Muthu Keekorok Lodge, Maasai Mara, Narok recensioner

We spent three nights at Keekorok at the end of a four-country trip for our charity, so we were looking for rest and relaxation while enjoying the beauty of the Masai Mara, which we definitely got! The high points of Keekorok: 1. The location is very good--we were able to see many animals within a few minutes drive and, indeed, right on the grounds of the lodge. Baboons and a hippo came right up to our lodging. (That's why after dark they tell you to call for an escort to and from the main building!) We saw 4 of the big 5 -- only missed seeing a leopard. Plus, so many other species! 2. The staff was fabulous and definitely the best part of this accommodation. Just unbelievable hospitality. 3. We booked Shoor Travel / Masai Mara Tours for our driver, but you certainly could have arranged the game drives right with the hotel. They also have a desk to book a hot air balloon ride should you want one. 4. There's an actual hippo pond on the property, which is fun to visit. 5. The main lodge architecture is lovely as is the attached patio. Really nice to hang out there on a rainy afternoon. 6. Gift shop has so many lovely things, plus necessities you might have forgotten. What needs improvement: 1. The food is provided buffet style -- and it was fine -- occasionally very good. But mostly it became redundant and focused heavily on Indian food--which makes sense because Keekorok is owned by an Indian Hotel Company. We appreciated the pasta station, breakfast egg/omelet station, and all the fresh fruit that was available. But overall there were some meals where we struggled to be enthusiastic. Food was plentiful, just would have appreciated more broadly international offerings. Nice that they offered free hot tea and coffee during the day out on the patio. Snacks like nuts or crisps/potato chips were always brought to us if we ordered drinks in the bar. (Again -- staff was absolutely stellar in their hospitality.) 2. We stayed in a chalet room -- and again it was fine -- but for how the Lodge is billed as an upscale location, the room didn't match that level/price. Mostly clean but a little rough around the edges. Bathrooms really need a refurbish ... shower had some interesting tile repairs that made it hard to discern if the corners were just badly repaired or unclean. Did appreciate the nice mosquito netting. So, we had a great time but just would expect a little higher level food and rooms.