8-Day Luxury Safari: Reteti House & Mara Bush House
An Exclusive Journey from Northern Kenya’s Elephant Sanctuary to the Private Plains of the Masai Mara
Safari Overview
This 8-day luxury safari combines two of Kenya’s most exclusive private-use villas, offering an unparalleled journey through the country’s diverse wildlife landscapes. Begin in the remote Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy at Reteti House—a spectacular cliff-side ecolodge with front-row access to the world’s first community-owned elephant sanctuary—before flying south to the Masai Mara for four nights of unrivalled game viewing in a private bush villa overlooking a game-rich waterhole.
Designed for families or small groups seeking absolute privacy, this itinerary offers exclusive-use accommodation, dedicated guides, private safari vehicles, and the rare opportunity to experience both Kenya’s pioneering conservation initiatives and the legendary wildlife of the Mara.
Safari Highlights
| Experience | Location |
|---|---|
| Exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary | Namunyak Conservancy |
| Witness the 6pm elephant bottle-feeding ritual | Reteti Elephant Sanctuary |
| Visit the ancient Singing Wells with Samburu morans | Namunyak Conservancy |
| Day and night game drives in 850,000 acres of pristine wilderness | Namunyak Conservancy |
| Unrestricted game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve | Masai Mara |
| Private bush walks with expert guides | Mara North Conservancy |
| Sundowners and bush dining under the stars | Both locations |
| Family-friendly private villa with dedicated chef and guide | Mara Bush House |
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival Nairobi – Fly to Reteti House
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by your Beyond Kenya Safaris representative and assisted with your connecting private charter flight to the Namunyak Airstrip. Your Samburu guides and hosts will welcome you and accompany you on the 20-minute drive to Reteti House, which may already include your first wildlife encounters of the day.
Reteti House is perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sweeping Sarara Valley. This private-use lodge accommodates up to 16 guests across seven bedrooms, including four standalone suites and family-friendly configurations. After refreshing arrival drinks and lunch in the expansive lounge overlooking the waterhole and panoramic scenery, take time to settle in—perhaps relaxing by the infinity pool or simply soaking in the wilderness rhythms.
Afternoon: By mid-afternoon, head out—on foot or by game vehicle—for an exclusive visit to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, a 10-minute walk from the house. Meet the orphaned elephants as they forage in the bush, joined by dedicated keepers who will recount each calf’s story. The iconic 6pm bottle-feeding is a magical moment as the calves joyfully slurp their milk while the keepers sing to them in the golden glow of the setting sun.
Overnight: Reteti House (Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy)
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Exploring Namunyak Conservancy
Wake with the first light for a morning game drive into the Namunyak Community Conservancy—850,000 acres of pristine wilderness home to thriving populations of dik-diks, gerenuks, reticulated giraffes, leopards, and herds of elephants. Sightings here feel personal and unhurried, with almost no other vehicles and plenty of time to be fully immersed in each moment.
A bush breakfast in a surprise location offers the chance to stretch your legs, enjoy a gourmet meal prepared outdoors, and appreciate the immensity of this landscape. Next, your path will take you to the sacred Singing Wells—where Samburu morans (warriors) dig for water for their livestock, chanting and singing in harmony while passing buckets of water from deep beneath the earth.
Afternoon: Return to Reteti House for a leisurely lunch, followed by time to enjoy the infinity pool or a siesta in your spacious suite. Later, you may opt for a guided nature walk or visit to Elephant Rock, a mere 10-minute drive away.
Overnight: Reteti House (Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Reteti House – Full Day of Discovery
A full day to immerse yourself in the conservancy’s extraordinary offerings:
Morning: Visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary again for a more in-depth experience, including the opportunity to observe the elephants during their daily care routines and learn the inspiring story behind this pioneering sanctuary—the world’s first community-owned and operated African elephant sanctuary.
Optional Activities Include:
- Samburu Warrior Games – Experience the traditional skills and athleticism of Samburu morans
- Visit Nomadic Montessori Schools – Learn about community education programs that accompany the area’s conservation efforts
- Guided Safari Walks – Explore the conservancy on foot with expert Samburu guides
- Fly Camping in a Lugga – For the adventurous, an overnight bush camping experience (seasonal)
Sundowner: Enjoy cocktails and canapés overlooking the Sarara Valley as the African sun sets.
Overnight: Reteti House (Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Reteti House – Fly to Masai Mara
After a final morning at Reteti House, transfer to the airstrip for your private charter flight south to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Upon arrival at the Mara airstrip, you will be met by your Masai Mara guide and transferred to your private bush villa.
Mara Bush House is set in the untamed beauty of the Mara North Conservancy, overlooking a game-rich waterhole. This elegant, fully-staffed private safari home features three elegant bedrooms, each furnished with locally sourced materials and vibrant Maasai fabrics, plus a charming attic bedroom perfect for children or teenagers. The villa comes complete with a dedicated wildlife guide, personal chef, and household manager ensuring a seamless and tranquil stay.
