How does Saruni Mara compare to other lodges in the Masai Mara?
Saruni Mara sits in the sweet spot between intimate luxury and 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 Lodge Photos
Popular trips to Kenya
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.
Rooms at Saruni Mara Lodge
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.
Room types at Saruni Mara Lodge
-
The Observatory
The Observatory is a Safari Cottage.
This unique hillside cottage features a large brass telescope and offers stunning views of the Mara plains and valley. It includes an en-suite bathroom fitted with twin washbasins and a power shower, plus a private veranda perfect for wildlife viewing.
-
The Love Shack (Honeymoon Suite)
The Love Shack is a Honeymoon Suite.
This romantic suite features a king-sized bed and overlooks the valley leading to the Masai plains. Decorated with antique furnishings and elaborate romantic décor, it includes an en-suite bathroom with hot water shower and a large private veranda.
-
The Artist's Studio
The Artist's Studio is a Safari Cottage.
This spacious cottage features art-themed décor and provides beautiful garden and valley views. It includes an en-suite bathroom fitted with a hot water power shower and a private veranda for relaxation.
-
The Literary Room
The Literary Room is a Safari Cottage.
Themed with vintage literary elements including a typewriter and quill pen, this cottage offers garden and valley views. It includes an en-suite bathroom fitted with a hot water power shower and a private veranda with writing desk.
-
The Photographer's Studio
The Photographer's Studio is a Safari Cottage.
This photography-themed cottage features artful décor and is positioned to afford garden and valley views. It includes an en-suite bathroom fitted with a hot water power shower and a private veranda.
-
Family Villa
Family Villa is a Family Villa.
This exclusive-use villa is comprised of two 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.
-
Private Villa (Nyati House)
Nyati House is a Private Villa.
Located in its own secluded valley, this exclusive villa is comprised of multiple bedrooms including two main bedrooms and a children's bedroom, accommodating 6+ guests. It features two bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining room, lounge, large garden with fire pit, and includes a private safari vehicle with dedicated guide.
Room Rates
Prices at this Saruni Mara Lodge start from $500 per adult sharing, and $240 per child sharing.
Accommodation Rates (Per Person)
- Low Season (Mar-May, Nov): $500 per adult, $240 per child (5-16 years)
- Shoulder Season (Jan 3-Feb, Jun, Oct, Dec 1-19): $700 per adult, $330 per child
- Peak Season (Jul-Sep, Dec 20-Jan 2): $900 per adult, $430 per child
Single Occupancy Rooms
- Low Season: $590 per room
- Shoulder Season: $780 per room
- Peak Season: $1030 per room
Double Occupancy Rooms
- Low Season: $950 per room
- Shoulder Season: $1330 per room
- Peak Season: $1700 per room
Family Rate Example (2 adults + 2 children)
- Low Season: from $1480 per night
- Shoulder Season: from $2060 per night
- Peak Season: from $2660 per night
Children aged 0-4 years stay free of charge.
Activities at Saruni Mara Lodge
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 Lodge FAQs
-
What's the pricing like at Saruni Mara throughout the year?
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.
-
What's actually included in those fully inclusive rates?
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.
-
What are the different accommodation options at Saruni Mara?
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.
-
Are kids welcome and what's available for families?
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.
-
How do I get to Saruni Mara and are transfers included?
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.
-
What activities come with my stay?
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.
-
When's the best time to visit for wildlife?
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.
3 reasons to book with Brilliant
1. Highest-rated safari company on Trustpilot
So you can book with confidence knowing you're in safe hands.
2. A fully bespoke service and expert impartial advice
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.
3. Exclusive access at the best rates
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
Travel with Brilliant Africa
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.
Popular trips to Kenya
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.
Ready to plan your African adventure?
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
Reserve
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.