Safari Overview
This life-enriching 7-day Kenya Family Safari is an intricately crafted odyssey designed to bridge the gap between luxury and adventure for all ages. Your family will journey from the rugged, arid vistas of Samburu—home to the Special Five species—to the world-renowned plains of the Masai Mara.
The highlight for younger explorers is the Warriors Academy, an interactive learning program where children join Maasai and Samburu morans (warriors) to learn bush survival, traditional beadwork, and ancient storytelling. This is more than a safari; it is a profound cultural and wildlife immersion that provides parents with relaxation and children with a transformative classroom under the sun.
Safari Highlights
- The Samburu Special Five: Spot the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich, and Gerenuk.
- Warriors Academy: An exclusive, hands-on cultural program for parents and children.
- The Big Five & Big Cats: Unrivaled predator sightings in the Mara North Conservancy.
- Rhino Sanctuary Visit: An impactful conservation encounter en route to your departure.
- Maasai & Samburu Wellbeing: Rejuvenating spa treatments for parents while kids engage in supervised bush skills.
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Flight to the Arid North (Samburu)
Your journey begins with a transfer to Wilson Airport for a scenic flight to Samburu. Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to Saruni Samburu, perched atop a rocky outcrop with breathtaking views of the Kalama Conservancy. Enjoy an afternoon game drive across 200,000 acres of private wilderness.
- Accommodation: Saruni Samburu (Family Villa)
- Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: The Special Five of Samburu National Reserve
Head into the Samburu National Reserve for a full-day quest to find species unique to Northern Kenya. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild before returning to the lodge. While the children engage with their guides, parents can enjoy a complimentary Back & Neck massage at the Samburu Wellbeing Space.
- Accommodation: Saruni Samburu
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Warrior Training & Bush Dinner
Discover life along the Ewaso Nyiro River, where crocodiles bask, and elephants bathe. In the afternoon, the family enrolls in the Warriors Academy, learning to use traditional bows and arrows. The day concludes with a magical bush dinner under the stars, accompanied by Samburu songs and dancing.
- Accommodation: Saruni Samburu
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Flight to the Masai Mara Savannah
Fly from the arid north to the lush green plains of the Masai Mara. You will be met by your Maasai guide and driven to the private Mara North Conservancy. Enjoy an exclusive game drive in an area known for its privacy and high concentration of wildlife.
- Accommodation: Saruni Mara / Saruni Wild
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Big Cat Tracking in the Mara North
Search for the great prides of lion and the elusive leopard that call the Mara home. In the afternoon, visit a special tower of giraffes before an optional night game drive to see the park’s nocturnal hunters.
- Accommodation: Saruni Mara / Saruni Wild
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Kilileoni Trek & Advanced Bush Skills
Embark on a guided walk or drive to the top of Kilileoni Mountain, the highest point in the ecosystem. Spend the afternoon at the Warriors Academy, where children refine their bush skills, learning about traditional medicinal plants and tracking the hippos of the Mara River.
- Accommodation: Saruni Mara / Saruni Wild
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Rhino Sanctuary & Departure
On your way to the airstrip, visit a local Rhino Sanctuary to see these magnificent creatures up close. Reflect on your family adventures during the flight back to Nairobi, where a farewell dinner at the Talisman or Carnivore restaurant awaits before your international flight.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
| Category | Inclusions (What is Included) | Exclusions (What is NOT Included) |
| Activities | Warriors Academy (half-day session), Shared game drives | Entry fees to Masai Mara National Reserve |
| Transport | Internal flights (Nairobi-Samburu-Mara-Nairobi) | International flights & Visa fees |
| Wellness | One 30-min Back & Neck massage per stay | Additional spa treatments |
| Accommodation | Full Board (Luxury Family Villas/Tents) | Premium spirits, Champagne, and luxury wines |
| Staff | Professional guide & Warriors Academy instructors | Gratuities for staff and guides |
| Conservation | Rhino sanctuary visit & VAT/Taxes | Daily Conservation Fees (Adult & Child) |
Safari Quotation (Indicative per person)
Note: Prices vary by season (High, Mid, and Low). Rates below are based on per person sharing.
| Accommodation Tier | Adult Rate (from) | Child Rate (5–16 years) |
| High Season (July–Sept, Dec) | $6,100 | $3,200 |
| Mid Season (Jan–Feb, June, Oct) | $5,400 | $2,800 |
| Low Season (March–May, Nov) | $4,900 | $2,500 |
Quick Facts
- Destinations: Samburu (Northern Kenya) and Masai Mara (Mara North Conservancy).
