Saruni Samburu is a deluxe, design lodge located in Kenya’s wild north. It is the only lodge in Kalama Conservancy, a community-owned wildlife reserve that borders Samburu National Reserve, with 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness to explore and enjoy exclusively.
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Saruni Samburu Villa 5 VerandaCredit: SaruniRoom view surrounded by pure wilderness
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniBreathtaking views from the Villa
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniSaruni Samburu guide
Saruni Samburu accommodationCredit: SaruniSunset in the living area of one of the villas
Saruni SamburuCredit: SamburuGame drive in Samburu National Reserve
Saruni SamburuCredit: Saruni Around the fire at Kudu House - main area
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniGame drives and bush meals by the river
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniView of Mount Ololokwe - Samburu sacred mountain
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniGetting married at Saruni Samburu
Saruni SamburuCredit: SamburuGame drives along the river
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniSamburu elephants on a game grive
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniFeeding the elephants at Reteti Sanctuary
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniView of the villas embedded in the hot rock
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniOne of the family villas
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniThe upper pool: an amazing view over Northern Kenya
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniKalama Conservancy
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniA great landscape from the villa
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniTop infinity swimming pool
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniSunset in the bedroom
Saruni Samburu Credit: SaruniDining in your private villa
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniKalama Concervancy
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniKalama Conservancy from one of the villas
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniSamburu People and Culture
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniBreakfast on top of Mount Ololokwe, the sacred mountain of the Samburu people
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniBathroom
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniHoneymoon Villa veranda
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniBreakfast atop Mount Ololokwe
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniThe Photographic Hide overlooking the Waterhole
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniSundowners with a view
Saruni SamburuCredit: Saruni Bush dinner in a dry river bed
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniPrivate Dining in Villa 5
Sarunin SamburuCredit: SaruniBush dinner in a dry river bed
Saruni SamburuCredit: Saruni The Samburu Wellbeing Space
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniPrivate Breakfast
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniDinner by the pool
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniFriendly local Samburu staff
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniPicnic in the wilderness
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniSamburu Wellbeing Space
Saruni SamburuCredit: SaruniPrivate Breakfast in the villa
The family villas fall into two different categories: 1) two of the villas have two separate entrances and can be booked both as a complete unit or individually. When booked separately, the privacy is total because of the separation between them; 2) the other two have one entrance and are perfect for families. All have incredible views, large bathrooms with private outdoor showers and a wonderful open living area for relaxing and private dinners.
It is a large house with one en-suite bedroom joined by a spacious living room and verandah. It has a very unique character and style and blends beautifully into its surroundings. With its outdoor shower, private dining and living room and interesting design, it makes for an exciting and memorable stay. It is a short walk away from the main dining area, the bottom pool and Samburu Wellbeing Space.
The Honeymoon villa has one bedroom and a spacious living area and verandah. It has been written about in numerous publications as the room with the most beautiful view and possibly the most amazing room in Africa. Built onto the edge of a hillside around the natural rock formations, it makes you feel as if you are on top of the world. The panoramic views of the wilderness below are enjoyed from the elegant bedroom and verandah.
Our Saruni Samburu Family Villas have two separate bedrooms and two spectacular bathrooms with bath tubs and both indoor and outdoor showers. All family villas have open verandas, a spacious sitting area and dining area for private dinners and a fridge stocked with cold refreshments. Perfect for families or a group of friends, each family villa is uniquely designed to blend into the surrounding environment.
These villas can be used either as a large family villa, or they can be segregated into two separate rooms (for two different groups of guests). The villas have two spacious bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and both indoor and outdoor showers, and separate entrances. There is a beautiful, spacious sitting area and dining area in the middle, a large and open veranda and a fridge stocked with cold refreshments. Our Family/Standard Villas are perfect for families, two groups of guests wanting to stay close together, or for two separate groups of guests.
Our standard double villas have one large, open bedroom and one spectacular bathroom with a bath tub and showers. The villas have a spacious sitting area and dining area for private dinners, a large and open veranda and a fridge stocked with cold refreshments. These villas are perfect for couples wanting privacy.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Guests can enjoy morning, afternoon and all day game drives through renowned and teeming conservation areas; Kalama Conservancy and Samburu National Reserve, two fantastic habitats for African wildlife. Saruni also highly recommends night game drives in Kalama Conservancy, when nocturnal species can be encountered. This is a unique activity not permitted in the National Reserve.
