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.
The cost of the holiday includes;
SARUNI MARA / SARUNI WILD
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.
It Excludes;
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 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.
ALFAJIRI VILLAS
Included;
Exclusive use of the villa and pool, full-board accommodation including soft drinks, beers, house wines and non-luxury spirits, à la carte menu, nannies available 24 hours, personal butler at your disposal, laundry, complimentary Wi-Fi, a guest library and games, use of golf clubs, use of snorkelling equipment, Ngalawa (local African boats) at disposal for excursions to coral reef for snorkelling, massage, chauffeured transport within Diani Beach area, visit to community projects, orphanage and to local villages in Diani beach area, gym and sauna at a nearby property.
Excluded;
Diving and diving courses, deep sea fishing, kitesurfing and kite courses, dhow excursion to the Kisite Marine National Park, golf at the nearby 18-hole golf resort & day safaris to Shimba Hills and Tsavo East National Park.
