Spotlights on Saruni Rhino Lodge
Embark on a journey of wonder with Saruni Rhino, an elite boutique safari retreat tucked away in the untouched vastness of Kenya's Sera Community Conservancy. Spanning a massive 839,000 acres, this untouched terrain offers an incredible African safari experience, immersing you in the raw beauty of Kenya's northern regions. Just a brisk 30-minute drive away lies the community-led Sera Rhino Sanctuary, an East African first, where the thrill of tracking black rhinos on foot is a unique opportunity.
Nestled amid doum palm-fringed dry river beds, Saruni Rhino hosts three distinct 'bandas'—rustic stone cottages topped with thatched roofs and canvas roll-down windows. These private retreats, all furnished with flushing toilets, hot and cold running water, and natural stone showers, provide an intimate and comfortable stay in a true Kenyan setting.
Step onto your private verandah or relax by the pool, indulging in the captivating spectacle of wildlife that gather at the nearby waterhole. From herds of elephants, impala, and kudu to playful monkeys and the renowned sand grouse spectacle, a wealth of activity awaits just beyond your banda's doorstep.
Your exploration of this African wilderness is guided by knowledgeable Samburu warriors. Dive deep into their rich culture, learn their ancient traditions, and gain from their profound local wisdom – a truly genuine African safari experience is in store.
Saruni Rhino's perfect fusion of expansive untouched landscapes, engaging local culture, refined accommodation, and warm hospitality creates an unforgettable, transformative experience. Saruni Rhino really is a doorway into the wilds of Africa.
Saruni Rhino Main Area, Swara House - ©Saruni
Accommodation
Banda 1 showcases an open-plan design, comfortably accommodating between 2 to 4 guests. It houses a double bed and the option of adding 1 or 2 single beds if needed. The open nature of the banda means guests sharing the space should be at ease in the shared environment. Attached to the room is a bathroom equipped with a natural stone shower and a flushing toilet. Complementing the banda's interior is a private sandy terrace adorned with chairs and tables, offering stunning views of the 'lugga,' or dry river bed.
Banda 2, mirroring the open-plan design of Banda 1, is perfect for two guests, featuring a double bed. It offers an en-suite bathroom with a natural stone shower and flushing toilet. Like Banda 1, it too enjoys a private sandy terrace with chairs and tables overlooking the 'lugga'. Additionally, it features a nearby tree bed for added relaxation.
The third accommodation offers two bedrooms, capable of sleeping 4 guests. Depending on your needs, the configuration can be adjusted to house 2 doubles or 1 double and 2 singles, with a third single added on a case-by-case basis. Each room in this banda has en-suite bathrooms with natural stone showers and flushing toilets. A shared lounge offers a place to cool down and relax, while the expansive stone verandah, complete with outdoor seating and tables, provides the perfect vantage point for observing the waterhole directly in front.
At Saruni Rhino, your comfort is their priority. Experience the wild beauty of Kenya from the cosy confines of our unique bandas.
Banda One Bedroom at Saruni Rhino - ©Saruni
Activities at Saruni Rhino
Experience on-foot black rhino tracking inside the dedicated Rhino Sanctuary.
Embark on thrilling game drives across the expansive 839,000-acre Sera Conservancy.
Enjoy spectacular bird-watching, including the unique sight of tens of thousands of sand grouse swooping down to drink water - a sensory delight created by the collective flapping of their wings.
Observe diverse wildlife at the waterhole right from the comfort of the lodge.
Refresh and unwind at the swimming pool
Take in the breathtaking scenery during sunset lugga walks
Participate in guided bush walks to explore the surrounding wilderness
Indulge in bush meals - start your day with breakfast along the dry river bed and enjoy starlit dinners under the vast African skies
Experience the magic of sundowners
Visit "the kisima hamsini", a collection of 50 springs where local pastoralists water their livestock, filling holders and troughs as they sing traditional songs
Schedule a trip to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, a refuge for orphaned and abandoned elephant calves, with a mission to reintroduce them to the wild herds adjoining the Sanctuary (additional charge applies)
Opt for helicopter and bi-plane excursions for an aerial view of the stunning landscape (advance booking required, additional charges apply)
Beautiful Baby Rhino at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, where you can visit from Saruni Rhino Camp - ©Saruni
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Saruni Rhino
Pioneering Black Rhino Tracking: Saruni Rhino offers the first black rhino tracking experience of its kind in East Africa. This walking safari adventure not only thrills but also allows guests to contribute actively to the protection of this iconic species. Guided by experts from Saruni and Sera Community Conservancy rangers, track any of the 20 rhinos across the 25,650-acre sanctuary on foot!
