Samburu Archives - Maasai Luxury Vacations

Elephant Watch Camp

Situated in Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve, near the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River, Elephant Watch Camp is an eco-luxurious retreat managed by a team of amiable staff and professional guides who collaborate with leading conservationists to visit and support the local elephant population. The camp is managed by Oria Douglas-Hamilton, who has been studying elephants for over 40 years and has shared her scientific discoveries with the world. The camp features six cozy tents with bathrooms, all constructed from natural materials, including trees felled by elephants. These tents are situated in a woodland by the Ewaso Nyiro River. The camp emphasizes eco-friendly principles, obtaining electricity from solar power, sourcing food locally from the Mt. Kenya foothills or their organic farm in Naivasha, and meticulously managing and recycling waste. A Fusion of Luxury and Sustainability Elephant Watch represents the pinnacle of luxurious eco-living and an exceptional wildlife adventure. With strong connections to elephant conservation in Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve, it offers an uncompromised African adventure. Guests can spend their days observing wild animals, guided by knowledgeable professionals and meet leading conservationists. Upon returning to camp, they will luxury that is deeply considerate of the environment. retreat provides an escape from the chaos of modern life, offering a rejuvenating connection with nature. Accommodation at Elephant Watch Camp Six spacious, netted tents at Elephant Watch Camp are designed to catch the breeze and ensure maximum privacy and protection. Each tent hangs under a wide thatched roof with its veranda and stunning view. The walls are a mix of canvas and netting which keeps bugs out but allows in the sounds and scents of the wild. Cold mineral water is stored inside the tent and fresh tea, coffee or fresh fruit juice is delivered in the morning. Each room has a king-size bed with cotton sheets, feather pillows, bedside lamps, a torch, towels, a kanga bathrobe and a “bush cupboard” with plenty of space. The wide veranda includes a daybed. Bathrooms are en suite and each built around a tree for maximum shade and privacy. Hand-painted buckets are filled with clean cool water by day, so are steaming hot by the evening. Laundry is collected every day. Cell phone reception is available through Safaricom/Vodaphone and Airtel, while Wi-Fi is accessible across the camp. Dining Experience Ingredients for the chefs’ inventive fusion of Italian and African-inspired dishes come from the family’s organic farm in the Rift Valley and the local farmer’s market at nearby Mount Kenya. The meat comes from an organic farm in Naivasha, or from the lush cattle ranches of Laikipia, where livestock is pasture-raised and free to roam. Cold avocado and gazpacho soups, fresh tropical juices, daily baked focaccia, rye rolls and crunchy cookies, homemade ice-creams, relishes, jams, honey in the comb (from the organic apiary), and fresh pasta and rice salads are all on offer at the Elephant Watch Camp restaurant. Picnic breakfasts and lunches can be prepared for unwrapping on river banks as a herd of elephants stroll by. One of the specialities is a roasted goat – Samburu-style fresh off the fire. Conservation Perhaps unsurprisingly, Elephant Watch camp enjoys a fantastic relationship with Save the Elephants, a charity founded in 1997 and based in Samburu National Reserve. The camp and charity share observations and Elephant Watch guides have the rather remarkable skill of recognising every single one of the 66 families that call Samburu home. The camp fundamentally aligns itself with environmentally responsible practice; all energy is solar-based, water is hand-pumped from an onsite well, and all the buildings are constructed using local materials such as fallen trees and palm thatch.

