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.