Keekorok Lodge blends into the landscape beside a water-hole, 246 km (153 mi) west of Nairobi.

This wonderful and very popular lodge is the longest established in the Maasai Mara and was opened in 1963 by Kenya’s first prime minister, Jomo Kenyatta. Its guest list includes such dignitaries as Pope John Paul II, German Chancellor Helmut KohlI, Nigerian president General Babangida and US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

It has 101 excellent en-suite rooms including 4 luxury suites. The buildings are constructed chiefly of local cedar wood and sandstone amid mature grounds.

You can relax in the very fine lounge and the main bar or on the large terrace overlooking neat, extensive lawns.

Vervet monkeys and many species of birds can be seen on a stroll around the grounds. A winding footpath leads to the elevated elephant deck offering panoramic views across the Mara and the elephants and buffaloes that frequently pass close to the lodge.

The best place from which to observe the animals at the water-hole is the thatched Hippo Bar that is reached via a 300m long, raised boardwalk giving excellent views of the landscape and wildlife.

Hippopotami spend their days wallowing in the water-hole and emerge after dark to graze the surrounding savannah.

Each evening an open log fire creates a wonderful ambience in the lounge. Informative film-shows and lectures by a local expert on wildlife and Maasai culture are regular evening events.

Traditional tribal songs and dances are are also frequently performed to complete your safari experience.

There is a very good swimming pool and ample sun-loungers for those wishing to top up their tan.

Cocktails, beers, wines and soft-drinks are all available from the pool-side bar.