Kenya Helicopter Safari

A Helicopter Safari offers a unique and thrilling experience as you soar above the wilderness as you explore natural landscape and wildlife. This total freedom will allow you to visit places inaccessible by land and untouched by most humans. Northern Kenya hosts some of East Africa’s most remote geographical wonders. Looking down on this vast wilderness from above offers an entirely new perspective. Enjoy instant access to remote locations, otherwise unavailable under time constraints. Hover over wildlife or touch down beside a turquoise pool for a refreshing swim. Take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity during your luxury Kenya safari holiday to see the wildest corners of the country. Flying over the Northern Kenya Skimming low over the treetops or soaring up and over an escarpment like an eagle on a rising thermal, the best way to absorb the grandeur of Africa’s landscapes is from the air. A helicopter safari is a bucket-list highlight and one of Kenya’s best safari experiences. After a dawn breakfast at one of Kenya’s best safari lodges, we boarded the chopper and strapped ourselves in. I must admit my nerves were all a jangle. Our pilot, John, gave us a safety briefing … and then we were off on our helicopter safari. Up and up, like an elevator ride on steroids. It was an astounding sensation. We headed north, cruising over vast game reserves. I spotted a family of elephants beside a waterhole, hoovering the water with their elastic trunks. On we flew, passing herds of giraffe and Thomson’s gazelle, and catching a glimpse of a rare Grévy’s zebra. Where can you fly to in a helicopter in Kenya? Flights take off in the Laikipia region. From here, you can explore the epic vistas of the Great Rift Valley, soaring high above to take it all in or flying low and skirting the treetops to enjoy the lush riverine forests or the open rolling plains of this diverse region. The pilots are exceptionally well trained and are as passionate about the land as they are about the blue skies above – this means they’re perfectly qualified to operate as your safari guide for your flight. Mount Kenya is easy to access, and you can touch down high up on the mountainside to tuck into a spectacular picnic breakfast or lunch. If you wish to travel farther afield, you can visit the largest permanent desert lake in the world, Lake Turkana, to enjoy the breathtaking and otherworldly basalt outcrops and volcanic shores – here you can even camp out in comfort on the lake shore! The experience of flying to Mount Kenya and Lake Turkana To reach Mount Kenya, it’s an early start boarding the helicopter, to ensure you reach the mountain before the heat sets in – the pilot aims to get you there by 07:30! However, the effort of getting up at this time is well worth it, as the scenery is amazing. Acres of savanna sprawl below, herds of herbivores grazing the grass. Perhaps a lion or a leopard is on the prowl, causing a group of gazelles to scatter suddenly and race through the rippling plains. Then savanna meets woodland, even forest, beautiful banks of indigenous trees alternately standing still and waving gently as you pass overhead. Suddenly the foliage thins and a river emerges, rushing through the park or reserve. The pilot touches down on Mount Kenya and the first treat here is a hearty picnic breakfast! It’s awesome to tuck into the first meal of the day while enjoying the fantastic views. Then, if you wish, you can while away a few hours fly-fishing on one of the tranquil lakes or tarns that adorn the mountain’s upper slopes. After your visit to the majestic mountain, there’s the opportunity to fly to Lake Turkana. This, too, is a superb sight. The largest permanent desert lake in the world, Turkana combines volcanic shores and basalt outcrops to astonishing effect! The sheer inaccessibility of the area makes for a truly pristine environment, where fish such as cichlids, and reptiles such as Nile crocs and turtles, live and thrive. There is plenteous birdlife too, including flamingos and cormorants, while the surrounding grasslands are home to small populations of lion, cheetah, gazelle, zebra, giraffe – and even the cushioned gerbil! In addition to wildlife watching, Lake Turkana is perfect for fishing and quad biking – and there’s even a hint of history, in the fossils of Homo habilis, a species of the Hominini tribe, that remain on the shores. Ancient rock art has also been discovered, on the south beach. Travellers keen on culture will relish taking some time to observe the Rendille people as they bring their livestock to drink here. In total, more than a quarter of a million tribespersons are dependent on the lake, so it’s a real privilege to visit this Waterworld! Need help planning your next Kenyan Safari? We will help get you the best safari experience, void of traffic and overcrowding associated with other regions. Let us help you plan.

