise.
Dinner on the JW Marriott Masai Mara
Whereas we totally loved breakfast and lunch, dinner was constantly our least favourite meal on the JW Marriott Masai Mara. Dinner service begins at 7:00 PM, with visitors seated within the cozy eating room or on the deck overlooking the Talek River. Most evenings featured a three-course themed menu, with a number of important course choices.
Themes included Kenyan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese language nights. Nevertheless, other than the Kenyan evening, we discovered lots of the dishes toned all the way down to cater to Western tastes as a result of properly…nearly all of the visitors are Western and spice challenged.
The Sport Drives on the JW Masai Mara
Lastly onto the actual stuff, the safari! It’s clear from the primary second that this lodge was going to particular with its cutting-edge finishes, luxurious facilities, and breathtaking views. However we’re right here to see the majestic animals of the Masai Mara and particularly the Nice Migration so how does that stack up?
I’ve been on safaris within the Masai Mara and Serengeti a few years in the past, albeit on a a lot stricter finances. Despite the fact that we stayed in fundamental tents with actually nothing to jot down residence about, the sport drives have been completely unimaginable. Despite the fact that we weren’t paying prime greenback (extra like backside greenback), the rangers have been wonderful at discovering animals, educating us concerning the Masai mara ecosystem, and extra.
How does a extra luxurious JW expertise stack up in crucial division of this keep?
Nicely to place it quick, completely wonderful.
We got here to the Masai Mara in July particularly to witness the world well-known Nice Migration and it completely didn’t disappoint. Whilst you can see animals in different international locations in Africa, nothing fairly compares to the spectacle of the Nice Migration that you could solely witness within the Masai Mara and Serengeti at sure instances of the yr.
How Sport Drives Work on the JW
There are two sport drives per day which might be a part of the room fee. The primary sport drive is within the morning shortly after dawn and the second is within the late afternoon going into the sundown hours. Not like different components of Africa, the safaris in East Africa are typically longer. Every sport drive lasts 3-4 hours.
The parks are a lot larger and also you are likely to cowl longer distances. It’s common for the drives to final for much longer, particularly for those who’re about to see some wonderful issues. Because you’re at an excellent luxurious resort just like the JW, you dictate the phrases. You’ll be able to, in fact select to finish the sport drive earlier and return on your morning meal, or it’s possible you’ll select to proceed on particularly if the ranger is aware of there’s one thing good to see.
We would typically drive for 4-5 hours within the mornings as a result of there was simply a lot to see, particularly across the Nice Migration interval.
On the day you test in, you’re entitled to at least one sport drive within the afternoon, and on the day you take a look at, you’re entitled to at least one morning sport drive. When you’re trying out within the night like we did, you can too pay for a further sport drive within the afternoon earlier than flying again to Nairobi.
The Nice Migration on the JW Masai Mara
When you’re fortunate sufficient to come back to the Masai Mara in the course of the Nice Migration season, put together for essentially the most unimaginable sport viewing cash should purchase. The Nice Migration is usually between July and September however with local weather change, these dates range an increasing number of yearly.
Nonetheless, throughout my go to in mid July, the wildebeest have been in full march with what appeared like tens of 1000’s of them at any level. Day-after-day we’d witness 1000’s of wildebeest and zebras crossing the varied rivers of the Masai Mara.
Usually instances, we have been fortunate sufficient to even see hunts unfolding in entrance of us. We noticed on quite a few events crocodiles attacking wildebeest within the river in addition to lion’s consuming on carcasses.
Reserving The JW Marriott Masai Mara
Reserving the JW Marriott Masai Mara generally is a entire put up in and of itself. The JW Marriott is without doubt one of the most costly properties in all of Marriott’s portfolio and hacking your technique to an award keep is an artwork in and of itself. Nevertheless, if you recognize a factor or two about bank cards and journey hacking, you might e-book this keep for lots cheaper and even without spending a dime like what I did.
