Above the Clouds: A Peaceful Escape to Mara Engai Lodge
There’s something magical about standing on the edge of the world, watching sunlight spill across the Masai Mara from thousands of feet above. At Mara Engai Lodge, you’re not just on safari—you’re suspended between earth and sky, tucked in a forest canopy where peace and perspective meet.
When I stayed here with my friend The Exploring Author, we were the only guests on site, and it felt like having the entire mountain to ourselves.
A Forested Hideaway with Unmatched Views
Unlike the lodges nestled in the grasslands below, Mara Engai is perched high on the Oloololo Escarpment in the Great Rift Valley. Here, the tents are more like elegant treehouses, each one built on raised wooden platforms and designed to blend into the surrounding forest.
From the deck, the views stretch endlessly over the Mara Triangle below—a horizon so wide it feels like you could float into it. On clear mornings, hot air balloons drift silently across the sky. And if you’re lucky, you might spot elephants or buffalo moving far below, their presence marked only by tiny silhouettes in the golden grass.
Getting There is Part of the Adventure
One of the unique aspects of staying at Mara Engai is the remote location—which makes for a thrilling arrival. After your game drive, a lot of safari trucks aren’t able to make the steep climb back up the escarpment. Instead, the camp’s specially equipped vehicles meet you at the base and take you on an unforgettable ride up the winding track. {ADD HERE: Share a moment from your ascent or descent—was it misty? Did you see wildlife along the way? Was it quiet and reflective, or wild and bumpy and fun?}
It’s an unexpected bonus: the ride becomes its own safari, with baboons, incredible lookouts and shifting light as you rise back into the trees.
Sustainability Meets Comfort
Mara Engai is proud of its eco-conscious roots. Powered by solar energy and built with sustainability in mind, it manages to offer luxury without disturbing the natural rhythm of the land. The rooms are spacious, the bathrooms spa-like, and the little touches—organic toiletries, plush robes, tea service—make you feel quietly cared for. There is wifi in the restaurant/lobby, but not in the rooms, making it a peaceful break for rest and relaxation!
The food is equally intentional. Meals are crafted from local produce and ingredients grown in the on-site garden. We loved all the menu items and options during our stay! We also enjoyed an evening sitting at the bar for a Tuskers or Dawa cocktail while we talked with our new friends Belinda and Clement (incredible Engai staff who were some of the highlights of our stay!)
Staff That Make You Feel Like Family
The true soul of Mara Engai is its people. The staff were extraordinarily kind, thoughtful, and attentive without being intrusive. As I mentionned above, we loved chatting with Clement and Belinda after our game drives — we learned more about the Big Five, the Ugly Five, and the Little Five!
They knew our names by the first evening and went out of their way to ensure our stay felt seamless. Every detail felt lovingly considered, from how the rooms were prepared to how meals were served and how warmly we were welcomed back after each game drive.
Peace in Every Direction
Evenings at Mara Engai are quiet and gentle. There’s a stillness that falls over the forest as the sun slips behind the escarpment. You can hear the night animals stirring in the trees, the soft whisper of wind in the canopy, and the occasional distant roar of a lion down below. Whether you choose to spend your evening around the bonfire or curled up on your deck with a blanket and a view, there’s no better place to breathe deeply.
Final Thoughts
Mara Engai Lodge is more than a safari stop—it’s a sanctuary. A hidden place in the clouds where you can reconnect with yourself, the earth, and those you’re traveling with. If you're seeking quiet wonder, sweeping skies, and a deep sense of peace, this is the place. The kind of place you might return to, not just in person—but again and again in your memories.