Guests enjoy breakfast along the Ewaso Nyiro River and starlit dinners in a dry river bed under the vast African skies (weather permitting). Saruni loves to take guests to their secret spots for a bush dinner or for a picnic lunch that allows guests to be with elephants, waterbuck, lion, impala and the Samburu Five that stop to take water. Note – bush dinners are usually part of a group, unless the lodge can accommodate otherwise.
Saruni Samburu offers guests a unique experience for Kenya: access to an elephant-proof, open ground level hide based at a waterhole, where from both novice and professional photographers can photograph wildlife from ground level. Designed with the needs of photographers in mind, buried partially underground, located a few steps from a waterhole: the perfect spot for 'stealing' amazing images of what occurs at the well-frequented waterhole. It can have up to 8 guests inside, it has maps and books available, and bean bags for photographers. The waterhole at Saruni Samburu offers a unique opportunity to spot from very close up the elephants that come and drink its water, the fantastic birds species and the 'Samburu Five'; reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, Somali ostrich and Grevy’s zebra. Being in the middle of an arid area, the hide also provides excellent opportunities to photograph from ground level and from very close up the predators of Samburu, especially lion and leopard.
Walking safaris are individually tailored to guests' interests and are set in a breath-taking landscape. Walking with the Samburu warriors out in the African bush is a fantastic experience and guests learn from their authentic local knowledge of the plants, animals and landscape, about their traditions and about their lives. Having discovered Samburu rock art in several caves nearby the lodge, Saruni includes a visit to these extraordinary archaeological sites during the bush walks.
Saruni runs the Samburu Wellbeing Space in the most serene and relaxing environment, guests enjoy massage and wellness treatments under the supervision of highly trained staff. The techniques combine sophisticated methods developed at Centro Benessere Stresa with ancient Samburu wisdom and knowledge. The Spa therapists use the Olmurmuru seedas (Albizia Harvey) to reduce muscular discomfort and pure gel from Usunguru (Aloe Kedongesis) for sun burnt areas. Among the treatments available, guests can choose between the lymphatic drainage massage, decongestive or nourishing or purifying facials, manicare, pedicare and the popular sport massage. All with an open view of Kalama Wildlife Conservancy, where elephant, kudu and giraffe roam freely.
Should it get too hot up on the hot rock - and sometimes it does - guests have the option of relaxing and taking a refreshing dip in not just one but two infinity pools! The upper infinity pool is located high on an impressive panoramic view point near to villas 5 & 6. The spectacular lower infinity pool is situated close to Kudu House (main communal area) on a rocky formation.
If guests are passionate about birds, Samburu is the perfect place to visit; not only are the species abundant but the birds can be easily spotted and photographed. Saruni's guides are birdwatchers by instinct and training and share a love for birds. Saruni's guides always carry field guides in the game drive vehicles.
The sundowner is a well-deserved drink at the end of a long day on safari to ‘salute’ the African sun as it is setting. Saruni guide's drive guests to an unforgettable panoramic viewpoint and serve guests' favourite drink along with a selection of scrumptious ‘bitings’; small snacks to whet appetites ahead of the delicious dinner which awaits.
The Warriors Academy is a special interactive safari experience with a strong educational flavour, designed especially for families with children or small groups. It is a fun learning experience, that allows families to explore not only the wildlife, but also the authentic lifestyle of one of the most well-known and culturally fascinating tribes left in Africa; the Samburu. Under the tutelage of their ‘Moran’, or warriors, participants get to know, enjoy and understand these unique people and see the Kenyan wilderness from a different perspective. Combined with regular safari activities, and tailored to guests' interests and timeframe, the Warriors Academy can last between 1-3 days, and needs to be booked in advance.
Saruni safaris are not only focused on wildlife but also on culture and people. Some call it ‘cultural tourism’. Saruni calls it ‘meet the neighbours’. Guests visit genuine Samburu villages - the lodge's neighbours and friends, and are privileged to share moments of their life. They are the ancient custodians of this land and Saruni feel it is an integral part of the overall experience for guests to see how they live, how they protect the environment and in what way they differ from other African tribes. Be prepared for the Samburu to ask questions too as they will be curious about life outside of their way of life! Consider it an exchange of ideas and information.
*Please note, this visit incurs an additional charge of US$20 per person that goes to the community directly.
Located in Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in Samburu County of Northern Kenya, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is the first community owned and managed elephant sanctuary in Africa. The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is situated in the remote Mathews Range, among Kenya’s second largest elephant population. Similar to the world-famous Sheldrick Sanctuary in Nairobi, it takes in orphaned and abandoned elephant calves with the aim to release them back into the wild herds adjoining the Sanctuary. This excursion needs to be arranged in advance with reservations at the time of booking, or lodge management, and is payable extra.
