Mara Simba Lodge: A Riverside Haven in the Heart of the Masai Mara

For those seeking an authentic safari experience that blends comfort, value, and an unbeatable location, Mara Simba Lodge stands as a compelling choice. Nestled along the winding Talek River on the edge of the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, this classic safari lodge offers a gateway to one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles .

As a premier safari operator with deep roots in Kenya, Beyond Kenya Safaris has curated this detailed guide to help you discover what makes Mara Simba Lodge a perfect base for your Kenyan adventure.

Location & First Impressions

Mara Simba Lodge enjoys a prime position just outside the Sekenani Gate, making it an exceptionally convenient base for daily game drives into the reserve . Its location along the Talek River is not just a geographical point on a map; it’s an integral part of the experience. Guests can often spot hippos and crocodiles from the lodge’s grounds, providing a taste of the wild before the day’s safari even begins .

The lodge’s architecture is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Constructed from natural materials like stone and wood, the two-story chalets blend seamlessly into the riverine vegetation and indigenous gardens . This design creates a sense of rustic elegance and ensures the lodge feels like a natural part of the landscape rather than an intrusion upon it.

Accommodation: Comfort with a View

Mara Simba Lodge features a total of 84 rooms, a significant size that allows it to cater to a wide range of travelers, from families and groups to couples and solo adventurers . The rooms are spread across several thatched chalets. Each chalet typically has four rooms on the ground floor and two interleaving rooms on the first floor, offering a variety of configurations to suit your needs .

Room configurations are diverse, with 60 twin rooms, 12 double rooms, four rooms with a double and a single bed, and eight triple rooms . This variety makes it an excellent choice for families or groups of friends traveling together.

A highlight of the accommodation is the private balcony or veranda that each room boasts. Overlooking the Talek River or the lodge’s lush gardens, these spaces are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration, watching the river flow by, and spotting wildlife from the comfort of your room . Rooms are en-suite and feature traditional safari decor, comfortable seating areas, and modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and ceiling fans .

Experiences and Amenities

Staying at Mara Simba Lodge is an immersive experience, not just a place to sleep. The lodge’s location on the Talek River means wildlife viewing often begins at breakfast, with monkeys, mongoose, and monitor lizards frequently seen around the grounds .

Safari Experiences

As a guest of Mara Simba Lodge, you are perfectly positioned for the quintessential Masai Mara experiences:

• Game Drives: The lodge’s proximity to the Sekenani Gate allows for early morning and late afternoon game drives into the reserve, prime times for wildlife viewing. Guests have the opportunity to search for the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and countless other species .
• The Great Migration: Between July and October, the Masai Mara becomes the stage for the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. From Mara Simba Lodge, you can witness this dramatic spectacle as thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, braving its crocodile-infested waters .
• Hot Air Balloon Safaris: For a truly unforgettable perspective, guests can book a sunrise hot air balloon safari. Floating silently over the vast savanna, followed by a champagne bush breakfast, is an experience of a lifetime .
• Maasai Cultural Visits: The lodge can also arrange visits to traditional Maasai villages, offering a rich cultural experience and a chance to learn about the local communities’ traditions and way of life .

On-Site Facilities

Beyond the game drives, the lodge itself offers a range of amenities to enhance your stay:

• Swimming Pool: A refreshing outdoor pool is a welcome respite from the African sun, perfect for cooling off between game drives .
• Dining and Bar: The restaurant serves a variety of delicious cuisine, often presented as a buffet with a selection to cater to different palates. Guests have praised the quality and variety of the food, including for vegetarians . The bar, with its stone fireplace, is a cozy spot for evening sundowners and socializing .
• Activities and Services: The lodge provides a range of services including laundry, room service, a gift shop, a pool table, and even a health spa/massage center for ultimate relaxation .
• Accessibility: While not universally accessible, the lodge offers wheelchair access to common areas and has family rooms available, making it a considerate choice for travelers with mobility concerns . For senior travelers, Beyond Kenya Safaris can ensure a seamless and comfortable itinerary .

