The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Saruni Mara combines intimate luxury with an authentic safari experience. With only 18 guests maximum, it's much smaller than the big-name lodges but more refined than basic camps. What sets it apart is the location in Mara North Conservancy - you get exclusive access to this private area with night drives and walking safaris that aren't allowed in the main reserve.
The Maasai warrior guides bring an authenticity you won't find at many places, and the themed cottages give each room real character. It's not the most luxurious lodge in Kenya, but it delivers genuine safari magic with excellent wildlife viewing and that personal touch that comes from having local staff who've grown up in this landscape.
Saruni Mara offers 8 uniquely themed accommodations, including 5 safari cottages, a family villa, and the exclusive Nyati House private villa.
Each unit features a private veranda with Mara plains or garden views, en-suite bathroom with power shower, and individual lounge area with elegant furnishings. The accommodations range from intimate themed studios like The Observatory with its brass telescope to the fully private Nyati House with its own safari vehicle and guide.
There is a variety of uniquely themed cottages, each with its own character and charm. The Observatory is a hillside cottage featuring a large brass telescope and sweeping views of the Mara plains and valley. The Photographer's Studio is adorned with photography-inspired décor and overlooks the garden and valley. The Literary Room is styled with vintage literary touches, including a typewriter and quill pen, and offers garden and valley views. The Love Shack is a romantic suite with antique furnishings, a king-sized bed, and views of the valley leading to the Masai plains.
All cottages include en-suite bathrooms with hot water showers and spacious private verandas.
This exclusive-use villa is comprised of 2 en-suite bedrooms with one king bed and twin beds, accommodating up to 4 guests. It features a large lounge with fireplace, expansive veranda, and offers valley and plains views.
Located in its own secluded valley, this exclusive villa is comprised of multiple bedrooms including 2 main bedrooms and a children's bedroom, accommodating 6+ guests. It features 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining room, lounge, large garden with fire pit, and includes a private safari vehicle with dedicated guide.
Prices at this Saruni Mara Lodge start from $500 per adult sharing, and $240 per child sharing.
Accommodation Rates (Per Person)
Single Occupancy Rooms
Double Occupancy Rooms
Family Rate Example (2 adults + 2 children)
Children aged 0-4 years stay free of charge.
Prices can vary and are subject to change. Please contact us for the latest rates.
Positioned riverside on the Mara River within Kenya's exclusive Mara North Conservancy, Karen Blixen Camp honors 1920s safari elegance with modern eco-luxury. This 100% …
Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp recreates vintage safari luxury within a private 7,608-acre conservancy bordering Kenya's Masai Mara. You'll experience over 100 years of safari heritage…
Positioned on a kopje overlooking the Mara River, this intimate 10-suite camp offers front-row access to the Great Migration's dramatic river crossings. Glass-fronted tents provide…
Positioned along the Mara River inside Kenya's legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, this intimate 20 tent safari camp offers front-row seats to the Great Migration river …
Nestled on the banks of the Talek River, this intimate luxury tented camp overlooks the golden Maasai Mara plains. With just 12 elevated suites tucked into groves of trees, you'll …
Set within a former cheetah conservation sanctuary in the eastern Serengeti, this intimate camp offers unparalleled access to big cats. With no other camps within an hour's drive, …
There is an incredible variety of activities to discover at Mara North Conservancy. Here are a few of our favourites.
For the adventure seekers, they offer shared day and night game drives, guided bush walks with Maasai warriors, and hot air balloon safaris soaring over the Mara ecosystem. The night drives are particularly special, as they're only possible within this private conservancy.
For those seeking cultural immersion and relaxation, there are community visits to Maasai villages, sundowners at scenic sunset spots, and rejuvenating treatments at the Maasai Wellbeing Space.
There is also a dedicated Maasai Warriors Academy designed especially for children to learn about local traditions and wildlife.
Saruni Mara uses a three-season pricing structure that follows Kenya's safari calendar. Peak season runs from July through September (plus the holidays in January and December) at $900 per person per night. Shoulder season covers June, October, and most of December at $700 per person per night. Green season from March through May and November drops to $500 per person per night.
