Lounging in Luxury at the Saruni Leopard Hill Reserve in Masa Mara, Kenya

Saruni Leopard Hill is a perfect choice for either couples or families looking to take their first safari trip to Africa. This quaint, quiet and intimate lodge only has six bungalows, so the staff truly dotes on their guests from the time you arrive to the time you depart and makes you feel safe and special at all times.

Our special staff at Saruni Leopard Hill

First, let's talk about the location. After flying in a puddle jumper and then traveling by jeep for an hour to get to this remote lodge in the Masa Mara, you'll feel safe and secure. The staff must accompany you at all times on the lodge's grounds, so you will be walked to and from your tented bungalow every morning and night. There is an indoor/outdoor lounge available all day to read, relax or have a cup of tea or glass of wine while gazing at the Masa Mara with binoculars or under the stars by the campfire. The restaurant on-site offers sit-down service for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but the chef can also prepare breakfast or a snack to go if you'd like to have your meal out on the Masa Mara a la "sundowner". This is something I highly recommend you do. Talk to your driver or hostess to set this up in advance. There is nothing like having your morning tea while watching antelope gallop by, or drinking wine and eating chips in the afternoon under an awe-inspiring Acacia tree near where the animals are taking a break too. This was one of the most peaceful experiences I've ever had.

Image 1: Sipping and sundowning while on safari; Image 2: Tented bungalows allow for safety and privacy

Breakfast to go on your morning safari

When you get back to the lodge, you must take a minute to spend time on your large deck to exercise like I did. Each bungalow has yoga mats to help you stay fit and centered while in this remote location. Ask the staff to set up a bonfire on your deck too, to make for a beautiful evening. But my favorite special touch at the lodge was the hot water bottle that housekeeping puts in your bed at turndown service each night while you are at dinner. I cannot tell you how wonderful it feels to climb into a heated bed after a long day of chilly winds and bumpy safari jeep rides, to help you sleep so restfully. I looked forward to that water bottle every night. I braved drawing the tented shades down each night to sleep in the dark and opened the retractable roof to see the stars at night. At one point, I thought, "What could be better than this in my life?"

Image 1: Bed and slipper time at Saruni Leopard Hill; Image 2: Open concept bathroom at Saruni Leopard Hill

Lounging while looking out on our deck at Saruni Leopard Hill

I could go on and on about this wonderful place but rather than say more, I'd simply suggest you go and experience it for yourself. If you have time, make sure to ask your driver to take you out to the countryside to meet the Masa Mara people in their villages. They treated us so wonderfully and sang and jumped for my husband to honor his 50th birthday (a traditional dance) - it was so fun and he was overcome with joy. Finally, I'd also recommend you take advantage of every safari ride offered. Although the morning call time is early (around 6 am) and it can be chilly (but you'll get a nice blanket from your driver), you will witness a lot of "action" on the morning rides. We saw a live kill one morning and a huge lion pride as well. Your pictures and videos will be amazing and you will be the envy of your friends, as you'll witness so many species in one setting peacefully existing (well, at times) in one of the most beautiful and untouched places on Earth.

The King of the Jungle has awoken

Masa Mara tribe made my husband's 50th birthday so memorable

If you are willing to try a different type of vacation and are looking to do something educational with your loved ones and/or family, book here. The staff will take care of you and make your safari experience easy, fun, enjoyable and safe.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for this trip:

1. Pack light! You can only bring one duffle bag that is 35 pounds or lighter on the small plane you have to take to get from Wilson Airport to the Masa Mara. The puddle jumper planes are small and cramped, so if you are skittish about flying in general you may not want to go on this trip but if you can brave it, you'll see some unforgettable sites.

2. Bring warm clothes that are neutral in color and a pillow cushion. I visited Kenya in August, and it was chilly most days. Mainly 40-60 degrees, which doesn't seem intolerable but when you are on your morning safaris, the wind and open air slices right through you, so you need to layer up! It's also best to wear colors that blend in with the environment so you don't attract flies. Avoid black or dark blue and instead wear tans, olives and mustard colors. The pillow cushion? Well, that's for your derriere because you will be bouncing up and down in a jeep all day. A back brace may help too.

3. Bring LOTS of chargers. Remember, you are going to be off the grid so make sure to bring your adapters and portable phone chargers as power supplies are quite limited, and/or slow.

4. Respect the animals, please. Don't gesture to them or get too close. They generally don't bother humans but if you rile them up, they may so listen to your tour guide/driver - he/she knows exactly what to do and will keep you safe

5. Relax. Do your best to unplug. Safaris are for seeing animals up close and being present at all times. Take the time to learn about each species, the land and the people. Africa is a beautiful continent ripe with resources, history and opportunities to connect to the Motherland.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Kenya page.