Samburu National Park Hotels, Lodges in Samburu Kenya, East Africa

SAMBURU AND SHABA NATIONAL RESERVES

Samburu and Shaba National Reserves, situated in the sparsely populated semi-desert region of Kenya, form one of the most interesting game viewing areas in the country. Samburu National Reserve adjoins the Buffalo Springs National Reserve in the South and Shaba National Reserve to the East. The Game Reserve is traversed by the gentle Ewaso Nyiro river, which meanders, slowly between numerous acacia trees, providing life support to the dry-land animals and a home to many crocodiles and Hippos. The two National Reserves are the exclusive home of some unique wildlife that include the reticulated Giraffe, the Gravy’s Zebra and the Beisa Oryx. It is only in these game sanctuaries that you will find the graceful Gerenuk (sometimes called Giraffe Gazelle), a long-necked Gazelle that stands on its hind legs to nibble on high bushes leaves, and the rare blue-necked Somali Ostrich. Other animals commonly seen in Samburu and Shaba National Reserves include the Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Eland and a small number of lions. There are over 100 species of birds. Large flocks of Guinea fowls are a common sight.

Shaba was the home of Joy Adamson, the world-renowned author, conservationist and artist, together with her lioness Elsa. In Samburu National Reserve lives Larsen, the strange lioness who has, completely out of character, attempted several times to adopt antelope babies.

SAMBURU AND SHABA NATIONAL RESERVES ACCOMMODATION

OFFICIAL CATEGORY (Ministry of Tourism classification): TBA

LOCATION: Located on the Western border of the famous Samburu Game Reserve, Bedouin Camp is set within an 83,000 acre exclusive concession of pristine wilderness. It is about 30 kilometres from Archer’s Post.

DESCRIPTION: The Bedouin Tented Camp is situated on the southern banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River, on the western border of the Samburu Game Reserve, within a conservancy area.
The camp, resplendent in tented finery and comfort, offers a stunning contrast to the surrounding landscapes of rocky hills, shrubs and acacia trees.

To stay at this stunning tented camp is to experience a return to the original spirit and essence of a “safari”, reminiscent of a golden bygone era of romance, adventure and elegance. Here you will experience the ultimate in personalised service. The camp is personally hosted by the owners Craig and Samantha Griffiths.

Number of rooms: The camp has 8 tents (16 beds), set up between Giant Tortilis Acacias and Doum Palms, on the white sandy banks of the Ewaso Ngiro.

Room décor: The beautifully appointed tents overlook the river and are well spaced to ensure maximum privacy.

The tents are luxuriously furnished with camping furniture, safari antiques, Persian rugs, four poster beds (either double or twin) with sprung orthopaedic mattresses

Room amenities: private en-suite dressing rooms, bathrooms with safari style canvas baths, showers and porcelain flushing toilets.

Special features: Private Butler service.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITIES: Lunch is served al fresco on the banks of the Ewaso River, where the graceful elephants come for their daily drink and wallow.
Dinner is served in the shimmering light of the candelabras, or privately under the stars, to the accompaniment of the resident pride of lions’ nightly chorus. Dinner is an elegant affair, with silver, crystal, fine wines and freshly baked bread.

Proudly adorned Samburu Warriors and liveried waiters attend to your every whim, ever attendant but unobtrusive. The cuisine and service is of the highest standard to be found in the bush.

GENERAL FACILITIES:
• Laundry - daily at no extra cost.
• Telephone and Fax.
• Radio contact with other camps.
• Sun Downers AND Bush Picnics.

CONFERENCE FACILITIES: Nil.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Day AND Night Game drives.
Escorted Nature walks.
Bird watching.
Fly camps on top of the mystical Mt. Lolokwe.
Rock Climbing.
Massage and aromatherapy facilities are available upon request at the camp.
Helicopter trips can be arranged.

ADVENTURE
Fishing in Lake Turkana.
Game counts.
Camel treks.
Rafting through the Game reserve.
Samburu Cultural Ceremonies.

CLIMATE:. Long rain season begin end of March to end of May, short rain season is in November. Camp closed in June.

ELEPHANT WATCH SAFARI CAMP

OFFICIAL CATEGORY (Ministry of Tourism Classification): 04****

LOCATION: In the Samburu Game Reserve, Northern Kenya. Access: By road 01 330Kms (5 hours), past Mount Kenya region.
By air – 50 minutes on scheduled flights to Samburu Airstrip served by daily scheduled flights from Nairobi, to Masai Mara and thrice a week from Meru National Park.

