Tucked away in a secluded valley in Mara North Conservancy
A unique and intimate lodge offering the ultimate in luxury and authenticity
Location: Saruni Mara is situated in the Mara North Conservancy, a private and carefully managed wildlife area adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This location offers a truly exclusive safari experience, with fewer vehicles and uninterrupted access to some of the region’s most pristine wildlife habitats. Mara North is known for its abundant big game, especially large prides of lions and healthy populations of elephants and buffalo, making it a top choice for guests seeking privacy alongside world-class wildlife viewing.
Rooms: The camp features a small collection of elegant, spacious tented suites designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Each tent boasts en-suite facilities with indoor and outdoor showers, plus private decks that provide uninterrupted views over the sweeping savannah. The interiors strike a perfect balance between rustic charm and refined comfort, with natural materials and thoughtful touches that enhance the feeling of being immersed in the wild while enjoying modern luxury.
Amenities: Saruni Mara’s communal areas are open and airy, designed to maximise the incredible vistas that the Mara North Conservancy provides. The dining and lounge spaces are perfect for relaxing between game drives, with locally inspired menus served fresh and presented with care. Evenings are often spent around the firepit beneath a sky full of stars, fostering a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. The camp also offers Wi-Fi for those who wish to stay connected discreetly.
Activities: Game drives here are exceptional, thanks to the conservancy’s strict limits on vehicle numbers and a commitment to sustainable wildlife management. Guests enjoy close encounters with the Mara’s iconic species, including lions, leopards, elephants, and cheetahs. Walking safaris led by expert guides reveal the smaller, fascinating details of the ecosystem. Cultural visits to Maasai communities offer insight into local traditions, while hot air balloon safaris can be arranged for a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the Mara plains.
Sustainability: Saruni Mara embraces responsible tourism wholeheartedly. The camp operates with solar power and uses sustainable building materials and water conservation systems to minimise its environmental footprint. Through partnerships with local Maasai communities, Saruni supports education, healthcare, and conservation initiatives that benefit both people and wildlife. Staying here means you’re helping to protect one of Kenya’s most treasured ecosystems for future generations.
Let me help you create your perfect Kenia holiday.
Best places to stay in Masai Mara
Masai Mara Trip Inspiration
When to go to Kenya
Find out the best time to visit Kenya with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great time for wildlife viewing. The landscapes are lush and green after the 'short rains' and newborn animals can been seen. It is hot, but brief afternoon or evening showers cool things down, without compromising your safari. Over on the coast the sea is clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling, and the days are warm and bright.
February
February is an ideal time to visit Kenya, and great for game viewing. The landscapes are green and thriving thanks to the short rains, and newborn animals will be hopping around the plains. There maybe a few afternoon showers which are welcome in the heat, and don't impact on wildlife viewing. Water clarify is excellent at the moment, which is good news for watersports enthusiasts. And if you want to spot a whale shark, now is the time to try.
March
Still a good option for wildlife viewing and diving, although with the 'long rains' just around the corner, expect wetter and hotter weather.
April
April brings the start of the 'long rains' which means game reserves and national parks become muddy and harder to drive around. Over on the coast it's hot and wet, so it isn't the best time of year to travel. Some camps and lodges close during this period.
May
The 'long rains' continue into May, making park tracks difficult to navigate in the mud, and the coast very warm and wet. There will be less accommodation choice at this time as several lodges and camps during this period.
June
June is a beautiful time of year to visit Kenya, with the rains receding to just light showers, and the long dry season not far ahead. The high grasses can sometimes make it more of a challenge to spot game, but the landscapes are lush and some animals may begin arriving early for the migration. At altitude nights can be cool, but elsewhere the temperature is pleasant.
July
July marks the beginning of the great migration into the Masai Mara, and with warm and generally dry weather, this is a great time of year to visit. Days are sunny, skies are blue and there isn't too much dust around, so it's a great time for photography.
August
The migration is now in full swing in the Masai Mara, with lots of river crossing action, so if you want to see those massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, now is the time to come. Game viewing in general is excellent and it's one of the most popular times of year to visit, so some of the main parks do become crowded. Temperatures are warm and dry.
September
Game viewing continues to be excellent, and the weather is generally dry so this is another ideal month to visit Kenya's parks. The bush is less dense and as animals gather around waterholes and rivers it makes wildlife spotting much easier.
October
October is a great time if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the temperature slowly starting to rise. There may be a few short showers, but game viewing remains excellent with the end of the migration, and it's a good time to holiday anywhere in Kenya.
November
November heralds the start of the 'short rains' and with hotter temperatures some camps are closed. The Mara however is still open, and despite sometimes stormy skies, game viewing is still good. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an attractive month to visit. Over on the coast water clarify is good for snorkelling and diving.
December
The 'short rains' are bringing the landscapes back to life, and as the plains start to become green again, wildlife viewing remains good, and it's a great time for birding. Some camps are closed (mainly in the north of Kenya) but many others remain open. The showers tend to fall in the afternoons and don't impact greatly on a safari. Take advantage of reduced visitor numbers and lower prices.
Speak to a Kenya expert today
and start planning your tailor-made holiday
Alistair
Ottilie
Tamara
Plan with an expert
Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your questions, or call 0203 111 1315
A tailor-made itinerary just for you
Our experts will send you a detailed holiday itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.
Value guarantee
Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.