Saruni Samburu is the perfect place if guests want to be part of an unusual but very genuine Samburu wedding ceremony. The experience can be enjoyed either by newlyweds who want to re-affirm their vows in the middle of a very spiritual land or by those who plan to actually get married in Kenya. The ceremony takes place in a Samburu village, with the participation of the elders, the women and the warriors, or on the top of a mountain overlooking the endless landscape.
These are available upon request and payable extra, with excursions to Mount Kenya, Turkana and everything in between.
As part of the guided bush walks, guests can also visit nearby mountain caves where, hundreds of years ago, the Samburu have drawn hunting scenes and animals in what the experts call ‘white rock art’. The caves evoke a past when the Samburu were mostly pastoralist warriors.
Standing proud on Saruni Samburu’s doorstep, Mount Ololokwe is the Samburu tribe’s sacred mountain. It is a pillar of cultural significance to the Samburu and an exciting trekking venture to many others. Setting off at dawn, Saruni's professional guides will accompany guests during this day’s excursion to the summit (with picturesque pit stops for breakfast and lunch) teaching guests along the way about the mountain, its cultural significance and all of its wonders.
*Please note, this trek is payable extra.
Interested in scorpions and all that lies beneath the sand, hidden away from sight? Guests can venture out on a ‘scorpion safari’ to understand the many different types of scorpion that call the earth surrounding Saruni Samburu their home. Walking shoes or boots advised!
The night skies above Saruni Samburu and the ‘hot rock’ upon which it sits are among some of the brightest and most beautiful in the world. Unpolluted and unobscured, every evening the night skies provide guests with an alternative ‘playground’.
Cuisine
"Tell me what you eat, I'll tell you who you are", famously said gastronome Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. At Saruni we believe in the importance of good, healthy and tasty meals. Our cuisine has a strong Italian flavor but we also love to experiment with the great ingredients that are found in Kenya, especially fish and vegetables. We easily accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free (you name it) and guests who have special requests. Food can be tailored to suit children’s requirements and earlier meal times can be arranged where necessary. Some options include but are not limited to the usual ‘treats’: pizza, plain pasta or pasta with tomato sauce, chicken or burgers with chips etc.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, Swahili
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Ol Lentille | Laikipia
Ol Lentille, named after Laikipia's highest peak, is a lodge that is proud to be different. Located in a remote and beautiful part of Laikipia, guests enjoy the dramatic landscape and pristine wilderness of a 40,000-acre private conservancy which is home to many wildlife species. Game drives, walks (gentle or vigorous), camel safaris and even quad biking are some of the many activities at Ol Lentille.
Ol Lentille is professionally managed but community owned. Here you stop being a tourist and become a guest of the community. Guests are offered deep and authentic access to Maasai and Samburu culture, and to the key events of their life: a chat with elders in a village, a wedding, a warrior initiation, "singing wells'.
We have four very special villas, recently renovated with luxurious and contemporary interiors, each coming with its own house staff, guide and safari vehicle. With only 8 rooms in total, we can accommodate 16 guests (a few more with extra beds). All activities and meals are private.
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Rooms
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Warriors on Ol Lentille PeakCredit: Stevie MannLaikipia's tallest peak, a vigorous 40mn climb
Lost world
End of the WorldCredit: Stevie Mann
Ol Lentille conservancy
Thale kopje, a lost world
walk down Tura lugha
Ellies on conservancy
Camel safari
Warriors dancing at the BomaCredit: Stevie Mann
Boma dinner
a chat with the Elders at a manyatta
Manyatta dinner
manyatta dinner
Singing wells
Samburu women's rain prayer
market day
Warriors at wedding
bush breakfast at Tura drop
Delicious food anywhere you like
Hong Kong style chicken congee
living room at Boscia house
bedroom, Boscia House
Boscia dining room
drinks around campfire at Boscia house
bedroom, Aloe house
Aloe living room
a view from Aloe house
Acacia veranda
bedroom, Acacia house
Acacia house views
Sunset at Acacia
Boma dinner
Carissa house
Carissa house bedroom
living room at Carissa house
outdoor bath at Carissa house
Infinity pool
the pool
the Gallery
Drinks at the Roof BarCredit: Stevie Mann
The spa
Ol Lentille conservancy
rangers keeping watch
the lodge at sunset
The largest of Ol Lentille's houses, Boscia is a huge three bedroom villa with multiple common areas for people to congregate in, including a large living room with a fireplace.