Elephant Strolling past one of the tents at Elephant Bedroom

Elephant Bedroom Camp

Overview Elephant Bedroom Camp is an intimate tented camp with simplistic elegance, luxury, and style that provides an astonishing safari experience. It offers luxury in a setting of breathtaking 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. Go on early morning and afternoon game drives to explore the incredible Samburu National Reserve, known for its lion and leopard sightings. Enjoy a guided nature walk for a more intimate experience of the African bush. Interact with the local Samburu people, learn about their fascinating culture, and be mesmerised by traditional dance performances. Architecture and Set Up at Elephant Bedroom Camp The main area consists of a pair of spacious tents that are raised on a smart wooden deck made from cypress wood. Open at the front, they have lovely views out over the river and their stylish furniture, much of which is made locally by Samburu craftsmen, is a mix of African and European styles. Elephant Bedroom Camp’s dining area is set with individual tables and chairs, and the comfortable lounge area, with large chairs and a sofa, is complemented by a couple of lounging areas on the broad, open-air deck. The 14 tented rooms at Elephant Bedroom Camp are spacious, comfortable and luxurious, but also unfussy. These are all raised on individual wooden platforms, eleven to the east of the main area and the other three to the west. Of these, 12 are standard tents, eight with twin double beds and four with one king-size bed; each tent has space for a third, single bed if required. In addition, there are two deluxe rooms – one configured as a double and the other as a twin. All the tents are furnished with a sofa or lounging chairs, coffee table, writing desk and very comfortable king-sized or twin double beds. Wool rugs are laid across the floors and handmade cushions decorate the sofas and beds. Neutral tones and dark-wood furniture are used throughout, resulting in a rustic but stylish safari look. The bathroom area at the back of each tent with stone floors and canvas walls. Hot and cold running water is available to both the plumbed-in shower and the twin wash basins, which are set on a wooden table, with electric water boilers providing the hot water. In addition, there’s a flush toilet, hanging space for your clothes and a wrought-iron towel rail, and toiletries are provided. Each tent also features a small, private plunge pool on the veranda for cooling off in the heat of the day. This is welcome in Samburu where it is often very hot. As the name suggests, elephants frequently walk calmly through camp. The deluxe rooms are much larger, with a lounge area, wooden flooring, an outside shower and bathtub, and a bigger deck and plunge pool. A stay in one of these rooms will certainly elevate the overall luxury and comfort of the camp. Activities at Elephant Bedroom Camp The activities based on Elephant Bedroom focus mostly on safari drives in comfortable 4WD vehicles. Guests typically go out from 06:00-09:30, then return to camp for a leisurely breakfast, relaxing and lunch, before heading out again from 16:00. Samburu is far less visited than areas such as the Maasai Mara and it is unlikely to feel crowded. Back at camp during the day, you might also want to take advantage of the ‘spa tent’ for a massage. It is also possible to visit a local village, around a 15-minute drive away, for an insight into the Samburu culture and rural life. There are extra charges for these activities. Game walks, led by two armed rangers and a guide, can also be arranged for an additional US$45 per person, but these are best booked in advance. It is also possible to book a private sundowner, which is an extra cost but includes nibbles and drinks. Bush dinners and breakfast are a fun way of dining al fresco but these also cost extra: typically around US$45 per person for dinner and US$50 for breakfast.

