Masai Mara in the heart of South East Kenya
Stay under canvas and experience real Africa in the middle of unspoiled wilderness, a life enriching experience.
Location: Saruni Wild is tucked away in a quiet corner of Lemek Conservancy, which borders the Masai Mara National Reserve in southwest Kenya. This remote, unfenced setting means wildlife can and does roam right past camp, and you’re in an excellent position to explore both the private conservancy and the busier but iconic areas of the Mara. Lemek is less visited than some neighbouring conservancies, so the feeling here is one of peaceful exclusivity - just you, your guide, and the wilderness.
Rooms: With only three tents, Saruni Wild is intimate and pared back in the best possible way. The tents are spacious and elegantly furnished, each with an en-suite bathroom and hot running water. Expect campaign-style safari furniture, large comfortable beds, and uninterrupted views of the surrounding plains. The style is classic, not flashy - think canvas, wood, and plenty of natural light. It’s ideal for travellers who value quiet luxury and a deep sense of place.
Amenities: As a small, off-grid bush camp, Saruni Wild offers a more stripped-back experience than its sister properties - but without sacrificing comfort. Meals are freshly prepared and shared in the mess tent or out under the stars, depending on the weather. Solar power supports basic lighting and hot water, and the friendly team of staff make the whole experience feel personal and relaxed. This is safari living at its most low-key and rewarding.
Activities: Guests here enjoy game drives in both Lemek and the neighbouring Mara North Conservancy, with options to visit the main Maasai Mara Reserve too. Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round, and there’s a good chance of seeing elephants, big cats, and even wild dogs. Walking safaris are sometimes available, depending on conditions, and cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities add depth and context to your stay. As part of the Saruni family, guiding is thoughtful, experienced, and often a highlight in itself.
Sustainability: Saruni Wild is part of the wider Saruni group, which has a strong commitment to conservation and community engagement across Kenya. By staying in Lemek Conservancy, guests directly support land that’s managed for both wildlife and local livelihoods. The camp itself runs on solar power, uses eco-friendly practices, and employs local staff wherever possible. It’s a quiet, genuine kind of sustainability - less showy, more meaningful.
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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.
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