Named after the boscia (shepherd's) tree, its decor is luxurious but minimalist, with black and white tones dominating.
It has a large wrap-around deck with a plunge pool, and a private outdoor area with a barbecue pit. There are spectacular views of the rugged peaks of Laikipia from most parts of the house.
Acacia is a two-bedroom thatched roof house, built into the mountainside, with large rocks blending spectacularly into the house.
Its decor is inspired by the acacia tree, with accents of gold and blue gracing its plush interiors.
The house has two decks overlooking a watering hole often visited by elephants.
Acacia can also be booked as two separate suites, each including its own dining and lounging areas.
Aloe is a large villa built on two floors, with two large bedrooms on the upper floor, and dining and living areas on the ground floor, with a fireplace. Each of the bedrooms has a large private terrace, accessed through double glass doors and also features a dressing room, sunken bath, and a roofless shower room.
The ground floor terrace has a shaded outdoor dining area and plunge pool.
Its luxurious interiors are inspired by the aloe plant, and feature accents of red.
Carissa is hidden on the property's highest point, with breathtaking 280 degree views of Laikipia's rugged landscape. The bedroom comes with a round bed and floor to ceiling windows. There is a sunken outdoor bathtub in the rocks, often with eagles flying above you, a lounge with a fireplace, a dining room, and a large wrap-around terrace.
The villa's gorgeous interiors are inspired by the carissa tree, and feature pops of green and blue.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Experience authentic Maasai and Samburu culture, by visiting a traditional homestead, having a cup of smoky milk tea with a mama or a drink of honey mead with the Wazee (Elders). Learn about the social structure of the homestead, and the joys and challenges of everyday life. This is a very natural and authentic experience where you are treated as a guest, not a tourist.
For the more adventurous, we will set up dinner at the manyatta. Chef David will barbecue a goat and we will have dinner under the stars inside the manyatta, sharing for a moment, the life of our Maasai and Samburu neighbours.
A tradition unique to northern Kenya, the "singing wells" are dug in dry river beds by warriors to find water for their cows. The warriors form a human pyramid in the 10-12ft wells to bring buckets of water to the surface, while singing individual songs to each of their cows. The songs, reverberating in the valley, and heard well before you see the wells are a magical and haunting experience.
Be invited to a wedding, where the bride and groom go through elaborate rituals before departing for their new home, with the event culminating in a joyful celebration of their new life together which all the in the area are invited to join.
Or maybe attend a women's blessing ceremony, a young man's circumcision day or the initiation of a new age set of warriors.
Those unique moments are always fascinating, moving and memorable.
The 40,000 acres of the private Ol Lentille Conservancy are a vital wildlife migration corridor and as such, remain unfenced. It is home to large herds of elephant, painted wolves, leopards, hyenas, greater kudus, elands, as well as many species of smaller antelopes. Rare northern species such as the Grevy's zebra and gerenuk are also found here. Ol Lentille is also a paradise for bird watching, with many rare species making their home here. This is Africa at its most wild and original. Without fences, the animals move in and out of the conservancy following ancient migration routes and are not habituated to humans.
With 40,000 acres of unspoilt and dramatic wilderness, Ol Lentille is ideal for walking adventures, from a gentle walk down a dry river bed that reveals spectacular "lost world" views to a vigorous climb up Ol Lentille peak, Laikipia's tallest, or a full day adventure hiking in hidden valleys
A camel safari through the African bush, led by Maasai warriors, and ending at the bend of a river for a tranquil picnic lunch under a fig tree, and perhaps a refreshing swim in the river.
Go for an exciting quad biking adventure around the community lands, or down the rugged trails of the conservancy (16 years and above),
Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment in the comfort of our secluded spa, followed by herbal tea served on the spa deck
Around a roaring fire at the lodge's "boma", the warriors appear unexpectedly out of the darkness, singing rhythmically and dancing like dervishes. Their vertical jumps, a way of demonstrating their athletic prowess to the young women who accompany them. Almost unconsciously, our Ol Lentille staff get dragged into the dancing circle, and then our guests.
That signature Ol Lentille activity is an exhilarating evening, that culminates in a traditional Kenyan meal served under the stars.
Visit Africa's only habituated baboon colony, a 30mn drive from Ol Lentille lodge. The field researchers will talk you through the behaviour and organization of that large group of baboons (numbering up to 100 individuals), as they slowly make their way to a rocky outcrop to roost for the night. That activity usually ends with a sundowner nearby, as you watch the baboons settling in for the night.
