When it comes to luxury safaris in East Africa, travelers are often faced with multiple options. Two of the most renowned names are East Africa Wild and Saruni. Both promise unforgettable wildlife experiences, luxury accommodations, and immersive adventures.
However, they differ in their approach, destinations, and style of safari. In this article, we break down everything you need to know to choose the right safari provider for your dream trip.
Overview: East Africa Wild and Saruni Africa
East Africa Wild
East Africa Wild is a luxury safari operator that focuses on bespoke, high-end safari experiences across multiple countries in East and Southern Africa. They specialize in creating personalized itineraries that combine wildlife adventure, cultural immersion, and luxury accommodations. Whether you want to trek gorillas in Rwanda, chase the Great Migration in Tanzania, or explore the Okavango Delta in Botswana, East Africa Wild provides tailor-made experiences for every traveler.
Saruni Africa
Saruni is a boutique safari brand famous for its exclusive lodges, particularly in Kenya’s Laikipia region and the Masai Mara. Saruni offers intimate safari experiences with an emphasis on eco-luxury, privacy, and exceptional wildlife encounters. Their boutique approach attracts travelers who prefer small, exclusive groups and deep engagement with nature.
Safari Destinations
East Africa Wild Destinations
East Africa Wild offers an extensive portfolio of safari destinations across Africa, including:
- Kenya: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu
- Tanzania: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar
- Uganda & Rwanda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Volcanoes National Park (gorilla trekking)
- Botswana: Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park
- Zimbabwe & Zambia: Victoria Falls, Hwange, Lower Zambezi
- Namibia & South Africa: Etosha, Kruger National Park
- Seychelles: Luxury beach escapes
This broad range allows travelers to combine multiple countries in a single journey, offering a diversity of landscapes, wildlife, and cultures.
Saruni Destinations
Saruni primarily focuses on Kenya, with their luxury lodges located in:
- Laikipia: Known for its private conservancies, abundant wildlife, and conservation programs
- Masai Mara: Famous for the Great Migration and big cat sightings
Saruni’s destinations are carefully selected to provide exclusive wildlife encounters and a strong conservation impact.
Luxury Accommodations and Experiences
East Africa Wild
East Africa Wild selects handpicked lodges, tented camps, and boutique hotels that blend comfort with immersion in nature. Guests can expect:
- Luxury tented camps with modern amenities
- Private villas and suites in scenic locations
- Authentic cultural experiences integrated with wildlife excursions
- Personalized service tailored to each guest
They focus on high-end, diverse accommodations across multiple regions, giving travelers variety throughout their journey.
Saruni
Saruni is renowned for boutique lodges with a personal touch. Key features include:
- Private villas or exclusive lodges for intimate stays
- Eco-friendly architecture and practices
- Exceptional service with dedicated guides
- Direct access to wildlife conservancies for authentic safari experiences
The focus here is on privacy, exclusivity, and deep connection with nature, making it ideal for travelers seeking an intimate safari experience.
Safari Activities and Adventures
East Africa Wild Activities
East Africa Wild offers a wide array of curated activities:
- Game drives across famous national parks
- Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
- Hot air balloon safaris over the Masai Mara
- Photographic safaris with expert guides
- Luxury beach experiences in Seychelles and Zanzibar
Their approach is highly customizable, letting travelers combine adventure, photography, wildlife, and cultural experiences.
Saruni Activities
Saruni focuses on intimate and immersive wildlife experiences, including:
- Guided bush walks and game drives
- Wildlife tracking and photographic safaris
- Conservation-focused programs
- Cultural engagement with local communities
- Bird watching and eco-tourism experiences
Saruni emphasizes small-group adventures that provide direct contact with wildlife while supporting conservation efforts.
Conservation and Community Engagement
East Africa Wild
East Africa Wild actively supports local communities and conservation initiatives across Africa. Their safari programs often include:
- Contributions to wildlife conservation projects
- Eco-friendly practices in camps and lodges
Saruni
Saruni’s model centers on eco-luxury and sustainable tourism, with initiatives such as:
- Conservation of endangered species in Laikipia
- Community support through education and employment
- Low-impact lodge construction and operations
Both companies prioritize responsible tourism, but Saruni’s boutique approach emphasizes hands-on conservation impact.
Pricing and Customization
- East Africa Wild: Offers flexible pricing depending on destinations, activities, and accommodations. Multi-country safaris are customizable, catering to solo travelers, families, and groups.
- Saruni: Pricing is premium and focused on boutique lodge experiences. Most guests opt for 3-5 night stays at exclusive lodges with tailored safari activities.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose East Africa Wild if:
You want a diverse, multi-country luxury safari with fully customized itineraries, unique experiences like gorilla trekking, hot air balloon rides, and a mix of adventure and comfort. - Choose Saruni if:
You prefer intimate, boutique lodges with personalized service, exclusive wildlife encounters, and a strong focus on eco-luxury in Kenya.
Conclusion
Choosing between East Africa Wild and Saruni comes down to your travel style. For diverse, multi-country luxury safaris, East Africa Wild provides unmatched flexibility and variety. If your preference is for intimate, eco-conscious boutique lodges in Kenya, Saruni delivers exceptional personalized experiences. Both promise unforgettable encounters with Africa’s wildlife and landscapes, ensuring that your safari adventure will be truly remarkable.
FAQs
Q1: Are both East Africa Wild and Saruni suitable for families?
- Yes, East Africa Wild offers family-friendly itineraries with flexible activities. Saruni is better suited for adult travelers or small groups due to its boutique style.
Q2: Can I combine destinations with Saruni?
- Saruni focuses primarily on Kenya, so multi-country itineraries are limited compared to East Africa Wild.
Q3: Which provider is better for first-time safari travelers?
- East Africa Wild is more suitable for first-timers due to broader options, guidance, and customizable itineraries.
Q4: How eco-friendly are these safari companies?
- Both prioritize sustainability. Saruni emphasizes eco-lodges and hands-on conservation, while East Africa Wild integrates responsible tourism across multiple destinations.
Q5: Can I customize my safari experience?
- Yes, both providers allow customization, but East Africa Wild excels at multi-country bespoke safaris.
