Saruni Samburu

Samburu is an incredibly beautiful place and undoubtedly one of the best wildlife parks in Africa. Its rugged hills, undulating plains and striking red soil provide a stark contrast to the picturesque ribbon of green riverine woodland that borders the life giving Ewaso Nyiro River.

Located in the northern part of Kenya, Samburu offers sanctuary to an extraordinary variety of animals and for keen birders there are over 365 species of birds. Game viewing is excellent, and as well as boasting all the African big cats, it has several rare and striking species such as the reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, oryx and grevy’s zebra. But above all Samburu is elephant country and your enduring impression of this magnificent wilderness region is likely to be a family of these extraordinary creatures bathing in the river right in front of you.

Saruni Samburu is a brand new lodge which is located on the Kalama Conservancy right next to the Samburu National Reserve. Surrounded by 95,000 hectares of private wilderness and perched on top of a spectacular viewpoint Saruni Samburu is a rare privilege for its handful of guests. Imaginatively designed by Kenyan architect Mark Glen, each of the four huge rooms is a haven of peace and tranquillity, constructed from natural materials, with a spacious bedroom looking out over the plains below and an equally vast bathroom with equally good views. The wall-less design of the cottages and creative harnessing of shade means that the cottages are blissfully cool in the heat of the day without the need for intrusive air-conditioning. Two of the rooms have two bedrooms and a separate living area, so are suitable for families or two couples travelling together, and all the rooms are spaced apart along winding paths atop the rocks. You will always be able to find your own private spot to relax, reflect and feel completely at one with the beauty of the surroundings.

The vastness and purity of this African wilderness landscape combined with the untouched local culture makes for a genuinely different experience and throughout your stay you will be led by professional Samburu guides and hosted by smiling and welcoming staff. The main dining and sitting area is the perfect place to enjoy a drink as the sun sets behind the mountains in the distance, while the large infinity pool slightly lower down the rocks is sometimes visited by local leopards as a waterhole.

Day and night game drives in open top 4x4 vehicles, guided bush walks, bush meals and sundowners take place in the Samburu National Reserve, the Buffalo Springs National Reserve and on the private conservancy. The traditions and semi-nomadic heritage of the local Samburu people are an important part of the experience, and over 90% of the staff here are from local families. The feeling of exclusivity as you roam your vast private wilderness is sure to be a highlight of your safari.

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