Reviews of Saruni Wild
Wildlife sightings and reviews
9 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Saruni Wild and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Saruni Wild review"
There were lots and lots of giraffes which were fun to watch, lots of ostrich including a huge family. We saw lions a few times, leopards a couple of times and the most beautiful elephant by the river.
We were so happy to sit for a couple of hours each day watching the interaction between these magnificent creatures." See all these reviews: 10n in Kenya
"Saruni Wild review"
The vegetarian food was a little hit and miss a couple of nights, but feedback was acted on very quickly and generally the food was great. The breakfasts out on safari were a highlight.
Our waiter Michael was lovely, as were all the guides, guards and management.
We were really glad we went for a private conservancy, as the proximity we had to lions etc was just incredible - and there were very few other trucks vying for space. The fact that we could be off road at all times seemed like a massive advantage - and we also loved the night drives (particularly when we saw lions and a leopard (separately) with their prey, at night).
We also met some really fun people at Saruni, that we'll stay in touch with.
Not surprisingly, the four days spent here were the highlight of our trip - and the tip may well be the best holiday we've ever had.
Our stay here was simply incredible." See all these reviews: 10n in Kenya
"Saruni Wild review"
Because the camp was open to the wildlife, staff were posted on the paths and guided visitors to the restaurant and bar area, and back to their tents, at all times of the day. We never saw any animals in the camp though.
John was a brilliant guide. We had early starts, (preceded by coffee and tea in the lounge), and were out on the plains before we saw any other jeeps. John found animals by some mysterious sixth sense and regularly we were the only car at some activity. Twice he found lions devouring a kill, although thankfully we did not see the actual kill. He explained everything going on including how the males would eat first but then defend the pride against marauding hyenas.
We also saw a cheetah just fed after a recent kill and walking very close to the jeep. Lots of animals including substantial herds of buffalo, wildebeest, and zebra.
Bush breakfasts on the Mara River were close to hippo and crocodile and john was very informative on the birds we saw.
A 5 star experience." See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
"Saruni Wild review"
Again cannot fault anything about it, great staff, superb guides, great food." See all these reviews: 13n in Kenya
"Saruni Wild review"
The food was delicious, surprisingly Italian.
Very helpful with hot water for showers, nothing was too much trouble.
We had zebra trot within a few meters of our tent, and heard lions roaring at night.
We especially enjoyed the bush breakfasts overlooking the Mara River watching hippos and crocodiles." See all these reviews: 13n in Kenya
"Really peaceful with a beautiful setting"
The camp is very small (just 3 tents) and really peaceful with a beautiful setting. There were almost always wildebeest in view from our tent. The tents are spacious and very well separated, so they feel very private. It did feel like they could do with one or two more pieces of furniture, perhaps somewhere to put your bags.
The guiding was to a very high standard, and even in November there were huge numbers of resident wildebeest, zebra and lions in the area (we very nearly saw a hunt!). The landscape was also quite different to the rest of Mara North. If communities in these newer conservancies continue to benefit, this could be a really up and coming part of the Mara ecosystem!" See all these reviews: 15n in Kenya
"Real Bush Feel"
Our experience, however, was more exciting than some people might want because a Black Spitting Cobra joined my husband in the tent while he was resting reading. The staff had to kill it in the end since it would not exit but went under the platform tarp. We were then offered accommodation at their lodge, but we chose to stay and just moved into the other tent that had been recently vacated. We recognize that we were in the bush, and had signed statements to such, and besides, it has made a great story to tell.
The main drawback to a small tent bush experience like this is that little more than game drives can be offered. While we were very happy to experience Saruni Wild, and were particularly pleased with our guide, we were glad we were not there any longer because of the limited activity available. (Our one walk was very short and not terribly interesting.)" See all these reviews: 8n in Kenya
"Saruni Wild was a delight."
The tents are very comfortable indeed, the food was delicious, and the Maasai who work there are charming. I think my guide, Nemeria, gets himself inside the head of a lion, because I have never had such wonderful lion sightings anywhere else in Africa. (Mating lions, a pride with 10 cubs, a hunt and a kill).
We were out one day from 6.00am-9.30pm, with 1 1/2 hours in the middle for lunch." See all these reviews: 3n in Kenya
"Saruni Wild review"
Our guide Tinka was a wonderful person to spend time with as well as being a relaxed, knowledgeable and extremely dedicated guide. The two hours or so we spent with him and the leopard we found literally just outside the camp border was unforgettable.
And our journey down to the Mara river to see our first crossing also a lifetime memory.
The camp itself is gorgeous - tents very comfortable and the dining fantastic. But it it the fact that you are surrounded by the wild without a fence that makes the experience unforgettable. One evening we drove into the camp surrounded by three female lions and a male strolling along and through the camp. But please please remember that the feeling of security and safety here - managed by the amazing William and his team is top notch. You feel secure at all times as long as you obey their extremely sensible rules.
So thanks you so much to William, James and the rest of the team - and we miss you Tinka!!" See all these reviews: 14n in Kenya; 6n in Tanzania
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