At Ol Lentille we pride ourselves on never serving you a meal twice in the same location. You can enjoy meals in the privacy of your villa, on the pool deck, in the Gallery or on the rooftop. We arrange bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and bush dinners in a number of spectacular locations. And our sundowners are truly memorable!
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
5 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, Swahili
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Cycling, Flora, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Mara Plains Camp | Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Mara Plains Camp is a one-of-a-kind camp located in the private 13,300-hectare Olare Motorogi Conservancy, just on the Maasai Mara National Reserve’s northern boundary. This intimate camp, one of Kenya’s only three Relais & Chateaux properties (other being sister properties ol Donyo Lodge and Mara Nyika Camp), blends the finest in wildlife viewing with the absolute best of safari hospitality and guiding. No other camp offers the extensive traversing area of Mara Plains Camp, with access to a total of 40,000 hectares of private conservancy land as well as the world-renowned Maasai Mara, home to the Great Migration. Olare Motorogi Conservancy has an incredible density of big cats and only one guest bed per 140 hectares, leaving the land unadulterated for the wildlife to roam and thrive. By day and night, the camp is a sanctuary for resident species, including many of the Maasai Mara’s 300 bird species. After dark, larger mammals frequent the camp and Maasai warriors escort guests to and from their rooms. Hippos snorting and leopards barking often provide the night’s chorus. Each of the suites has deep canvas canopied ceilings, rough-hewn wood floors and accents of East Africa’s
rich safari history. Each guest suites comes with high-quality binoculars and a professional camera and lenses.
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Rooms
Units
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Activities and Services
On the Hunt During the MigrationCredit: Great Plains ConservationOn the Hunt During the Migration
Mara Plains Suite InteriorCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Suite Interior
Masai Mara LandscapeCredit: Great Plains ConservationMasai Mara Landscape
Sunset in the Olare Motorogi ConservancyCredit: Great Plains ConservationSunset in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Mara Plains Entry BridgeCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Entry Bridge
Mara Plains Lounge Exterior ViewCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Lounge Exterior View
Mara Plains Tent Exterior ViewCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Tent Exterior View
Mara Plains LoungeCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Lounge
Mara Plains Suite InteriorCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Suite Interior
Mara Plains Bush BreakfastCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Bush Breakfast
Mara Plains Suite InteriorCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Suite Interior
Mara Plains Suite InteriorCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Suite Interior
Mara Plains Suite InteriorCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Suite Interior
Mara Plains Suite InteriorCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Suite Interior
Game Drive near Mara PlainsCredit: Great Plains ConservationGame Drive near Mara Plains
Mara Plains LunchCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Lunch
Mara Plains Suite InteriorCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Suite Interior
Mara Plains Family UnitCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Family Unit
Mara Plains Suite InteriorCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Suite Interior
Giraffe near Mara PlainsCredit: Great Plains ConservationGiraffe near Mara Plains
Mara Plains Suite InteriorCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Suite Interior
Mara Plains Suite InteriorCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Suite Interior
Mara Plains LoungeCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Lounge
Mara Plains Suite Exterior ViewCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Suite Exterior View
Mara Plains Common AreaCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Common Area
Mara Plains Entry BridgeCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Entry Bridge
Lions near Mara PlainsCredit: Great Plains ConservationLions near Mara Plains
Mara Plains Tent Exterior ViewCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Tent Exterior View
Lions in the Olare Motorogi ConservancyCredit: Great Plains ConservationLions in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Elephant in the Olare Motorogi ConservancyCredit: Great Plains ConservationElephant in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Lions in the Olare Motorogi ConservancyCredit: Great Plains ConservationLions in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Lions near Mara PlainsCredit: Great Plains ConservationLions near Mara Plains
Leopard near Mara PlainsCredit: Great Plains ConservationLeopard near Mara Plains
Sunset in the Masai MaraCredit: Great Plains ConservationSunset in the Masai Mara
Getting a Bird's Eye View in the OMCCredit: Great Plains ConservationGetting a Bird's Eye View in the OMC
Landscape of the Olare Motorogi ConservancyCredit: Great Plains ConservationLandscape of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Mara Plains Family SuiteCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Family Suite
Plains Game in the Olare Motorogi ConservancyCredit: Great Plains ConservationPlains Game in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Sunset in the Olare Motorogi ConservancyCredit: Great Plains ConservationSunset in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Plains Game in the Olare Motorogi ConservancyCredit: Great Plains ConservationPlains Game in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy
The Dangers of Crossing the Mara RiverCredit: Great Plains ConservationThe Dangers of Crossing the Mara River
Mara Plains Guide - DanielCredit: Andrew HowardMara Plains Guide - Daniel
Masai Mara LandscapeCredit: Andrew HowardMasai Mara Landscape
Watching a CrossingCredit: Great Plains ConservationWatching a Crossing
Mara Plains Game DriveCredit: Great Plains ConservationMara Plains Game Drive
Suites
Each of the five suites has deep canvas canopied ceilings, rough hewn wood floors and accents of East Africa’s rich safari history. Thick Lamu wood doors, deep purples, and brass accents – these small details transport guests to a time and land far away. The well-appointed en-suite facilities (including a deep copper bath) plus the extensive private verandah complete what is genuinely a stunning concept. These stylistic elements coupled with thoughtful environmental elements such as solar power and an absence of cement make Mara Plains Camp a modern-day safari retreat.
