Basecamp Samburu With Mara Triangle Safaris

Basecamp Samburu – A Pioneering Eco-Luxury Retreat in the Kalama Conservancy

Nestled in a serene valley in the community-owned Kalama Conservancy, Basecamp Samburu is the newest and most exclusive property in the Saruni Basecamp portfolio. Officially opened in January 2025, this eco-luxury tented camp is designed for discerning travelers seeking solitude, authentic cultural encounters, and a front-row seat to the vast, untamed beauty of northern Kenya. Overlooking the sacred Mount Ololokwe a majestic peak revered by the Samburu people the camp offers a front-row seat to the dramatic vistas and endless skies that define this unique region.

Designed by the acclaimed Norwegian firm Bull Arkitekter, the camp’s architecture is a masterpiece of sustainable design, blending modern Scandinavian elegance with local Samburu aesthetics. Constructed using locally sourced materials such as stone, timber, and canvas, Basecamp Samburu merges seamlessly into its pristine surroundings, embodying a true low-impact, zero-plastic philosophy. By night, the camp transforms into a stargazer’s paradise, offering some of the most magical night skies in all of Africa.

A Prime Location in a Thriving Community Conservancy
Basecamp Samburu is situated in the 23,000-hectare Kalama Community Conservancy, a pioneering partnership between Saruni Basecamp and the Samburu tribal landowners. This location is significant as it serves as a critical wildlife corridor between the Samburu, Namunyak, and Shaba reserves. Because the camp operates within a private conservancy, guests benefit from exclusive, uncrowded game-viewing experiences with the added privilege of night game drives—an activity not permitted inside the main national reserves.

The camp is accessible by a scenic 5 to 6-hour drive from Nairobi via the Nanyuki-Isiolo route, or a quick 1-hour scheduled flight from Wilson Airport to the nearby Kalama Airstrip, followed by a short game drive transfer to the camp.

Intimate, Boutique Accommodation with Star Beds
Basecamp Samburu maintains an intimate and exclusive atmosphere, featuring just five spacious tented suites: four double tents and one two-bedroom family tent, ensuring a highly personalized and quiet stay.

• The Star Bed Experience (The Crown Jewel): The camp’s signature feature is its two open-air “star beds”, representing a new category of adventure travel. These are elevated, private platforms located in secluded nooks away from the main tents. The deluxe star bed includes a private jacuzzi for indulgent evenings under the vast African sky, while the standard star bed features private dining for intimate moments.

• Double Tents: Thoughtfully furnished with a comfortable king-size bed, en-suite bathroom with a hot shower, and a private terrace that offers sweeping views of the Samburu wilderness.

• Family Tent: A generous 2-bedroom suite accommodating up to four guests. Two well-appointed bedrooms are connected by a cozy central lounge with timber doors and a shaded pergola, offering the perfect blend of privacy and shared space.

Facilities, Wellness, and Dining

• Swimming Pool & Jacuzzis: The camp features an outdoor swimming pool and two private jacuzzis, allowing guests to soak while gazing at the endless northern frontier.

• Wellness Spa: A dedicated spa and wellness center offering a range of treatments using natural local ingredients.

• Dining: The main tent houses the social areas, featuring an open-sided lounge and dining space that provides a 360-degree view of the scenic landscape. The camp is famous for its bush dining experiences, including bush breakfasts by the Ewaso Nyiro River and starlit dinners on a high plateau overlooking the sunset.

• Sustainability: The camp is eco-conscious, operating on solar-powered electricity, utilizing harvested rainwater, and strictly adhering to a zero-plastic policy. As part of the Saruni Basecamp group, it upholds Gold Eco-rating standards recognized by Ecotourism Kenya.

Wildlife & Activities – The “Samburu Special Five”
The Kalama Conservancy is renowned for its high density of rare, endemic species collectively known as the “Samburu Special Five”: the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich. Guest sightings report a 100% success rate for elephants and cheetahs, and a 67% success rate for lions and leopards. You can expect to encounter large herds of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 450 bird species.

• Day and Night Game Drives: Morning, afternoon, and night game drives in Kalama Conservancy and the adjacent Samburu National Reserve are included in most packages.

• Guided Bush Walks & Warrior Academy: Learn traditional tracking skills from Samburu warriors. The “Warriors Academy” is a fun, interactive experience designed especially for families.

• Cultural Visits: An authentic immersion into a local Samburu village to learn about their traditions and semi-nomadic way of life.

Pricing Information (Sample Rates – Confirm at Booking)
Note: Basecamp Samburu typically operates on an “all-inclusive” model. You will find it listed in multi-night multi-destination safari packages.

• Safari Packages (2026): A 7-night “Safari Secrets” package (including Saruni Rhino, Basecamp Samburu, and Basecamp Wilderness) starts from US$4,985 per adult sharing**. A “Taste of Samburu and Naboisho” itinerary starts from **US$4,795 per adult sharing.

• Daily Rate Estimate: For reference, third-party sites estimate the daily rates to be approximately $800 – $900+ per person per night sharing.

Why Choose Basecamp Samburu?

• Exclusive Kalama Conservancy Access: The only camp in this 23,000-hectare community conservancy, offering exclusive night game drives and uncrowded game viewing.

• The Stargazer’s Paradise: Elevate your stay with the unique “Star Bed” experience, including private jacuzzis and open-air sleeping.

• Intimate & Exclusive: With only 5 tents and 2 star beds, this boutique camp offers a truly private and romantic safari experience.

• Scandinavian Eco-Design: A stunning fusion of Norwegian architecture and local Samburu culture, utilizing locally sourced natural materials.

• Prime Access to the “Samburu Special Five”: Exceptional opportunities to see rare endemic species in their natural habitat.

• Authentic Cultural Immersion: Deep community ties allow for genuine interaction with the local Samburu people.