Why Choose Mara Simba Lodge?

Mara Simba Lodge is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a classic, reliable, and well-priced safari lodge in the Masai Mara. Its combination of a prime riverside location, comfortable rooms, extensive on-site amenities, and strong value proposition makes it a standout in the mid-range market. Its location just outside the reserve, as noted by safari experts, offers a strategic balance between access to the park’s wonders and value, as park fees apply only on days you enter the reserve .

The lodge is particularly well-suited for families and groups due to its variety of room configurations and family-friendly facilities . It’s also an excellent base for first-time safari-goers who want a comfortable and hassle-free introduction to the African bush. The overwhelmingly positive guest reviews consistently praise the friendly staff, beautiful location, and exceptional food .

Plan Your Masai Mara Safari with Beyond Kenya Safaris

At Beyond Kenya Safaris, we understand that a safari is more than just a trip; it’s a story waiting to be lived. Since 2006, we have been crafting tailor-made itineraries that go beyond the ordinary, immersing our guests in Kenya’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture with a personal touch .

Our deep knowledge of the region and long-standing partnerships with lodges like Mara Simba Lodge allow us to offer competitive, transparent pricing and unbeatable value . Whether you dream of witnessing the Great Migration, tracking the Big Five, or simply relaxing by the river, our expert team will design a safari that matches your vision perfectly.

Explore More Masai Mara Lodges

Your adventure in the Masai Mara can be as diverse as the landscape itself. To help you find the perfect fit, we invite you to explore more of our recommended accommodations:

• Mara Serena Safari Lodge: Perched on a hill for breathtaking panoramic views, this lodge offers a blend of Maasai-inspired architecture and modern luxury .
• Governors’ Camp: A classic tented camp on the Mara River, famous for its proximity to migration river crossings and exceptional game viewing .
• Keekorok Lodge: A pioneer in the region, Keekorok offers comfortable accommodation and a prime location known for excellent game viewing from its grounds .
• Mara Sopa Lodge: Set on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment, this lodge provides stunning, sweeping views across the plains .
• Mara Leisure Camp: A more affordable tented camp offering an authentic safari experience with comfortable en-suite tents .

Ready to Craft Your Kenyan Story?

Contact Beyond Kenya Safaris today to start planning your bespoke safari. Our team of passionate experts is ready to create an unforgettable journey that will leave you with stories to cherish for a lifetime.

Mara Simba Lodge Rates 2025.

Non Resident Prices in US$ per night

Rates For Extra Services

• Exclusive Use of Vehicle $350.00 per day
• Game drive per person sharing game drive vehicle $ 40.00
• Transfer to Keekorok Airstrip(4Pax) $40 Per Person
• Breakfast or Lunch or dinner Adult US$ 30 Child US$15
• Picnic Lunch US$ 28.00
• Bush Breakfast Supplement US$ 35(Min 6 Pax)
• Bush Dinner or Lunch Supplement US$50(Min 6 Pax)
• Boma Breakfast (Suppl.) (MIN 6PAX) 30.00
• Boma Dinner OR Lunch(Min 6PAX) 40.00 PP
• Sundowner without Drinks (l.fIN 6PAX) 22.00 22.00
• Christmas Supplement(24rn DEC 16 1sr JAN (Inc.) p.p.p.N) adult 35.00  Child 17.50

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Other Masai Mara Luxury Lodges

• Mara Serena Safari Lodge: Known for its incredible location and views, this lodge offers luxurious rooms, game drives, and cultural experiences.
• Ashnil Mara Camp: Offers luxury tents, fine dining, and guided safari tours, situated near the Mara River for optimal wildlife viewing.
• Sarova Mara Game Camp: Features tents with modern amenities, game drives, a swimming pool, and an on-site spa for relaxation.

Related Simba lodges in Kenya

• Samburu Simba Lodge
• Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge