Most people perceive solo travel as loneliness. But just like life, you can decide how lonely you want your path to be. For me, solo travel is the path I decided to choose.
At first, I was afraid to travel solo since I was already hooked to group travels that used to be full of fun, laughter, and good vibes. I always looked forward to the next adventure every month, to escape the norm of staying solo.In my journey of self-discovery, I indeed decided to embrace solo traveling. Ever since, I have never looked back.
Masai Lodge, Rongai, was the first destination I picked, which was close to home, before I could start going to long-distance destinations like Masai Mara, Coastal Kenya, Zanzibar, Dubai, and Malaysia, which are my must-visit destinations.
This piece is based on my solo travel experience from Nairobi to Masai Lodge, Rongai, where I got to experience the place on my own, from the reception, rooms, amenities, hospitality, and excursions around the lodge.
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At the end of it all, you will get to understand the following:
- Location
- Accommodation facilities
- Activities to engage in
- Prices
- The best tour company for solo travels
Why Stay At The Masai Lodge
- Masai Lodge in Rongai is an eco-conscious lodge that offers maximum comfort, hence elevating guest experience.
- During your trip to Nairobi, Kenya, Masai Lodge is one of the best destinations to spend the night and proceed to a morning game drive at the Nairobi National Park.
- The Masai Lodge has top-notch hospitality services, ensuring your stay at the lodge is worth it.
- The lodge offers a perfect view of the Nairobi National Park from your hotel room, and you can get the chance to spot some animals like giraffes, Zebras and gazelles.
- This Lodge also offers tasty and finger-licking NYAMA CHOMA that you will die for, and you will want to enjoy it at all times.
- For solo travellers like me, Masai Lodge offers a serene and a quietier environment where you will have time just by yourself to recharge, journal, strategize, unwind, and relax all in one place.
Masai Lodge Location
Masai Lodge, Rongai, was built 36 years ago, and its location has been outstanding over the years.
The lodge is located west of the Nairobi National Park along Magadi Road in Ongata Rongai in Kajiado County, which is 9 kilometers from Ongata Rongai city center, 17 kilometers south of the Nairobi CBD, 27 kilometers from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and 12 kilometers from the Giraffe Center in Nairobi.
How to Get To Masai Lodge
There are four options that you can choose from to get to the Masai Lodge, Rongai.
- By Public Means
Getting to Masai Lodge by public means is one of the cheapest means. When you arrive in Nairobi town, you will take a matatu or bus number 125 from the Railways ( matatu stage) and alight at the junction of Masai Lodge road, which takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the traffic. After alighting, you can go ahead and take a motorbike/ bodaboda or taxi that will take you straight to the lodge.
Note: The bus fare might differ depending on timings. For instance, the bus fare is higher in the morning and late in the afternoon ( rush hours).
- Self-drive
If you choose to drive yourself to the lodge, here is an easier route you can use;
Uhuru Highway – Nyayo Stadium – Lang’ata Road – Bomas of Kenya – Magadi Road – Masai Lodge Road – Multimedia University – Masai Lodge
It came to my realization that most travellers find it therapeutic since it acts as a moving meditation and also provides a safe space for self-reflection.
- By Adequate Safaris 4*4 Land Cruiser
If you want to experience that touristic feel, the Land Cruiser option is the best for you. Adequate Safaris has the best Land Cruisers that make every traveller have the best experience.
- By Flight
From Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Adequate Safaris organizes pick-up and drop-off upon request. However, the lodge also organizes pick-ups from the airport if you are not travelling with any tour company in Kenya.
Which mode of transport would you prefer?
Masai Lodge Accommodation
For every traveller, where you stay is always a concern. Masai Lodge offers you the best environment for you to relax.
Let’s dive into what Masai Lodge has to offer and what I experienced during my solo staycation.
1. The Reception
When I arrived at the Masai Lodge, it was at that moment that I realized this solo staycation thing that I was afraid of was actually happening. I was so proud of myself for taking this bold step.
Almost immediately, the Masai Lodge staff received me warmly with smiles allover their faces as they helped me carry my luggage and check in to my room that would be my home for the weekend.
2. Hotel Rooms & Amenities
The 31 exclusive self-contained cottages at the Masai Lodge are divided into 2 different categories based on the views they offer and the occupancy. They include:
Park View Rooms
For travellers who want a perfect view of the Nairobi National Park, the park view rooms are your go-to.
These are triple cottage rooms that offer a spacious one double bed and one single bed.
Other amenities are:
a) Sunrise and sunset views over the African Savannah of the Nairobi National Park.
b) Masai-themed interiors
c) Luggage rack
d) Closet Space
e) Free internet
f) Television
g) Coffee station
h) Modern bathrooms with hot showers
- Garden View Rooms
Garden rooms at Masai Lodge offer a quiet and peaceful environment for travellers seeking a relaxing kind of staycation.
