Luca and me were sitting around the bushfire among other guests sharing our sights and adventures of the day. When suddenly we hear a hauling from a close distance. It was pitch dark so we couldn’t see where it was coming from. Another hauling, this time even closer. When suddenly a creature appears only 10 meters. A Hyena who got attracted by the fire and the smell of the dinner that was to be served.

BYOND TRAVELING rating – ★★★★☆

For whom?
For adventurous couples, honeymooners and families that are looking for an adrenaline kick. Your longings for big sightings will definitely be satisfied.

When to go?
The best time of the year to visit the Masai Mara area is between July and September. That is when 2 Mio. wildebeest zebras and antelopes migrate from Tanzania to the Masai Mara. To avoid the crowds and still see the spectacular event we recommend to avoid August and visit the area in September. 

Location ★★★★★
Kandili is situated next to one of the main gates to enter the Masai Mara national park. That makes it perfectly located to enjoy tranquility in the Leopard Gorge conservancy and have the chance to visit the main park as well as the triangle for a full or half day game drive. For more information on the park, read our previous article.

Amenities ★★★★★
The lodge consists in 12 luxurious tents built directly into the bush. The fact that Kandili is unfenced makes it especially adventurous. All the rooms are equipped with your own terrace, a comfy king size bed an indoor/outdoor shower as well as two sinks. Wifi is available only in the main area. Besides the wildlife that you can almost touch from your room, the lodge has a beautiful terrace overseeing the Leopard Gorge conservancy.

Service ★★★★☆
Friendly and ad hoc for any customer’s request. The lodge is run by local Masai and you can see the passion in each person’s eyes when they talk to you about their lands and traditions and they make you really feel welcomed. 

Kitchen ★★★☆☆
Continental menu made with local ingredients. It delivers the fresh flavourful taste of the region. Breakfast remains simple offering bread and pancakes with different spread as well as eggs and bacon. Lunch and dinner are served as a 3 dish al la carte in a romantic spot in the wild. Local meats include lamb, chicken and beef. First we asked ourselves why game meat hasn’t been part of the Menü like in South Africa? The reason: Game meat has been banned in Kenya in 2004.

Sustainability ★★★★☆
Kandili stands for eco friendliness & wildlife protection. The camp is fully tented which has the smallest impact on the environment. Plastic has been banned from the lodge completely. From the water bottles to the hygiene bags and the toiletries, everything is made out of glas, metal or paper. The whole camp electricity including the hot water in the camp is self made, from thermal solar panels. The staff consists mainly in people from the Mara ensuring local employment. 

Value for money ★★★★☆
Between 250 to 850 bugs is the rate per tent depending on the season. As you can see rates differ a lot with August being the peak season to watch the great migration. It is not a cheap shot, however, the Mara region overall is pricy. Is it worth it ? Definitely. The amount of Game you’ll spot in the reserve is magnificent. Concerning the lodge, you’ll receive outstanding service for your money in an adventurous & sustainable luxury lodge. PS: Sometimes the lodge offers special rates, check their webpage to find out more.

What we loved the most
Location – the camps proximity to the Masai Mara national park and Mara triangle makes it the perfect spot to enjoy everyday game drives in the most famous safari destination in Kenya. 

Food options –  indeed there is not much that we didn’t like. The sole small critique that we have is that despite offering delicious dinners , the variety of breakfast options and the lunch menu could be improved.