Saruni Samburu

Saruni Samburu is a stunning remote and exclusive lodge located on Kalama Conservancy next to Samburu National Reserve, in Kenya’s wild North. The lodge is surrounded by a 200,000 acre private reserve and perched on top of a spectacular hilltop viewpoint. Its villas and infinity pools overlook waterholes where the famous Samburu elephant, leopard, Reticulated giraffe and Grevy' zebra gather to drink. The vastness and purity of this African landscape, combined with the untouched local culture make for a truly unforgettable and unique safari experience.

Kalama Wildlife Conservancy

Kalama is a hidden gem, representing a crucial migratory corridor between northern and southern conservation areas of this spectacular region of Kenya. The recent introduction of water means that Kalama is becoming an important attraction to all the Samburu wildlife. Large herds of elephants cross Kalama on their migratory routes between the different conservancies. Northern Kenya is one of Africa's last true wilderness areas. The absence of fences makes it one of the few places left that allows for the free movement of wildlife across a vast area. A red landscape dominated by acacia-grassland mosaic, with dramatic dry upland/montane forests rising from its plains, it is home to a wide diversity of species. Inhabited by pastoral tribes with rich traditional histories that are collectively striving to protect its ecological integrity and their own livelihoods - there is no better way for visitors to experience the real Africa.

Accommodation

Saruni Samburu’s six luxury villas are open and spacious, heralding incredible views over Kenya’s Northern Frontier District and Mount Kenya. The lodge is very well set up to cater for families, groups as well as honeymooners. Villas 1 and 4 are both suited to families with two ensuite rooms and the latter also ideal for a group of friends. Villas 2 and 6 can be used as a family unit or separately as single villas for two different groups of guests. Villa 3 has one ensuite room, perfect for couples or a group of 3. Villa 5, Saruni Samburu's honeymoon suite is uniquely built onto the edge of the hillside around the natural rock formations and quite rightfully boasts itself as the most amazing room in Africa. Villa Five has a special, secluded dining deck for romantic, private meals, making the most of the beautiful panoramic views of the wilderness below.

The lodge is celebrated for its innovative, eco-chic design as well as its Italian-inspired cuisine. The camp, with its large and attractive swimming pool overlooking the plains below, is surrounded by the 95,000 hectare Kalama Wildlife Conservancy, and overlooks several waterholes where the famous Samburu elephant, leopard, reticulated giraffe, oryx and Grevy's zebra come to drink. The panoramic view takes in the mountains of northern Kenya, from the Matthew's Mountain range to the north to Mount Kenya in the south.

Game-viewing at Saruni Samburu

Activities include game drives in Saruni Samburu's exclusive part of the Kalama Conservancy, visits to the caves where in the past the Samburu have painted and carved rock art during meat-eating feasts, professionally-led game walks and star gazing. Led by professional Samburu guides, our guests enjoy a new dimension of this rightfully popular region: the feeling of exclusivity, of having an incredibly large area totally to themselves, and a high level of comfort and tailor-made service.

Given it is in its own conservancy, Saruni can offer night drives (which are not allowed inside the reserve) with viewing of leopard, striped hyena and other nocturnal species. Bush dinners are also on offer, providing you with a memorable dining experience under the stars as well as bush breakfasts all in stunning locations. The traditions and semi-nomadic heritage of the local Samburu people are an important part of the experience as guests have the opportunity to learn about their culture. An impressive 80% of the lodge's staff and guides are local Samburu, all waiting to welcome you with their warm and friendly hospitality. In fact, many of them helped to build the lodge.

Saruni Samburu welcomes families and offers a unique Warriors Academy programme where you spend a few days learning the survival skills of Samburu warriors - learning to track animals and to make your nomadic home on the plains of Samburu.

Other activities

The Samburu 'wellbeing space' makes the most of the setting of Saruni Samburu, with views over the Kalama Conservancy. There's a wide range of treatments available, from massages. various facial treatments to manicures and pedicures. Other unique activities at Saruni Samburu include visits to local caves with pre-historic rock art and three scheduled drawing safaris (on set dates) led by a professional artist. For the more active, you can climb Mount Ololokwe, the sacred mountain of the Samburu people.