DESCRIPTION: The exotic Camp is perched on the sand banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, beneath big Kigelia trees and Acacia Elatiors. It is home to some of the largest Elephant bulls in Samburu who can often be spotted resting under an acacia tree or picking pods beside the tents. The trees are filled with a multitude of birds and monkeys. At dawn a gentle chorus echoes overhead announcing the new day in the wild.

NUMBER OF ROOMS: The camp, which is eco-friendly, has been specially constructed for comfort and coolness, accommodating a maximum of 10 guests with its wide and breezy desert tents, individually styled, draped with colourful cloth and unusual furniture.

Room décor: Everything about Elephant Watch Camp is a feast for the senses, with bright swathes of cotton fanning in the breeze, huge cushioned sofas, woven local mats and special beds and furniture made from fallen trees.

Room amenities: Bathrooms are built around trees, giving our guests a novel washing experience with plenty of sun heated water and lights.

Special feature. Elephant Watch Safaris was selected as a world "hot spot" by Conde Nast Traveller in 2002 voted Best Tented Safari by The Week magazine in 2003

FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITIES: A tradition at Elephant Watch Camp, our Sundowners are a great way to conclude your day. Our Sundowners are located at our "top of the world" spot, with a breathtaking vista to observe the sunset. Enjoy a refreshing drink while you watch the Samburu warriors dance in the glow of a fire they created using their "firesticks."
Menus are a fusion of bush gourmet, fresh from our farm, with tropical fruit and drinks and a selection of good wine.

GENERAL FACILITIES: Books, films and information on elephants are provided for guests. At night, flame torches and lanterns light up the camp along the river.

RECREATION ACTIVITIES: Elephant Watching begins on arrival. Our Elephant Watch guides meet their guests at either of the two airfields and drive them gently through the Reserve spending time with many of our well
known elephant families as well as introducing them to some of the particular Northern inhabitants - the slim necked Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy Zebras and over 400 species of birds. A special visit to Save the Elephant Research Centre can also be organised.
Each day opens with a new adventure. Early morning or evening bush walks along well-travelled elephant paths or collecting medicinal plants and honey and always accompanied by our Samburu Warriors. At times one can witness the great river crossings of camels and cattle, fire making and Samburu ceremonies.

CONFERENCE FACILITIES: NIL

CLIMATE: Very hot and dry with temperatures averaging 29 degrees C or 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Warm nights.

larsens camp

OFFICIAL CATEGORY (Ministry of Tourism Classification): 04****
Larsens Camp is located in Kenya's famous Samburu National Reserve is named after Erik Ole Larsen, a legendary Dane credited with defining the luxury safari under canvas.

LOCATION: In Samburu Game Reserve, on Northern part of Kenya.

Access: By road 330Kms (5 hours), from Nairobi.
By air – 50 minutes on scheduled flights to Samburu Airstrip served by daily scheduled flights from Nairobi, to Masai Mara and thrice a week from Meru National Park.
DESCRIPTION: Set in lush lawns on the bank of the Uaso Nyiro River in a tranquil and natural setting amidst the shadow of many trees.
NUMBER OF ROOMS: 20 modern tents.
Room décor: Spacious airy tents facing the river, all raised on wooden platforms, and with each named after a bird.
Room amenities: En-suite facilities, towelling gowns and comfortable leather safari chairs.

Special feature: Unique animals found in the reserve and Larsens is all about peace and tranquility – in this regard, children below the age of 7 are not allowed at the camp.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITIES
• Dining tent - open on three sides and facing the river; elegant service by candlelight on tables set with silver and Larsen’s china.
• Tent Bar - In the bar, Eric Larsen’s old cabin trunks and pith helmets add to the period flavour. Backgammon or chess played on his original boards.
• Larsens Lounge – a small ‘card’ tent stocks a number of board games and a library of magazines and wildlife books.
• Special functions like champagne breakfast on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro after early morning game drive and Samburu Sunset - an early evening cocktail party on the banks of the river or on top on one of the small hills overlooking the river. Drinks and canapés are served as the sun sets painting the landscape pink.

GENERAL FACILITIES
Bureau de Change and use of Credit Cards - All major credit cards are accepted.
Communication – telephone services are available at the reception.
Gift shop

RECREATION ACTIVITIES
The Camp Fire - many a tale is exchanged around the fire each evening.
Tree-house – ideal for sundowners
Game viewing drives – In the early morning and late afternoon
Leopard/ crocodile viewing – and feeding in the evenings at Samburu Lodge
Samburu Dancing – in the afternoons at Samburu Lodge arena

CONFERENCE FACILITIES: NIL

CLIMATE: Very hot and dry with temperatures averaging 29 degrees C (85 degrees F) during the day and warm nights.

