3 Days
Safari Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of Kenya’s wilderness with our exclusive luxury flying saruni safari, where the iconic Masai Mara awaits, offering an elite experience to discover the “Spirit of Saruni.” Starting with a restful night in Nairobi, you will fly into the rugged Kalama Conservancy in Samburu to track rare endemic wildlife from a lodge perched high on a volcanic rock face. This initial phase immerses you in the unique arid landscapes of northern Kenya, home to species found nowhere else. The journey then continues with a scenic flight to the Mara North Conservancy, a vital part of the greater Masai Mara ecosystem, where you will experience the height of Maasai-guided hospitality. This itinerary perfectly balances adventurous game drives, guided bush walks, and authentic cultural immersion, culminating in the chance to witness the Great Migration at the Mara River, a spectacle of nature unparalleled anywhere else on Earth.
Exploring the Wonders of the Masai Mara with a Luxury Flying Saruni Safari
The Mara North Conservancy, a private concession bordering the main Masai Mara National Reserve, offers an exclusive safari experience away from the crowds. This is a hallmark of the luxury flying saruni adventure. Here, vast plains teem with wildlife year-round, from prides of lions and elusive leopards to herds of elephants and towering giraffes. Your stay in this pristine area supports vital conservation efforts and provides unparalleled opportunities for game viewing, often with fewer vehicles, allowing for more intimate encounters with nature, a true benefit of a luxury flying saruni tour.
One of the ultimate draws to the Masai Mara is undoubtedly the Great Migration, a spectacle perfectly timed and experienced through a luxury flying saruni safari. From July to October, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains, facing perilous river crossings as they move between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Mara. Witnessing this epic journey, especially the dramatic Mara River crossings, is a bucket-list experience that leaves an indelible mark on every visitor. Beyond the migration, the Mara’s resident wildlife population ensures thrilling game drives at any time of year, making your luxury flying saruni adventure truly unforgettable.
Safari Highlights:
- Exclusive Conservancies: Enjoy total privacy in the Kalama (Samburu) and Mara North (Masai Mara) private conservancies.
- The Samburu Special 5: Spot rare species like the Grevy’s zebra and Gerenuk found only in Kenya’s north.
- Maasai & Samburu Guiding: Benefit from the deep ancestral knowledge of local warrior guides.
- Photographic Hide: Access the unique, sunken ground-level hide at Saruni Samburu for incredible wildlife photography.
- Warrior’s Academy: A signature family-friendly program teaching traditional bush survival and tracking skills
Choosing a luxury flying saruni safari means embracing unparalleled comfort and efficiency. Flying between destinations maximizes your time on game drives and minimizes long, dusty road transfers, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wild. The Saruni lodges themselves are epitomes of luxury, blending seamlessly with their natural surroundings while offering exquisite service, gourmet dining, and intimate encounters with nature. This luxury flying saruni experience is designed for discerning travelers seeking both adventure and refined relaxation.
Why Choose a Masai Mara Safari with Bison Safaris?
Bison Safaris crafts bespoke journeys that delve deep into the heart of the Masai Mara, ensuring an authentic and enriching experience, especially with our luxury flying saruni offerings. Our expert guides, many of whom are Maasai themselves, possess an intimate knowledge of the land and its inhabitants, offering insights that go beyond typical game drives. We focus on sustainable tourism, partnering with lodges and conservancies that directly benefit local communities and wildlife conservation, making your luxury flying saruni adventure impactful in more ways than one.
Beyond the thrill of spotting the Big Five, a luxury flying saruni safari in the Masai Mara offers diverse activities. Imagine soaring above the plains in a hot air balloon at dawn, witnessing the vastness of the landscape awaken beneath you. Or perhaps a guided bush walk, learning about the smaller creatures, medicinal plants, and tracking techniques from a Maasai warrior. Cultural visits to local villages provide a profound connection to the Maasai people, offering a glimpse into their rich traditions and way of life, enriching your luxury flying saruni journey.
