Saruni Samburu

Saruni Samburu is a deluxe, design lodge located in Kenya’s wild north. It is the only lodge in Kalama Conservancy, which borders Samburu National Reserve, with 80 000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness to explore and enjoy exclusively. Perched on a spectacular viewpoint, its six luxury villas are open and spacious, heralding spectacular views over Kenya’s Northern Frontier District and Mount Kenya in the distance.

Guests can enjoy the vast panoramas from the dining and lounge area, the two swimming pools and the Samburu Wellbeing Space. Nearby there is a ground-level photographic hide next to a waterhole where the famous Samburu elephant, leopard, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx and Grevy’s zebra gather to drink. The lodge is admired for its innovative, eco-chic architecture and interesting design and décor, as well as its Italian-inspired cuisine.

You are guided from start to finish by Samburu warriors who are passionate about their land and their culture, learning first-hand about their fascinating customs and traditions and their ancient, local knowledge – a truly authentic experience. The vastness and purity of this landscape, combined with the untouched local culture, elegant comfort and welcoming hospitality make for an intimate, exceptional and life-changing experience.

Saruni Samburu’s six luxury, eco-chic villas are open and spacious, heralding spectacular views over Kalama Conservancy and Mount Kenya.

• 2 x Single Villas: 1 x double and 1 x twin, both with en-suite bathrooms and dressing rooms, spacious living, dining area and outdoor veranda.
• 2 x Family Villas: Each containing 2 x en-suite bedrooms with individual dressing rooms and one common large lounge and dining area, as well as several verandas. These villas have one common entrance and cannot be split out for separate use.
• 2 x Family Villas: These 2 x villas have two separate entrances and can be booked both as a complete unit or individually, guaranteeing each party maximum privacy. Each villa consists of 2 x en-suite bedrooms with individual dressing rooms, a large shared lounge and dining area, as well as several verandas. The area that connects them can be open or closed, offering two solutions.

The area around Saruni Samburu is teeming with wildlife – from the giant herds of Samburu elephant coming to drink at the waterholes, leopard making their lairs on rocky outcrops nearby, to endangered packs of African wild dog seen traversing the plains below the lodge. The area is also home to rare endemic species, the ‘Samburu Five’: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk.

The Samburu are the indigenous nomadic tribe and custodians of the area where the lodge is found. Guests have the unique opportunity to witness, interact with and learn from one of the oldest remaining tribes in Africa. The guides are Samburu warriors who are professionally qualified, but more importantly, who share their authentic local knowledge, ancient traditions and customs with guests.

At Saruni Samburu, guests can enjoy exciting, relaxing and unusual activities. From day and night drives, picnic breakfasts by the Ewaso Nyiro River or bush dinners in a dry riverbed with firelight and Samburu dancers, to guided bush walks and visits to the local village and local caves featuring ancient Samburu art. Fancy something more relaxing? Hang out in the elephant proof, ground-level photographer’s hide in front of a waterhole frequented by elephant, hyena, leopard, plentiful birdlife, and much more. Maybe lounge away your time at the infinity pools or having a massage at the Samburu Wellbeing Space, browsing around the Saruni shop and night stargazing…..days spent at Saruni Samburu are as peaceful or adventurous as you desire.

Saruni Samburu is the only lodge in Kalama Conservancy, and the sole source of income for the communities found in the area. Since its opening, Saruni Samburu has provided jobs, income, training and guidance for the local Samburu people in the area. Tourism directly supports conservation – by visiting Saruni Samburu, you are directly giving back to the community who protects this beautiful land, improving their quality of life, while at the same time encouraging the purpose for conservation.

All images copyright Saruni.