Money value of the JW Mara Masai Mara
The JW Marriott Masai Mara prices anyplace between $2.5k and $4.5k an evening relying on the time of the yr. All rooms are the identical with river views so there isn’t a lot to analysis in that regards.
In the course of the Nice Migration season between July and September, you may count on charges to be at their highest. That is clearly the prime time to see the Masai Mara as it’s their dry season and when tens of millions of animals migrate from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara
Reserving the JW Marriott Masai Mara utilizing Marriott Factors
I booked my total keep utilizing Marriott Bonvoy Factors. As Marriott now not makes use of lodge classes, as an alternative specializing in dynamic pricing fashions, the nightly fee for a keep on the JW Masai Mara is 150,000 factors per evening. This pricing is identical whether or not it’s the off-season or the excessive season.
Standing is not going to get you upgrades on the JW Marriott as a result of there is just one room time. Since all meals are included as a part of the JW room fee, there’s actually nothing to improve.
Once you e-book with factors, Marriott additionally provides you the well-known promotion of e-book 4 nights and get 1 free. Subsequently, my 5 evening keep on the JW Marriott value me roughly 600,000 factors. You’ll be able to count on decrease charges within the wet seasons (Jan to Could) and on the upper vary in the course of the Nice Migration interval.. By reserving with factors, you’re getting someplace within the vary of 3-4 cents per Bonvoy Level which is insane worth for cash.
Insane worth for cash on the JW Marriott Masai Mara
As well as, as a result of the JW Marriott Masai Mara is fully all-inclusive, you don’t have any further prices after reserving together with your factors. All alcohol, meals, and sport drives are included within the value (money or factors redemption).
This contrasts starkly to different excessive finish Marriott properties I’ve visited just like the Ritz Carlton Maldives. Whereas I received wonderful worth for cash by redeeming factors to remain of their completely insane overwater villas, I nonetheless foot the complete invoice for meals and alcohol.
Anybody who’s been to the Maldives is aware of that money shall be flowing out the door. For my 5 evening 6 day keep on the Ritz Carlton Maldives, I spent about $3.5k USD on meals and drinks for 2 individuals. We solely drank 4 glasses of wine the complete time. Nonetheless, it was nonetheless one in all my most wonderful experiences.
Getting nearly a half million Marriott factors isn’t any joke however is simpler than you assume if you recognize what you’re doing. If you’re not properly versed in bank card hacking, ensure that to learn my journey hacking put up which explains the whole lot it’s essential know concerning the bank card sport together with utilizing my bank card spreadsheet to maintain monitor of the whole lot.
Marriott Co-branded bank cards
There are 5 Marriott branded bank cards available on the market at present, 2 from Chase and three from American Categorical:
Marriott Bonvoy BoundlessMarriott Bonvoy BoldMarriott Bonvoy Bevy AMEXMarriott Bonvoy Sensible AMEXMarriott Bonvoy AMEX Enterprise
The signal on bonuses for these playing cards are continually altering and you’ll count on extra fruitful signal on affords than what’s at present being marketed (as of Dec 2023).
Racking up Chase Final Rewards factors
The Marriott branded bank cards are simply one of many choices you may have at your disposable. The significantly better choice are the Chase bank cards. Chase factors switch 1:1 to Marriott Bonvoy making these factors very beneficial on your keep on the JW. Generally, Chase will even run promotions the place you may switch 1 Chase UR level for 1.5 Marriott Bonvoy factors.
The Chase Ink card suite is the easiest way to rack up big quantities of Chase factors. At present, the Chase Ink Most well-liked is providing a 100,000 level signal on bonus which implies one in all these playing cards will get nearly one free evening on the JW Masai Mara just by opening this one bank card. The Chase Ink Limitless and Chase Ink Money are additionally each providing 90,000 level signal on bonuses and you’ll simply get all 3 playing cards.
Subsequently, for those who and your accomplice are each working at it, you may merely open 2 bank cards every and get sufficient factors to remain on the JW Marriott! By each opening a Chase Ink Most well-liked and Chase Ink Limitless/Money, you’ll have almost 400,000 factors from signal on bonuses. As Marriott lets you pool factors collectively between a number of accounts, you due to this fact have sufficient factors to get a 5 evening keep on the JW!
