Accomodation in and around Kenya's National Parks and -Reserves:

Samburu National Reserve

Saruni Safari Lodge

Saruni Samburu is located at the heart of the Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy, about 7 km from the northern border of the Samburu National Reserve (accessed through the Kalama Gate). It also borders Ngutuk Ongiron to the west, Namunyak Community Conservation Trust to the north and Sera Community Wildlife Conservation to the north east. Centered around a core conservation area of 3,150 hectares, Kalama represents a crucial migratory corridor between northern and southern conservation areas of this spectacular region of Kenya. Large herds of elephants cross Kalama in their migratory routes between the different conservancies that are under the NRT umbrella. Kalama members have coexisted with the Samburu National Reserve for over 40 years, sharing revenues and wildlife. Access to Saruni Samburu is through the Kalama airstrip or the Buffalo Springs airstrip, Lewa and Meru.

Perched on the top of the Kalama Mountains with an all-round view of Northen Kenya all the way to snow-covered Mount Kenya, Saruni Samburu is a design lodge that is introducing a fresh concept to a well-known safari destination. Built on the pristine land owned by the Kalama Wildlife Conservancy in 240,000 acres-large Gir Gir Group Ranch, it is only seven kilometers - and 20 minutes of exciting game drive - away from the Northern border of Samburu National Reserve, a celebrated elephant sanctuary. The lodge offers first-class safari experience in a totally un-spoilt environment, far from the beaten tracks but very close to the wildlife.

There are four houses (two of them are large family villas with two separate bedrooms each and two spectacular bathrooms), a large swimming pool with dramatic view over Samburuland, a waterhole that attract elephant, reticulated giraffe, zebra, oryx and all the species that make Kalama so special.

Elephant Bedroom

Elephant Bedroom is set on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu National Reserve. Surrounded by doum palms and other beautiful indigenous trees and shrubs sits this small and exclusive camp of 12 luxury tents - all furnished in rustic African style while offering all the comforts expected of a luxury Camp (hot & cold running water, electricity and herbal products). There are 4 tents with king size double beds and 8 tents with queen size twin beds, each with a private verandah overlooking the river.

The lounge and dining area offer vibrant safari colours with original oil paintings, soft intimate lighting designed to relax guests returning from an exciting game drive. Huge herds of elephant, prides of lion or the solitary leopard amongst other game are regular visitors around the camp providing excellent game viewing in spectacular scenic background of rugged rolling hills.

Breakfast and 3 course lunch are served al fresco on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River under the shade of the trees (weather permitting). Dining in the spacious dining & lounge tent with large verandah is a culinary experience with 4 course candle lit gourmet dinner set either under the African sky or inside the well appointed dining area. Private meals can be arranged on the guest tent veranda or under the stars.

240V charging facilities are provided in the lounge and kerosene lanterns bathe the paths at night while Samburu warriors escort the guests from and to their tents.

Larsens Camp

Larsens Camp, located in Samburu National Reserve, is named after Erik Ole Larsen, a legendary Dane credited with defining the luxury safari under canvas. The camp is bordered by the Ewaso Nyiro River on one side and there is nothing to see but pristine nature on the other three.

With just 20 free standing luxurious tented accomodations, each with a private balcony, the camp offers distinct luxury African safari experiences. All tents are discreetly sited along the west bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River with the result that the tents are bathed with light at sunrise. Each tent stands on a plinth of natural stone and all have en suite private bathrooms stocked with a range of Molton Brown toiletries, flushing toilets and constant hot water. Each tent features 1 king or 2 twin beds designed in chic safari style.

Electricity (240 volts) at Larsens Camp is through Diesel generators that are run at short durations and switched off for some hours. Being a member of the Small Luxury Hotels, their verge to being environmentally friendly and considering the times that guests are back at Camp, therefore they provide power on at the following times: 0530-0930hrs, 1230-1500hrs and 1800-2300hrs.

Larsens serves an exquisite a la carte menu for all three meals. Snacks can be requested 24 hrs a day. Guests share their dining experiences in locations that may vary from day to day. Breakfast, lunch or dinner may be served on the river bank under a canopy of fig trees, on the river front deck, by the camp fire, on the tree deck overlooking a watering hole or in the untamed wilderness. Sundowners are served every evening by the camp fire or on the tree deck. Guests can have their pick of cocktails, fine wines, sparkling wines and a variety of beers and soft drinks served at the Larsens Bar.

The camp is connected by telephone, VHF and HF radio and hi speed wireless internet. For your security the complex is patrolled on a 24 hour basis and is entirely protected by an electric fence.

Ashnil Samburu Camp

Ashnil Samburu Camp is located near Samburu National Park in Buffalo Springs Game Reserve which takes its name from an oasis of crystal clear water at the western end of the reserve. It is separated from Samburu National Reserve by Ewaso Nyiro River and is less hilly and dense yet equally very attractive.

