Top 10 Best-value Lodges and Camps in and Around Samburu

By Anthony Ham

Samburu National Reserve belongs among Kenya’s elite safari destinations. This compact and accessible reserve is filled with fabulous wildlife, but it is far enough away from the rest of Kenya’s safari circuit to keep tourist numbers relatively low. It is an outstanding park with excellent accommodations, especially along the scenic Ewaso Nyiro River. Samburu may not be at the top of many safari-goers’ list of must-see places to visit, but it should be.

There are plenty of accommodations to choose from inside Samburu’s boundaries, but there are other options. Some travelers stay in neighboring Buffalo Springs or Shaba National Reserves (both a two- to three-hour drive away). Combining a visit to Buffalo Springs and/or Shaba with Samburu is an excellent thing to do, although you’ll pay separate entry fees for each reserve. Read on for our pick of the best-value lodges and camps in the area.

The accommodations below are not ranked in a specific quality order.

174 Samburu Safaris

1. Samburu Sopa Lodge (Samburu NR)

Samburu Sopa Lodge has a fine location and good facilities in a quiet area of Samburu National Reserve

Unlike many other accommodations in Samburu, which are clustered along the riverbank, Samburu Sopa Lodge is located near the hills and well away from any other lodges or camps. This means that it’s wonderfully quiet and you’re unlikely to encounter other safari vehicles as soon as you leave camp. The large bungalows here have thatched roofs and old-style safari decor, with splashes of color set against a soothing backdrop of earth tones. Be prepared for big-sky Samburu views. Facilities include a decent restaurant, a bar and a swimming pool that’s ideal for cooling off under the fierce Samburu sun.

58 Samburu Sopa Tours

2. Ashnil Samburu Camp (Buffalo Springs NR)

Ashnil Samburu Camp is a supremely comfortable riverside camp with safari tents and high-standard amenities

Stretched out along the southern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River, Ashnil Samburu Camp is a terrific choice for staying in Buffalo Springs. The views are stunning, including the outlook across the river into Samburu. Wildlife encounters begin almost as soon as you leave the camp gate, with elephants often wandering along the riverbank next to camp.

The hexagonal safari tents are spacious and nicely turned out with wooden furnishings and bold safari colors. The wonderfully leafy grounds shelter an airy bar and an open-sided restaurant. From both of these, and even from the tents at night, the roar of the river can be a comforting soundtrack in this otherwise barren landscape. There’s also a swimming pool, a spa and wellness center, and a gift shop.

28 Ashnil Samburu Tours

3. Samburu Simba Lodge (Buffalo Springs NR)

Samburu Simba Lodge combines big views with in-camp comforts in Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Samburu Simba Lodge is unusual in the Samburu area because it has plenty of trees on the lodge grounds, which helps keep things cool. But the open country all around it offers terrific views and wildlife viewing. The lodge is near the river on the Buffalo Springs side, and you can see a long way in every direction, including north across the river to Samburu and the mountains beyond. And because you’re away from most other lodges and lights, the view of the stars here at night is fantastic.

Although set in such vast country, the rooms have a cozy, intimate feel, thanks to the decor that draws on local Samburu crafts and artworks. While you’re in camp you can make the most of the swimming pool, restaurant, bar, massage center and gift shop.

31 Samburu Simba Tours

4. Sarova Shaba Game Lodge (Shaba NR)

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge lies within Shaba National Reserve and is a fine place to stay

This outpost of the respected, experienced and professional Sarova chain of lodges has one of the best locations in Shaba National Reserve. It’s spread out along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River and far from any other lodges or camps. This quiet location makes it an ideal safari escape for a few days. Rooms make use of traditional local materials, such as wood and decorative bricks. The lodge also has a restaurant, an appealing bar and lounge area, a pretty palm-shaded swimming pool, a massage and wellness center, and a small gift shop.

