A classic river-facing safari lodge for Samburu / Buffalo Springs safaris—designed for comfort, views, and an easy “lodge base” experience.
Samburu Simba Lodge is a well-established safari lodge set on the edge of the Samburu plains with views toward the Ewaso Ng’iro River, positioning it as a strong base for game drives in the Samburu ecosystem and neighbouring Buffalo Springs. The lodge is known for spacious rooms with private balconies, a resort-style feel, and a mix of leisure amenities that suit families, couples, and small groups who want downtime between game drives.
1) Location and “feel” of the lodge
- Setting: River-and-plains interface—exactly the kind of habitat where elephants, plains game, and predators concentrate around water and shade during hot hours.
- Atmosphere: A “classic lodge” profile—structured services, a social restaurant/bar environment, and on-site facilities that support relaxed afternoons after game drives.
2) Rooms and guest experience
Samburu Simba Lodge emphasises spacious rooms designed for comfort, each with private balconies oriented to panoramic bush views—so the lodge experience continues even when you are not on game drives.
Best-fit expectations:
- If you value a proper lodge compound (restaurants, pools, lounge time) rather than an intimate tented-camp vibe, this property is a good match.
- The balcony format is especially appealing for travellers who like quiet wildlife watching from their room (especially early mornings and late afternoons).
3) Amenities and on-site facilities (what you actually get)
From the lodge’s official amenity list, key facilities include:
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Bar & lounge
- Wi-Fi
- Safety deposit box
- Gift shop
- Laundry
- Massage parlour
- Meeting rooms / conference facilities
- Facilities for guests with disabilities
- Currency exchange
Expert take: This is a strong amenities package for Samburu because the region can be hot at midday—having a pool, comfortable lounge/bar space, and reliable meal service meaningfully improves the overall trip experience, especially for families and mixed-age groups.
4) Wildlife value: what Samburu Simba Lodge positions you to see
The lodge markets strong access to the Samburu Special Five:
- Reticulated giraffe
- Grevy’s zebra
- Beisa oryx
- Somali ostrich
- Gerenuk
Beyond these, the river system commonly supports elephants, crocodiles/hippos in some stretches, and predator activity in thickets—especially leopard habitat along riverine edges (sightings are never guaranteed, but the habitat is right).
5) 2026 rates (current/indicative) and how to read them
Safari accommodation pricing changes by season, occupancy (single vs double), and what is included (full board vs bed & breakfast, park fees, game drives, transfers).
A published 2025–2026 rate schedule (non-resident, Full Board + VAT) lists the following 2026 room rates per night:
2026 published rate guide (Full Board + VAT)
| 2026 Season Window | Single (1 guest) | Double (2 guests) |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Dec 2025 – 31 Mar 2026 | USD 220 | USD 270 |
| 1 Apr 2026 – 30 Jun 2026 | USD 115 | USD 210 |
| 1 Jul 2026 – 31 Oct 2026 | USD 240 | USD 300 |
| 1 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 | USD 200 | USD 250 |
Important pricing notes (operational reality):
- These rates explicitly exclude park fees and can exclude game drives and transfers depending on how you book/package.
- Your final safari quote should separate: accommodation + meals, vehicle/driver-guide, park fees, and transfers (so guests don’t confuse “room rate” with “total safari cost”).
6) Suitability and comparisons (which traveller should choose this lodge)
Best for
- Families and mixed groups who want a pool, reliable dining, and a comfortable base between drives
- Travellers who prefer a lodge compound over a small tented camp
- Corporate/retreat groups needing conference capability alongside safari downtime
Consider an alternative if…
- You want the most intimate, ultra-wilderness feel (smaller tented camps can feel more exclusive)
- Your priority is premium luxury detailing and private-deck tent experiences (higher-end tented camps may suit better)
- You are aiming for the lowest possible budget (Samburu has cheaper non-lodge options, but with fewer amenities)
How it compares to other Samburu options (high-level)
- Versus pure tented camps: Samburu Simba typically offers more “resort-style” facilities (pool, lounges, group capacity).
- Versus top-end luxury camps: it is usually more value-forward while still being comfortable and well-serviced.
7) Practical booking guidance (what to confirm before paying)
To avoid surprises, confirm these items in writing on your final quote/invoice:
- Board basis: Full Board vs Half Board vs B&B
- Whether game drives are included or charged separately
- Whether park fees are included (often they are not for guests)
- Room type/occupancy: single vs double, and any child policy
Bottom line
Samburu Simba Lodge is a strong choice for travellers who want classic lodge comfort in a river-and-plains safari setting, with the amenities (pool, bar/lounge, restaurant, Wi-Fi) that make Samburu’s warm midday hours genuinely enjoyable—while still delivering excellent access to the Samburu ecosystem’s rare northern wildlife.