9 days Kenya Wilderness Adventure

9 days Kenya Wilderness Adventure

Safari Overview

Kenya

Experience an 8-night/9-day journey that seamlessly blends Kenya’s most renowned wilderness with the idyllic, ancient charm of a tropical island. This Kenya Wilderness Adventure takes you from the high-octane Big Cat action of the Masai Mara to the serene, white-sand dunes of the Lamu Archipelago.

Your journey begins in the private Mara North Conservancy, offering an exclusive and intimate safari experience far from the crowds. It concludes at the Lamu archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site where time has stood still for centuries. This is an Oriental tale brought to life, combining elegant luxury with deep cultural immersion.

 

Safari Highlights

  • Nairobi City: A swift transition from the urban heart to the wild.
  • Mara North Conservancy: Exclusive game drives and Big Cat sightings in a private 30,000-acre wilderness.
  • Maasai Culture: Guided bush walks and warrior-led storytelling under the stars.
  • Lamu Archipelago: Explore the oldest continuously inhabited Swahili settlement in East Africa.
  • The Majlis Experience: Deep-sea fishing, dhow sailing, and beachfront luxury on Manda Island.

 

9 days Kenya Wilderness Adventure

9 days Kenya Wilderness Adventure

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Flight to the Masai Mara

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), you will be transferred to Wilson Airport for your flight to the Mara North Conservancy. Meet your Maasai guide and enjoy a scenic game drive en route to the lodge.

  • Accommodation: Saruni Mara / Saruni Wild
  • Meal Plan: Dinner

 

Day 2: Big Cats & Maasai Wellbeing

Spend the day tracking the legendary predators of the Mara. Between game drives, retreat to the Maasai Wellbeing Space for a signature treatment. End the day with an optional night game drive to spot nocturnal species.

  • Accommodation: Saruni Mara / Saruni Wild
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3: The Peaks of Kilileoni

Trek to the top of Kilileoni, the highest point in the Masai Mara ecosystem, for panoramic views of the Serengeti plains. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Maasai bush dinner under the vast African sky.

  • Accommodation: Saruni Mara / Saruni Wild
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: The Hidden Mara

Venture into the remote corners of the conservancy to find rare and elusive species. Enjoy sundowners overlooking the immense plains before returning for a hearty lodge dinner.

  • Accommodation: Saruni Mara / Saruni Wild
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5: Transfer to the Swahili Coast (Lamu)

Following a final bush breakfast, fly from the Mara to Lamu via Nairobi. A private motorboat will whisk you across the turquoise waters to The Majlis Hotel on Manda Island.

  • Accommodation: The Majlis Hotel
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 6: Exploring the Archipelago by Sea

Take a speed boat or a traditional wooden dhow for an excursion around Lamu Island. Stop at Kizingo Point for a BBQ lunch on a deserted beach before returning to the resort.

  • Accommodation: The Majlis Hotel
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 7: Lamu Town – A Step Back in Time

Visit Lamu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through narrow winding streets where donkeys are the only form of transport, and admire the intricate Swahili architecture and bustling morning markets.

  • Accommodation: The Majlis Hotel
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 8: Deep-Sea Fishing & Island Adventure

Choose between a high-stakes deep-sea fishing expedition for Marlin or a tranquil kayak through the mangrove channels. For your final night, indulge in a romantic candle-lit dinner on the beach.

  • Accommodation: The Majlis Hotel
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 9: Departure from Paradise

Enjoy a final dip in the Indian Ocean before your afternoon flight back to Nairobi. A Saruni driver will meet you at Wilson Airport for your transfer to JKIA or a farewell dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant.

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

 

Safari Inclusions & Exclusions

Category Inclusions (What is Included) Exclusions (What is NOT Included)
Accommodation All-inclusive at Saruni; Full Board at The Majlis Premium spirits, Champagne, and luxury wines
Transport Internal flights (Nairobi-Mara-Lamu) & boat transfers International flights & Visa fees
Activities Shared day/night game drives & guided bush walks Entry fees to the Masai Mara National Reserve
Wellness One 30-min Back & Neck massage (Saruni Mara) Additional spa & Wellbeing Space treatments
Guided Services Professional Maasai guides & Warriors Academy Gratuities for staff and guides
Refreshments Soft drinks, beers, house wines (at Saruni) All drinks at The Majlis (except bottled water)
Technical Temporary Flying Doctors cover & VAT/Taxes Personal travel & health insurance

 

Quick Facts

  • Destinations: Masai Mara (Mara North Conservancy) and Lamu Island (Manda Island).
  • Travel Tip: This 9-day itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a Bush and Beach combination with high privacy.
  • Culture: Experience authentic Maasai traditions in the north and ancient Swahili culture in the east.
  • Best Time to Visit: Dry seasons (July–October) for the Great Migration and (December–March) for the best coastal weather.
  • Sustainability: Staying in the Mara North Conservancy directly supports land conservation and local Maasai communities.

