Itinerary
Samburu National Reserve
Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to Wilson Airport for your flight north to the Samburu National Reserve. Samburu is one of Kenya’s most rewarding reserves, offering visitors the elusive prospect of big-game safaris well away from the crowds. Not only are you likely to see elephant, cheetah, lion and perhaps even leopard, you could also spot several rare species not found further south, including the Samburu Special Five: beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk antelope and Somali ostrich.
Your base for three nights will be Saruni Samburu, the only lodge in 200,000 acres of wildlife-rich wilderness. Its six eco-chic villas have been built into the rock face to offer breathtaking views over the semi-arid plains towards mighty Mount Kenya. Activities are guided by local Samburu warriors passionate about their homeland and include game drives and night drives, guided bush walks and visits to local villages.
The only lodge in over 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness, in tribal, wildlife-rich lands to the north of Samburu National Reserve.
View AccommodationConsidered sacred by the Samburu people, Mt Ololokwe rises tall and proud from the semi-desert plain, awarding those who reach its summit with breathtaking views in every direction. This half-day excursion sees you set out on foot a little after dawn from the mountain’s base, following guides and porters up twisting mountain paths and old elephant trails. Halfway up you’ll stop for a cooked breakfast, providing the energy you’ll need to make the push for the summit. Lunch is served on the way back down, in the shade of an ancient mountain cave.
Masai Mara
Fly from Samburu to the Masai Mara and transfer to Saruni Mara, an intimate and exclusive lodge in the Maasai-owned Mara North Conservancy. Staying in a private conservancy has huge advantages over staying on the official Masai Mara National Reserve. For one, the local Maasai receive an income from camps like Saruni Mara who lease their land, while still being allowed to graze their own cattle. The camps also provide employment opportunities and contribute towards community-development projects.
In return, both cattle and game can live in peace on the land while guests at the camps receive a far more exclusive safari experience, enjoying fewer crowds, access to remote areas and the chance to enjoy activities not allowed in the reserve itself, such as walking safaris, night drives and luxurious bush breakfasts.
An intimate and exclusive camp in the Maasai-owned Mara North Conservancy, set in a secluded valley bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve.
View AccommodationDesigned especially for families, Saruni’s unique Warriors Academy is a fun learning experience that allows you and your kids not only to discover the wildlife of Kenya but to learn about the lives and culture of the Maasai as well. Activities are tailored to your interests and timeframe but include the likes of bushcraft, animal tracking, spear throwing and survival training, all under the tutelage of a traditional Maasai ‘moran’ or warrior.
The Kenyan Coast
Take a light aircraft flight from the Mara to a small airfield near the dazzling white sands of Kenya’s Diani Beach. After the thrill of a safari the Kenyan coast offers a complete change of pace, with excellent opportunities to dive, snorkel or simply relax. South of Mombasa, Diani Beach is a near-flawless stretch of soft, white sand where you can walk for miles and barely see a soul.
For the ultimate in luxury, we recommend staying at Alfajiri Villas, a collection of three beautifully designed, exclusive-use villas overlooking a quiet stretch of Diani’s delicious beachfront. The fully staffed villas can sleep a maximum of between 6 and 10 guests so are perfect for families or friends travelling together. Two of the three are available to couples – perfect for honeymoons or an ultra-romantic getaway.
Fly back to Nairobi on day 11 to connect with your outbound flight.
Widely regarded as Kenya’s most exclusive beach retreat, set right by the white sands of delectable Diani Beach.
View AccommodationIncluded in your stay at Alfajiri Villas is a visit to the Marine Education Centre at Diani Beach to learn about life in our oceans and the amazing conservation work being conducted in the area. This stretch of coast is home to an incredible array of marine life, from turtles and dugongs to whales and dolphins, and it’s just as essential that we protect our marine environment as it is our savannahs and jungles. Visits to the centre are free but donations can be made in a number of exciting ways, like adopting your own sea turtle nest.