Best Camps and Lodges in Samburu

Sarara is a unique conservation & ecotourism model, driven by the indigenous Samburu people of Northern Kenya. In the remote Samburu lands of northern Kenya, the peaks of the Mathews Range surge toward the sky, studded with forests of cycads and juniper and surrounded by vast stretches of savanna lies Sarara, one of Kenya’s ultimate luxury tented camps. In an area of unrivalled natural beauty and wilderness. The savannah plains and lush mountain slopes are home to elephants, leopards, reticulated giraffes, wild dogs and kudu in ever-increasing numbers. This remote and dramatic landscape is also home to the local Samburu people whose age-old traditions, including the famous ‘singing wells’ are as much a part of the fabric of this land as the wildlife; 850,000 acres of pristine wilderness. The tents are spacious and high-ceilinged with private terraces with tables and chairs and morning coffee and tea are brought to you so that you can leisurely arise gazing out over the mountains. There is an outdoor bathroom offering a superb view of the hills from the shower and an indoor toilet and sink at the back of the tent. An absolute spoil, relish hearty breakfasts in the mess building, buffet-style lunches under the shady trees and delicious dinners served on the pool terrace or a romantic bush affair under starry skies. The roughly hewn rock pool, with its view over the distant mountains, offers the ideal place from which to view the surrounding wilderness in private. The adventurous can venture out on nature walks, mountain hikes, game drives, fly camping safaris, moonlit bush dinners, horseback riding, scenic flights, visits to the Samburu Singing Wells and a variety of other exciting adventures. Intimate and Limitless read more read less

Saruni Samburu is a luxury lodge perched atop a rocky inselberg in the exclusive, remote, Kalama Conservancy, north of the Samburu National Reserve. The six luxury eco-chic villas are open and spacious, each heralding spectacular views over Kalama Conservancy and Mount Kenya. The warm and welcoming hospitality makes for an intimate and exceptional experience. The lodge is revered for its innovative, eco-chic architecture and interesting design and décor, as well as its Italian-inspired cuisine. Guests can enjoy the vast panoramas from the dining and lounge area, the infinity pool and Samburu Wellbeing Space. The entire property is spread across an ochre-red mountain of solid rock with every part facing out across the plains far below. The arresting view is hidden until the last minute: you arrive by vehicle, up a steep rocky track at the rear of the lodge, and only when you walk from the car into the main lounge and dining area does the full vista open up in front of you to dramatic effect. It is truly spectacular. The open-fronted central lounge and dining area, known as Kudu House, is partially roofed and has a few shallow steps to create a subtle subdivision between the two areas. They share a similar style with clean, whitewashed walls, polished red-cement floors and North African and Arab fittings. The homely lounge is decorated with comfortable cream sofas positioned around tables strewn with coffee-table books and the floor is studded with Persian rugs and tall terracotta pots. A further sofa and chairs are set closer to the rock edge for those who can't tear themselves away from the view. A telescope sits in one corner and if you want to try star gazing in the evening then the staff will happily show you how to use it. Saruni Samburu is the only lodge in Kalama Conservancy, which borders Samburu National Reserve, with 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness to explore and enjoy exclusively. You are guided from start to finish by Samburu warriors who are passionate about their land and their culture, learning first-hand about their fascinating customs and traditions and gaining ancient, local knowledge about the land and the animals – a truly authentic experience. read more read less

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is located in a natural oasis in Shaba National Reserve and offers complete serenity amidst wild and beautiful surroundings. It is a unique safari experience that will fill your every sense with the sights and sounds of nature all around you. The Shaba Game Reserve is the natural habitat for the Grevy Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe and Gerenuk, only found in this part of Kenya. There are herds of Elephants, plenty of Lions, Cheetah and Crocodiles. The Shaba/ Samburu region has more than 350 different species of birds. Some of the species are endemic to the region whereas others have a more cosmopolitan distribution. The lodge offers guests an authentic safari experience, providing comfortable accommodation in a tranquil setting near the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river. This unique safari lodge stands out for its pioneering spirit and innovative design. The 85 woody rooms all have terraces and all rooms and the restaurant and bar overlook the river. read more read less