Saruni Mara

Saruni Mara, regarded as one of the chicest safari lodging options in the Masai Mara, offers the ideal combination of opulence and traditional safari charm. Nestled in a quiet valley at the center of the Mara North Conservancy is this luxury resort. The lodge’s Masai trackers and guides will lead you on guided nature walks and (private) game drives from this ideal starting point.

This is about as private as intimate as it gets. Nestled against a forested hillside, Saruni Mara Safari Lodge is made up of five quaint thatched cottages, a private house, and a family villa. Every cottage and villa has a breathtaking outlook. The lodge’s location provides visitors with the ideal vantage point for the most magnificent sunsets. Situated just north of the Masai Mara National Reserve, in the Mara North Conservancy, the lodge is one of the few safari lodges in existence. It was built to blend in with its surroundings and is the smallest permanent lodge in the Masai Mara habitat. Numerous gold fields may be found just south of the lodge, while to the north is a verdant forest. Saruni Mara is the perfect place to go on game drives, take nature hikes, and see the spectacular yearly migration of zebras and wildebeest across the area.

Every cottage at Saruni Mara has been exquisitely decorated to fit a particular theme. Each home is generally decorated with Persian rugs, African art, colonial antiques, and exquisitely polished wooden flooring. There are many creature amenities available even in the middle of the wilderness, such 220-volt electricity, spacious Italian-designed bathrooms with hot and cold running water, and an opening canvas front that lets you take a shower while admiring the breathtaking scenery. This is a summary of the villas and cottages that are accessible to you:

The Observatory: the vast starry skies above the Masai Mara served as inspiration for this home. It is furnished with a lunar map, an antique brass telescope, and other celestial-themed elements. It also boasts a fantastically spacious front porch that is ideal for stargazing.
The Photographer’s Studio is a cottage whose design pays homage to the stunning photos that have been captured in the Masai Mara. It was inspired by photography. The atmosphere of this vintage cottage is enhanced by the several intriguing images on the walls, an old box browning camera, and an ancient photographic equipment book. And the view from the front deck is really breathtaking!
The Artist’s Studio: this charming cottage will encourage imaginative visitors to create their next work of art. The cottage has paint, an easel, and a desk stocked with supplies for drawing. A spacious front terrace with views of the quiet valley below is accessible from the elegantly furnished en-suite bedroom. The vast grasslands of the Mara are just across the valley.
The Literary Room: poets, renowned writers, and dreamers all served as inspiration for this home. It’s not difficult to picture the cottage as the private retreat of a famous author. You could write your own epic safari adventure here, with its writing desk, comfy leather reading chairs, and old typewriter. Do you like to read more than write? Just pull up a chair on the front deck and take in the view.
Another name for this home is Saruni Mara’s honeymoon suite, or The Love Shack. The tasteful styling, gorgeous valley view, and muted colors make this the ideal setting for a romantic retreat. The big front terrace of the cottage is perfect for a romantic dinner for two, and it is accessible from the bedroom.

Private mansion: “Nyati House” is the name of Saruni Mara’s private mansion. It features a kitchen, a dining area, a lounge, two bathrooms, and a sizable balcony. The villa is five minutes’ drive from the other resort accommodations, nestled in a secluded valley. Families or parties looking to get away from it all will find this to be the perfect location. A private safari vehicle and guide are included with the private property. The dining room of the villa is a comfortable space for serving meals. The property has a very natural look and feel thanks to its wooden features and tasteful décor. The two roomy bedrooms of the home provide views of the plains of Masai Mara. You can enjoy your very own private safari paradise at the villa.
The Natural History Suite, sometimes referred to as the Family Villa, is the name of the lodge’s family villa. This brand-new villa features a large living room with dining area, two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, and a cozy fireplace. Antiques and vintage prints are used to elegantly decorate the large property. The name of the villa originates from the literature it has on nature and wildlife that are native to the area. The front terrace with its view of the woods awaits those who would rather experience the actual thing.

Saruni Mara cuisine encounter
Saruni Mara is a truly special delight for foodies. The cooks at the lodge take great pride in creating the tastiest dishes possible using organic, farm-fresh vegetables. You can even savor delicious Italian food made using the Italian owner’s family recipes among the delicious meals the lodge serves. Long wooden community tables are used to offer delicious meals. On the other hand, you may also choose to have a bush breakfast on the banks of the Mara River or deep within an acacia grove. Enjoy a romantic lighted meal on your own cottage terrace or an al fresco bush dinner beneath the stars at the end of the day. The Kuro House has some cozy chairs and drinks by the fire waiting for you if you want to share a few safari tales with other visitors.

Things to do at Saruni Mara
Saruni Mara provides its visitors with an extensive array of activities. Take a Masai guide and tracker for an early-morning Land Rover wildlife drive, or go on an exciting bush walk across the hills with a Maasai warrior. Ancestral knowledge of the Masai Mara ecosystem and its fauna is possessed by the Maasai people. They will assist you in getting the most out of your safari experiences. Additionally, the lodge provides trips to nearby Maasai manyattas (villages).

Take to the skies on a hot air balloon safari for an even more thrilling safari experience. Please be aware that while nature hikes and wildlife drives are part of the package rate, hot air balloon excursions are not.

In your free time, you can explore the “Masai Wellbeing Space,” the lodge’s award-winning spa. The professionally educated Masai personnel at the spa uses native herbs to create treatments that are modeled after traditional Masai practices. One complimentary half-hour traditional back and neck massage is included with each cabin. The tranquil olive tree and cedar forest surrounds of the spa will undoubtedly aid in your relaxation.

Saruni Mara provides a curriculum called the “Warriors Academy” for a more practical experience. Families with kids will really like this event. Over the course of a few days, visitors learn survival techniques from Masai warriors, such tracking animals and crafting equipment in the wild.