Saruni Samburu with Mara Triangle Safaris

Saruni Samburu – An Exclusive Pioneer in Sustainable Luxury on the Kalama Mountains

Perched high on the top of the Kalama mountains, Saruni Samburu is a multi-award-winning, design-led safari lodge that commands a breathtaking all-round view of Northern Kenya, stretching all the way to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya. As the pioneer safari lodge in the community-owned Kalama Wildlife Conservancy, it set the standard for community-centred ecotourism in the region. This is the only accommodation within this pristine 240,000-acre wilderness, offering an unparalleled sense of being in a world of your own. For the discerning traveller seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure without sacrificing comfort, Saruni Samburu offers an exclusive, private, and truly immersive safari experience.

Prime Location – In the Heart of Kalama Conservancy
The lodge is located at the very heart of the vast Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy, about 7 kilometres (a 20-minute game drive) from the northern border of the Samburu National Reserve. This prime location serves as a critical wildlife corridor between the northern reserves of Sera and Namunyak to the south, providing access to three key wildlife areas: Kalama Conservancy, Samburu National Reserve, and Buffalo Springs National Reserve. This position grants access to some of Kenya’s most spectacular and least crowded game-viewing areas, with the privilege of night game drives which are not permitted inside the main National Reserve.

Accommodation – Six Spacious, Open-Fronted Eco-Chic Villas
Saruni Samburu features just six luxury villas, intentionally designed to be open and spacious, seamlessly blending into the landscape with uninterrupted views across the Northern Frontier District. The accommodation options are:

• Standard Villa: A large house with one en-suite bedroom, a spacious living room, an outdoor shower, and a private dining area.

• Family Villas: The lodge offers two types of family villas: one with separate entrances that can be booked as a unit or individually, and another that functions as a complete private unit. Each comprises two en-suite bedrooms with dressing rooms, a large shared lounge, and dining area, plus multiple verandas.

• Honeymoon Villa: The most exclusive accommodation, built onto a hillside around natural rock formations, offering what has been described as possibly the most amazing room in Africa with panoramic views from the elegant bedroom and verandah.

Every villa has a private veranda, making it the perfect spot to sit with your binoculars and spot wildlife such as elephant and kudu from the comfort of your room. The rooms also feature unique touches like bathrooms built to incorporate the escarpment’s boulders, creating an authentic sense of place. The camp has a total capacity of 20 guests.

Dining – A Culinary Journey from Bush Breakfasts to Starlit Suppers
At Saruni Samburu, meals are rarely confined to a dining room. Guests enjoy delicious, freshly prepared meals that can be served in a variety of unforgettable settings, including breakfast on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, picnics at a waterhole with elephants, or starlit dinners in a dry riverbed beneath a sky so full of stars it leaves a lasting impression. The menus are thoughtfully crafted, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, catering to international palates and dietary requirements.

Facilities & Amenities – Relaxation in the Wild
The lodge is designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, offering a surprising array of high-end amenities:

• Two Infinity Pools: Guests can choose between two spectacular infinity pools to cool off. The lower pool is located near the main communal area, while the upper pool offers a panoramic viewpoint.

• Samburu Wellbeing Space: The on-site spa offers a range of massage and wellness treatments in a serene environment overlooking the conservancy. Therapists use sophisticated methods blended with ancient Samburu wisdom, including unique local ingredients.

• Photographic Hide: A unique, elephant-proof, ground-level hide is located at a waterhole, allowing photographers of all levels to capture incredible images of wildlife—including the ‘Samburu Five’ and predators like lion and leopard—from just a few steps away.

• Additional Amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, secure parking, a gift shop, a private butler service, and a well-stocked bar with a variety of premium drinks.

Unforgettable Safari Activities
Led by professional Samburu warrior guides, the activities at Saruni Samburu go far beyond the traditional game drive, offering an intimate and authentic connection to the land and its people.

• Day & Night Game Drives: Guests can enjoy morning, afternoon, and all-day game drives in the Kalama Conservancy, Samburu, and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. A highlight is the exclusive night game drive, where you can encounter elusive nocturnal species in Kalama.

• Guided Bush Walks: Explore the breath-taking landscape on foot, learning about traditional Samburu plant uses, tracking animals, and discovering ancient rock art in local caves.

• Warrior Academy: Families can improve their bush skills at this unique academy, learning traditional tracking and survival techniques.

• Other Unique Experiences: Additional activities include rock climbing, trekking up the sacred Mount Ololokwe, visiting the Reteti Elephant Orphanage, and witnessing the ancient tradition of the Singing Wells.

Pricing Information (Sample Rates – Confirm at Booking)
Note: Rates are per person per night sharing and are subject to change based on season and booking package. Please verify directly with the lodge or your travel agent for current offers.

• Sample Rates: Prices generally start from approximately $690 per person per night sharing on a full-board basis, inclusive of game drives and airstrip transfers. It is considered a premium property, offering exceptional value for an exclusive, high-end safari experience. Please note that park and conservancy fees are often an additional cost.

Sustainability – A Gold Eco-Rated Pioneer
Saruni Samburu is a leader in sustainable tourism, having achieved a Gold Eco-Rated certification from Ecotourism Kenya. Its founding mission is built on community partnership and conservation.

• Community Empowerment: As the pioneer lodge in the Kalama Conservancy, it was instrumental in creating a community-owned wildlife area, ensuring that tourism directly benefits local Samburu families.

• Energy & Water: The lodge runs almost entirely on solar power (84 solar panels) and uses solar water heaters. Water is sourced from a borehole, and they have eliminated plastic water bottles in favour of refillable glass and stainless steel bottles.

• Waste Management: The lodge has a comprehensive waste management system, sorting recyclables for transport to centres in Nairobi and Nanyuki.

Why Choose Saruni Samburu?

• Exclusive and Private Location: The only lodge in the vast Kalama Conservancy, ensuring an uncrowded and intimate safari experience.

• Pioneering Eco-Luxury: A multi-award-winning, Gold Eco-Rated lodge that sets the standard for sustainable and community-focused travel.

• Stunning Design-Led Accommodation: Six unique, open-fronted villas with breathtaking panoramic views, designed for comfort and immersion in nature.

• Unparalleled Safari Access: Includes exclusive access to night game drives, a unique photographic hide, and guided walks to ancient rock art sites.

• Two Infinity Pools & World-Class Spa: A rare combination of amenities that provides the ultimate relaxation after a day of adventure.

• Authentic Cultural Immersion: Led by passionate Samburu warrior guides, offering a genuine insight into their land and traditions.

• Family-Friendly: Spacious family villas and the unique Warrior Academy make it a perfect choice for an adventurous family safari.