First Community-Owned Rhino Sanctuary: Sera Community Conservancy, inhabited by approximately 16,000 Samburu semi-nomadic pastoralists, hosts Africa's first community-owned rhino sanctuary. This highly secure, fenced sanctuary is home to a group of black rhinos reintroduced to increase Kenya's black rhino population and attract visitors to this stunning, remote part of the country. It embodies the community-focused, sustainable conservation ideology Saruni firmly advocates for.
The Singing Wells: Experience the unique Samburu tradition of the singing wells at 'Kisima Hamsini' or The Fifty Wells. Watch as local pastoralists water their livestock by digging deep into the barren land, filling wells and troughs while singing unique melodies. Each herd responds individually to its Moran's song, making this an exclusive, intimate experience for our guests.
Untouched Landscape: Just over a 1.5-hour drive from Saruni Samburu lodge, Saruni Rhino is tucked away in the wild, unexplored northern frontier of Kenya, spanning 839,000 acres of the Sera Community Conservancy. This semi-arid, untouched landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, offering a sense of limitless exploration.
Fascinating Ecosystem: The Sera Community Conservancy is home to a captivating ecosystem featuring the unique 'Samburu Five'. These rare species, endemic to the Samburu ecosystem, include the Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Grevy's Zebra, and Beisa Oryx. Other rare species like leopards, striped hyenas, civet cats, and African wild dogs are also present, along with a rich diversity of birdlife, offering visitors a remarkable wildlife experience.
Rhino Tracking at Saruni Rhino - ©Saruni
Saruni Rhino Quick Facts
Getting There:
You can reach Saruni Rhino by car or plane. If you're driving from Nairobi, it'll take you around 7-9 hours. From Saruni Samburu, it's a 2-hour drive. If you choose to fly, the Kalama Airstrip is about 1.5 hours from the camp. You can take daily flights from Air Kenya or Safarilink to this airstrip. Or you can take a charter flight to the Kauro Airstrip, which is only a 5-minute drive from Saruni Rhino. No matter how you travel, getting to this remote location is simple and convenient.
Malaria:
Situated in a sparsely populated region, Saruni Rhino boasts a low-risk environment. However, they uphold the utmost care for their guests' well-being and supply mosquito nets in each room as a protective measure. The decision to use preventative medication rests entirely with the guest, and we recommend consulting with your personal physician if you have any uncertainties.
Electricity at the Lodge:
Saruni Rhino operates entirely on solar power, ensuring 24-hour electricity (220V) for guests. For emergencies, they have a backup generator on standby. Guests can easily charge their electronic devices in their rooms or the common areas. If you wish to use your hairdryer, the power system can support devices up to 220v. Outlets are 3-point British plugs, so its recommended guests bring along their own converters and universal plug adapters.
Wifi:
Free Wi-Fi internet access is available at Swara House, which is the shared lounge and dining area.
Climate:
Saruni Rhino is located at an elevation of 2500 feet. The climate typically includes hot days (which can sometimes become quite hot), warm nights, and low humidity. The region receives about 250mm of rainfall annually.
Meals:
Saruni Rhino is ready to accommodate any dietary needs or allergies as long as they are informed before your arrival. The cuisine is inspired by Italian dishes made using fresh, local ingredients along with specially imported products.
Meals are typically shared communally, with their guides and managers hosting the dining. If you're staying in the larger Family Banda 3, they can also provide in-room dining for your convenience. There are no set meal times.
To keep you hydrated, they provide bottled drinking water in all rooms, during meals, and in all safari vehicles. On arrival, you'll receive a personal aluminum water bottle that you can refill from dispensers available throughout the camp.
Responsible Tourism
Saruni Rhino is deeply committed to community development and conservation. They actively collaborate with the Northern Rangelands Trust to improve living conditions for the local Samburu people, who own the Sera Conservation Area. They aim to channel the income generated by tourism back into this community.
Moreover, they prioritise hiring staff from this local population. At least 90% of employees are Samburu men and women who are given training by the camp. To minimise the environmental footprint, the camp has been thoughtfully designed and constructed in an eco-friendly manner.
Watching the elephants walk past from Saruni Rhino camp - ©Saruni