Kenya’s Immersive Samburu, Lewa & Mara

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Begin your safari at Saruni Samburu, the only lodge set in the scenic mountains of the Kalama Conservancy adjoining the Saruni National Reserve. This means you can experience a safari away from the crowds. Settle into your villa, which boasts 360-degree views of the dramatic northern Kenyan landscape. On your exploring days, you will enjoy game drives into Samburu National Reserve to seek the endemic ‘Special 5’ of Samburu: reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and the peculiar long-necked gerenuk, all rare species that occur only in this part of the country. Samburu warriors are your guides. They are passionate about their land and their culture, and teach you about their fascinating customs and traditions, and about their ancient knowledge of the animals.

Look for the larger game, too, elephant, lion and leopard, and have a picnic lunch before heading back to the lodge to relax for the afternoon. There are the swimming pools and the spa, or perhaps a nap in the shade of your deck. Go on a walk to the caves, walls adorned with rock paintings, or to Ololokwe, the Samburu’s sacred mountain. Sundowners and dinner round off a day of memory-making. You can take an evening game drive in Kalama Conservancy, ending with a dinner under the stars in the wilderness, and a night drive back to the lodge. The Samburu warriors will dance on your last evening, lit by primal fire and candles.

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The next part of your journey takes you to Sirikoi Lodge, set within the renowned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. While Saruni Samburu offered elevated views across dramatic terrain, Sirikoi brings you closer to the earth—nestled into the natural landscape, where you’re within the rhythm of the surrounding habitat.

Beyond exceptional game viewing—Lewa is home to over 10% of Kenya's remaining black rhino population—there's much to explore. Take a guided hike or quad bike adventure through the nearby Ngare Ndare Forest, home to hidden waterfalls fed by Mount Kenya and a 400-metre-long canopy walkway suspended in the treetops.

Back at camp, unwind with in-room massages, horse riding, and guided bush walks. Meals are a highlight, crafted from fresh organic ingredients grown in Sirikoi's extensive kitchen garden. Your luxury tent is positioned on a raised platform with a spacious, furnished deck that overlooks the open grasslands, where wildlife often grazes during the day. Before sundowners, enjoy a long soak in your Victorian ‘tub with a view'—a chilled glass bubbly in hand. As evening falls, a cosy fireplace awaits—perfect for a quiet glass of wine or a warm cup of tea before bed.

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Early morning and time to bid a fond farewell to Samburu before your flight to Saruni Mara, tucked away in a secluded valley in Mara North Conservancy on the Masai Mara. Without skipping a beat you are off the plane and on a game-viewing vehicle, this time guided by a Maasai warrior, who is passionate and knowledgeable about his ancestral lands. With his guidance, you will not only see the big names but also the little stories: birds’ mating dances, families of perky warthogs and wily hyenas.

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Savour your last morning in the Mara before heading back to Nairobi where you’ll continue onward or home after 10 incredible days on safari in Kenya.