Drunken Elephant Mara

Our three nights at The Drunken Elephant Mara were wonderful, thanks to a lovely team. Abraham looked after everything we needed, Alan cooked fantastic meals and packed tasty breakfasts and lunches for our game drives, Dickson helped us feel safe, and Marco made sure we were comfortable. We didn't learn the names of everyone working behind the scenes, but we're grateful to all of them. The setting was amazing too. We were near a stream and heard hyenas at night once or twice, which we loved.

The camp has a rustic feel, but it had all the facilities we needed. The washrooms were good and well equipped, though the water was a little rusty. That seemed acceptable out on a jungle safari. Meals were simple, fresh, and warm, and I'd happily come back if I get the chance. There's also a nearby Masai Mara tribal village to visit. The location worked very well for a safari in Masai Mara.

The food was a real highlight for us, especially having authentic Indian dishes that made us feel at home. The hotel felt safe, and the clean, comfortable property was very well maintained. Staff were friendly, polite, and ready to help. We had a wonderful stay at Druncan Elephant Hotel, Masai Mara.

The game drives had lovely scenery, but I found them lacking in depth. Our guide mostly drove from one animal to the next in silence while using his phone, with little context or storytelling. It felt more like a zoo visit than exploring an ecosystem, and I cut the safari short. At night, lions roam the property. Security is there, but that was unnerving, and I wish we'd been told beforehand. The tents were spacious and nicely arranged, and the location is excellent. Beyond that, service was consistently disappointing. Laundry came back wet, staff seldom checked in or offered drinks even though they were around all day, and the breakfast buffet was taken away while we were still eating. Much of the time the team seemed disengaged. The food was tasty, but it was all Indian cuisine, and I expected more variety over a multi-day stay. The fan in our room couldn't be used because it had the wrong plug. For the price, including game drives and transfers, it didn't deliver the experience I had hoped for.