Saruni Conservation & Community Experience

Itinerary information

On arrival in Nairobi, meet your driver for your road transfer to Wilson Airport. From here you will fly to Samburu Airstrip and transfer to Sera Community Conservancy’s Saruni Rhino, your first stop on this 10-day safari. Set amongst swaying palm trees on the banks of a dry riverbed, surrounded by some 340,000 hectares of semi-arid wilderness, Saruni Rhino can make you feel whisked back in time to a desert oasis on your odyssey across the African plains. Truly extraordinary experiences await at this one-of-a-kind lodge.

The land belongs to the community and has a long, rich past woven into the culture of its people. Besides the usual exciting daily game drives on offer, guests have the exclusive opportunity to experience the Singing Wells where local pastoralists call their cattle to drink by singing songs recognisable only by their own herd. Guided by highly adept rangers, guests can get quite close to the rhinos on foot during the rhino tracking experience. The Reteti Elephant Orphanage is also located close by. This is a wonderful outing for guests to gain insight into the conservation effort of rescuing orphaned elephants and eventually rehabilitating them back into the wild.

When not out enjoying these many adventures, the lodge itself offers plenty of opportunity for relaxation. Whether taking a refreshing dip in the pool, lounging in your open-fronted Banda as a herd of elephants make their way past, or taking a leisurely meal in the main lodge area, Saruni Rhino exudes the perfect balance of authenticity and luxury for a truly enriching experience.

Itinerary information

Without skipping a beat, you are on a road transfer to your next stop, Saruni Samburu. Elevated on a rocky outcrop with endless views of the dramatic and mountainous northern Kenya plains, Saruni Samburu is the only lodge in the semi-arid tribal lands of the Kalama Conservancy, adjoining Samburu National Reserve.

Samburu is known for its abundance of wildlife, especially elephant but particularly that of rare fauna, the Samburu Five. These are species adapted to the more arid and hillier conditions of the area and include Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx and reticulated giraffe. Daily bush walks and game drives allow you to explore the reserve and spot these species and much more. Led by professionally qualified Samburu warriors, eager to share their passion for the land and their culture with guests.

Your time at Saruni can be as peaceful or adventurous as you wish. Relax at the lodge in the heat of the day, get a rejuvenating a massage at the Wellness Space, soak in the views, sip on a drink of your choice, or take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool while gazing down over the Samburu plains below. Have a picnic at the Ewaso Niro River, and delight in a fire-lit bush dinner with Samburu dancers, and end the evening fireside, with a sky full of stars to gaze upon as you share stories and experiences of the day.

Itinerary information

Time to bid farewell to Samburu and make your way to the airstrip for your flight to Mara North, via Nairobi. Your first game drive begins with a road transfer from the airstrip to Saruni Mara. Ideally set in a conservancy adjoining Masai Mara National Reserve, enjoy the flexibility of a private concession, but with direct access to the national park.

Saruni Mara is an excellent base from which to experience Kenya’s top safari destination and flagship conservation area, Masai Mara. Famous for fantastic year-round game-viewing, vast seasonal herds of wildebeest and zebra, the generous hospitality of Maasai locals, and not to be missed, hot air balloon safaris to float quietly over the plains below.

Let the luxurious yet welcoming lodge envelope you with its tranquillity and charm. Where buffalo, antelope, and elephant might graze on the grassy slopes in front of camp, and where you can while away your afternoons in a cosy spot on the veranda, watching as nature goes about its day, in one of the wildest places on earth.

Itinerary information

Savour your last Kenyan sunrise and bid farewell to this special land. With bags packed and hearts full, a short flight returns you to Nairobi, Wilson Airport. From there, a driver will take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight home or journey onwards.