The hype
Families call it a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience for the kids, despite the dated furniture and average food.
Mara River Safari Lodge
$130-280/ night
Book this if You have kids who are obsessed with animals and you want to wake up to a zebra grazing 10 feet from your balcony.
Why People Love It
- Breakfast with lions at Tsavo Lion Restaurant
- Free unlimited access to Bali Safari & Marine Park
- Feeding carrots to zebras and rhinos directly from your room balcony
Quick Take: It’s a glorified, slightly aging theme park hotel where the animal interactions are world-class but the rooms feel like they haven't been updated since 2008.
Reviewed by @bleetary_travels: I woke up, opened the curtains, and there were zebras right there! The canopy bed was dreamy, but having my morning coffee while watching wildlife graze just feet away was unforgettable. If you want a safari vibe without flying to Africa, this is it.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The rooms are showing their age with worn furniture, 'oily' smelling sofas, and air conditioning that struggles to cool the space.
- You are traveling with children under 12
- You prioritize unique experiences over 5-star luxury finishes
- You plan to spend 2 full days exploring the Safari Park
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7
- Housekeeping: Daily service is generally good, but they sometimes miss dust in corners or under heavy furniture.
- Bathroom hygiene: Functional but dated; grout lines show age and wear, though generally sanitized.
- Maintenance: The biggest weak point. Peeling paint, rattling ACs, and worn furniture are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Clean but can feel 'tired' and not plush; occasional reports of dampness due to humidity.
- Odors & scents: Frequent reports of musty/damp smells or 'oily' odors from old upholstery.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Real lions roaring (audible through glass)
- Loud/rattling air conditioning units
- Excited children in hallways/neighboring balconies
Before you book
Good to know
- Park admission is included for all guests (a huge value).
- Water park access is free for hotel guests.
- The hotel is isolated; a shuttle to the airport costs ~$38 USD per person.
What to pack
- Binoculars (animals can sometimes be far from the balcony)
- Strong mosquito repellent (you are staying in a zoo environment)
- Earplugs (for the lions and AC)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Twiga Deluxe (2nd Floor): Unobstructed views of the animals from the balcony.
- Kifaru Family Suite: Spacious 2-bedroom bungalow near the Kiboko pool, great for families.
Rooms to avoid
- Swala Rooms (Ground Floor): Views often blocked by tall grass/foliage.
- Rooms near the lobby if you want to avoid day-tripper crowds.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking this stay specifically for the animal viewing experience. Please assign a 2nd-floor Twiga room (like room 203 or 204) with a clear, unobstructed view of the zebras and giraffes, rather than a ground-floor unit with high grass.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the breakfast with lions included?
Usually yes, but verify your specific booking package. It takes place at Tsavo Lion Restaurant where lions are visible behind glass.
Can I feed animals from my room?
Yes, the hotel provides a basket of carrots in your room to throw to the zebras, rhinos, and elephants below.
Is the pool heated?
No, the outdoor pool is not heated, but the Bali weather usually makes it comfortable.
How far is it from Ubud?
It's about a 40-45 minute drive to Ubud center, depending on traffic.
Are there hidden fees?
Watch out for strict damage charges (broken cups, stained linens) and the airport shuttle is pricey ($38/person).
Is the water park free?
Yes, guests get unlimited access to the Fun Zone and Water Park during their stay.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book the 'Night Safari' package; it includes a fire dance show and a cage tram ride that is often the highlight of the trip.
- ✨
The 'broken mug' fee is real ($12) — handle the in-room crockery with extreme care.
- ✨
For animal feeding, you need to throw the carrots with some force to reach the animals from the 2nd-floor balconies.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'lion roar' is not a sound effect; it is a visceral, ground-shaking sound that happens randomly throughout the night.
💡The sofa covers in some rooms have a distinct 'oily' or musty smell due to humidity and age.
💡You are effectively trapped on the property for dinner unless you take a taxi; the location is on a bypass road with nothing walkable.
💡The 'Swala' ground floor rooms feel more like sleeping in a bush than a safari lodge due to the overgrown foliage.
💡The AC units are old and struggle to get the room 'fridge cold' if that's your preference.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Mara River Safari Lodge is located and what's nearby.