These rooms offer double, twin, or triple options depending on the group size.
It also offers amenities such as:
a) Spacious balconies with a garden view where you can sit and have your own personal space.
b) modern bathrooms with hot showers
c) Free WI-FI
Note that the price of your stay at Masai Lodge depends on:
- Meal type ( Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, or Full Board)
- Number of days and nights
3. The Views
The Masai Lodge offers a panoramic view of the Ngong Hills and the Nairobi National Park, offering beautiful sunrises and sunset views.
4. The Restaurant
Masai Lodge has an aesthetically pleasing restaurant where you get to enjoy your meals prepared by professional chefs as you enjoy slow R&B music.
5. Lounge & Bar
If you would like to unwind a bit, you can sit at the Zebra Lounge as you enjoy a glass of your preferred cocktail and music.
6. Conference Facilities
Also, the lodge also also offers spacious conference facilities perfect for corporate meetings and team building away from the chaos of Nairobi city.
Moreover, the lodge is also a perfect destination for:
- Weddings
- Anniversaries
- Birthday Getaway
- Chama staycation
- Girl’s staycation
- Romantic staycation
- Office parties
Best Things To Do When Visiting The Masai Lodge
While staying at the Masai Lodge, you will get a chance to experience various activities that will make you feel alive again.
Here are some of the activities I got to explore:
1. Nairobi National Park
Due to its prime location, the Nairobi National Park has introduced another route from Rongai. The morning game drive will start around 6:00 AM, so that you can also be able to catch the sunrise, where you will be picked up by an Adequate Safaris driver who will also be your guide during the drive.
You will be able to see various wild animals such as black rhinos, lions, bufallos, leopards, cheetahs, and Masai giraffes, just to mention a few.
Did you know that the Nairobi National Park is where rhinos thrive, hence the name rhino sanctuary?
2. The Rolf Place, Rongai
The Rolf place is located just 5 minutes away from the Masai Lodge.
This place made my heart race for a moment. I had to face my acrophobia and walk over a swinging bridge over a deep gorge that separates the hotel from the Nairobi National Park, also offering amazing views of the park.
3. Masai Cultural Experience
The Masai Lodge has manyatta-designed cottages, you will get a taste of the Masai cuisine, and you will also get a chance to visit the nearest Masai villages so that you can immerse yourself deeper into the Masai culture.
4. Nairobi City Tour
This is one of the excursions that you cannot miss in your itinerary while in Nairobi, so that you can get a glimpse of what city life is like in Kenya. Also, if you would like to see the panoramic views of Nairobi’s skyline, the Kenya International Convention Center ( KICC) rooftop is the perfect spot.
Other excursions include:
5. Nature Walk at Ololua Nature Trail
6. Hiking at Ngong Hills
7. Visit David Sheldrick
8. Kitengela Swaying Bridge
9. Visit the Giraffe Center
10. Visit the Karen Blixen Museum
Conclusion
In conclusion, this solo trip to the Masai Lodge was very significant in my life. As someone who could never travel alone, this was a very bold step out of my comfort zone.
This trip taught me to always do things scared, no matter how hard they may seem.
During this trip, I was able to meet fellow solo travellers and visit places that I never thought I would ever visit. They created the best memories for me that I will live to remember as long as I live. I have never romanticized my life as I did on this trip, and there was healing and growth that took place. I was proud of myself.
All thanks to Adequate Safaris for making my solo trip successful through their guidance, words of encouragement, and patience, ensuring I had the best time. That meant the whole world to me.
Face your fears and book your next solo trip with Adequate Safaris on +254768555444 or email deals@adequatesafaris.com.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
1. What should I pack for my solo vacation at Masai Lodge, Rongai?
- Lightweight clothes, but do not forget to carry a few warm clothes at times it gets cold.
- Closed shoes for excursions and open sandals to wear while at the lodge.
- In case you have any health issues, do not forget to carry your medications.
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen
- Safari outfit & a hat to protect you from direct sunlight
- Camera and Binoculars
- Journal
- Swimming Costumes
2. What are the check-in and check-out times at the Masai Lodge?
Check-ins at Masai Lodge begin at 12:00 PM, and check-out time is 10:30 AM.
3. Is Masai Lodge in Rongai family-friendly?
Absolutely. Masai Lodge is a very family-friendly destination. However, you need to note the following:
Children aged 4 to 12 who share rooms with their parents pay 50% of the rate, while those who will have their own room pay 75%, and those under the age of 4 share rooms with their parents for free.
4. Are pets allowed at the lodge?
No. Pets are not allowed at the lodge since not everyone is comfortable around animals. Some of your fellow travellers might be allergic, causing discomfort to other travellers.
5. Is Masai Lodge safe for tourists?
Yes. The Masai Lodge is a very safe place for tourists with low cases of insecurity. However, all safety measures offered by the lodge should be followed to the letter.
“ Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
