8-Day Kenya’s Immersive Samburu & Mara
Explore Tours
From the moment your feet touch the ground at the Samburu airstrip (after a welcome night in Nairobi), you are immersed in the abundance of wildlife around you. Saruni Samburu curls into the rocky hills of Kenya’s wild north. It is the only lodge in Kalama Conservancy, on the border of Samburu National Reserve, with 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness for you to explore. 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 eight 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.
This 8-day African journey is ideal for travelers who want to get off the beaten path and see a special part of African accessible to a privileged few…
Highlights;
- Luxury and relaxation meets culture
- Visit local villages & markets
- Walking & hiking
- Warriors Academy programme for kids
- Optional extras of hot-air balloon flights and helicopter excursions
Included/Excluded
- All internal flights and transfers (including taxes)
- Conservation and park fees
- Game drives in 4x4 vehicles
- Laundry
- One complimentary half hour massage at Saruni Samburu and Saruni Mara per room
- Temporary Flying Doctors membership.
- International flights
- Airport taxes
- All meals and drinks not specified
- Tips and gratuities
- Items of a personal nature.
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
Beyond the comforts of the lodge, Ololo offers thrilling safari adventures that allow guests to witness Kenya's iconic wildlife up close. Embark on exhilarating game drives through Nairobi National Park, where you'll encounter majestic lions, graceful giraffes, and herds of elephants. Expert guides accompany you on guided nature walks, sharing their knowledge of the local flora and fauna, and providing unique insights into the region's ecosystem.
The next part of your journey takes you to Saruni Samburu. On your exploring days, you will enjoy game drives into Samburu National Reserve to seek the endemic ‘Special 5’ of Samburu: reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and the peculiar long-necked gerenuk, all rare species that occur only in this part of the country. Samburu warriors are your guides. They are passionate about their land and their culture, and teach you about their fascinating customs and traditions, and about their ancient knowledge of the animals.
Look for the larger game, too, elephant, lion and leopard, and have a picnic lunch before heading back to the lodge to relax for the afternoon. There are the swimming pools and the spa, or perhaps a nap in the shade of your deck. Go on a walk to the caves, walls adorned with rock paintings, or to Ololokwe, the Samburu's sacred mountain. Sundowners and dinner round off a day of memory-making. You can take an evening game drive in Kalama Conservancy, ending with a dinner under the stars in the wilderness, and a night drive back to the lodge. The Samburu warriors will dance on your last evening, lit by primal fire and candles.
Early morning and time to bid a fond farewell to Samburu before your flight to Saruni Mara, tucked away in a secluded valley in Mara North Conservancy on the Masai Mara. Without skipping a beat you are off the plane and on a game-viewing vehicle, this time guided by a Maasai warrior, who is passionate and knowledgeable about his ancestral lands. With his guidance, you will not only see the big names but also the little stories: birds' mating dances, families of perky warthogs and wily hyenas.