The camp provides a total number of 24 deluxe en-suite tents, 12 with King or Queen sized beds, 9 with twin beds and 3 with triple beds. Each of the exclusive comfortable deluxe tents gives perfect view of the Ewaso Nyiro River, surrounding beautiful landscape and all lives this brown river supports. Every spacious tent consists of a dressing area, sitting area, luggage rack and en-suite facilities to provide a memorable stay close to nature.

The main guest area, shaded by a canopy of acacia trees consists of the reception, lounge area, dining area, bar and veranda deck with a view of the river. The open sitting restaurant located in the main building, overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro River and can sit a maximum of 100 guests. The buffet platforms, both warm and cold, sit in the middle of the restaurant for easy access by all, providing surprising international, oriental and African traditional cuisines. There are other available options in place that can be arranged on request like bubbly bush dinners and breakfast and picnic lunch boxes.

Nearby is the modern lounge, with its décor perfectly done to give it an African touch. There is a variety drinks served and include liqueur, soft drinks, cocktails, wines, and spirits, local and international beers. The sitting capacity is about 60 guests. After a grueling game drive you can also take a dip in the swimming pool or simply relax by the pool which is a wonderful viewing deck of the Ewaso Nyiro River. This is the perfect place to relax and laze around in the calm afternoons. In the evenings, enjoy the breathtaking sunset after taking a game drive to this truly heavenly place.

Samburu Game Lodge

Samburu game Lodge is set in 10 acres of pristine riverine forest on the western bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River within the Samburu National Reserve at an altitude of 857 meters above sea level.

All cottages, rooms and suites, numbering 61 in total, are decorated using the finest materials and fabrics. All accommodations have en suite bathrooms, some with baths, and all have private balconies overlooking the river. There are several family rooms. One room has been custom designed to accommodate the special needs of physically challenged persons.

Lorokushu restaurant is designed in distinct African style overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro river and can accommodate 120 guests. Diners are entertained by a Samburu flute player. Crocodile bar is on the level of the river bank to allow for close viewing of crocodile, monitor lizards and sometimes elephant and leopard on the opposite bank. Towards sunset each day, bait is put out to attract crocodiles to within feet of watchers, but in conditions of perfect safety. Vulturine bar is a reflection of Samburu's abundant and unique bird life and is opened throughout the day and evening overlooking the river.

The Swimming Pool is located in an enclosed area shaded by flowering shrubs. It is provided with sun beds and a pool side bar serves drinks and snacks between the hours of 10.00 and 17.00. The swimming pool features a jacuzzi and game viewing deck overlooking the park. There is a dancing area set aside for dancing displays most afternoons at 14.30 by Samburu men and women dressed in their traditional finery. At 21.30 on evenings alternating with the showing of a wildlife video, a troop of Maasai Morans (young men) entertain guests to a 30 minute display of traditional dancing.

The lodge is connected by telephone,VHF and HF radio and hi speed wireless internet. A generator provides 240 volt electricity around the clock. The Lodge has a fully equipped First Aid station and a trained medical nurse is on 24 hour standby-by.

Samburu Intrepids

Samburu Intrepids is a lush oasis on the banks of the great Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu Game Reserve. The tented lodge is a delight to be in – deliciously cooled by the river breeze and the forest. The luxury tented camp sits on raised decks overlooking the brown river where the elephants sometimes make an appearance or the crocodiles come out to lounge by the river’s banks.

The lodge offers 30 modern and newly refurbished tents, widely spread across a large riverside site to ensure guests the optimum of privacy and peace. Each tent is sitting on a raised deck with a private view over the wildlife-rich banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Each tent is furnished in the classic style of the grand African safaris, with large four-poster beds and handsome reproduction furniture, offset by modern en suite bathrooms with hot showers, flush toilets and all modern amenities.

There are two types of tents: The Luxury Tent is spacious, covering 26m² and is fitted with a queen size bed 150x190 or 2 twin beds 90x190. Set under a palm-thatched roof with netted screens on either side to allow for the river breeze to keep them cool, the tents give you stunning views of the environment. The tent boasts the very latest in luxury camping; with soft beds, handsome mahogany closets and a writing desk as well as an en-suite bathroom with a steaming hot shower, twin washbasins, a flush toilet and sockets for shavers and battery charging.

The second type is luxury family tents, gorgeous homes under canvas. Beautifully decorated in stylistic African ethnic and modern pieces, the two bed-roomed family tents include a spacious lounge and an outside deck looking out at the river and the plains beyond. One of the rooms is fitted with a queen size bed 150x190 and the other 2 twin beds 90x190, both with en-suite bathroom with a hot shower; flush toilets and all the necessary amenities.

The camp has a riverfront dining deck and an open-air lounge area. Electric supply is provided by an reliable 240-volt generator. Samburu Intrepids Camp is secured by an electric fence to ward off animals and has 24 hour security.