- Family Focus: The Warriors Academy makes this the top-rated Kenya family safari for cultural education.
- The Samburu Five: Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Grevy’s Zebra, and Beisa Oryx.
- Travel Tip: The private conservancy locations ensure your family avoids the crowds common in public reserves.
- Sustainability: Saruni Basecamp is a leader in community-owned conservancies, ensuring your visit directly benefits the Maasai and Samburu people.
About the Lodges;
Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu’s six luxury villas are open and spacious, heralding spectacular views over Kenya’s Northern Frontier District and Mount Kenya in the distance. The warm and welcoming hospitality makes for an intimate and exceptional experience. The lodge is revered for its innovative, eco-chic architecture and interesting design and décor, as well as its Italian-inspired cuisine. Guests can enjoy the vast panoramas from the dining and lounge area, the infinity pool, and the Samburu Wellbeing Space. Saruni Samburu is the only lodge in Kalama Conservancy, which borders Samburu National Reserve, with 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness to explore and enjoy exclusively. You are guided from start to finish by Samburu warriors who are passionate about their land and their culture, learning first-hand about their fascinating customs and traditions and gaining ancient, local knowledge about the land and the animals – a truly authentic experience.
Saruni Mara
Saruni Mara has one family villa, one private villa, and five elegant cottages, and is the only small boutique lodge in the Mara, making it very intimate and exclusive. The beautifully decorated themed rooms have a luxurious and classic safari feel. The lodge is tucked away in a secluded valley in the private Mara North Conservancy, a prime and private game viewing area, which borders the Masai Mara National Reserve – the most renowned wildlife park in Africa. Enjoy the Italian-inspired cuisine and being immersed in nature from your private verandah, the Maasai Wellbeing Space, and the open lounge and dining area. Maasai warriors will guide you throughout your stay, sharing their ancient wisdom and local knowledge of the area and the animals, their way of life, and their secret corners of the most loved wildlife reserve in Kenya.
Saruni Wild
Saruni Wild is a tented camp elegantly and comfortably furnished with all the necessary luxuries of a wild yet classic safari. The camp is located in the heart of the Masai Mara plains, on the border between Lemek Conservancy and Mara North Conservancy. Surrounded by tens of thousands of acres of pristine, untouched wilderness, the camp has the most classic Masai Mara setting. The wildlife thrives right next to its tents. Enjoy endless views, fire-lit meals under the vast African sky, and guided game drives led by Maasai warriors.
Included
All-inclusive accommodation (full-board accommodation including soft drinks, beers, house wines and select non-luxury spirits), one complimentary Back & Neck massage (30 min.) per room per stay at our Wellbeing Space, limited laundry service, shared day & night game drives in 4×4 vehicles, guided bush walks, bush meals, sundowner & picnic excursions, Warriors Academy (where available and upon request in advance), local cultural visits transfers, all internal flights and return airstrip transfers, airport assistance, temporary Flying Doctors cover, daily conservation fees, VAT & taxes.
Excluded
Exclusive use of vehicle, premium drinks (champagne, luxury spirits and special wines), additional Wellbeing Space treatments, any payable extra activities, entry fees to local cultural visits, childcare, transport & entry fees to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Samburu (bookable in advance), transport & entry fees to the Masai Mara National Reserve in the Mara, gratuities to staff & guides, own private guides & drivers, any payable extra services, anything of a personal nature, international flights & visa fees, late departure fees, and all statutory increases beyond our control.