The entire course of is quite easy for those who spend a little bit of time at it. When you assume that is too munch work and takes an excessive amount of time, ask your self how a lot is your time value? Most likely not the $20,000 USD it prices to really keep on the JW Marriott!
Professional Ideas for staying on the JW Masai Mara
Arrive early to the JW Masai Mara
That is my absolute #1 must-do tip for visiting the JW Masai Mara and basically some other superhigh finish resort. In case your flight arrives in Nairobi within the afternoon or within the night, completely keep in Nairobi for the evening. When you’re already paying many 1000’s of {dollars} an evening to go on the safari of your desires, why hand over the complete first day?
Keep at a lodge in Nairobi and luxuriate in a pleasant rooftop bar within the metropolis. Nairobi has modified dramatically previously years and there may be loads to do now within the Kenyan Capital. After getting a pleasant evening of sleep, take the early morning flight choice to the lodge and maximize the worth you’re getting out of it.
Tipping on a Safari
It’s customary to tip, particularly your safari information. The lodge enables you to tip utilizing your bank card, and you’ll specify easy methods to allocate it (to a specific particular person or a crew). Money is most well-liked, however since there’s no ATM on-site, we largely tipped by way of card. There isn’t any minimal or most quantity however I typically tipped round $100 USD per day.
When heading out on a safari, particularly for experiences like guided walks with locals, convey some money for ideas. Sooner or later, I forgot and needed to borrow from our driver, however I made certain to repay him later.
The Lodge is All Inclusive
Like most safari lodges, JW Marriott Masai Mara affords an all-inclusive expertise. This covers meals, drinks (together with alcohol, wine bottles, and minibar), and sport drives. Though workers offers receipts after every meal or drink, you’ll solely be charged for ideas. Extras corresponding to premium liquors, sure wines, cigars, spa therapies, and objects from the reward store aren’t included.
Planning to remain for lunch after checkout? Bear in mind it prices $45 per particular person, no matter how a lot or little you order.
The Park Entrance Charges on the Masai Mara
The Masai Mara Nationwide Reserve prices an entrance payment of $100 USD per particular person per day, which rises to $200 USD throughout excessive season (roughly June to October). You’ll have to pay this payment day by day while you go away the resort for sport drives. We pay as you go by way of bank card on the lodge, which dealt with the acquisition of our tickets prematurely. In any other case, you’ll have to pay on the spot.
When you e-book your stick with factors, you’ll nonetheless need to pay this payment as it’s fully separate from the lodge. That is customary at any sport reserve in East Africa (and is even increased within the Serengeti).
It is a substantial value so ensure that to issue this in while you’re planning a safari in East Africa. For reference, we paid roughly $2,000 for two individuals for our 5 evening keep for the park charges.
Deliver a correct digicam!
Like every safaris, ensure that to pack a excessive finish digicam with a telephoto zoom lens. I choose my mirrorless cameras that are light-weight but additionally can help you connect a number of completely different lenses. Don’t try to take pictures with an iPhone and count on it to look skilled.
When you didn’t convey a digicam, you’re in luck as a result of the lodge has a digicam for you! The supplied digicam with knowledgeable lens is implausible for capturing wildlife, but it surely’s fairly heavy. When you plan on utilizing it all through the safari, you may need to hit the gymnasium beforehand to construct some energy which is handy since there’s a good gymnasium on the lodge!
Last Ideas
The JW Masai Mara is no doubt the most effective lodge experiences I’ve had. From the aesthetics, design, pure magnificence, and customer support, the whole lot was prime notch. The workers went out of their technique to make us really feel like household and elevated the already unimaginable expertise. It felt like something we needed was doable (though we’re very low upkeep individuals).
You recognize you actually love a lodge when you’re already dreading trying out on day 2 of a 5 evening keep. It nearly felt like I left a bit of myself on the JW. Not a nasty factor as I’m already planning a visit again!
