Safari Overview
Experience the original soul-filling safari, an iconic 9-day itinerary that bridges the golden savannahs of the Masai Mara with the award-winning white sands of Diani Beach. This journey is designed for those seeking absolute luxury, starting in the exclusive Mara North Conservancy for intimate wildlife encounters and ending at the world-famous Alfajiri Villas on Kenya’s south coast.
From tracking Big Cats with Maasai warriors to swimming with dolphins in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, this adventure balances high-octane exploration with secluded coastal calm.
Safari Highlights
- Mara North Conservancy: 30,000 acres of private wilderness for exclusive, crowd-free game viewing.
- Walking Safaris: Discover the intricacies of the bush on foot with expert Maasai guides.
- Rhino Sanctuary: A rare opportunity to visit a protected rhino habitat on the way to the coast.
- Alfajiri Villas: Stay at one of the world’s most exclusive retreats overlooking the Indian Ocean.
- Marine Adventure: Dhow sailing, snorkeling, and the chance to swim with dolphins at Funzi Island.
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Flight to the Mara North Conservancy
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), you will be transferred to Wilson Airport for your flight to the Masai Mara. Meet your guide and enjoy an afternoon game drive in the private Mara North Conservancy.
- Accommodation: Saruni Mara / Saruni Wild
- Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Big Cats Safari & Maasai Wellbeing
An early morning start to track lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Return for lunch and a complimentary massage at the Maasai Wellbeing Space. In the afternoon, visit a tower of giraffes, followed by an optional night game drive.
- Accommodation: Saruni Mara / Saruni Wild
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: The Kilileoni Trek & Bush Dinner
Embark on a walking safari through the valleys or drive to the summit of Kilileoni Mountain for the best views in the Mara. The day concludes with a magical bush dinner under the stars, accompanied by Maasai traditional songs.
- Accommodation: Saruni Mara / Saruni Wild
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Rare Species & Sundowners
Venture deep into the plains in pursuit of rare and elusive species. Enjoy a leisurely bush breakfast in the heart of the wild and end the day with refreshing sundowners overlooking the immense Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
- Accommodation: Saruni Mara / Saruni Wild
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Rhino Sanctuary & Flight to Diani Beach
Visit a local rhino sanctuary before catching your direct flight from the Mara to Ukunda (Diani). Within minutes of landing, you will be at Alfajiri Villas. Unwind with a seafood dinner on your veranda overlooking the sea.
- Accommodation: Alfajiri Villas
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Deep Sea Fishing & Diani Relaxation
Head out into the deep waters of the Indian Ocean for a morning of sport fishing (Marlin or Wahoo). Return for a siesta or explore the boutique shops of Diani.
- Accommodation: Alfajiri Villas
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Funzi Island Dhow Safari
Sail on a traditional dhow to Funzi Island. Spend the day swimming with dolphins and spotting rare turtles. Enjoy a fresh seafood feast served barefoot on the sand.
- Accommodation: Alfajiri Villas
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset Sails
Explore the coral reefs with a morning of snorkeling and kayaking. In the evening, enjoy a final sundowner dhow ride as the sun sets over the horizon.
- Accommodation: Alfajiri Villas
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Coastal Rejuvenation & Departure
Enjoy a final morning stroll on the 25km stretch of pristine beach. In the afternoon, fly back to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport for your transfer to JKIA and your international flight home.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
| Category | Inclusions (What is Included) | Exclusions (What is NOT Included) |
| Mara Services | Full-board, shared game drives, 30-min massage, laundry | Premium spirits, Champagne, & entry to National Reserve |
| Beach Services | Exclusive villa use, private butler, nannies, and massage | Diving courses & deep sea fishing fees |
| Transport | All internal flights (Nairobi-Mara-Diani) & transfers | International flights & Visa fees |
| Activities | Bush walks, bush meals, snorkeling, kayaking, gym/sauna | Kite surfing, golf fees, & dhow trips to Kisite |
| Staff | Professional guides (Mara) & personal butler (Diani) | Gratuities for staff, guides, and drivers |
| Refreshments | Soft drinks, beers, house wines, & non-luxury spirits | Premium luxury spirits and special reserve wines |
| Technical | Flying Doctors cover, VAT, & Conservation fees | Personal travel insurance & items of a personal nature |
Quick Facts
- Destinations: Mara North Conservancy (Masai Mara) and Diani Beach (South Coast).
- Accommodation Style: Boutique luxury lodges and ultra-private coastal villas.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but July–October is peak for the Great Migration.
- Key Species: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, and Dolphins.
- Travel Note: This itinerary includes direct bush-to-beach flights to maximize your relaxation time.
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.
Activities and amenities: day and night game drives, photographic hide, bush meals, guided walks, birdwatching, Samburu Wellbeing Space treatments (payable extra), picnics, two swimming pools, helicopter excursions (payable extra), Samburu cultural visits (payable extra), Saruni Shop.
Saruni Rhino
The secluded 3-banda camp of Saruni Rhino, in partnership with Sera Community Conservancy, offers the first rhino tracking experience in East Africa; an amazing walking safari that provides a uniquely thrilling adventure, but also allows guests to actively contribute to the protection of this iconic species. Located in the wild, undiscovered northern frontier of Kenya, the camp is a little under 2 driving hours from our Saruni Samburu lodge in nearby Kalama Conservancy. Comprised of three elegant ‘bandas’ (rustic stone cottages) sleeping 8 guests in two double bandas & one larger family banda, and a main ‘mess’ cottage for dining and relaxing, Saruni Rhino is nestled amidst swaying doum palms dotted along a dry river bed (the Kauro ‘lugga’, in the heart of the conservancy). The camp has sweeping views of a nearby waterhole and dramatic landscape so typical of the north.
There is also a beautiful swimming pool, built in harmony with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The waterhole is a popular watering stop-off for a diverse range of wildlife: elephant, impala, birdlife, hyena, oryx, Grevy’s zebra, and much more, making it great ‘bush TV’ from the comfort of your banda’s sandy verandah at any time. The dry river bed proves the quintessential torch-lit bush dinner location under the vast African skies.
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.
