Nestled in the heart of northern Kenya, the Samburu National Reserve is a haven for those seeking an authentic African wildlife experience. A distinctive feature of the reserve is its unique wildlife, including the ‘Samburu Special Five’: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and the Beisa oryx, species not found in most other wildlife areas in Kenya.
The varied topography, from the arid savannahs to the lush banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, provides a stunning backdrop for the myriad of wildlife and bird species that call the reserve home. What complements these experiences is the diverse array of accommodations within and around the reserve, catering to the various preferences and budgets of visitors from across the globe.
Camps and lodges in the Samburu National Reserve range from luxury lodges with plush suites and private plunge pools, to intimate tented camps that offer a closer connection with the wilderness.
Here is a list of the best camps and lodges in Samburu game reserve.
Elephant Bedroom Camp
Elephant Bedroom Camp is a luxury tented camp situated inside the Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya.
The camp offers luxury tents, each equipped with modern amenities for comfort, such as en-suite bathrooms. The tents provide an intimate connection with the surrounding wilderness without compromising on comfort and luxury.
Elephant Bedroom Camp is nestled in a grove of doum palms on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, providing a natural backdrop for relaxation. It’s known for the frequent visits by elephants, as they meander between the tented accommodations.
The camp usually offers a dining area where guests can enjoy meals with views of the river, a lounge area for relaxation, and a swimming pool to cool off in the heat. Wi-Fi access is typically provided in public areas.
In addition to game drives to view the wildlife of Samburu National Reserve, the camp may also arrange guided bush walks, cultural visits to local Samburu villages, bird watching, and lectures on Samburu culture.
The camp often serves a blend of African and international cuisine. Depending on the weather and safety conditions, they might offer bush breakfasts or dinners, which are meals served in the wilderness for a unique dining experience.
Samburu Intrepids Luxury Tented Camp
Samburu Intrepids offers luxurious tented accommodations. Each tent is typically equipped with a four-poster bed and en-suite bathroom, providing a blend of comfort and a close-to-nature experience.
The camp is situated on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, in the heart of the Samburu National Reserve. This central location allows for excellent game viewing, as many animals come to the river to drink.
The camp usually offers a range of facilities and services, including an open-air dining area, a bar, a free-form swimming pool, and a lounge. Additionally, it often provides services like laundry and Wi-Fi access.
Samburu Intrepids not only offers game drives but also a variety of other activities such as bird watching, nature walks, and visits to local Samburu villages. They also have a unique offering for children known as the Adventurers’ Club, which provides educational wildlife experiences for young guests.
The dining experience at Samburu Intrepids often includes a variety of cuisine options, combining African and international dishes. They may also offer special dining experiences such as bush breakfasts or dinners, depending on weather conditions and safety considerations.
Samburu Sopa Lodge
Samburu Sopa Lodge offers comfortable rooms designed in traditional African roundhouse style. Each room typically features two beds with a seating area, en-suite facilities, and a private veranda.
The lodge is located inside the Samburu National Reserve, offering guests an ideal vantage point for game viewing, with the reserve being home to the unique wildlife species known as the ‘Samburu Special Five’.
It generally provides a range of facilities such as a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar/lounge area. It also often offers services like laundry and room service.
In addition to game drives, the lodge may arrange for bird watching excursions, guided nature walks, and cultural visits to local Samburu villages.
Samburu Sopa Lodge usually offers an array of dining options with meals typically being a mix of international and local cuisine. They often provide both indoor and outdoor dining experiences.
The design of Samburu Sopa Lodge reflects the architectural heritage of the local Samburu community, giving guests a feel for the local culture while also blending in with the surrounding environment.
Ashnil Samburu Camp
Ashnil Samburu Camp is a luxury tented camp situated in the Buffalo Springs Game Reserve, which is adjacent to the Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya.
The Camp offers a number of luxury tented accommodations. Each tent is typically spacious, with comfortable beds and an en-suite bathroom. They often provide a private veranda for wildlife viewing.
The camp is located in Buffalo Springs Game Reserve, overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River. This location offers guests the opportunity to experience a rich variety of wildlife, including unique northern species not found in the southern parks of Kenya.
Ashnil Samburu Camp usually offers a restaurant, bar, and a comfortable lounge area. The camp also often provides a swimming pool, souvenir shop, and even a business center for those who need to stay connected.
Ashnil Samburu Camp not only offers game drives but also a variety of other activities such as guided nature walks, bush meals, bird watching, and visits to the Samburu communities to experience their culture.
The dining experience at Ashnil Samburu Camp often includes a variety of cuisine options, blending African and international dishes. They may also offer special dining experiences such as bush dinners, picnic lunches, and sundowners, depending on weather conditions and safety considerations.
Ashnil Samburu Camp is typically involved in a number of conservation efforts, and they work closely with the local community to ensure sustainable tourism practices.
Samburu Simba Lodge
Samburu Simba Lodge is a well-known lodge located in the Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya.
The Lodge typically offers spacious rooms with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Each room usually has an en-suite bathroom and a balcony or patio.
The lodge is positioned on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, offering spectacular views of the river and the vast, wild land of Samburu. The location in the Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserve provides guests with an ideal opportunity to see a plethora of wildlife, including the unique species known as the ‘Samburu Special Five’.
Samburu Simba Lodge generally provides a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar. It often offers other services such as laundry and room service.
In addition to game drives in the reserve, the lodge may organize guided nature walks, bird watching excursions, and cultural visits to local Samburu communities.
Samburu Simba Lodge usually provides a dining experience that includes a mix of African and international cuisine. Depending on the weather, they might offer special dining experiences like bush dinners.
Larsens Camp
Larsens Camp typically offers luxury tented accommodations. Each tent is usually set on a raised wooden platform and features comfortable furnishings and an en-suite bathroom. Many tents also provide a private veranda for wildlife viewing.
The camp is located on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, within the boundaries of the Samburu National Reserve. This location offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including the unique northern species that make up the ‘Samburu Special Five’.
Larsens Camp generally provides a range of facilities including a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar. In addition to these, guests might also have access to services like laundry and Wi-Fi.
Beyond game drives in the reserve, Larsens Camp may offer other activities such as bird watching, guided nature walks, and cultural visits to local Samburu communities.
Dining at Larsens Camp is often an experience in itself. They usually offer a blend of African and international cuisine, with special dining experiences like bush dinners or riverside breakfasts potentially available, depending on the weather and safety considerations.
Sentrim Samburu Lodge
Sentrim Samburu Lodge is a comfortable accommodation option located near the Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya.
Sentrim Samburu Lodge offers a range of rooms and tents, designed to provide guests with a comfortable and unique lodging experience. Each room or tent typically includes a private bathroom and a terrace for wildlife viewing.
The lodge is located near the Samburu National Reserve, providing guests with easy access to a range of wildlife viewing opportunities. The region is known for its unique wildlife, including species such as the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra, which are not commonly seen in southern Kenya.
Sentrim Samburu Lodge generally provides facilities like a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar. It often offers services like laundry and room service.
In addition to game drives in the reserve, the lodge may arrange for guided nature walks, bird watching, and visits to local Samburu villages to experience the local culture.
Dining at Sentrim Samburu Lodge typically involves a blend of local and international cuisines. Depending on the weather, they might offer special dining experiences such as outdoor barbecues or picnic lunches.