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is situated in the Shaba Game Reserve on the banks of Ewaso Nyiro river, bordering Samburu National Park. The lodge is laid out around the natural springs that flow into the river and so surrounded by a natural oasis in the heart of "Born Free Country" that Joy and George Adamson called home for many years. The Lodge has a virtual mini forest of indigenuous trees, a fish pond and a large free form swimming pool.

The Lodge provides a presidential suite, 4 executive suites, 10 deluxe and 80 standard rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. The rooms are chalet style, on two storey thatched roof wooden structures. In addition there is the main restaurant, bar and numerous bush and al-fresco dining options. The free form swimming pool has its own pool bar. The entire Lodge is surrounded by a 24 hour double electric fence.

All chalet style rooms and suites at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge have private balconies with close view of the river and game park, ensuite bathrooms with permanent showers and WC, running hot & cold water, razor outlets with 220 and 240 volts, beds with mosquito nets and duvets, overhead fans with 240v power from 6am to midnight, tea and coffee making facilities

The Presidential Suite is situated amongst natural springs and lily pools, the suite is a stand-alone unit with a large bedroom, living and dining area and a vast bathroom with a private jacuzzi.

The four Executive Suites Executive Suites have a lounge that opens into a large bedroom with views of the river on one side and manicured greens and forest on the other side.

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge excels in the freshness and quality of its food which is supported by the Lodge’s own vegetable and herb garden. The main restaurant with a seating capacity of 150 people is located on stilts overlooking the river and free form pool with stunning views of the greens, river and bird-life. It serves buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cuisine includes pan-african, pan-european and pan-asian. The Chemi Chemi Bar is located along the river bank with natural spring water channels where guests can unwind to the soothing sound of water.

Samburu Simba Lodge

Samburu Simba Lodge is situated in the Buffalo Springs Game Reserve, bordering Samburu National Park. The lodge is overlooking the Buffalo Springs and the Ewaso Nyiro River. From your room you will have a fantastic view over the stunning plains, where elephants are grazing. Nearby rare game – reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx and long-necked gerunuk can be seen. Samburu Simba Lodge offers an exceptional up-close and personal African experience. Let the chef overwhelm you with a mouthwatering meal during your romantic bush dinner.

The Lodge consists of seven villas of ten rooms each – six on the ground floor and four on the first floor of which two rooms are interconnected. Lodge facilities include 2 swimming pools and a pool side bar.

Samburu Sopa Lodge

Samburu Sopa Lodge is situated in the middle of Samburu National Reserve, next to the Oryx airstrip. The lodge is built atop raised ground allowing panoramic views of distant Samburu hills to one side and El Ndonyo Keri (Samburu name for Mt. Kenya) on the other. The public areas are airy and spacious with views of the surrounding area. The reception is decorated with local artifacts, and rich earth colours typical of the Samburu area have been well blended. The lodge is the only one with a waterhole in Samburu which will allow animal viewing right in front of the lobby and can also be seen from bedroom verandahs especially during dry seasons.

Accomodation is in thirty cottages forming a buffalo horn pattern converge at the public facilities area, leaving the open end to free movement of the wildlife to access the waterhole. The architecture blends in with the area, to keep up with the style of the housing by the local Samburu people. Each cottage has two tastefully appointed bedrooms, each with two queen size beds, shower and private verandah. Local material has been used in the construction, furnishings and interior decoration. High ceilings and space ensure that the rooms are airy and comfortable. Two rooms next to the reception and public areas are designed for the physically challenged.

The bar located next to the lobby and the dining room both have a an uninterrupted view of the surrounding area.

Sentrim Samburu Camp

Sentrim Samburu Camp is located in Samburu Game Reserve. The entirely new 20 luxurious and comfortable deluxe tents spread out along the shady banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. The main guest area consists of reception, lounge area, restaurant and bar, gift shop and a bar lounge with a view of the river.

The 20 modern ensuite tents provide a private view over the wildlife–rich riverbanks. The spacious tents boasts the very latest in luxury camping, with soft beds (9 with double, 6 with twin beds), en suite bathroom with steaming hot shower. The bathroom also offers a washbasin, flush toilet and sockets for shavers. 5 tents, the so called premium tents, also have a private jacuzzi on their verandah. All tents have mosquito nets, fans, hairdryers, a minibar, coffee and tea making facility and a in room safe deposit box at no extra cost. A generator guarantees electrical power (240v AC, 50hz).

The main dining room has a seating capacity of 50, but meals can also be enjoyed on your private veranda. The lodge has a spacious lounge and bar area, where their naturalists deliver fascinating slide shows on most evenings. After your game drive you can have a swim in the freeform swimming pool, enjoy the jacuzzi or relax on one of the sun beds.