Overview of Saruni Samburu

Adjoining the Samburu National Reserve and the only lodge set in the scenic mountains of the Kalama Conservancy, Saruni Samburu offers an unspoilt natural environment far removed from roads, buildings or crowds of people. It is ideal for both nature-loving families and romantic couples who want to enjoy the northern Kenya wilderness in a comfortable, stylish atmosphere. The architecture immediately evokes north Africa, with an open-air cliff-top reception and dining area that looks down on an endless valley. It is dotted with brass and other artefacts, and includes a magnificent fire pit on the edge of a cliff.

Go on morning and evening game drives to look for classic African animals in three of the surrounding reserves. Spend the afternoon at the river with a picnic or walk with Samburu warriors and explore the Kalama mountains and rock art on foot. And after the day’s programme, relax and revive at the spa overlooking the Kalama Conservancy or take a dip in one of the two swimming pools, which have amazing views.

Saruni Samburu is a breath-taking property that is spread out at altitude with ample distances between communal areas, the rooms, the spa, the swimming pools and reception – ideal for guests looking for privacy. Be sure to look out for shy and tiny Aders’s duiker (among the smallest antelope in the world), as well a monogamous pairs of klipspringer antelope that live among the huge boulders.

 

Make a Positive Impact Through Travel

Saruni believes in the ethical creation of wealth. This is the way forward for Africa, and for conservation: the protection of wildlife and nature based on the distribution of income and jobs to its stakeholders. This is why they are proud to be among the founding members of Mara North Conservancy (MNC) and to be part of Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) – two leading community-run conservation organizations in Kenya, which demonstrate the vital connection between communities, conservation and wildlife, a relationship fueled by tourism.

Highlights & Activities

What's on offer whilst on this itinerary?
  • Built into and around a giant volcanic rock face with unbelievable views
  • Nature walks with excellent Samburu guides
  • Interesting Samburu rock art and cultural interactions
  • Excellent bird watching and photography from the private hide by a waterhole
  • Riverside picnics and bush dinners (by arrangement)
  • 'Warriors' programme for children
  • Fully inclusive safari with complimentary 30-minute massage
Bird watching

Bird watching

Bush dining

Bush dining

Cultural visits

Cultural visits

Game drives

Game drives

Guided walks

Guided walks

Night drives

Night drives

Rooms at Saruni Samburu

Unwind and relax, in your own private luxury
  • Saruni-Samburu-Tea-time-in-Villa-5

    Villa 5

    Saruni Samburu boasts 360-degree views of the dramatic northern Kenyan landscape, and on a cloud-free day you can clearly see the snow-covered peak of Mount Kenya from your room. This eco-friendly lodge consists of luxury villas that offer a private and comfortable wilderness escape.

    The design of the villas is inspired by the raw, natural surroundings and incorporates rustic elements such as local stone into the decor. Each villa is unique and based on innovative structural design – some even extend over several levels. The spacious living areas deliver stylish comfort while the en suite bathrooms are a mix of tubs, indoor showers and outdoor showers with unbelievable views.

    General Facilities

    A large swimming pool overlooks a waterhole where elephant, giraffe and zebra are often seen drinking in the morning and late afternoon. There is a second pool further up the cliff, also enveloped in the ancient rock and catching the full-day sun.

    The tranquil spa offers an opportunity for relaxation and pampering, and blends traditional Samburu treatments with modern techniques. The lodge has its own private airstrip making it easily accessible on a fly-in itinerary. There is also a private hide for keen photographers and birders. Families with children will enjoy visiting an authentic nearby village as well as taking part in animal tracking and other adventures that form part of the ‘Warriors’ programme. WiFi is also available.

    Curio shop

    Curio shop

    Photographic hide

    Photographic hide

    Spa

    Spa

    Swimming pool

    Swimming pool

    Viewing deck

    Viewing deck

    Dining

    The blend of local and international flavours means that meals at Saruni Samburu are always something to look forward to. There is a strong Italian feel to the menu, and vegetarians and special dietary requirements are easily incorporated.

    Lunchtime and afternoon picnics are also available on request. Enjoy your evening meal with a view from the veranda or, even better, under the stars al fresco bush dinners are a wonderful way to absorb the atmosphere of an African evening and the staff will take you to a quiet spot that they have picked out themselves.

    Interested to know more? Click the link to find out all about Go2Africa’s Big 5 Guarantee

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    Traveller Reviews

    • DF

      Saruni staff, lodging and food exceeded expectations. Guides were friendly and very knowledgeable.

      David Fullerton
    • BT

      Saruni Samburu is extremely comfortable. The landscape is fabulous and so is the quantity of birds. The director, Thomas Harding, was very friendly and active.

      Beatrice Thiollier
    • MA

      We saw every animal imaginable! The staff at Saruni Samburu were great.

      Mark Armstrong
    • RH

      The trip to Kenya was beyond amazing and the lodge surpassed our initial expectations. There isn’t anything negative we can say about the trip at all!

      Rick Hood
    • JQ

      Samburo Saruni was probably my favourite so unique with breath taking views and unusual accommodation and our own butler Benson – what more can you ask for. The service was excellent and the safari guides all very knowledgeable and entertaining.

      Jacqueline Quamina
    • MB

      Accommodations were superior! It was immaculately clean. I loved the outdoor shower. The views from our rooms were breathtaking. The food was great. Our driver/guide, Christophe Letur, had exceptional knowledge of the wildlife, trees and plants. We saw numerous animals but the highlight was a family of elephants with two very small babies playing in the river very close to our vehicle.

      Maureen Bent
    • MB

      Accommodations were superior! It was immaculately clean. I loved the outdoor shower. The views from our rooms were breathtaking. The food was great. Our driver/guide, Christophe Letur, had exceptional knowledge of the wildlife, trees and plants. We saw numerous animals but the highlight was a family of elephants with two very small babies playing in the river very close to our vehicle.

      Maureen Bent
    • PF

      Upon arrival at Saruni, we were greeting by the managers and several members of the staff. Everyone was friendly and courteous and did their best to make our stay pleasant and memorable. We were given the last lodge which had amazing views. The chef was very accomodating as I had dietary restrictions. I cannot say enough about how beautiful this place was and how much at home we were made to feel. We truly hated to leave and wished we could have stayed an extra day or two. And, yes, the game drive was wonderful, except that it was very dusty.

      Pia Flanagan
    • PF

      Upon arrival at Saruni, we were greeting by the managers and several members of the staff. Everyone was friendly and courteous and did their best to make our stay pleasant and memorable. We were given the last lodge which had amazing views. The chef was very accomodating as I had dietary restrictions. I cannot say enough about how beautiful this place was and how much at home we were made to feel. We truly hated to leave and wished we could have stayed an extra day or two. And, yes, the game drive was wonderful, except that it was very dusty.

      Pia Flanagan