SABUK LODGE

OFFICIAL CATEGORY (Ministry of Tourism classification): TBA

LOCATION: Situated in the Northern Frontier District, overlooking the Laikipia Plateau, the Ewaso Nyiro River and Samburu land.

DESCRIPTION OF THE LODGE : Sabuk Lodge, home to Professional Safari Guide, Simon Evans, is a stunning wilderness destination, perched on the high banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.

NUMBER OF ROOMS: 5 open sided cottages

Room Décor: The cottages are open with verandah, shower and t oilet, each with its own fabulous view. Sabuk was fashioned out of the local landscape, built with local materials, the hillside, flora, twisted wood and stone boulders incorporated into the architecture. Open walls and private verandahs face out over the river gorge 150 feet below.

Special features:
• This hilly area with dense acacia bush is host to a lot of game which varies according to the season: Greater Kudu, Reticulated Giraffe, Buffalo, Impala, Elephant, Warthog, Klipspringer, Zebra, Eland, DikDik, Waterbuck, Lion, Leopard, good bird watching and incredible scenery.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITIES:
Soft drinks, beer and house wines
Champagne, special wines and luxury spirits

GENERAL FACILITIES:
. Laundry

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:
• Safari Lodge
• Game Drives
• Bird Watching
• Swimming
• Camel Safaris
• Fishing
• Guided Walks
• Sundowners.

CONFERENCE FACILITIES: N/A

TRANSPORTATION
camel assisted walking safari.

CLIMATE: Hot days, cool nights, low humidity

ALTITUDE: 5,500 ft

SAMBURU INTREPIDS TENTED CAMP

OFFICIAL CATEGORY (Ministry of Tourism classification): 04****
Samburu Intrepids is set in the semi-arid desert of northern Kenya in the quiet western section of Samburu National Reserve. Only 50 minutes flight from Nairobi this luxury tented camp has been designed to recreate the romance and charm of an East African safari as undertaken in the early years of the 20th century.

LOCATION: The Samburu Intrepids Club is situated deep in the Samburu National Reserve, 345 Km from Nairobi and 50 minutes by air from Nairobi to the Samburu airstrip, and then a 20 minutes drive to the Samburu Intrepids Club.
DESCRIPTION: Due to the location of the camp, you get to view the Unique animals found in this reserve.
NUMBER OF ROOMS: 25 modern luxurious tents (20 twins and 05 doubles)
Room décor: Private terrace/deck for each tent with reclining chairs and footstools, facing the river. The main bedroom is separated from the en-suite facilities by a wall, rather than canvas, for more privacy.
Room amenities: All the tent bedrooms are spacious, have overhead electric fan, en-suite bathrooms with shower, 2 wash hand basins, flush WC, hot and cold water and shaving sockets.

Special features:
• Unique animals found in this reserve. The camp is popular for fly-in packages and game drives and airstrip transfers conducted in the camp’s special 4x4 wheel drive vehicles.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITIES:
All the public areas are palm-thatched and because of the warm climate are, where possible, without walls. The dining room has a seating capacity of 60. There is also an external dining terrace, overlooking the river, where buffet breakfasts and lunches are served. The lounge, also with a wide terraced deck, houses a bar. There is also a swimming pool bar.

GENERAL FACILITIES:
? Safe deposit boxes for valuables.
? Comfortable 4x4WD vehicles for game drives
? Curio shop
? Environmental Centre
? Laundry and Valet service
? Postal service
? Telephone/Fax Services available.
? Private dispensary for minor ailments and injuries
? Foreign currency exchange and use of Credit Cards
? Guaranteed hot water supply on the solar system reinforced with electrical back-up.
? Storage facilities for late-check-outs
? 240 volts electricity supply. Each tent has a socket for accessories and video camera battery charging

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:
? Relaxing at the outdoor deck for each tent facing the river.
? Swimming pool.
? Use of the residents' reference library
? A variety of indoor games can be borrowed from reception.
? Organized game drives with professional driver/guides.
? Supervised children activities under the Adventurers Club.
? Camel Ride,
? Bush and bird walks,
? Cultural Safaris,
? Sundowner, bush breakfast and bush dinners
? Traditional dances performed in the evenings.

CONFERENCE FACILITIES: Available + modern audio and visual equipment

CLIMATE: At an altitude 1020 Metres (3300 feet) above sea level with an average annual temperature of 25 degrees Centigrades.

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