Samburu, Kenya
Saruni Samburu
Luxury safari lodge in Samburu’s Kalama Conservancy
Perched in the Kalama Mountains with panoramic views across northern Kenya, Saruni Samburu is a luxury safari lodge set within the 95,000-hectare Kalama Conservancy. Leopards occasionally visit nearby waterholes, while the surrounding plains attract abundant wildlife and the predators that follow.
The lodge comprises six design-led luxury villas, each positioned on open decking with sweeping views across the Samburu wilderness. It’s an exceptional base for exploring wildlife and the rich cultural traditions of the Samburu region.
Located 7km north of Samburu National Reserve, the lodge offers access to the Samburu Special Five: reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx and gerenuk. Right at your doorstep, Kalama Conservancy – which borders the reserve – provides private game viewing with fewer vehicles and a greater sense of exclusivity.
Beyond game drives, spend time with Samburu warriors learning traditional tracking skills across the open plains. Expert guides offer deep insight into the region’s wildlife and ecosystems. And a two-hour drive away, visit Saruni Rhino for the rare opportunity to track black rhino on foot.
Highlights
Set out on expertly guided game drives in private Maasai conservancies, seeking the Big Five and seasonal migration herds
Stay in intimate, design-led camps with canvas suites, open-air verandas and sweeping views across the Mara plains
Join Maasai guides on walking safaris, learning traditional tracking skills and gaining deeper insight into the ecosystem
Dine under the stars beside the campfire, enjoying fresh, locally inspired dishes in a relaxed bush setting
Watch elephants, giraffes and zebras roam across the savannah from your private deck at sunrise
Experience community-led conservation in action, staying within Maasai-owned conservancies that directly support local livelihoods
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Places to combine Saruni Samburu with
Etosha National Park
Encounter by Ongava is an intimate safari camp set within Ongava Game Reserve, on the southern edge of Etosha National Park. You’ll be surrounded by Mopane woodland and wildlife moving freely through the landscape.
There are eight spacious walk-in tents: seven standard tents and one paired tent that works well for families or small groups. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower and a private deck.
You can head out on game drives across the 30,000-hectare Ongava Game Reserve. The area is known for its rhino population, as well as lion, zebra and antelope, including the endemic black-faced impala. We especially recommend private guided nature walks, where you can slow down, appreciate the small details and explore with minimal impact. There may be the chance to approach white rhino on foot, as well as spend time bird watching.
For a wider safari experience, take a guided excursion into nearby Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area. At the Ongava Visitor Centre, learn about the region’s geology, wildlife, plants and ecology.
Back at camp, slow down by the pool, settle into the library or gather at the bar as evening falls. The day softens into drinks, quiet conversation and the sounds of the reserve.
