OUR STORY
ENKAJI MEANS ‘HOME’ IN MASAI
Feel warmly welcomed at our Eco Lodge, where every detail is designed to make you feel at home while embracing the beauty of nature. From the moment you arrive, you'll be greeted with genuine hospitality and a commitment to sustainability that enhances your stay and the environment.
Our lodge seamlessly blends comfort with eco-conscious practices, ensuring that you enjoy a luxurious experience that respects and preserves the natural world. Each space is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the surrounding landscape, creating a tranquil retreat where you can unwind and connect with nature.
WHEN YOU ARE AT MARA ENKAJI, YOU BECOME ONE WITH THE ECOSYSTEM
THE ENKAJI ECOSYSTEM
Where sustainability is not just a motto but a way of life
LOCATION
- We are situated 15 minutes drive from the main Sekenani gate of the world-recognised Masai Mara.
- Our lodge overlooks the Masai Mara.
- The Masai Mara, often simply referred to as “The Mara,” is one of Kenya’s most renowned and breathtaking wildlife reserves. This vast expanse of rolling savannah, dotted with acacia trees and teeming with life, offers an unparalleled safari experience that captures the essence of Africa’s wilderness.
MARA ENKAJI
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Our Eco Lodge is deeply committed to supporting the Masai community, recognising that our success and sustainability are intertwined with the well-being and prosperity of the local people. Here’s how we embrace our social responsibilities towards the Maasai.
Community engagement and empowerment
We actively engage with the Masai community to understand their needs and priorities. Through regular consultations, we collaborate on initiatives that support local development, ensuring that our projects align with the community’s goals and values.
Cultural Preservation
We celebrate and preserve Masai culture by showcasing their traditions, crafts, and customs to our guests. This not only enriches the visitor experience but also provides the Masai with a platform to share their heritage and gain recognition for their cultural contributions.
Economic Opportunities
Our lodge creates employment opportunities for local Masai residents, offering training and fair wages. We also support local entrepreneurship by sourcing goods and services from Masai-owned businesses, thereby stimulating the local economy.
Community-Based Tourism
We involve the Masai in tourism activities, allowing them to guide tours, share traditional knowledge, and participate in cultural exchanges. This not only provides them with additional income but also fosters a greater appreciation for their way of life among visitors.
Respect for traditions and values
We ensure that all interactions with the Masai are respectful and culturally sensitive. Our staff undergoes cultural training to understand and honour Masai customs and traditions, fostering positive and respectful relationships. Through these initiatives, our Eco Lodge strives to make a meaningful and positive impact on the Masai community, ensuring that our presence contributes to their well-being and supports their long-term sustainability.
Mara Enkaji
ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
The architecture and design of our Eco Lodge in the Masai Mara are crafted to seamlessly integrate with the stunning landscape, respect the local Masai culture, and uphold our commitment to environmental sustainability. Here’s an in-depth look at how these principles are reflected in our lodge:
Harmonious Integration with Nature
Our Eco Lodge is designed to blend effortlessly into the Masai Mara’s natural surroundings. The architectural layout takes advantage of the landscape’s natural contours and existing features to minimise disruption to the environment. The use of earthy tones and natural textures ensures that the lodge complements the expansive savannah and rolling hills.
Eco-Friendly Luxury
We ensure that luxury and sustainability go hand in hand. The lodgings feature high-quality, eco-friendly furnishings and materials, providing guests with a comfortable and indulgent experience while adhering to our environmental standards. Spacious private suites with panoramic views offer an intimate connection to the surrounding landscape.
Traditional Maasai Aesthetics
The design pays homage to Masai culture through the use of traditional architectural elements and decorative motifs. This includes the use of Masai inspired patterns and colours in the lodge’s décor and textiles, as well as incorporating traditional thatching techniques in some structures.
Sustainable Building Materials
We utilise locally sourced, eco-friendly materials such as stone, bamboo, and reclaimed wood. These materials are not only sustainable but also reflect the traditional building practices of the Masai. This choice supports local economies and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials.
Community Benefits
In addition to the lodge’s design, our commitment extends to creating economic opportunities and supporting local initiatives. This includes hiring local staff, supporting community projects, and contributing to conservation efforts that benefit both the Masai community and the surrounding ecosystem.
Through these design principles, our Eco Lodge in the Masai Mara aims to offer a luxurious yet eco-conscious retreat that honours the beauty of the landscape, respects Masai culture, and contributes positively to the environment and local community.
Energy-Efficient Design
The lodge features advanced energy-efficient technologies, including solar panels to harness renewable energy, passive solar design to maximise natural heating, and energy-efficient lighting systems. Large windows and open-air designs enhance natural ventilation, reducing the need for artificial cooling and heating.
Natural Ventilation and Lighting
The lodge’s architecture emphasises natural ventilation and lighting, with strategically placed windows, skylights, and open spaces. This design approach reduces the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning, enhancing guest comfort while maintaining environmental efficiency.
Educational Spaces and Interactive Design
Our lodge includes dedicated spaces for educational programs and interactive experiences. These areas feature exhibits on local wildlife, conservation efforts, and Masai culture, providing guests with insights into the region’s natural and cultural significance.
Community Collaboration
The construction and design process actively involves local Masai artisans and builders. This collaboration not only supports the local economy but also ensures that the lodge reflects the cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the Masai people.
Mara Enkaji
ORGANIC FARMING AND VAST CULLINARY OPTIONS TO CATER TO YOUR DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Organic farming at our Eco Lodge in the Masai Mara is a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Our approach to organic farming not only enhances the guest experience but also supports local ecosystems and communities. Here’s how we integrate organic farming into our lodge operations:
Locally Sourced Organic Produce
We grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs on-site using organic farming methods. This ensures that our produce is fresh, free from synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, and contributes to a farm-to-table dining experience for our guests.
Water Conservation
We implement efficient water management systems, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, to ensure that our farming practices conserve water and minimise waste. This approach is crucial in Masai Mara’s arid climate, where water resources are precious.
Education and Awareness
We offer educational tours and workshops for guests to learn about our organic farming practices and their benefits. These experiences provide insights into sustainable agriculture and encourage guests to support organic and eco-friendly practices in their own lives.
Eco-Friendly Infrastructure
Our organic farming operations are supported by eco-friendly infrastructure, such as solar-powered greenhouses, composting facilities, and rainwater collection systems. These features enhance our ability to farm sustainably while minimising environmental impact.
Seasonal and Biodiverse Planting
We focus on growing a diverse range of crops that are suited to the local climate and seasonal conditions. This diversity helps to build a more resilient farming system, supports local wildlife, and ensures a varied and nutritious food supply for our guests.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
Organic farming at our lodge incorporates waste reduction practices, such as composting kitchen scraps and using organic waste as mulch or soil enrichment.
This approach reduces waste and contributes to a circular economy within our lodge.
Culinary Integration
The produce from our organic farm is featured prominently in our lodge’s dining offerings. Guests can enjoy meals prepared with fresh, organic ingredients that highlight local flavours and showcase our commitment to sustainable food practices.
Through these initiatives, organic farming at our Eco Lodge in the Masai Mara plays a vital role in our sustainability efforts, enhancing the guest experience while supporting environmental and community well-being.
WELLBEING AND MINDFULLNESS
At our Eco Lodge in the Masai Mara, mindfulness and relaxation are integral parts of the guest
experience, designed to foster a deep connection with nature and promote holistic well-being. Here’s
how we incorporate these elements into our lodge:
