He saw a leopard on television and moved continents.
Royal Mara exists because of a documentary. That is not a marketing line — it is how the lodge came to be on this particular bend of this particular river.
Our story
Twenty years ago, in front of a television in America.
Our founder, George, was sitting with his family in the United States watching an episode of the BBC’s Big Cat Diary. The programme followed the iconic wildlife of the Maasai Mara, among them a female leopard called Zawadi.
He came looking for the place. He found a stretch of the Mara River where the hippos dip in and out and the tree canopy stands tall, and set up camp. That bend has been the home of Royal Mara Safari Lodge ever since.
Nearly two decades on, the lodge is still eight suites. Leopard Gorge — the leopard hangout highlighted on that same BBC programme — is a short drive away, as are the Koiyaki Kichwa Tembo and Mara Serena migration crossing points.
- 8
- Suites in the whole lodge
- 12
- Camps across the conservancy
- 4
- Guests maximum per game-drive vehicle
- 10
- Minutes from the Mara North airstrip
During the migration season from June to November, thousands of wildebeest converge on the camp’s periphery to graze.
What we hold ourselves to
Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest standards. Transparency and quality are our hallmarks.
Dedication
A professional team, trained to anticipate what guests need before being asked.
Community support
We are in the business of serving people, and that extends to the community around us.
Talent
Our employees are our biggest asset. To operate at the top we have to attract and keep the best.