Accommodation - Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve, with its rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture, is a unique safari destination that offers a range of accommodation options. Visitors to Samburu can choose from luxurious lodges, eco-friendly camps, and budget-friendly campsites, all providing different levels of comfort and immersion in nature. This guide offers a comprehensive look at Samburu’s accommodation options, helping you find the ideal place to stay during your visit, whether you’re seeking an all-inclusive luxury experience or a simple, budget-friendly stay.

1. Luxury Lodges in Samburu

Luxury lodges in Samburu offer high-end accommodations that blend comfort with sustainability. Many of these lodges provide private, spacious rooms, gourmet dining, and exclusive access to private game drives, making them ideal for travelers seeking a premium safari experience.

Samburu Sopa Lodge

Location: Situated on the high ground overlooking Samburu, offering sweeping views of the plains.
Accommodation: Features spacious cottages with private verandas, allowing guests to enjoy views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
Amenities: A large pool, on-site restaurant, and bar. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with en-suite bathrooms.
Highlights: Known for its scenic location, Samburu Sopa Lodge is ideal for travelers looking for a peaceful, luxurious experience with excellent amenities and panoramic views.

Samburu Intrepids Luxury Tented Camp

Location: Located on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, offering direct access to wildlife and river views.
Accommodation: Luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms, hardwood floors, and private terraces. Each tent is raised on stilts, providing an elevated view of the river.
Amenities: On-site swimming pool, lounge area, and an open-air dining space. Private game drives and guided bush walks are available for guests.
Highlights: The camp’s location along the river makes it a hotspot for wildlife sightings, particularly during the dry season. Samburu Intrepids is known for its exceptional service and immersive experiences.

Elephant Bedroom Camp

Location: Nestled along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, surrounded by doum palms and native vegetation.
Accommodation: Eleven spacious tents with private plunge pools and large decks. Decorated with rustic, African-inspired furnishings.
Amenities: Private dining, on-site bar, and organized game drives. The camp has a small, intimate feel, offering personalized services.
Highlights: Known for close encounters with elephants that frequently visit the camp. The intimate setting and natural surroundings make it perfect for honeymooners or couples seeking a romantic getaway.

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge

Location: Located in the Shaba National Reserve, which borders Samburu, offering access to both reserves.
Accommodation: Rooms and suites with modern amenities, each with private balconies overlooking the river.
Amenities: Swimming pool, spa, and a choice of dining options. The lodge offers game drives, nature walks, and cultural visits to local Samburu villages.
Highlights: Sarova Shaba combines luxury with eco-conscious practices, and its setting in the Shaba Reserve offers access to a quieter part of the ecosystem shared with Samburu.

2. Mid-Range Lodges and Camps

Mid-range lodges and camps in Samburu provide comfortable accommodations at a more affordable rate. These options often include essential amenities and guided activities, making them ideal for travelers who want a balance between comfort and value.

Ashnil Samburu Camp

Location: Set along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, close to the heart of Samburu National Reserve.
Accommodation: 30 tents with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas overlooking the river.
Amenities: Swimming pool, bar, and restaurant serving local and international dishes. Game drives and guided nature walks are available.
Highlights: Ashnil Samburu Camp is known for its excellent value, combining comfortable accommodations with great access to wildlife. The riverside location offers scenic views and frequent wildlife sightings.

Samburu Riverside Camp

Location: Situated near the Ewaso Ng’iro River, providing guests with easy access to the main game-viewing areas in Samburu.
Accommodation: Spacious tents with comfortable beds and private bathrooms, designed for a simple yet enjoyable stay.
Amenities: On-site dining and campfire area. Game drives and nature walks are available through affiliated tour operators.
Highlights: This camp offers a great balance between affordability and comfort, with personalized services and close proximity to wildlife viewing.

Larsen’s Tented Camp

Location: Positioned near a series of natural springs within the reserve, providing a lush and serene environment.
Accommodation: Classic safari tents with en-suite bathrooms and private terraces overlooking the springs.
Amenities: On-site restaurant, bar, and outdoor lounge. Game drives, birdwatching tours, and nature walks are available.
Highlights: Larsen’s is ideal for travelers who want an authentic tented safari experience with mid-range pricing, along with scenic surroundings and frequent wildlife visits.

3. Budget-Friendly Campsites and Eco-Camps

For budget-conscious travelers or those seeking a closer connection to nature, Samburu has several basic campsites and eco-camps. These accommodations provide essential amenities and an immersive experience with minimal environmental impact.

Umoja Women’s Group Campsite

Location: Located near Archer’s Post and the main gate to Samburu, run by the local Umoja Women’s Group.
Accommodation: Basic tents and bandas (simple huts) with shared bathrooms and communal facilities.
Amenities: Simple dining area, with meals available on request. Guests can also arrange village tours and cultural experiences with the Umoja Women’s Group.
Highlights: Staying here supports a local women’s empowerment initiative. The campsite offers a budget-friendly option while allowing guests to contribute directly to the community.

