Saruni Samburu is a sophisticated and uniquely designed lodge in Kenya's untamed heart. As the sole establishment within the Kalama Conservancy, which neighbours the Samburu National Reserve, guests have exclusive access to 200,000 acres of pristine wilderness. Overlooking a magnificent vista, its six expansive deluxe villas offer breathtaking views of Kenya's Northern Frontier District, with Mount Kenya gracing the horizon.

Visitors can soak in the expansive landscapes from the communal dining and lounge spaces, the twin swimming pools, and the Samburu Wellbeing Area. Close by, a ground-level photo hide beside a waterhole provides a prime viewing spot for iconic wildlife like Samburu elephants, leopards, reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx, and Grevy’s zebras as they come to quench their thirst. The lodge is celebrated for its eco-friendly architectural innovation, intriguing design elements, and a hint of Italian flair in its culinary offerings.

Devoted Samburu warriors deeply connected to their heritage guide the journey. Guests get an authentic immersion into their captivating traditions and age-old wisdom.

The sheer expanse, untouched nature of the surroundings, genuine local culture, luxurious comfort, and heartwarming hospitality converge to create a profoundly memorable and transformative experience.

Getting to Saruni Samburu

Saruni Samburu is nestled within the Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy, a vast private reserve adjacent to the Samburu National Reserve (‘SNR’). Safaris span both reserves, just 7 km from the Kalama and SNR boundary. Additionally, Kalama shares its northern border with the Namunyak Community Conservation Trust, home to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, and its northeast boundary with the Sera Community Wildlife Conservation, where Saruni Rhino is situated.

Drive: driving from Nairobi can take around 5-6 hours.

Flying: There are two nearby airstrips where the domestic airlines, Safarilink & Air Kenya, and the charter flights can land. Kalama Airstrip is the closest, just 30 minutes from the lodge.

Accommodation Details:

• 2 Single Villas: Each has a double or twin bed setup (with the twin easily convertible to a double). Both have en-suite bathrooms, dressing rooms, a roomy living and dining space, and an outdoor verandah.

  
  
  

• 2 Family Villas: Each villa features 2 en-suite bedrooms, individual dressing rooms, a shared spacious lounge and dining area, and multiple verandahs. These villas have one main entrance and cannot be reserved as separate units.

  
  
  

• 2 Additional Family Villas: Unique in design, these villas each offer 2 en-suite bedrooms, individual dressing rooms, a communal lounge, and dining space, along with several verandahs. The dual entrance feature sets them apart, allowing them to be booked as a whole or as independent units, ensuring the utmost privacy for guests. The connecting area between the two entrances can be opened or sealed, offering flexibility.

Every room can fit an extra bed to host a child under 16.

Experiences

• Guided Game Drives: Experience the wilderness during the day and night.

• Photographic Hide: Capture wildlife up close at the waterhole.

• Guided Bush Walks: Explore nature on foot with expert guides.

• Bush Meals & Sundowners: Dine in the wild while watching the sunset.

• Birdwatching: Discover diverse bird species.

• Stargazing: Admire the celestial wonders.

• Swimming: Dive into any of the 2 spacious pools.

• Samburu Wellbeing Space: Indulge in massages and spa treatments (additional cost).

• Warriors Academy: Learn bush skills in a special kid friendly program.

• Saruni Gift Shop: Purchase unique local artifacts.

• Scorpion/Night Torch Safari: Spot nocturnal creatures.

• Ancient Rock Art: Explore local Samburu caves with ancient drawings.

• Seedballs Throwing: Play a part in afforestation.

• Yoga & Exercise: Stay active and centred.

• Mount Ololokwe Hiking: Embark on mountain excursions (extra charge).

• Cultural Experience: Visit a local village and community (extra charge).

• Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Excursion: Interact with rescued elephants (additional cost).

• Helicopter Excursions: Aerial tours are available upon request (extra charge).

Reasons to Stay At Saruni Samburu

1. Stunning Location: Saruni Samburu is beautifully situated in tribal territories north of the Samburu National Reserve. From its vantage point, you can see the vast expanse of the Kalama Conservancy, a private wildlife haven. You get exclusive access to 200,000 acres of untouched, safeguarded wilderness as a guest.
   
