Samburu National Reserve belongs among Kenya’s elite safari destinations. Compact and manageable, filled with fabulous wildlife and far enough away from the rest of Kenya’s safari circuit to keep tourist numbers relatively low, Samburu is outstanding. The park also has excellent accommodations, especially along the scenic Ewaso Nyiro River. Samburu may not be at the top of many safari-goers’ list of must-see places to visit, but it should be.
There are plenty of accommodations to choose from inside Samburu’s boundaries, but there are other options. Some travelers choose to stay in neighboring Buffalo Springs National Reserve (a two- to three-hour drive to Samburu, depending on where you begin) or Shaba National Reserve (also a two- to three-hour drive away). Combining Buffalo Springs and/or Shaba with Samburu is an excellent thing to do, although you’ll pay separate entry fees for each reserve. Read on for our pick of the best-value lodges and camps in the area.
1. Samburu Sopa Lodge (Samburu NR)
Unlike many other accommodations that cluster along the riverbank, the Samburu Sopa occupies a location near Samburu’s hills and well away from any other lodges or camps. This means that it’s wonderfully quiet and you’re unlikely to be assailed by other safari vehicles as soon as you leave camp. The lodge itself has large bungalows that have thatched roofs and old-style safari decor, with splashes of color set against a soothing backdrop of earth tones. Open the door to your room and be prepared for big-sky Samburu views.
Facilities here also include a decent restaurant, a bar and a swimming pool that’s ideal for cooling off under the fierce Samburu sun.
2. Ashnil Samburu Camp (Buffalo Springs NR)
Stretched out along the southern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River, Ashnil Samburu Camp is a terrific choice for staying in Buffalo Springs. The views (including across the river into Samburu) are stunning, and the wildlife possibilities begin almost from the minute you leave the camp gate; elephants often wander along the riverbank alongside camp.
The hexagonal safari tents are spacious and nicely turned out with wooden furnishings and bold safari colors. The wonderfully leafy grounds shelter an airy bar and an open-sided restaurant; from both, and even from the tents at night, the roar of the river can be a reassuring soundtrack in this otherwise barren landscape. There’s also a swimming pool, a spa and wellness center, and a gift shop.
3. Samburu Simba Lodge (Buffalo Springs NR)
Samburu Simba Lodge is unusual around Samburu in that it has plenty of trees on the lodge grounds, which keeps things cool, but the open country all around it offers terrific views (and wildlife viewing). The lodge is close to the river on the Buffalo Springs side, and you can see a long way in every direction, including north across the river to Samburu and beyond to the mountains. And because you’re away from most other lodges and lights, the view of the stars here at night is fantastic.
In such vast country, the rooms have a cozy, intimate feel, thanks to the decor that draws on local Samburu crafts and artworks. While you’re in camp you can make the most of the swimming pool, restaurant, bar, massage center and gift shop.
4. Sarova Shaba Game Lodge (Shaba NR)
This outpost of the respected, experienced and professional Sarova chain of lodges has one of the best locations in Shaba National Reserve: it’s spread out along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River and far from any other lodges or camps. Rooms make use of traditional local materials, such as wood and decorative bricks, while the quiet location is the ideal safari escape for a few days. The lodge also promises a restaurant, an appealing bar and lounge area, a pretty palm-shaded swimming pool, a massage and wellness center, and a small gift shop.
5. Elephant Bedroom Camp (Samburu NR)
You’ll want to sit forever on the deck of your safari tent at Elephant Bedroom Camp, looking out over the Ewaso Nyiro River. Some of the decks have the bonus of a private plunge pool, and while you’re there, you might just see an elephant (or a leopard, or a pride of lions) come down to the water’s edge to drink. The tents themselves perfectly capture the romance of being on safari – listen at night for lions roaring, or elephants trumpeting, nearby – while containing all the comforts and small luxuries of staying in one of Samburu’s best camps.
The food, public lounge areas, and high levels of service are all among the best you’ll find in the main reserve. Best of all, Samburu’s legendary wildlife is never far away.
6. Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp (Samburu NR)
Samburu Intrepids combines luxurious rooms and facilities with strong Samburu community credentials
Almost enclosed by a bend in the picturesque Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu Intrepids has effortlessly luxurious tents with hardwood floors and an enduring sense of space and light. The camp’s commitment to, and connections with, local Samburu communities shine through in both the decor in the rooms and public areas, and the activities which can include time spent learning about local culture. After dark, the whole place seems to glow in the lantern light, with incredible views of the stars to enjoy from many places about camp. And, of course, the camp has excellent dining, lovely places to relax and a good swimming pool.
7. Soroi Larsens Camp (Samburu NR)
Located in a privileged position along the Ewaso Nyiro Riverbank inside Samburu NR, Soroi Larsens Camp is one of the most luxurious accommodation choices anywhere in the Samburu area. The tents are large and lovely, strewn with Persian carpets and intricate antique furnishings atop wooden floors: open the doors for views of the river from your bed. And the canvas walls let in all the magical night sounds of Africa while you lie safely in bed after dark.
As you might expect, the luxury experience extends to all corners of camp life, from the impeccable service to the fine dining in the elevated riverside restaurant. And you’ll feel suitably pampered in the spa center.
8. Saruni Samburu Camp (Kalama Conservancy, near Samburu NR)
You’re in for a real treat at Saruni Samburu, which is also known as Saruni Basecamp. For a start, you’re staying in the only camp in Kalama Conservancy, which borders Samburu and has much of the same wildlife and none of the safari vehicle traffic; you’ll almost certainly see more elephants here than other travelers. The ridgetop location is remarkable and unlike anywhere else across the Samburu area. And being in the conservancy also means plenty of opportunities to spend time with Samburu communities.
The luxury rooms here are built into the rocks and have astonishing views. But the views aren’t just restricted to your room – the restaurant, the sundowner campfire and the swimming pool all look out over a landscape that seems to go on forever.