Sarara Camp

Sarara is a luxurious, romantic tented camp on the edge of the magnificent Samburu wilderness. Set on the slopes of the Mathews Mountains and offering awe-inspiring views, Sarara Camp welcomes continuous connections with this remote wilderness and the wildlife calling it home. Stretching over 850,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the Mathews Range, this remote and dramatic landscape is home to the indigenous Samburu people, whose age-old traditions (including the revered ancient Singing Wells) are as much a part of the fabric of this land as the wildlife. Sweeping savannah plains, lush mountain slopes, and riverine forests provide the backdrop for a diverse range of species including Kenya’s second-largest elephant population, the endangered Reticulated giraffe, Grévy’s zebra, leopard, wild dog, kudu and more. The conservancy is also a bird-lovers paradise with an astounding number of endemic, migratory and predatory birds. Set on the slopes of the Mathews Mountains, Sarara Camp offers expansive verandas with awe-inspiring views. Accommodation at Sarara Camp Six spacious en-suite tents, all with uninterrupted views of Namunyak’s 850,000-acre wilderness and the majestic Mathews Mountain Range. Each beautifully appointed en-suite tent features solar-heated outdoor showers – and two of the suites are interconnected with an outdoor path, making for the ideal family unit. Each intimate tent is positioned to maximise the stunning views of the Mathews Range and the waterhole that attracts a variety of games throughout the day. The tents are spacious and high-ceilinged with private terraces with tables and chairs and morning coffee and tea are brought to you so that you can leisurely arise gazing out over the mountains. There is an outdoor bathroom offering a superb view of the hills from the shower and an indoor toilet and sink at the back of the tent. Sarara Camp also offers the exclusive two-bedroom Sarara House, which is perfect for families or friends and includes a spectacular plunge pool, private dining, and a spacious lounge area with panoramic views.

Sasaab Lodge

Sasaab is a stunning luxury-tented camp in the heart of the Samburu wilderness. Perched on the edge of a river valley, the architecture of Sasaab blends Swahili and Moroccan design principles, with the African heat of primary consideration. Each of the eleven canvas-sided rooms is over 100m² with private plunge pools and breathtaking views across the Laikipia Plateau toward the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya. Its position above the river naturally facilitates watching the herds of elephants that come to bathe below and a host of other wildlife. Built into the hillside, the camp’s main swimming pool boasts views over the cooling river waters. The camp’s spa offers invigorating treatments using an assortment of natural Kenyan ingredients. For hands-on pampering, in-room massages and beauty treatments will invigorate guests. Adventures include twice-daily game drives (including spotlit night drives), walking safaris along the river or in the grasslands, day trips to the Samburu Reserve, mountain biking, and cultural excursions. Sasaab Lodge Tented Camps Sasaab is a spectacular luxury-tented camp offering the ultimate safari in Samburu. Situated just outside Samburu National Reserve in Kenya’s Northern Frontier District, the landscape is dotted with mountains, wildlife and a rich cultural heritage. It is a place of abundant natural diversity with an astounding number of animals, from elephants to cheetah and wild dogs to the ‘Samburu Special Five’ (five species unique to the area): the Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Gerenuk antelope and Somali ostrich. Activities at Sasaab Lodge Sasaab offers a fabulous range of exciting activities for everyone, from exploring the wilderness on foot, camel or quadbike, to fly-camping under the stars and epic helicopter experiences in Kenya’s remote north. A stunning infinity pool and spa area create serene spaces in which to relax against a backdrop of nature, perfect for those seeking a slower safari experience whilst others are out exploring. Sasaab Helicopter Experience Sasaab provides the perfect starting spot from which to explore Kenya’s remote, untouched north. With a private helicopter, some of Kenya’s wildest and most breathtaking geographical features lie at your fingertips. Fly through the dramatic rocky gorges of the Suguta Valley, soar alongside flamingos over Lake Logipi, land on vast desert dune fields or visit the top of a sacred Samburu mountain for a breakfast with unimaginable views. The Safari Collection The magic of a Kenyan safari doesn’t end with Sasaab. The Safari Collection is the proud owner of six distinct camps and lodges in some of Kenya’s most spectacular locations, including Giraffe Manor and The Retreat in Nairobi, Sala’s Camp in the Masai Mara, Sasaab in Samburu, Solio Lodge in Laikipia and Siruai Mobile Camp.

