Saruni Mara

Top choice in Masai Mara


Way to the north of any of the other camps, and virtually on the border of the conservancy, this breathtaking camp has around a dozen tents dusted with antique furnishings and colonial bric-a-brac. Some even have open log fires and the decoration in each follows a theme of writer's, photographer's or artist's studio. The setting is in animal-packed, forested hills.

The rooms have lovely hardwood floors, decorations like antique typewriters or cameras, ample space and lovely views down the valley from the large verandahs. You might even encounter the camp's resident eland!

There are quite a few Maasai manyattas (villages) on the plains below Saruni Mara and this human presence does mean that wildlife (especially predators) can be scarcer and you may have to drive up to 45 minutes to really get into the heart of the conservancy – we reckon the quality of the camp more than compensates.

There are lots of opportunities for bush walks, cultural encounters and market visits. It also runs a family-friendly 'warrior for a week' programme where children can learn the art of lighting fires without matches and other such skills you don't really want them learning! Night drives are also possible (we saw an African civet and lions on one such drive), and the camp's guides are top-notch.