Magnificence in the Masai Mara

The soul-searing beauty of the Masai Mara burned through every expectation I had. Formed through decades of books, movies and documentaries – and perhaps even a painting or two – I had a picture in my mind’s eye that was instantly inadequate. What the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya awoke in me, left me breathless.

The familiar connection with nature that I always felt when I spent time in the bush was still there. But, like everything in the Masai Mara, I felt more expansive and more exposed. My heart was laid bare in the vast golden savanna and endless blue skies, where some of Africa’s most imposing creatures roam freely. As the sun dipped below the horizon, it hung impossibly close, igniting the sky in a fiery palette of colours more vibrant than any sunset I could recall.

Game Viewing

A pride of lions laze in the golden light, their tawny coats gleaming against the vivid grass. Elegant giraffes browse on the highest leaves, their long necks swaying like pendulums. A herd of elephants, wise and ancient, trumpet their greetings across the grasslands.

The Mara River snakes through the landscape, and the view conjures up an impression of the Great Migration – of a thundering stampede of over two million wildebeest and zebra, of tension-filled river crossings, and of the constant drama of predator-prey interactions. This is, undoubtedly, the Masai Mara – a place where the wild whispers your name and the rhythm of Africa beats in your heart.

Another rhythm beckons as we arrive at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. The dust swirls around the warriors’ feet as they launch themselves into the air. This isn’t your average jumping competition; the Adumu, a Maasai warrior dance, is as much about cultural pride as it is about athletic prowess. This electrifying display is a blur of red shukas and colourful beads. Their chants and songs rise above the rhythmic thumps as each warrior strives to touch the sky, pushing the limits of their strength and agility. And then, they invited us to join the dance amid greetings of “Jambo!” and our hearts were bursting again.

The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

A short walk across the hanging bridge over the River Talek brings us to the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, which has an entirely different beauty. Thoughtfully designed to promote well-being and a harmonious connection to the surroundings, the entire lodge is a study in cosy opulence. From the rich textures and warm, natural colours used throughout every space to the consideration given to every aspect of the guest experience, the JW Marriot Masai Mara Lodge exudes an air of quiet luxury, comfort and, of course, care.

After a delicious cocktail served beside the fire pit under the sprawling Fig Tree, we enjoyed a sumptuous meal at Sarabi Restaurant before retiring to what was our sanctuary.

Tented Luxury

The 20 tented rooms dotted along the riverbank are spacious, beautifully appointed and as close to perfect as I have ever seen. The massive mosquito-netted custom-made bed is made more welcoming by the handwritten note on our pillow each night, and the en suite bathroom holds a treasure trove of amenities that elevate our daily routines to rituals in self-care.

Our days were filled with adventure. From magnificent game sightings to Maasai cultural experiences, from spa treatments to delectable lunches in the JW Garden, on the Fig Tree Deck and under a lone tree in the majestic reserve, from a refreshing swim in the pool to a relaxing hour in the jacuzzi on our private deck – it all went by too fast.

Photographic Safaris

And yet, the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge has devised an ingenious way to ensure you will never forget your stay with them. Partnering with Canon, the Lodge offers photographic safaris replete with excellent cameras with telephoto lenses as well as a professional photographer who joins the game drive and teaches you how to take better photographs. Of course, they even help you edit your photographs for the best possible results.

Armed with beautiful memories of loving people, cheerful greetings, and the ever-present Maasai warrior to safeguard us against a chance encounter with the resident wildlife, and, of course, flash drives filled with the best wildlife photographs we’ve ever taken, we wished this special place and the people that make it so all the best—or rather, Sahau.

Book your stay at JW Marriott Masai Mara at www.marriott.com.