The ecosystem of the Masai Mara is incredibly diverse, supporting an astonishing array of birdlife alongside its famous mammals. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting everything from majestic raptors to vibrant rollers and iridescent sunbirds. Photography enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to capture stunning images, whether it’s a dramatic predator-prey interaction, a serene sunset over the savanna, or the intricate details of a dung beetle at work. Every moment in the Mara is a potential masterpiece, enhancing your luxury flying saruni experience.
Safari Route Map
Nairobi Wilson Airstrip
Samburu - Kalama Conservancy
Mara North Conservancy
Nairobi Wilson Airstrip
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Depart 7:30 AMUpon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Tamarind Tree Hotel. Relax and settle into the city’s vibrant atmosphere before enjoying dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Tamarind Tree Hotel.
Dinner
Arrival in Nairobi with a VIP meet-and-greet and a relaxing stay at the Tamarind Tree Hotel.
2
Day 2: Flight to Samburu
Full DayAfter an early breakfast, transfer to Wilson Airport for a scenic scheduled flight to Samburu. A camp vehicle will meet you at the airstrip for a game drive en route to Saruni Samburu. Following a gourmet lunch, head out for an evening game drive in the exclusive Kalama Conservancy, returning to the lodge for dinner.
Saruni Samburu.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Samburu for an afternoon game drive in the exclusive Kalama Conservancy.
3
Day 3: Exploring Samburu’s Unique Wildlife
Full DaySpend the day immersed in the rugged beauty of the conservancy with morning and afternoon game drives. This region is home to the “Samburu Special Five”—rare species not found in the south. Between drives, enjoy the world-class amenities and stunning views from Saruni Samburu.
Saruni Samburu.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover the "Samburu Special 5" and enjoy panoramic views from Saruni’s hilltop villas.
4
Day 4: Fly to the Masai Mara
Full DayBoard a scheduled flight over the Great Rift Valley, landing in the heart of the Masai Mara. After checking into Saruni Mara, enjoy a fresh lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive. Explore the private conservancy in search of the Big 5, concluding the day with an elegant dinner at the camp.
Saruni Mara
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a scenic flight to the Masai Mara and track the Big 5 in the private Mara North Conservancy.
5
Day 5: The Great Migration & Mara River
Full DaySet out for a full day of exploration in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Today’s highlights include a visit to the Mara River to witness the wildebeest migration (seasonal) and a picnic lunch in the wild. Return to Saruni Mara for a final evening of luxury and storytelling by the fire.
Saruni Mara
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A full day in the Main Reserve featuring a picnic lunch and a visit to the iconic Mara River.
6
Day 6: Return to Nairobi
ReturnEnjoy a final safari breakfast before transferring to the airstrip for your flight back to Wilson Airport. Our team will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure, marking the end of your Kenyan adventure.
Breakfast
Enjoy a final breakfast in the wild before your return flight to Nairobi and international departure.
What's Included & Excluded
Included in Your Safari
- All-Inclusive Drinks: Soft drinks, house wines, selected beers, and house spirits.
- Domestic flights (Wilson – Samburu – Mara – Wilson) and all airstrip transfers.
- Night game drives (in conservancies), guided bush walks, and bush meals.
- Conservation Fees.
Not Included
- International flights to and from Kenya.
- Visa Fees to Kenya.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Premium Drinks: Champagne, luxury spirits, and select cellar wines.
- Items of personal nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
The National Reserves are public, while Conservancies (like Kalama and Mara North) are private. Conservancies offer more exclusivity, fewer vehicles, and allow for activities like night drives and bush walks that are prohibited in the Reserves.
Mornings in both Samburu and the Mara can be chilly. We recommend "safari layers"—a warm fleece or jacket that can be removed as the sun warms the plains.
Yes. Both Saruni Samburu and Saruni Mara are family-friendly and offer the Warrior’s Academy, where children can learn tracking and bushcraft from local warriors.
Yes. Scheduled flights within Kenya typically have a strict limit of 15kg (33lbs) per person in soft-sided bags, including hand luggage.