Saruni Mara | The Masai Mara One Of Kenya’s Best Safari Lodges

Tucked away in a hidden valley, Saruni Mara offers an indulgent feeling of seclusion. We love being so close to the action in the Masai Mara, and yet having our own little corner of Africa. The mix of wooded hills and rolling plains means that Mara North Conservancy has its own plentiful and diverse game, and we don’t have to share! The lie of the land gently rolls away from the lodge, in much the same way that we feel our stresses fall from our shoulders within minutes of arriving. The short game drive from the airstrip reveals just how close we are to the edge of the plains, with iconic lone acacias serving as Great Wildebeest Migration signposts, territorial markers or lightning conductors, depending on the time of day or year. The setting of Saruni Mara conjures up a strong sense of refuge, and yet in many ways it’s in the thick of things. We soon discover that a press of bodies can be a liberating experience when it’s a vast herd of antelope on the move, rather than sweaty subway commuters.

Our themed double cottage is known as The Observatory, and with a vintage brass telescope on the private verandah it proves the perfect place from which to watch the world go by during the day, and worlds go by at night. There are subtle references to this astronomical motif throughout the cottage, with charts of the heavens for reference. Completing a full orbit of the cottage, I’m convinced that we’re in heaven – the polished wooden floors make me want to kick off my desert boots, and the immense double bed with its rippling white mosquito nets looks as though it would be a lot easier to slip into, than leave. There are thoughtful touches everywhere – from the replacement of the sherry in the decanter with my partner’s preferred whisky, to the organic bath soaps. The stacked antique trunks at the foot of the bed speak to my adventurous soul, while the table for two on the deck answers my need for cosy privacy.

Beginning with the luxury of its location, Saruni Mara feels quite different, with a quiet confidence in its own place in time and space. There’s an Italianate theme running through the lodge, from the dangerously good meals to the joyful approach to relaxation in the Maasai Wellness Centre. When we learn about the Warriors Academy, we instantly agree that the next time we come here (and there’s bound to be a next time), we’ll bring our children – either the private Nyati House or family villa would make the perfect African country house for our tribe. Exclusive traversing rights in the conservancy, as well as access to the Masai Mara itself, means that we can enjoy the best of both worlds. We needn’t miss a hoofbeat of the migration (by happy planning, the wildebeest arrived just a week before us), but we can also take time to explore the quieter hills and valleys.

• A small boutique lodge nestled in a secluded valley in the exclusive Mara North Conservancy, with access to the Mara National Reserve. It has five themed cottages, a family villa and a private house with views of wooded hills and the savannah beyond.
• Private conservancy, flexible schedules, no fixed meal times, private dining available, private safari activities (additional cost), private villa accommodation options (additional cost) and opportunities to see the Great Wildebeest Migration.
• Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, birding, bush meals and sundowners, Warriors Academy, rhino sanctuary visits, cultural visits, hot-air ballooning (additional cost) and spa treatments (one complimentary massage per room, others at additional cost).
• Children welcome – an extra bed can be added to each cottage, while family house and private villa accommodation options can each sleep a family of four in two bedrooms. Warriors Academy activity programme for children.

• Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
• It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
• Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you.  Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
• However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.