Accommodation

Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves

From the dry, yellow savannah that epitomises northern Kenya’s expansive plains rises 900 square kilometres of lush mountain forest like no other in East Africa.

This is a place where elephants forge trails amongst ancient hardwood trees and endemic cycads, where crystal clear streams form natural swimming pools, and where rare and endangered monkeys thrive under the protection of local Samburu communities.

Nestled in one of the valleys – overlooking a river frequented by African painted dogs, colourful birds, leopards and elephants - are six tents. Kitich Forest Camp offers traditional safari charm in a wilderness quite unlike any other in Africa, and delivers an experience as equally unforgettable for those discovering Africa for the first time, as it does for those lucky enough to have spent many years exploring it. 

Elephant Bedroom Camp offers luxury in a setting of breath taking beauty. It is set along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River and shaded by doum palms and other trees that make up this green belt of riverine forest in Samburu National Reserve.

The surrounding Samburu National Reserve is an area of spectacular scenery; its dry plains bisected by the meandering river, with the backdrop of Africas dramatic mountains, including Mt Kenya. The 14 spacious tents have rustic and colourful African touches, offering all the comforts; including a private plunge pool on the deck, hot and cold running water, electricity (and complimentary herbal shower and bath products.)​

The lounge and dining area is decorated with vibrant safari style, its soft intimate lighting assuring that this is the ultimate place to relax in between exciting game drives. Elephant, Monkeys, Impalas are amongst the camps many regular wild visitors, whilst Samburu National Reserve has a good number of lions and leopards and offers the opportunity to see many species endemic to northern Kenya.

We are dedicated to conserve a landscape where people and wildlife flourish, side by side.

Sarara is a conservation brand that partners with indigenous communities to build sustainability for people and wildlife through truly unique and experiential safari experiences.

Watch the fiery sunset as you enjoy a cockatil by the pool and watch when nature plays the evening trumpets or close your eyes and drift off into the african dreamland. This is place where you can call a day unforgetteable yet still realize its an understatement.

Your exclusive tent is secluded and private, the perfect place to be lulled to sleep by the sound of the Ewaso Nyiro river during the Kenyan night. Facing the river and shaded by palm trees you can watch the sun rise from the porch of your tent.

Saruni Samburu’s six luxury, eco-chic villas are open and spacious, heralding spectacular views over Kalama Conservancy and Mount Kenya. As the only lodge in over 200,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness teeming with wildlife to explore exclusively, and guided by Samburu warriors passionate about their land and culture, the safari experience at Saruni Samburu is intimate and truly exceptional.

Shaba National Reserve is a protected area in Isiolo County to the east of the Samburu. The park offers breath-taking scenery and a rich diversity of wildlife. Its fame as the land of "Born Free" stems from the heritage of Joy and George Adamson, who nurtured Elsa the lioness on the grounds of Shaba in the 50s before setting the lioness free on the plains beyond.

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is located in a natural oasis in Shaba National Reserve and offers complete serenity amidst wild and beautiful surroundings. It is a unique safari experience that will fill your every sense with the sights and sounds of nature all around you.

The lodge offers guests an authentic safari experience, providing comfortable accommodation in a tranquil setting near the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river. This unique safari lodge stands out for its pioneering spirit and innovative design. The 85 woody rooms all have terraces and all rooms and the restaurant and bar overlook the river.

Relax by our pool or beneath star-studded skies, dine in our restaurant or revel in our Boma or bush dining experiences. The lodge also provides safari vehicles that are available with excellent guides.

Ashnil Samburu Camp is a luxury tented set in the spectacular backdrop drop of the Mighty Ol Olokwe mountain fronting Ewaso Nyiro River. The 30 exclusive luxury Tents are spread out along the shady banks of the river under a thick stand of doum Palms.

