Samburu & Masai Mara National Reserves Safari – 7 Days, 6 Nights

7 DAYS

Overview

The warm and welcoming hospitality makes for an intimate and exceptional experience when you get to Saruni Samburu. 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.

Perched on the edge of a crag, Saruni Samburu lodge has spectacular views over the Northern Frontier District and Mount Kenya from its decks and two infinity pools. And, for a little extra relaxation, there is the tranquil Wellbeing Space that offers massages with a view – even from the spa, you can watch the famous Samburu elephant, leopard, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx and Grevy’s zebra gather to drink at the nearby waterholes.

From the Samburu to the Masai Mara – these are your playgrounds for seven days. The vast purity of the Samburu landscape is a fascinating counterpoint to the lush greenery of the forest around Saruni Mara lodge and each has their own allure. Saruni Mara is tucked away in a secluded valley in Mara North Conservancy, a 74 000 acre concession bordering the Mara. Here, you can encounter the huge variety of game virtually uninterrupted by other vehicles in the immense quietness and emptiness of this secret corner of the reserve. Aslo, 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.

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Itinerary and Accomodation

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where an Evacay Africa vehicle will transfer you to Wilson Airport for your flight to Samburu. Depart Nairobi in the morning*, arriving at Samburu an hour later, where your Saruni Samburu guide will meet you and transfer you to the lodge, or take you on a game drive. Afternoon game drive on Kalama Conservancy exploring over 200,000 acres of pristine wilderness in total privacy and sundowners with a breathtaking view.

Early morning game drive into Samburu National Reserve to seek out the Samburu Special Five : the reticulated giraffe, ‘the Grevy zebra, the beisa’ oryx, the Somali ostrich and the gerenuk, all rare species that occur only in this part of the country, and look for its well-known larger wildlife including elephants, lion and leopard. Enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to the lodge to relax for the afternoon. Enjoy a complimentary half hour Back & Neck massage upon arriving back at the lodge at the Samburu Wellbeing Space.

Continue to explore the wonders of Samburu with a morning game drive and after lunch possibly head out on a nature walk discovering animals, plants and the caves in the local area with rock paintings, led by your skillful and knowledgeable samburu guides. Evening game drive in Kalama Conservancy, the 200,000-acre private wildlife conservancy in which Saruni Samburu is located, ending with a bush dinner under the stars in the middle of the wilderness, and a night drive back to the lodge. The Samburu warriors dancing, candles and fire under the vast African skies, make this a truly magical experience, and one of the highlights of your stay.

Depart Samburu on your flight in the morning* and arrive in the Masai Mara an hour and a half later. Game drive with a picnic lunch to enjoy under an acacia tree or by the river next to a pod of hippos. Or head to Saruni Mara or Saruni Wild for some rest and an exclusive game drive later in the afternoon in Mara North Conservancy – over 30,000 acres of plentiful, protected land bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve. Enjoy a completely different and less-explored corner of the Mara ecosystem in total privacy, brimming with wildlife.

Early morning game drive to look for the big cats and other predators of the Mara, returning to the camp or lodge for lunch and treatments at the Maasai Wellbeing Space. In the afternoon, a game drive will take you to a special area where the largest tower of giraffe can be seen, followed by dinner at the lodge or camp and an optional night game drive.

Walk through the valleys and plains surrounding Saruni Mara, accompanied by a vehicle, or a game drive up to the top of Kilileoni, the highest mountain in the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem - led by your skillful and knowledgeable Maasai guides. In the afternoon you will discover more of Mara North and its neighbouring conservancies and experience first -hand what makes the Mara one of the most exciting wildernesses in the world. Weather permitting, experience a bush dinner in the middle of nature under the vast African sky, with Maasai warriors singing and dancing around the fire.

Visit the rhino sanctuary on the way to the airstrip and once again admire the hippos and the crocodiles of the Mara River. The flight back to Nairobi leaves the Mara at 11:00 AM and arrives in Nairobi at 12:20 PM. Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with Evacay Africa driver and vehicle.