 

     

About the Lodges (Updated Overview)

Saruni Mara

Saruni Mara is an exclusive boutique safari lodge set in the heart of the private Mara North Conservancy, bordering the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife ecosystems. With just one family villa, one private villa, and five beautifully designed cottages, it offers a highly intimate and personalized safari experience, far from the crowds.

Each villa and cottage is uniquely styled, blending classic safari elegance with artistic, contemporary African design. The lodge’s secluded valley setting enhances the sense of privacy, while private verandas open directly onto breathtaking wilderness views.

Dining at Saruni Mara is a highlight in itself, featuring Italian-inspired cuisine served in atmospheric spaces such as the open-air dining area and scenic lounge. Guests can also unwind at the Maasai Wellbeing Space, which offers a range of restorative treatments in a tranquil natural setting.

A defining feature of Saruni Mara is its deep cultural connection. Maasai warriors host and guide guests throughout their stay, offering authentic insight into their traditions, ancestral knowledge, and an intimate understanding of the landscape and its wildlife.

Experiences include:

  • Guided game drives in Mara North Conservancy
  • Cultural storytelling and Maasai-guided walks
  • Birdwatching and photography opportunities
  • Wellness treatments at the Maasai Wellbeing Space (extra charge)

Saruni Wild

Saruni Wild is a classic yet refined tented safari camp located on the edge between Lemek Conservancy and Mara North Conservancy, right in the heart of the vast Masai Mara ecosystem. Surrounded by thousands of acres of untouched wilderness, it delivers an authentic “old-world safari” atmosphere with modern comfort.

The camp’s intimate tented suites are thoughtfully furnished, offering a perfect balance between rugged wilderness immersion and understated luxury. Wildlife often moves close to camp, creating an uninterrupted connection to nature throughout the day.

Evenings at Saruni Wild are particularly memorable, with fire-lit dining under expansive African skies and the sounds of the bush all around. Game drives are guided by experienced Maasai warriors, bringing deep local knowledge and a unique interpretive lens to every safari experience.

Activities and amenities include:

  • Day and night game drives
  • Guided bush walks
  • Birdwatching excursions
  • Bush meals and scenic picnics
  • Maasai Wellbeing Space treatments (extra charge)
  • Library and relaxation areas
  • Balloon safaris (extra charge)
  • Curated shopping at Saruni Shop

The Majlis Hotel

Located on the serene Manda Island in the Lamu Archipelago along Kenya’s northern coastline, The Majlis is a refined beachfront boutique hotel offering a blend of luxury, privacy, and authentic Swahili coastal charm. Designed to feel like an elegant private residence, it features 25 individually styled rooms and suites.

The hotel combines traditional East African architecture with contemporary comfort, using local materials such as hand-carved timber, coral stone, and high-beamed ceilings. Every room is unique, offering sweeping views of the ocean, lush gardens, or mangrove forests, with many featuring private terraces.

The Majlis is also home to a thoughtfully curated art collection that reflects both traditional coastal heritage and modern African expression, adding depth and character to the guest experience.

Its prime beachfront position offers uninterrupted views over Ras Kitau Bay and nearby Shela Village, making it an ideal base for exploring Lamu’s rich cultural and natural landscapes.

Facilities and experiences include:

  • Swimming pools and sun terraces
  • Beachfront bars and a panoramic restaurant
  • Fitness centre and wellness massage services
  • Access to Lamu heritage and cultural sites
  • Children’s adventure programme

 

Optional (extra charge) activities:

  • Dhow sailing and cultural excursions
  • Snorkelling and water sports
  • Deep-sea, reef, and creek fishing
  • Boat excursions and scenic flights

This cost of the holiday includes;

SARUNI MARA / SARUNI WILD

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.

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.

THE MAJLIS HOTEL

Included;

Full Board accommodation breakfast, lunch, dinner from our à la carte restaurant, return motor boat Manda Airstrip transfers, bottled water, mini bar (filled on request), complimentary Wi-Fi internet access and kayaking.

Excluded;

All drinks (soft & alcoholic beverages), shuttle services to Shela and Lamu Town, other watersport activities, childcare, gratuities to staff & guides, anything of a personal nature, and all statutory increases beyond our control.