It features an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by sun lounges, a garden and a Lounge bar offering views of the African savannah. Each tent features a decked Terrance with views of the Ewaso Nyiro River. The restaurant offers views of the river and serves a variety of menus comprising of Oriental, traditional and international cuisines. A range of activities are available on request and comprise of game drives, nature Walks and a cultural visit to the samburu village, bush meals like bush lunch/dinner and sundowners.

Samburu Intrepids is a lush oasis on the banks of the great Uaso Nyiro River in Samburu Game Reserve. The tented luxury camp is a delight to be in – deliciously cooled by the river breeze and the forest. The camp sits on raised decks overlooking the brown river where the elephants sometimes make an appearance or the crocodiles come out to lounge by the rivers banks.

The luxury tents are widely spread across a large riverside site to ensure guests the optimum of privacy and peace.    Each tent is furnished in the classic style of the grand African safaris, with large four-poster beds and handsome reproduction furniture, offset by modern en suite bathrooms with hot showers, flush toilets and all modern amenities.

Activities at Samburu Intrepids include twice-daily game drives with professional guides, camel and walking safaris outside the reserve, bush breakfasts and dinners under the stars as well as romantic sundowners overlooking the plains.

To add to your experience you can also arrange visits to neighbouring Samburu communities, bird walks with experienced ornithologists, overnight fly-camping on sacred Mt Ololokwe and visits to local dances and traditional ceremonies.

Samburu Intrepids is ideal for familes, with Heritage’s famous Adventurers’ Club for kids and Young Rangers’ Club for intrepid teenagers offering exciting and educational activities for kids of all ages.

Larsen's Tented Camp is a small, luxurious tented camp with a gorgeous setting on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya. For thrilling game viewing adventures, custom-built 4WD vehicles equipped with roof hatches await, guided by certified experts endorsed by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA). Keep an eye out for the "Samburu 5," a unique ensemble of dry-adapted wildlife including the Somali ostrich, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and reticulated giraffe. Guests can cool off and unwind in the refreshing pool during the heat of the day, or indulge in treatments at the Jacuzzi and day spa, offering a soothing respite for weary muscles.

Sasaab is close to the Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserves, in Kenya’s Northern Frontier District. It’s a place of rich natural diversity with an astounding number of animals from huge majestic elephant to lion, leopard and cheetah and the ‘Samburu Special Five’: the Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Gerenuk antelope and Somali ostrich.   Sasaab prides itself on its hospitality and our friendly and attentive staff strive to make every guests’ experience unforgettable.

The architecture of Sasaab follows strong Moroccan design principles, in which African heat is of primary consideration. Each of the nine Moroccan-styled rooms is over 100m² with an enormous open-air bathroom and private plunge pool. From the veranda, guests can take in the remarkable views across the Laikipia Plateau toward the jagged peak of Mount Kenya. Its position on the river naturally facilitates watching the herds of elephant that come to bathe. Sasaab can be booked directly with The Safari Collection, through your local agent or tour operator, or as part of a bespoke itinerary that we can create for you.

Enjoy guided walks, bird watching, stargazing or a visit to SpaSaab for world-class beauty treatments. For the more adventurous take a game drive, camel ride or spend a night or two in the further reaches of the conservation. Our local Samburu guides speak excellent English and will take children under their wing to teach them how to make a traditional bow and arrow or a toothbrush from the ‘toothbrush tree’. For a special experience guests can spend a night or two fly-camping under mosquito net tents in the wilderness. This amazing trip starts with a 4–5 hour walk along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of this untamed and romantic part of Kenya.

Sasaab is a stunning blend of Moroccan and Swahili style, located in the heart of the African bush. Each individual cottage is designed to offer majestic views of the landscape and offer a cooling retreat from the African heat. The airy rooms with four poster beds, enormous, open-air bathrooms and private plunge pools, make for a completely invigorating experience. Sasaab also has a main swimming pool, built on the hillside overlooking the river. We recommend families book the family suite, rooms 8-9, which has a shared central area and can be taken as an exclusive villa, with separate access. Extra beds can also be added, subject to availability.