Our family of four with two boys, ages 9 and 11, recently had the incredible experience of staying at Mahali Mzuri Safari Lodge in Kenya. We traveled in June 2024, and from the moment we arrived, we knew this was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip! One we’ll truly never forget. From extraordinary wildlife encounters to thoughtful luxury in the heart of the Maasai Mara, Mahali Mzuri exceeded every expectation. Go ahead and add it to your bucket list now. I promise you won’t regret it. Below, I’m sharing our full review of Mahali Mzuri Safari Lodge and why it’s an experience so perfectly suited for families.
A Unique Arrival: Safari Begins on the Landing Strip
Flying into Mahali Mzuri is an adventure in itself. The airstrip is tiny, with just a staff member recording incoming flights and keeping wildlife off the runway. After a short, smooth flight, our guide and safari jeep were waiting for us along with cold, refreshing drinks, and the journey to the lodge began.
Even on the drive from the airstrip, the safari had already began—we spotted zebras, jackals, antelope, and even a leopard! It was the perfect way to dive straight into the Maasai Mara experience.
Abundant Wildlife Everywhere You Look
Throughout our stay, wildlife was so abundant! We did a safari to Sabi Sands in South Africa (which was AMAZING) but this Maasai Mara truly blew it out of the water!
Each safari drive brought new surprises! The Maasai Mara is famous for its abundant and diverse wildlife, including:
- Big cats: lions, leopards, cheetahs
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Wildebeest
- Buffalo
- Hyenas
- Jackals
- Vultures
- Antelope (impala, topi, hartebeest, gazelles)
- Hippos and crocodiles along the Mara River
- Birdlife: ostriches, horn bills, and secretary birds
Some of our absolute highlight moments included:
Coming upon a family of six giraffes, including a newborn baby. Sooo adorable!
Finding a pride of lions eating a fresh zebra kill, and watching hyenas, jackals, and vultures quickly close in—seeing the carcass being completely devoured within minutes. Seriously, the most raw circle of life and National Geographic moment ever!
Watching a leopard in a tree relocate its kill, bring it down, and drag it past our safari jeep. Truly an incredible wildlife encounter!
The whole family was mesmerized, and I couldn’t stop snapping photos. These moments reminded us just how wild, raw, and spectacular the Maasai Mara and God’s creation truly is.
Exceptional Guides and Staff
The guides at Mahali Mzuri are truly exceptional—knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about sharing the Maasai Mara’s wonders. They made every safari exciting and educational, tailoring the experience to our family’s pace and interests. Our boys loved spotting animals up close while learning fun facts from our incredible wildlife guide, Gideon.
The lodge staff were equally remarkable. Warm, attentive, and always ready to help, they made us feel completely at home from the moment we arrived.
Luxury Tents That Don’t Feel Like “Tents”
The accommodations at Mahali Mzuri are something special. The luxury tents are spacious, beautifully designed, and extremely comfortable! They don’t feel like “tents” at all. Each one has stunning views of the open plains, thoughtful details, and all the amenities you could want, making it easy to relax and unwind after an adventurous day on safari.
Shortly after our visit, the lodge was closing for remodeling. From what we saw, it looks and feels even more luxurious and beautiful now, if that’s even possible! We can’t wait to return someday to experience the new enhancements firsthand.
Delicious, Thoughtful Meals
Meals at the lodge were another highlight. The chef went above and beyond to accommodate our family’s preferences, and every dish was both delicious and beautifully presented. Dining while surrounded by the African plains added an extra touch of magic to every meal.
A Family-Friendly Safari
Mahali Mzuri isn’t just for honeymooners or adults-only travelers—it’s truly an incredible destination for families. Our boys loved the sense of adventure, spotting wildlife at every turn, and listening to stories from the knowledgeable guides, while we as parents appreciated the lodge’s exceptional comfort, breathtaking surroundings, and added safety measures of having a guide escort you at night. It genuinely offered something for everyone. From unforgettable bush breakfasts and sunset views over the plains with wine and snacks, to magical bush dinners, archery, and thoughtfully curated daily activities, every detail was intentionally planned to create a seamless and memorable experience for all ages.
Bringing the Memories Home
We loved our time at Mahali Mzuri so much that I was inspired to open a print shop featuring photos from our visit. From awe-inspiring wildlife and vast to breathtaking landscapes, each image captures the magic and wonder of this remarkable place.
Click here to bring a piece of the wonder and beauty of the Maasai Mara into your home!
Why Mahali Mzuri Should Be on Your Bucket List
From abundant wildlife and incredible guides to accommodating staff, luxurious tents, and unforgettable meals, Mahali Mzuri Safari Lodge offers a truly immersive and luxurious safari experience. For families seeking adventure, comfort, and memories that will last a lifetime, this lodge is an absolute must.