A ranger tracking rhino with modern tech

Rhino Tracking in Africa: Saruni Rhino

Nestled among the swaying doum palms of Samburu in northern Kenya, Saruni Rhino offers one-of-a-kind rhino tracking safaris. This is the first community-owned and community-run Rhino Sanctuary in Sera Community Conservancy, after an absence of a quarter of a century, marking a historical achievement for conservation and tourism in Kenya. It is unique not only for the unforgettable, raw beauty of its habitat but also because, as the name says, it is the gateway to an extraordinary place: the rhino sanctuary where black rhinos have been successfully re-introduced and are guarded by the community. The camp offers several diverse experiences. One is the first on-foot black rhino tracking experience in East Africa. This incredible walking safari provides a thrilling adventure and the opportunity for guests to actively contribute to the protection of this iconic species. The rhinos are located in a 350 000-hectare wilderness region known as the Sera Community Conservancy, which is the first community conservancy in Africa to own and operate a sanctuary for black rhinos – providing state-of-the-art protection, allowing the species to roam its natural habitat in northern Kenya for the first time in decades. Guided by highly trained rangers, you can get very close to these giant browsing mammals. After locating a rhino in your vehicle, you will disembark and approach on foot, advancing very close but never giving away your presence. Although rhinos’ eyesight is very poor, their hearing is exceptional and your guide will ensure that the animal is never frightened by your presence. Accommodation Options for this Safari Saruni Rhino is a 4-banda camp. A banda is a rustic stone cottage with a thatched roof and canvas zip-down windows and doors. All bandas have flushing loos, hot & cold water and natural stone showers. The bandas are situated along a dry river bed lined with beautiful doum palms in a way that ensures maximum privacy for guests but is intimate enough for group bookings on an exclusive basis. Make a Positive Impact Through Travel Saruni believes in the ethical creation of wealth. This is the way forward for Africa, and for conservation: the protection of wildlife and nature based on the distribution of income and jobs to its stakeholders. This is why they are proud to be among the founding members of Mara North Conservancy (MNC) and to be part of Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) – two leading community-run conservation organizations in Kenya, which demonstrate the vital connection between communities, conservation and wildlife, a relationship fueled by tourism.

Camel Safari Across the Wilderness of Kenya

One of the most refreshing and fun-filled safari experiences is exploring Kenya’s wilderness on a camel safari. Be adventurous and do as the Samburu do; ride a camel through the African wilderness. A fun-filled alternative to the traditional game viewing experience, a camelback safari allows guests to get up close with plains games such as zebra, giraffe, and ostrich. This activity can be tailored to your preferences and combined with some of our exciting wildlife safari packages. A Camel Safari is a Unique Safari experience with the Samburu people in one of the most untouched destinations in Kenya. A camel safari is the ideal means of travelling through northern Kenya. The experience is unmatched, and you get to have an authentic trip accompanied by Samburu people, learning their ways and culture. One of the most refreshing and fun-filled safari experiences is exploring Kenya’s wilderness on a camel safari. Escape the constraints of a vehicle and lose yourself in the wilds where the camel train is the only traffic for miles. Walk out into the bush, with Samburu tribesmen and camels carrying the camp, or ride them through the dry riverbeds of Northern Kenya – you will walk or ride through some of the most remote and scenically beautiful lands in Northern Kenya. Northern Kenya consists largely of very dry land, which camels thrive in. This is a peaceful journey through a spiritual and historical wilderness. Camelback safaris take place in northern Kenya’s Laikipia county. This mode of transport was (and still is) used by the Arab traders and has filtered down to northern Kenya’s Samburu and Turkana tribes. These gentle creatures have a soft nature as they quietly stroll through the arid landscape. Just like horseback riding, the wildlife is not disturbed on a camel safari. It’s a great way to get closer to the animals. There are a few lodges and camps that offer camelback safaris, and they are traditionally found close to the northern frontier in Kenya’s Samburu country Need help planning your next Kenyan Safari? We will help get you the best safari experience, void of traffic and overcrowding associated with other regions. Let us help you plan.

Elephant Watch Camp

Kenya Helicopter Safari

Elephant Bedroom Camp

Sarara Camp

Sasaab Lodge

Rhino Tracking in Africa: Saruni Rhino

Camel Safari Across the Wilderness of Kenya

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

A Free Newsletter Worth Opening

Safari Types

Maasai Luxury Vacations

(+254) 757 457869
(+254) 781 867829

Luxury Accommodations