Afternoon: Settle into your private sanctuary and enjoy the expansive verandah where you can watch wildlife gather at the waterhole from your own private deck. Take a dip in the scenic outdoor pool or simply unwind after your flight.
Evening: An elegant dinner is served under the stars, paired with premium wines.
Overnight: Mara Bush House (Mara North Conservancy, Masai Mara)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Masai Mara Game Drives
The Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s finest wildlife sanctuary, where gentle rolling grasslands ensure animals are never out of sight. The sensation of the Great Wildebeest Migration between July and October is unparalleled, with over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle making their way through the ecosystem.
Morning: Depart on an early morning game drive with your private guide and safari vehicle. The Mara is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—and your expert guide will help you track them across the plains. Cottar’s Private Bush Villa (located in the same area) is known for its high concentration of rhino, with many lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle also frequently sighted.
Bush Lunch: Enjoy a gourmet picnic in the wilderness during your game drive.
Afternoon: Continue your game drive or return to the villa for relaxation. The Mara North Conservancy offers exceptional wildlife viewing with far fewer vehicles than the main reserve, ensuring private and intimate sightings.
Evening: Indulge in a multi-course dinner prepared by your private chef, featuring the finest local ingredients.
Overnight: Mara Bush House (Mara North Conservancy, Masai Mara)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Masai Mara – Full Day Exploration
A full day to experience the Mara’s wonders:
Morning: Rise early for a spectacular hot air balloon safari over the Mara at sunrise (optional extra), followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Alternatively, enjoy a morning game drive to spot predators returning to their dens before the heat of the day sets in.
Optional Activities Include:
- Bush Walks – Discover the Mara on foot, learning ancient tracking skills from your Maasai guide
- Cultural Village Visit – Connect with the Maasai people and learn about their traditions and harmonious relationship with wildlife
- Fishing in the Mara River – Catch and release fishing in one of Africa’s most famous rivers
- Visit the Mara Training Centre – Learn about inspiring conservation work and community initiatives
Sunset: Your private guide will find the perfect spot for sundowners while you watch the African sunset paint the savannah in shades of gold and crimson.
Overnight: Mara Bush House (Mara North Conservancy, Masai Mara)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7: Masai Mara – Final Day of Discovery
Your final full day on safari offers the chance to revisit favourite locations or explore new areas of the Mara:
Morning: Game drive in a different sector of the Mara ecosystem. Your guide will tailor the route to your interests—whether tracking a leopard, observing elephant families, or seeking out the elusive rhino.
Optional Activities Include:
- Visit a neighbouring farm that grows essential oils for DoTERRA and learn about its local community work
- Visit an indigenous tree nursery and participate in planting trees as part of ongoing conservation efforts
- Star Gazing – Experience the unspoiled African night sky from your private verandah
Evening: A farewell bush dinner under the stars with your dedicated team—a time to reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters and lifelong memories created during your safari.
Overnight: Mara Bush House (Mara North Conservancy, Masai Mara)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8: Departure
After a final breakfast overlooking the Mara plains, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. Upon arrival, you will be assisted with your onward connection to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure, or to other destinations within Kenya.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation Details
Reteti House – Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy
Mara Bush House – Mara North Conservancy
What’s Included
- Seven nights of luxury, exclusive-use accommodation at Reteti House and Mara Bush House
- All meals and house drinks (excluding premium spirits and champagne)
- All conservation and daily park entry fees
- All safari activities: game drives, bush walks, cultural visits, and special extras
- Private guide and dedicated safari vehicle throughout
- Internal flights and airstrip transfers
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes visits to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
- Visits to Singing Wells and cultural experiences with Samburu communities
- AMREF medevac cover and meet-and-assist at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
What’s Not Included
- International flights to and from Kenya
- Kenya eVisa (available online prior to arrival)
- Travel insurance
- Personal purchases (souvenirs, spa treatments)
- Staff gratuities
- Premium spirits, top-shelf wines, and champagne
- Hot air balloon safari (available as optional extra)
Why Book with Beyond Kenya Safaris?
Family-Owned Since 2006 – As a family-run company based in Nairobi, we treat our guests as part of our extended family. Every detail matters, from your first inquiry to the final farewell.
Tailor-Made Safaris – No two journeys are the same. We listen, understand your vision, and design experiences around your dreams—from luxury lodge stays to immersive cultural encounters.
Seamless Logistics – Being based in Nairobi gives us a unique advantage. From airport pickups to domestic connections, we handle the details so you can focus on the experience.
Best Prices Guaranteed – Thanks to long-standing partnerships with camps, lodges, and airlines, we offer competitive, transparent pricing with unbeatable value.
Expert Guides – Our guides are more than drivers—they are storytellers, naturalists, and your companions in adventure, ensuring every moment in the bush is as enriching as it is exciting.
Best Time to Travel
The Masai Mara offers exceptional year-round wildlife viewing, while Namunyak Conservancy enjoys a mild, malaria-free climate throughout the year.
Enquire About This Safari
Email: sales@beyondkenyasafaris.com
Website: beyondkenyasafaris.com
Let us craft your perfect Kenyan safari—a story waiting to be lived, shared, and remembered forever.
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