   
   

2. Rich Wildlife Encounters: The region around Saruni Samburu is a wildlife enthusiast's dream. Not only will you spot giant Samburu elephant herds quenching their thirst at nearby waterholes, but also leopards choosing nearby rocky terrains as their dwelling. Rare sights of African wild dogs roaming the plains beneath the lodge add to the experience. Plus, you can see the unique ‘Samburu Five’: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk.

   
   
   

3. Enriching Cultural Experiences: The Samburu, the indigenous nomadic tribe of this region, play the role of guardians over the lands encompassing the lodge. As a guest, you're given a golden ticket to delve into and experience one of Africa's most ancient tribes firsthand. Our guides, skilled Samburu warriors, bring professional expertise and generously impart their genuine knowledge of ancient customs and traditions to visitors.
   
   
   

4. Architectural Eco-Innovation: Saruni Samburu is Kenya's premier and most distinctive eco-design lodge. Its architecture, artfully integrating the structure with a massive volcanic rock face, offers a vantage point that commands awe-inspiring vistas. The design harmonises with and celebrates the natural environment, presenting an experience that is grand, beautiful, and truly unparalleled.
   
   
   

5. Diverse Array of Activities: Saruni Samburu promises both thrilling and tranquil engagements. Revel in day and night drives, breakfast picnics by the Ewaso Nyiro River, or bush dinners illuminated by firelight accompanied by Samburu dancers. Explore guided bush trails or venture into local villages and ancient caves adorned with Samburu art. For a calmer pace, find refuge in our elephant-proof, ground-level hide overlooking a waterhole – a favourite of elephants, hyenas, leopards, and many birds. And if pampering is your calling, the swimming pools, Samburu Wellbeing Space, the Saruni shop, and serene stargazing opportunities await. Every moment at Saruni Samburu can be as serene or as spirited as you choose.

   
   
   

6. Community-Centric Approach: As the sole establishment within the Kalama Conservancy, Saruni Samburu holds a special responsibility. It serves as the primary economic engine for the surrounding communities. Since its inception, the lodge has been instrumental in job creation, skill development, and overall community upliftment. By choosing to stay here, guests contribute directly to the community's well-being and the conservation of the pristine lands they steward. Your stay reaffirms the symbiotic relationship between tourism, conservation, and community welfare.

Useful Information:

Electricity at the lodge:

Saruni Samburu operates primarily on solar energy, ensuring a consistent 24-hour electricity supply (220V). While a backup generator is available, it's rarely needed. Guests can conveniently charge their devices in their villas and communal spaces. The power setup could be better for heavy-duty hairdryers; however, they can offer suitable hairdryers upon request. The outlets are of the 3-point British type, so guests may want to pack adapters if their devices require different plugs.

Wi-fi & Mobile Service:

Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible exclusively in guest rooms, with no connectivity in communal areas. Mobile phone reception is also limited but can be found in certain parts of the lodge.

Samburu Climate:

Altitude: 2500 ft

Temperature: Hot days (sometimes very hot), warm nights and low humidity.

Rainfall: approx 250mm per year

Malaria:

Saruni Samburu is considered a low-risk location owing to its sparse population. However, for added precaution, every room is equipped with mosquito nets. Whether or not to take preventative medication is a personal choice for guests. We recommend consulting with your primary care physician or a travel clinic before deciding.

Community & Conservation at Saruni Samburu

Saruni is deeply committed to community development and conservation. Here's how:

1. Partnering for Progress: Saruni Samburu collaborates with the Northern Rangelands Trust, endeavouring to enhance the living standards of the 2,000 local Samburu residents who are the custodians of the Kalama Conservation Area. This initiative has enabled them to benefit from tourism-related income for the very first time.
   

2. Local Employment: Saruni Samburu takes pride in its commitment to the local community by predominantly employing its members. A striking 90% of the lodge's staff consists of local Samburu men and women who receive training directly from the lodge.
   

3. Eco-Conscious Design: The lodge has been conscientiously designed to minimise its environmental footprint, exemplifying its eco-friendly principles.

4. Educational Support: Saruni Samburu has equipped the Kiltimany Primary School with a new water tank and also sponsors the education of one of the school's brightest students. The bond between the lodge and Kiltimany extends far and deep.
   

5. Conservation Efforts: The lodge financially supports two Kalama Conservancy rangers, ensuring the protection and conservation of the region's rich wildlife.