The Mara North Conservancy is a private, high-yield wildlife viewing concession bordering the unfenced northern boundary of the main Masai Mara National Reserve. Saruni 'The Original' Camp sits within this conservancy, occupying an elevated position in a secluded valley with commanding, panoramic views across the Mara plains and adjacent forests.
Saruni Camp's Location in the Mara North Conservancy
The camp's placement inside the 74,000-acre Mara North Conservancy provides a key logistical advantage. Guests gain access to an exclusive-use area with significantly lower vehicle density than the main public reserve. Guides can conduct off-road driving for specific sightings, while activities like guided bush walks and night drives, which are prohibited in the National Reserve, are standard offerings.
The most efficient access from Nairobi, located approximately 240 kilometres away, is a scheduled light aircraft flight from Wilson Airport (WIL) to the Mara North Airstrip. The flight duration is around 45 minutes. Travellers must adhere to the strict baggage allowance, typically 15 kilograms per person in soft-sided bags only. A Saruni guide and vehicle meet guests at the airstrip for the camp transfer, which serves as an initial game drive.
Accommodation and Villa Options at Saruni The Original
Saruni 'The Original' Camp features six uniquely themed cottages, each positioned for maximum privacy and to take full advantage of the expansive views. The design blends rustic safari charm with sophisticated comfort, using a mix of canvas, local stone, and polished wood. Interiors are appointed with antique-style furnishings, and all accommodations include a private verandah, an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, and a flushing toilet.
The Two-Bedroom Family and Group Villa
For larger parties, the camp's two-bedroom family villa is a self-contained unit with a shared lounge area. This configuration offers a private and secure base for families or small groups. The villa includes all the standard amenities found in the individual cottages.
- En-suite bathrooms with safari-style showers
- Private furnished verandah
- In-room writing desk and seating area
- 24-hour solar-generated electricity
- Complimentary laundry service
Safari Activities and Maasai Guiding Programme
The daily schedule centres on game drives, with flexibility as a core principle. A typical day includes an early morning game drive after coffee, returning to camp for lunch and a rest during the midday heat. The afternoon game drive begins around 4:00 PM and often extends into the evening, transitioning into a night drive with filtered spotlights to find nocturnal species.
A key operational policy allocates a private 4x4 safari vehicle and dedicated Maasai guide to every booking for their entire stay. This is a standard inclusion, not an optional upgrade. This policy permits complete customisation of the safari, allowing guests to set their own departure times, activity durations, and wildlife focus.
The guiding team consists entirely of local Maasai warriors and elders from the surrounding community. Their expert tracking skills and deep knowledge of the local fauna, flora, and ecosystems provide an authentic and insightful experience. Guided walking safaris with armed trackers are also available, offering a more intimate perspective of the environment. In addition to wildlife viewing, guests can arrange visits to a local Maasai village to gain a deeper understanding of the community's culture and daily life.
Main Lodge Facilities and Camp Amenities
The main communal area sits under a permanent thatched roof and houses a lounge, a small library, and the primary dining area. A solar-inverter system supplies silent, 24-hour power for lighting and charging devices. Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge and extends to the guest tents. The property also features the Maasai Wellness Centre, a dedicated facility offering a range of traditional massage and beauty treatments.
Understanding the Unfenced Environment and Camp Safety
Saruni 'The Original' Camp is entirely unfenced, a deliberate design choice for an authentic wilderness experience. Wildlife, including predators and elephants, can move through the camp grounds, particularly at night. For this reason, guests must not walk unaccompanied around the camp after dark. Maasai askaris (guards) are always on duty to provide a safe escort between tents and the main areas. The unfenced environment and high wildlife presence make the camp unsuitable for families with very young children who cannot consistently follow safety instructions.
Saruni The Original At a Glance
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Camp Type | Permanent Tented Camp |
| Location | Mara North Conservancy, Kenya |
| Power Source | 24-hour Solar with Backup |
| Wi-Fi | Available in Tents & Public Areas |
| Vehicle Policy | Private Vehicle & Guide per Booking |
| Fencing | Unfenced |
Who Should Stay at Saruni The Original Camp?
Saruni 'The Original' is ideally suited to discerning travellers, including couples, photographers, and multi-generational families with children aged eight and over. The standard inclusion of a private vehicle and guide is a key benefit, providing exceptional flexibility and significant value for serious wildlife enthusiasts. While the unfenced environment delivers a superb wilderness experience, it requires a level of maturity from guests, making it a less suitable choice for parties with toddlers or unpredictable young children.