Kids aged 5-16 get about 50% off adult rates, and little ones under 5 stay free. Single travelers might face supplements during busy periods. When you book with us, all these rates and supplements are sorted out for you upfront, so there are no surprises.
Pretty much everything you'd want for a proper safari experience. All your meals are covered, plus house wines, beers, soft drinks, and local spirits throughout the day. You'll get two game drives daily with expert Maasai guides, plus night drives in the private conservancy and guided bush walks.
Each room gets one complimentary 30-minute massage, and they'll handle your transfers from Mara North Airstrip, Wi-Fi, and laundry service. The main extras you'd pay for are premium spirits, optional activities like hot air balloon rides, and conservation fees. When you book through us, we'll break down exactly what's included so you know what to expect.
There are three distinct options, each with its own character. The five safari cottages are the heart of the lodge, each with unique themes like The Observatory and The Photographer's Studio. These come with private verandas and en-suite bathrooms.
The Family Villa works perfectly for families with kids, offering two en-suite bedrooms and a large communal lounge area. For the ultimate privacy, there's Nyati House - a private villa that sleeps 6+ guests with multiple bedrooms, full kitchen, dining room, and your own dedicated safari vehicle and guide.
All accommodations have solar power, Wi-Fi, and those incredible views over the Mara plains. The private villa sits just five minutes from the main camp, so you get exclusivity without feeling isolated.
Absolutely - Saruni Mara is very family-friendly. Kids under 5 stay free, and those aged 5-16 get roughly 50% off adult rates. They've got a dedicated Family Villa designed specifically for families, plus the "Warriors Academy" program where local Maasai teach kids about traditional culture and bushcraft.
The private conservancy setting means it's safer for families than some areas, and the guides are excellent with children. Game drives can be adjusted for shorter attention spans, and the lodge can arrange special activities like bush walks that are perfect for curious kids. When you book through us, we'll make sure the lodge knows you're traveling with children so they can prepare accordingly.
You'll fly into Mara North Airstrip, which gets daily flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport. The lodge includes transfers between the airstrip and camp in their rates - it's just a short drive through the conservancy.
Most guests fly up in the morning and return in the afternoon, which works perfectly with the lodge's schedule. When you book with us, we handle all the flight arrangements and coordinate with the lodge to ensure someone's waiting for you at the airstrip. The flights themselves are an experience - you'll see the Mara from above before you even start your game drives.
You'll get two game drives daily in open-sided vehicles with expert Maasai guides who know every animal's habits. Night drives are a real highlight since you're in a private conservancy where they're allowed. Guided bush walks with Maasai warriors give you a completely different perspective on the ecosystem.
Each room includes one 30-minute massage at their Maasai Wellbeing Space, plus sundowner drinks are part of the daily routine. For extra activities, you can add hot air balloon safaris (around $450) or book exclusive use of a private vehicle with your own guide for about $350 per day. When you book through us, we can arrange these extras in advance so everything's ready when you arrive.
July through October is migration season when you'll see the wildebeest river crossings - it's absolutely spectacular but also the busiest and most expensive time. January through March offers excellent game viewing with fewer crowds and better weather.
The thing about Mara North Conservancy is that wildlife viewing stays consistently good year-round since it's a private area with controlled vehicle numbers. Green season (March-May and November) can be fantastic - fewer visitors, lower rates, and the landscapes are incredibly lush. When you book with us, we'll help you choose timing based on what you most want to see and your budget.
So you can book with confidence knowing you're in safe hands.
Planning a trip to East Africa is complicated. Brilliant makes it easy. Our team have spent decades in the region so we can help you find the right trip - and we don't charge a fee.
We have exclusive access to the best value-for-money camps and lodges at rates you won't get anywhere else.
Melissa and team ready for safari
Every year, we help hundreds of travellers explore East Africa.
Our team can help you find the trip to match your dreams, budget, and appetite for adventure.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