26 Sarova Shaba Tours

5. Elephant Bedroom Camp (Samburu NR)

Elephant Bedroom Camp is a classic riverside camp inside Samburu, with great facilities

You’ll want to sit forever on the deck of your safari tent at Elephant Bedroom Camp, looking out over the Ewaso Nyiro River. Some of the decks have the bonus of a private plunge pool. And while you’re here, you might just see an elephant (or a leopard, or a pride of lions) come down to the water’s edge to drink. The tents capture the romance of being on safari, allowing you to listen at night for lions roaring or elephants trumpeting nearby. They also offer all the comforts and small luxuries of staying in one of Samburu’s best camps.

The food, public lounge areas and high levels of service are among the best you’ll find in the main reserve. Best of all, Samburu’s legendary wildlife is never far away.

Elephant Bedroom Tours

6. Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp (Samburu NR)

Samburu Intrepids combines luxurious rooms and facilities with strong Samburu community credentials

Almost enclosed by a bend in the picturesque Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu Intrepids has effortlessly luxurious tents with hardwood floors and an enduring sense of space and light. The camp has a commitment to, and connections with, local Samburu communities. This shines through in both the decor and the activities, which can include time spent learning about local culture. After dark, the whole place seems to glow in the lantern light, with incredible views of the stars to enjoy from many places about camp. And, of course, the camp has excellent dining, lovely places to relax and a good swimming pool.

Samburu Intrepids Tours

7. Soroi Larsens Camp (Samburu NR)

Soroi Larsens Camp has a riverside location and plenty of all-round luxury inside Samburu

Located in a prime position on the Ewaso Nyiro riverbank, Soroi Larsens Camp is one of the most luxurious accommodations in the Samburu area. The tents are large and lovely, with Persian carpets and intricate antique furnishings set atop wooden floors. Open the doors to enjoy views of the river from your bed, and listen to the magical night sounds of Africa through the canvas walls after dark. The luxury experience extends to all corners of camp life, from the impeccable service to the fine dining in the elevated riverside restaurant. And you’ll feel suitably pampered in the spa center.

Soroi Larsens Tours

8. Saruni Samburu Camp (Kalama Conservancy, near Samburu NR)

Saruni Samburu has panoramic views, luxury rooms and a wonderfully quiet location just outside Samburu

You’re in for a real treat at Saruni Samburu Camp, which is also known as Saruni Basecamp. For a start, you’re staying in the only camp in Kalama Conservancy, which borders Samburu National Reserve. It has much of the same wildlife and none of the safari vehicle traffic, so you’ll almost certainly see more elephants here than other travelers. The ridgetop location is remarkable and unlike anywhere else across the Samburu area. Being in the conservancy also provides many opportunities to spend time with Samburu communities.

The luxury rooms here are built into the rocks and have astonishing views. But the views aren’t restricted to the rooms. The restaurant, the sundowner campfire and the swimming pool all look out over a landscape that seems to go on forever.

Saruni Samburu Tours

9. Lion’s Cave Camp (Near Samburu NR)

Lion’s Cave Camp is a character-filled camp set by the river and among rocky hills near Samburu

The unique Lion’s Cave Camp seems to emerge from the very earth itself, crafted from wood, earth-colored canvas and locally quarried stone. The whole experience is a mix of simple, comfortable rooms and cheerfully rustic facilities. The camp is close to both Samburu National Reserve and the gateway town of Archers Post. Its swimming pool, restaurant and public areas perfectly capture (and feel very much part of) the rugged local environment that is so typical of Kenya’s north. The sound of the river is a fine accompaniment to your stay.

Lion's Cave Tours

10. Ashnil Surana Buffalo Springs Camp (Buffalo Springs NR)

Ashnil Surana has sweeping views, designer rooms and an excellent position in Buffalo Springs

High on a hill overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River on the Buffalo Springs side, Ashnil Surana is a designer hotel with big views of rivers and distant mountains. Earthen walls with seductive curves dominate the design, with hints of wood and canvas. The rooms have lots of space and natural light, and each has its own private plunge pool. The swimming pool, culinary excellence and prime location in the heart of Buffalo Springs, surrounded by amazing wildlife, help to round out an incredible package. If you’re very lucky, you might even see elephants and a leopard or two within a 10-minute drive of camp.