The Jahazi Suite at Mara Plains
The Jahazi Suite at Mara Plains, an intimate, two-bedroom exquisite, tented suite built entirely under canvas and is a perfect partner to a private Kenya safari experience at Mara Nyika Camp and ol Donyo Lodge. It is on raised, recycled railway sleeper decking and offers guests incredible views of the steady stream of wildlife parading past whilst discreetly tucked away under the tree canopy.
Central to The Jahazi Suite is an indoor dining area leading out to a prominent private outdoor verandah and flanked by two large bedrooms with en-suite facilities consisting of a flush loo, double basins, indoor showers and luxurious baths. Ceiling fans in the guest’s bedroom and careful tented suite design maintain a comfortable climate for rest and relaxation. A short walkway leads off the main area to a private swimming pool.
When residing at The Jahazi Suite at Mara Plains, guests automatically enjoy the services of a private game drive vehicle and guide.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Mobile Connectivity, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
Credit Card
Safari drives (day & night) take place in some of the Mara’s most coveted vehicles. Each of the four Toyota Land Cruisers is open-sided, canopied and customised for photographers (fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug invertors). With just four to six guests each, the Cruisers also have fully-stocked fridges stocked with drinks and snacks. No two days are the same on safari. Safari drives typically start at sunrise, returning for lunch and depart again in the mid-afternoon before returning just after sunset. However, very often we will go out all day, deep into the Reserve or Conservancy with a packed breakfast and lunch. One visit per guest per 3-night stay
included, additional visits subject to park fees. Very often, our safaris will continue into the night, a possibility because of our location on a private conservancy. Night drives are particularly prolific in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, and while they take patience, sightings commonly include lesser-known nocturnal mammals and even lion and hyena hunts.
Each of Mara Plains’ guest suites has a professional camera set, including a camera body and lenses. Photos will be downloaded to a memory stick on guest’s departure. Each suite comes with a pair of high-quality binoculars for guest use as well. Photographic tuition can be arranged for guests (at an additional cost) and we recommend prior booking if possible. Tuition can be either on company cameras or own guests’ personal cameras.
Hot air ballooning is available, but should be booked in advance and is subject to availability and additional cost. Departures are very early in the morning to allow time to transfer to the nearest launching point.
Safaris with kids are much the same – a time to stimulate all the senses. Safaris open up a whole new world to us all, but for kids it is magical. While new animals are a huge part of the excitement of safari, stepping away from everyday life in favor of spotting animal tracks and practicing your newly learnt traditional bush survival skills is an experience that kids and parents alike will cherish.
The Great Plains Young Explorers Program blends fun with conservation learning. On arrival each child receives a Young Explorers pack full of all that is needed for them to become a Conservation Ambassador. The pack includes an activity book full of interesting information including animal tracks, seTswana or Kiswahili vocabulary, facts on flora, fauna and stars, word games and a safari journal. Great Plains guides and staff seamlessly modify the level of activities according to age.
The Naboisho Women's Group cultural experience is supported by the Great Plains Foundation, enabling the group to purchase raw materials in bulk including a tailor hired to work on leather products. Available to guests staying at Great Plains Conservation camps all profits from the sale of their wares are ploughed back into the women's business training to ensure this group is self-sustainable. Items available for purchase include, but are not limited to, beaded & leather products, coasters, bracelets, necklaces, belts, dog collars, earrings, and decorated dawa sticks for example.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
5 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, Swahili
No. Rooms: 7
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife