Ashnil Samburu Camp With Mara Triangle Safaris

Ashnil Samburu Camp – Where the Samburu “Special Five” Gather at Your Doorstep

Perched on the shady banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River with the mighty Ol Olokwe mountain as its dramatic backdrop, Ashnil Samburu Camp is a luxury tented safari camp situated within the Buffalo Springs National Reserve. The camp enjoys an exclusive position where crystal-clear springs provide permanent drinking water, attracting an abundance of wildlife and over 400 species of birds throughout the year. The Ewaso Nyiro River separates the camp from the neighbouring Samburu National Reserve, placing you in one of the world’s most unique ecosystems, known for rare endemic species that cannot be found elsewhere on earth.

The camp was opened in October 2008 and offers 30 spacious, elegantly decorated tents spread out under a thick stand of doum palms and acacia trees. Tent types include 18 with double beds, nine with twin beds, and three with triple beds, making them ideal for families, couples or small groups – with additional family-friendly interconnecting options available. Each tent features parquet floors, a private furnished terrace directly overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River, a modern en‑suite bathroom with a shower, bathrobes and hairdryer, plus a dressing area, seating area and a fan.

The camp’s main guest area is shaded by a canopy of acacia trees and includes a comfortable reception, a spacious restaurant, an atmospheric bar and a broad deck offering unparalleled game‑viewing across the wide reaches of the river. The open‑sitting restaurant overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro River and serves set buffets featuring international, oriental and traditional African cuisine, with dedicated table service and personalised special dietary accommodations available upon request. Every morning, guests enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, and for those who want to elevate their stay, the camp can arrange bush breakfasts with sparkling wine, private poolside dinners, or sundowners on the riverbank.

The camp is celebrated for providing guests with the opportunity to discover rare wildlife endemic to the region, known collectively as the “Samburu Special Five” : Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx and the long‑necked gerenuk – species that are rarely seen anywhere else in Kenya. Game drives are conducted in custom 4×4 vehicles into Buffalo Springs Reserve and the neighbouring Samburu National Reserve, and because of the camp’s location, you also have excellent chances to encounter elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, hippo, buffalo and over 350 bird species. During the afternoon golden light, the riverbanks come alive as elephant herds cross the water right in front of the camp, a sight best enjoyed with a sundowner cocktail in hand from the lounge deck.

After a day of exploration, guests can unwind at the outdoor swimming pool, which features two separate pool areas – including a main pool with a wonderful viewing deck of the river and a children’s pool for families. Additional amenities include a full‑service spa offering massages and aromatherapy, a business centre with meeting rooms, a dedicated TV room, and a children’s playground with a kids’ club. Evening entertainment includes cultural talks and Samburu dance performances, giving you a unique opportunity to gain insight into the traditional lifestyle of the Samburu people. The camp also offers guided nature walks, cultural visits to neighbouring Samburu villages, private bush meals, and a 24‑hour front desk, with free WiFi available throughout the property.

As a Travel Sustainable property, Ashnil Samburu Camp has implemented eco‑friendly practices including waste reduction measures, water conservation systems, renewable energy sources and support for local conservation initiatives. The camp is about a five‑hour drive from Nairobi or a one‑hour scenic flight to the nearby Samburu airstrip, with scheduled airstrip transfers available on request. Whether you are a passionate wildlife photographer, a family seeking an authentic adventure, or a couple looking for a quiet riverside escape away from the crowded circuits, this camp promises a stay that is both deeply connected to nature and uncompromisingly comfortable.