About Us

A Maasai-owned retreat, rooted in the heart of safari country

Welcome to Luxury Sandcastle Mara Lodge, where the spirit of the Masai Mara meets the comfort of a thoughtfully designed tented retreat. Also known as White Sandcastle Mara Lodge, our property brings together distinctive accommodation, Maasai hospitality, and opportunities to explore one of Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.

Co-founded in 2015 and owned by local Maasai elder The Lalanka Nonkipa, our lodge has a personal connection to the place we call home. Our story is rooted in the people, landscapes, and traditions of this remarkable region. We welcome guests to slow down, settle in, and discover the Mara through both its wildlife and its living culture.

Whether you are planning a solo adventure, a romantic escape, or a family safari, our lodge offers a comfortable base for days of discovery and evenings of relaxation.

Our location: Sekenani, Masai Mara

Luxury Sandcastle Mara Lodge is located in the Sekenani area of Narok County, Kenya, near the Sekenani Gate of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Our setting places guests close to a gateway to the reserve, with the landscapes of the Siana and Nashulai Maasai conservancy areas nearby.

Here, the safari experience extends beyond a single game drive. It is found in the changing light across the plains, the anticipation of an early morning departure, and the quiet pleasure of returning to your terrace after a day of exploring.

Discover the wider Mara landscape on game drives, with opportunities to encounter wildlife and experience the scenery that makes this region so memorable. Wildlife sightings vary, and seasonal migration movements depend on natural conditions, making every safari its own adventure.

Distinctive clamshell-shaped luxury tents

Our accommodation is part of what makes a stay with us distinctive. The lodge features 10 clamshell-shaped luxury tents, thoughtfully positioned with privacy and views in mind. Raised on both concrete and wooden platform platforms, these sculptural spaces combine the atmosphere of a tented safari stay with the comforts of a welcoming guest room.

Inside, large, comfortable beds, writing desks, and soft rugs create a restful setting. Canvas walls and wide windows maintain a connection to the outdoors, while each tent’s private terrace offers space to pause, enjoy a morning drink, or watch the light change at the end of the day.

The curved membrane design gives our tents their unmistakable appearance and a light, airy atmosphere. Rather than separating you completely from your surroundings, the tents invite you to experience the rhythms of the landscape, from birdsong at dawn to the evening chorus of insects.

Comfort for couples, families, and independent travellers

We offer single, double, and family accommodation options, making the lodge suitable for different kinds of safari journeys.

Each tent is fully en suite, with a hot shower and flush toilet. Solar-powered lighting adds to the tented experience, while in-room comforts include air-conditioning, a fan, mosquito nets, a desk, a safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Begin your morning on your private deck, taking in the sunrise before the day’s adventures. Return later to freshen up, rest, and enjoy a slower pace between excursions.

Experiences that bring the Mara closer

A stay at Luxury Sandcastle Mara Lodge offers opportunities to experience both the wildlife and the cultural character of the region.

Game drives provide a chance to explore the Mara’s landscapes and look for wildlife, with each outing bringing different possibilities. For another perspective, a hot-air balloon safari offers an opportunity to experience the scenery from above.

Maasai village visits invite guests to learn about local life and traditions through encounters with community hosts. We encourage visitors to approach these experiences with curiosity and respect for the people whose home they are visiting.

Sundowners offer a relaxed way to mark the close of the day, while bush meals bring dining into an outdoor setting. Activities are subject to availability and conditions; please confirm arrangements and any additional charges when planning your stay.

Space to unwind

Time at the lodge is an important part of the experience. Enjoy a refreshing swim in our modern swimming pool, settle down for a meal in the restaurant, or choose a drink from our well-stocked bar.

Our fireplace lounge provides a welcoming place to gather in the evening. Share stories from the day, spend time with your travelling companions, or simply enjoy a quiet moment before returning to your tent.

From an unhurried morning to a restful evening, the lodge offers space to balance adventure with relaxation.

Our invitation to you

Luxury Sandcastle Mara Lodge is a place to experience the Mara with comfort, curiosity, and a connection to its Maasai heritage. Our distinctive tents, welcoming shared spaces, and location near Sekenani Gate create a base for a memorable stay.

Come for the landscapes and the promise of adventure. Stay for the quiet moments, warm hospitality, and the pleasure of feeling closer to the place around you.

We look forward to welcoming you.