7 Days of Saruni Samburu and Mara Safari Experience
Duration
7 Days
Destination
Kenya
Style
Luxury
Best For
Wildlife & Adventure
Women-Led · Custom-Made Luxury Safaris · Exclusive African Wilderness Escapes
Overview
Saruni Samburu looks out over the dry hills of Kalama Conservancy. After three nights here, a flight takes you to the grasslands of the Maasai Mara for another three. The camps and their guides introduce you to two distinct parts of Kenya, with full days to explore each before moving on.
Trip Highlights
Saruni Samburu: a unique hilltop lodge in the exclusive Kalama Community Conservancy
Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, gerenuk
Community conservancy game drives with expert local guides
Maasai Mara: Big Five, Great Migration, and exceptional big cat sightings
Scenic flight Samburu–Mara included
Night game drives in the Kalama Conservancy
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1Nairobi – Samburu – Saruni Samburu (Flight)
Morning flight from Wilson Airport, Nairobi, to Samburu (approx. 1 hr). Transfer to Saruni Samburu: perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop in the Kalama Community Conservancy, with extraordinary views over the northern bush. Afternoon game drive in the conservancy: Samburu's Special Five are commonly sighted within hours of arrival.
Day 2Saruni Samburu – Full Day
Spend the day in the Kalama Conservancy and Samburu National Reserve. Take a morning drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River, looking for elephant, crocodile and hippo at the water's edge and leopard in the fig trees above. Notice the striking markings of northern Kenya's reticulated giraffe, distinct from those of their southern cousins. Groups of Grevy's zebra graze on the rocky slopes. Head out for a night drive after dinner.
Day 3Saruni Samburu – Full Day
Another full day with your specialist guide. Samburu's birdlife is remarkable: 450+ species including the Vulturine Guineafowl, Martial Eagle, and the extraordinary Somali bee-eater. Late morning, visit the community around the conservancy: Saruni's guides are from the local Samburu tribe and can share the meaning behind traditional ceremonies. Afternoon drive targeting the elusive gerenuk: a long-necked antelope unique to northern Kenya.
Day 4Samburu – Flight to Maasai Mara
Final morning in Samburu: early drive by the river as the morning mist clears over the Ewaso Nyiro. Fly south from Samburu to the Maasai Mara (approx. 1.5 hrs), with dramatic aerial views of the Laikipia plateau and the Great Rift Valley. Arrive in the Mara by midday and begin your first afternoon game drive.
Day 5Maasai Mara – Full Day
Full day of game drives in the Mara. The contrast with Samburu's dry northern terrain is striking: lush golden grasslands, larger herds, and an extraordinary density of big cats. Morning predator tracking, picnic lunch by the Mara River, afternoon drives following the elephant families as they move through the acacia woodland.
Day 6Maasai Mara – Full Day
Another full day in the Mara. Visit the Mara Triangle: the highest-density lion area of the entire reserve. Afternoon drive following cheetah as she teaches her older cubs to stalk. Optional Maasai cultural village visit. Farewell sundowner on the open plains.
Day 7Maasai Mara – Morning Drive – Nairobi
Sunrise game drive in the Mara, then drive or fly back to Nairobi. End of Saringi services.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- All accommodation on a Full Board basis (as specified)
- All game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Expert English-speaking guide and driver
- All national park and reserve entry fees
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Mineral water during all game drives
- Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover
- Scheduled light aircraft flight: Samburu to Maasai Mara
Not Included
- International flights and any domestic or regional flights not expressly listed as included in your confirmed quote
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Kenya electronic travel authorisation (eTA) fees, where required for your passport
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Personal items (laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs)
- Optional activities, extra excursions and upgrades not listed as included in your confirmed itinerary
- Any costs arising from flight delays or itinerary changes
- Meals outside the meal plan stated for each day of this itinerary
Good to Know
- Use soft bags for safari flights. We confirm baggage limits, airstrip stops and onward connections; airfare coverage is listed in your quote.
- Migration herds move with rainfall. Their location and river crossings cannot be guaranteed, even during the usual migration months.
- Early starts make the most of cooler hours. Bring sun protection, binoculars and comfortable shoes; share any mobility or dietary needs before travel.
Book This Safari
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What Our Clients Say
Rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor by travellers from across the world.
An excellent trip to parts of Kenya that are not on the main tourist routes, northern Kenya. Everything went smoothly Victor and Abdi, took care of everything. The choice of accommodation provided a great range of experiences. I would recommend Saringi to anyone.
read moreGot to see lots of animals and the experience was out of this world .
read moreI had an absolutely wonderful time in Kenya, all thanks to Millcent / Saringi Travel. From the incredibly friendly and reliable communication, to the flexible and thoughtful travel planning, all the way to the outstanding care on the ground, everything was simply perfect. I always felt well taken care of and in the best hands. What impressed me most was not only their professionalism, but also the sheer beauty of the entire experience. I'm still completely in awe! Thank you Millcent and thank you Letaloi!!!
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