Samburu Public Campsite

Location: Close to the main entrance of Samburu National Reserve, providing easy access to game-viewing areas.
Accommodation: Basic camping facilities with shared bathrooms and cooking areas. Guests must bring their own camping gear.
Amenities: Minimal amenities, but some guides and tour operators provide catered camping services with added comforts.
Highlights: Samburu Public Campsite offers a simple, no-frills camping experience at an affordable rate, ideal for adventurous travelers or backpackers.

Elephant Watch Camp

Location: Located in the heart of Samburu, overlooking the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
Accommodation: Spacious eco-friendly tents, each uniquely decorated and designed to blend with the natural environment.
Amenities: Sustainable features, on-site restaurant using locally sourced ingredients, and a library for learning about Samburu’s elephants.
Highlights: Elephant Watch Camp is deeply committed to conservation and partners with Save the Elephants. It offers a comfortable yet eco-conscious experience and is ideal for travelers interested in wildlife preservation.

4. Family-Friendly Accommodations

Several camps and lodges in Samburu offer family-friendly accommodations with larger rooms, child-friendly activities, and flexible dining options.

Samburu Simba Lodge

Location: Set on a hillside overlooking the plains, providing stunning views of the reserve.
Accommodation: Spacious family suites with multiple bedrooms and private balconies.
Amenities: Swimming pool, children’s play area, and educational wildlife programs for kids. The lodge also offers guided family-friendly game drives.
Highlights: Samburu Simba Lodge is ideal for families, with ample space for children, educational activities, and facilities designed to keep everyone comfortable and entertained.

Elephant Bedroom Camp (Family Tents)

Location: Situated along the riverbank in a private setting, allowing families to enjoy a peaceful stay close to nature.
Accommodation: Family tents are larger and designed to accommodate parents and children, with private decks and plunge pools.
Amenities: Family game drives, riverbank dining, and cultural activities that are enjoyable for all ages.
Highlights: The close encounters with wildlife, particularly elephants, make this camp memorable for families and provide educational experiences for children.

5. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Accommodations

For eco-conscious travelers, several lodges and camps in Samburu prioritize sustainability and environmental conservation.

Sasaab Lodge

Location: Situated in the Westgate Community Conservancy near Samburu, with views of the Ewaso Ng’iro River and Mount Kenya.
Accommodation: Moroccan-inspired suites with private plunge pools, open-air showers, and eco-friendly designs.
Amenities: Solar-powered electricity, eco-friendly practices, and community-based programs. The lodge organizes game drives, cultural tours, and camel safaris.
Highlights: Sasaab Lodge focuses on sustainable tourism and works closely with the local Samburu community, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious travelers.

Kitich Camp

Location: Situated in the Mathews Range Forest, outside Samburu National Reserve but within an easily accessible area.
Accommodation: Eco-friendly tents with minimal environmental impact, providing a rustic and immersive forest experience.
Amenities: Solar power, eco-friendly waste management, and nature-based activities like forest walks and fly-camping.
Highlights: Kitich Camp offers an exclusive eco-lodge experience in a remote forest setting, with a focus on wildlife conservation and community support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Samburu Accommodations

What is the best type of accommodation in Samburu for a luxury experience?
For a luxurious stay, consider Samburu Intrepids Luxury Tented Camp, Elephant Bedroom Camp, or Sasaab Lodge. Each offers premium amenities, exclusive game drives, and high levels of comfort.

Are there family-friendly accommodations in Samburu?
Yes, Samburu Simba Lodge and Elephant Bedroom Camp offer family-friendly options, with activities and amenities tailored to children and larger family suites.

What are the best options for budget travelers?
The Umoja Women’s Group Campsite and Samburu Public Campsite offer affordable, basic accommodations and are ideal for budget-conscious travelers and backpackers.

Are there eco-friendly lodges in Samburu?
Yes, Elephant Watch Camp, Sasaab Lodge, and Kitich Camp are eco-conscious options that prioritize sustainable practices and support conservation and community initiatives.

What activities are offered by lodges and camps in Samburu?
Most accommodations offer game drives, nature walks, birdwatching tours, and cultural visits. Some luxury lodges also provide unique experiences like camel safaris, night game drives (in conservancies), and bush dining.

Conclusion

Samburu National Reserve’s accommodation options cater to a wide range of preferences and budgets, from luxurious riverfront lodges to eco-friendly camps and budget-friendly campsites. Each accommodation offers unique ways to experience Samburu’s beauty and wildlife, with options for family stays, sustainable travel, and adventurous camping. Whether you’re seeking luxury, immersion in nature, or a chance to support local communities, Samburu’s diverse accommodation offerings ensure an unforgettable safari experience tailored to your needs.