Embark on an unforgettable safari adventure in the heart of Samburu, Kenya, where luxury meets the wild. Unlike the more crowded safari destinations, Samburu offers a raw, untamed experience that feels truly off the beaten path. Whether you’re here to spot the iconic “Samburu Special Five” or soak in panoramic views of the Ewaso Nyiro River, where you stay makes all the difference. From intimate eco-camps perched on riverbanks to luxurious lodges blending seamlessly into the wilderness, Samburu is home to some of Kenya’s most unforgettable safari accommodations. In this guide, we reveal the best camps and lodges in Samburu, each offering front-row seats to nature, personalized service, and the kind of serenity that only the wild can offer.
Soroi Larsens Camp
Soroi Larsens Camp is an exquisite boutique retreat perched on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in the heart of Samburu National Reserve. This luxurious, eco-conscious camp features twelve stylish tented suites, two family units, and two deluxe suites, each with a private terrace offering sweeping views of the river. The deluxe suites elevate the experience with exclusive amenities like plunge pools, outdoor showers, star beds, and even a private butler to cater to your every whim. From a cozy lounge and a photogenic hide for wildlife shots, to spa treatments, an infinity pool, and authentic bush dinners under starlit skies, every element is carefully crafted to blend seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness. Book your stay here!
Ashnil Samburu Camp
Nestled on the shady banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River with a dramatic view of Ololokwe Mountain, Ashnil Samburu Camp is a luxury tented oasis that combines wildlife immersion with comfort and style. Featuring 19 spacious en‑suite tents (double, twin, and family configurations), each offers a private deck overlooking the river, perfect for relaxing and watching elephants, hippos, and birdlife drift by. Central facilities include an open-sided restaurant and lounge-bar with river vistas, plus a refreshing swimming pool and sun terraces under doum palms. With a menu that serves various cuisines, plus special bush meals and sundowners, dining here becomes an extension of the safari adventure. Guided game drives, nature walks, village visits, cultural performances, and spa options round out the experience. Book your stay here!
Samburu Sopa Lodge
Set on an elevated ridge within the rugged beauty of Samburu National Reserve, Samburu Sopa Lodge offers a captivating blend of cultural design and wildlife immersion. The lodge’s 15 traditional-style thatched cottages, each housing two ensuite rooms, are arranged in a semicircle around a natural waterhole, allowing guests to witness elephants, zebras, and gerenuks drawn to drink just meters from their private verandas. With daily game drives, guided nature walks, bird-watching, cultural visits, and wheelchair-accessible cottages, it combines comfort, authenticity, and spectacular safari access. Secure your stay here!
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge offers a luxurious, riverside oasis framed by lush indigenous trees and bubbling natural springs. This iconic lodge features 85 elegantly spacious rooms and suites. The highlight is the dramatic Born Free Suite, with its own Jacuzzi, lounge area, and Samburu‑inspired décor. Culinary options include Surpelei Restaurant, where guests are treated to delicious meals complemented by sundowners at the riverside Chemi Chemi Bar, enjoy romantic candlelit dinners by the riverbed, or delight in bush breakfasts as the wilderness awakens. Additionally, take guided nature walks, camel safaris, bird‑watching expeditions, crocodile‑feeding viewings, spa treatments at the Tulia mini‑spa, or enriching visits to nearby Samburu villages. Book your stay here!
Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp
Samburu Intrepids Camp is a luxury tented safari camp situated along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Kenya’s rugged Samburu National Reserve. Renowned for its prime location and exceptional game viewing opportunities, the camp offers front-row access to sightings of rare northern species like the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk. The spacious tents are elevated on wooden decks and feature modern comforts, including en-suite bathrooms and private verandas overlooking the river. Guests enjoy expertly guided game drives, cultural visits to nearby Samburu villages, and family-friendly activities, all within an atmosphere that blends wild adventure with elegant relaxation. Discover the best booking rates here!
Saruni Samburu
Perched atop a dramatic volcanic outcrop within the community‑owned Kalama Conservancy, Saruni Samburu is an eco‑chic sanctuary comprising just six luxurious villas, each offering sweeping panoramic views of the wild plains and distant Mount Kenya. With two infinity pools perched against the horizon, an atmospheric spa, gourmet Italian‑inspired dining, and a lounge area, Saruni offers redefined relaxation. Saruni offers a variety of activities like guided day & night game drives, birdwatching, stargazing, seedball throwing, helicopter excursions, and many more. Book your stay here!
Samburu Elephant Lodge
Built on the sun-dappled banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu Elephant Lodge offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and eco-luxury in the heart of Samburu National Reserve. Nestled in verdant woodland of doum palms and acacia trees, this privately‑owned lodge features spacious single villas and family villas, all thoughtfully designed. Guests relax by a sparkling pool with uninterrupted river views, dine on delicious international and Kenyan cuisine in a breezy bar–bar-restaurant setting. Guided game drives, bush breakfasts, sundowners under vast blue skies, and immersive village visits with the local Samburu people add cultural depth to a wildlife-rich experience. Book your stay here!
Sasaab Camp
Sasaab Camp is a luxurious, Swahili and Moroccan‑inspired tented retreat perched on a rocky ridge overlooking the meandering Ewaso Nyiro River. With only 11 luxury safari tents, each with a room, has a delightful private veranda with a plunge pool and sun loungers, perfect for enjoying the majestic views and passing wildlife below. Beyond game drives, Sasaab offers guided nature walks, night safaris, camel and quad‑bike excursions, fly‑camping, helicopter safaris, and cultural visits to local Samburu villages, ensuring a rich blend of adventure and immersion.
Elephant Bedroom Camp
Elephant Bedroom Camp is an intimate, upscale tented retreat on the lush banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River within Samburu National Reserve. Its 14 spacious canvas tents blend rustic African charm with modern comforts. Wandering wildlife like elephants, impalas, and monkeys frequently pass right through camp, offering an unparalleled closeness to nature. The communal lounge and dining tent, softly lit and decorated in warm safari tones, overlooks the river and is the perfect spot for al‑fresco breakfasts, candlelit dinners, or sundowners as wildlife drifts by. With expert guides leading game drives to spot Samburu’s “Special Five,” cultural visits to a nearby community, and guided bush walks, the camp delivers an enriching, authentic safari experience. Book your stay here!