🌍 Overview
Saruni Mara is an intimate and exclusive safari lodge tucked away in the Mara North Conservancy, a private wilderness area that borders the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya. Designed for travelers who appreciate authenticity, tranquility, and understated luxury, Saruni Mara is known for its uniquely themed villas, deep cultural integration with the Maasai people, and access to some of the most pristine and uncrowded game viewing areas in the Mara ecosystem.
Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned explorer, Saruni Mara delivers a personalized, immersive experience where wildlife, culture, and comfort blend seamlessly.
đź“Ť Location & How to Get There
Camp Setting
Saruni Mara is nestled in a private forested valley within Mara North Conservancy, surrounded by dramatic escarpments, rolling plains, and acacia-dotted hills. Its location allows for undisturbed game drives, walking safaris, and the ability to witness the Great Migration without the crowds.
Getting There
- By Air: Most guests fly into the Mara North Airstrip, serviced by daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (approx. 1 hour). From the airstrip, it’s a scenic 45-minute drive to the lodge, often doubling as your first game drive.
- By Road: Guests may also drive from Nairobi via Narok, with the journey taking 5.5 to 6 hours, depending on weather and road conditions. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended.
Airstrip transfers are included for fly-in guests.
🏡 Accommodation
Saruni Mara is the only small luxury lodge in Mara North Conservancy, offering seven individually themed cottages and villas, each uniquely decorated to reflect different aspects of safari heritage, creativity, and culture.
Room Categories
- The Artist’s Studio
Inspired by creativity and solitude, this suite includes an easel, canvas, and art-themed décor, ideal for reflective travelers or solo adventurers. - The Photographer’s Studio
Decorated with photographic equipment, framed wildlife images, and memorabilia, this room is perfect for photography enthusiasts. - The Observatory
Comes with a telescope, astronomy books, and a moon-gazing deck. This villa appeals to those intrigued by the stars and the vast African night sky. - The Literary Room
A cozy haven filled with books, leather armchairs, and a vintage writing desk. It’s ideal for readers and thinkers. - The Love Shack (Honeymoon Suite)
Romantic and spacious with luxurious interiors and a private deck for stargazing or intimate meals under the sky. - The Natural History Suite (Family Villa)
A two-bedroom villa with a shared lounge, perfect for families or groups. Decorated with wildlife prints, maps, and explorer-themed items. - Nyati House (Exclusive Use Private Villa)
Located separately from the main camp for total privacy. Comes with two en-suite bedrooms, lounge, kitchen, private safari vehicle, and dedicated staff.
💵 2025 Rates (Per Person, Per Night – Fully Inclusive)
| Season | Rate (USD) |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 – Jan 2 | $900 |
| Jan 3 – Feb 28 | $700 |
| Mar 1 – May 31 (Green Season) | $500 |
| Jun 1 – Jun 30 | $700 |
| Jul 1 – Sept 30 (Peak Season) | $900 |
| Oct 1 – Oct 31 | $700 |
| Nov 1 – Nov 30 | $500 |
| Dec 1 – Dec 19 | $700 |
| Dec 20 – Dec 31 (Festive) | $900 |
Rates vary by villa. Nyati House is priced separately based on occupancy and exclusivity. Child and group rates are available on request.
âś… Inclusions
- Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- House wines, soft drinks, beers, and local spirits
- Two extended game drives per day with expert guides
- Night game drives in Mara North Conservancy
- Guided bush walks with Maasai warriors
- One complimentary 30-minute back and neck massage per room
- Airstrip transfers (Mara North)
- Wi-Fi in the main lounge and library
- Laundry service
❌ Exclusions
- Mara North Conservancy fees (payable per person, per night)
- Park entry fees to Masai Mara National Reserve (if included in game drive itinerary)
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Hot air balloon safaris (available at extra cost)
- Travel insurance, medical evacuation coverage
- Gratuities, souvenirs, and personal items
🍽️ Dining & Culinary Experience
Dining at Saruni Mara is a celebration of freshness, creativity, and local influence. Meals are enjoyed communally or privately, with views over the valley or under the stars.
- Breakfasts: Served in camp or bush picnics on morning game drives
- Lunches: Light meals, salads, pastas, and fresh seasonal fruits
- Dinners: Three-course candle-lit feasts with Italian-African fusion flavors
- Special Dietary Needs: Catered for with advance notice—vegan, gluten-free, allergy-sensitive
All meals are crafted using locally sourced ingredients and cooked by highly trained chefs.
đźš™ Safari Experience & Activities
Saruni Mara offers access to both Mara North Conservancy and Masai Mara National Reserve, with game drives and walking safaris tailored to guests’ preferences.
Included Activities
- Day & Night Game Drives
Explore private tracks in Mara North Conservancy with very few vehicles, allowing close and quiet animal encounters. - Walking Safaris
Accompanied by Maasai guides, these walks focus on tracking, birdwatching, medicinal plants, and survival skills. - Cultural Visits
Learn about traditional Maasai life, including a visit to the nearby community projects supported by Saruni. - Warrior Academy for Kids
Family-friendly experiences where children learn bush skills, beadwork, and Maasai storytelling. - Bush Dinners & Sundowners
Magical settings for meals under the stars or toasts at sunset over panoramic views. - Photography Guidance
Guides understand wildlife photography and will help position vehicles for the best light and angles.
đź’† Wellness
Saruni Mara includes a Masai Wellbeing Space, where guests can enjoy:
- Complimentary 30-minute welcome massage
- Aromatherapy and reflexology treatments (additional cost)
- Massage deck with views of the savannah
🌿 Conservation & Community Engagement
Saruni Mara is deeply involved in community-based conservation:
- Employs and trains local Maasai staff
- Supports the Mara North Conservancy with fees directly contributing to landowners
- Partners with local schools, health clinics, and sustainable tourism programs
- Operates with solar power, greywater recycling, and minimal environmental footprint
👨‍👩‍👧 Family Travel
Saruni Mara is family-friendly, particularly for kids aged 6 and up. The Natural History Suite and Nyati House are ideal for multi-generational families.
- Flexible meal times
- Special programs for children (Maasai storytelling, warrior skills)
- Private vehicle available for families on request
🧳 What to Pack
- Neutral-colored clothing (avoid black and bright colors)
- Warm layers for mornings and evenings
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Camera with extra batteries and SD cards
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Binoculars
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Jan – Mar | Great light, calving season, fewer crowds |
| Apr – May | Lush scenery, discounted rates, quiet bush |
| Jul – Oct | Peak wildlife and Great Migration viewing |
| Nov – Dec | Birding season, dramatic skies, relaxed pace |
Saruni Mara is open year-round, offering a different mood and richness in each season.
🗒️ Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Mara North Conservancy |
| No. of Villas | 7 (including family & private options) |
| Rates (2025) | $500 – $900 pppn |
| Safari Activities | Game drives, walks, cultural visits |
| Family Friendly | Yes, with special kid programs |
| Dining Style | Fusion cuisine, bush meals available |
| Best Time to Visit | July–Oct or Jan–Mar |
| Wellness Services | Yes – massage, aromatherapy |
| Community Involvement | High – supports local schools, jobs |
If you’re looking for a refined yet adventurous safari in a quieter part of the Mara ecosystem, Saruni Mara offers one of the most rewarding boutique lodge experiences in Kenya. It’s ideal for couples, solo travelers, families, and conservation-conscious travelers.