10 Best Hotels and Lodges in Samburu National Reserve
Which are the Best Hotels and Lodges in Samburu National Reserve?
So, you’re planning an adventure to the stunning Samburu National Reserve? Great choice! This gem of a park offers a unique safari experience with its special “Samburu Five” animals you won’t easily find elsewhere.
But before you start dreaming of Grevy’s zebras and reticulated giraffes, you have a big question to answer: where will you stay?
Finding the right place can feel overwhelming. You’ve got everything from ultra-luxe lodges to more wallet-friendly camps. How do you choose? Well, you’re in luck. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you! This guide breaks down the top 10 hotels in Samburu National Reserve, comparing their amenities and prices.
We’ll cover everything from 5 star hotels in Samburu to cheap hotels in Samburu.
Ready to find your perfect safari home base? Let’s dive into the best Samburu lodges and camps.
| Hotel/Lodge | Price Range | Category | Unique Selling Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saruni Samburu | Premium (Luxury) | 5-Star | Stunning cliff-top views and private conservancy |
| Sasaab Lodge | Premium (Luxury) | 5-Star | Moroccan-inspired design and private plunge pools |
| Elephant Bedroom Camp | Upper Mid-Range to Luxury | 5-Star | Close encounters with elephants at the camp |
| Soroi Larsens Camp | Premium (Luxury) | 5-Star | Riverside location with tranquil star beds |
| Samburu Intrepids Camp | Mid-Range to Upper Mid-Range | Family-Friendly | Family-focused with an Adventurers’ Club for kids |
| Ashnil Samburu Camp | Mid-Range | Comfortable | Wildlife viewing from the restaurant and tents |
| Samburu Simba Lodge | Mid-Range | Scenic Views | Elevated position with expansive plains views |
| Samburu Sopa Lodge | Affordable | Rustic Retreat | Rustic charm with local Samburu cultural insights |
| Sentrim Samburu Camp | Budget-Friendly | No-Frills Safari | Affordable access to Samburu’s wildlife |
| Lion King Bush Camp | Budget-Friendly to Lower Mid-Range | Intimate Escape | Small, intimate setting with personal service |
Saruni Samburu: The Clifftop Stunner
If you’re looking for views that will leave you speechless, Saruni Samburu is your spot. This lodge is perched on a massive cliff, giving you panoramic vistas of the vast landscape. It’s the definition of a luxury escape in the wild.
Amenities and Vibe
The design here is all about elegance and open spaces. You get spacious villas, two infinity pools that seem to spill into the horizon, and even outdoor showers. The cuisine is Italian-inspired, offering a gourmet touch to your safari experience. It’s an intimate setting, perfect for honeymoons or a special family trip.
Samburu Lodge Prices
Saruni Samburu sits firmly in the luxury category. Expect premium pricing for this exclusive experience. Nightly rates are often all-inclusive, covering meals, drinks, and activities like game drives and guided walks. This is one of the top 5 star hotels in Samburu.
What Makes It Special?
It’s all about the location. Waking up to that view is something you’ll never forget. Plus, being in the private Kalama Conservancy means you get fewer crowds and more exclusive wildlife sightings.
Pro Tip: Ask for a villa with a private plunge pool. It’s the perfect way to cool off after a morning game drive while watching wildlife from your own private space.
Sasaab Lodge: Moroccan Magic in the Bush
Step into a world that feels like a blend of Moroccan architecture and Kenyan wilderness. Sasaab Lodge, part of The Safari Collection, is another top-tier luxury option that delivers an unforgettable stay.
Amenities and Vibe
Each of the nine rooms is a massive, tented suite with a private plunge pool and an open-air bathroom. The main area features a stunning infinity pool that overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro River. You can also indulge in spa treatments or even take a camel ride. How cool is that?
Samburu Lodge Prices
As a premier luxury lodge, Sasaab’s prices reflect its high-end offerings. Rates are typically all-inclusive. You’re paying for exceptional service, privacy, and unique activities. It’s truly one of the best lodges in Samburu.
What Makes It Special?
The unique blend of Moroccan and Swahili design makes it visually stunning. The focus on wellness, with its beautiful spa, sets it apart. It’s a place to both explore and relax. Looking at Samburu lodges and camps photos of this place will have you booking a flight.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the “fly camping” experience. You get to sleep out under the stars in a simple, comfortable setup for a truly wild and memorable night.
Elephant Bedroom Camp: Up Close with Giants
Want to see elephants from your tent? You’ve come to the right place. As its name suggests, Elephant Bedroom Camp is a favorite spot for these gentle giants, who often wander right through the camp to drink from the river.
Amenities and Vibe
The camp offers 12 spacious, luxury tents set under doum palms along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Each tent has a private plunge pool on its deck. The vibe is classic safari chic—comfortable, elegant, and deeply connected to nature.
Samburu Lodges and Camps Rates
This camp falls into the upper mid-range to luxury bracket. The Samburu lodges and camps rates offer good value, considering the prime location inside the Samburu National Reserve and the high chance of close-up animal encounters.
What Makes It Special?
It’s the elephants, of course! There’s nothing quite like sipping your morning coffee while watching a herd pass by your tent. Its location inside the main reserve also makes it a great base for exploring.
Pro Tip: Keep your camera ready at all times, even when you’re just relaxing at camp. You never know when a unique wildlife moment will happen right in front of you.
Soroi Larsens Camp: Riverside Serenity
Named after the legendary safari pioneer Erik Ole Larsen, this camp offers a classic and intimate safari experience. Soroi Samburu Lodge (often referred to as Larsens Camp) is all about tranquil luxury on the riverbank.
Amenities and Vibe
With just 12 luxury tents, the atmosphere is quiet and exclusive. The tents are beautifully furnished and include private terraces overlooking the river. You can dine on the deck, relax by the pool, or even try the “star beds” for a night under the open sky.
Samburu Lodges and Camps Price
This is a luxury option with prices to match. The Samburu lodges and camps price here includes personalized service, gourmet meals, and expert-guided game drives. It’s an investment in a peaceful and classic safari adventure.
What Makes It Special?
The serene, riverside location is a huge draw. It’s an incredibly peaceful spot to watch the world go by. The small size of the camp ensures you receive attentive and personalized service throughout your stay.
Pro Tip: Pack a pair of binoculars for your private deck. The birdlife along the river is fantastic, and you can spot crocodiles and other animals without even leaving your tent.
Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp: Family Fun
Looking for a place that caters to the whole family? Samburu Intrepids is renowned for its family-friendly approach, including a fantastic Adventurers’ Club for kids.
Amenities and Vibe
The camp features newly renovated luxury tents with private decks overlooking the river. There’s a pool to cool off in, and the camp offers activities like guided nature walks and cultural visits. For kids, the club offers educational fun with Samburu naturalists.
Samburu Lodge Prices
This camp falls into the mid-range to upper mid-range category. The Samburu Lodge prices are reasonable for a family, especially considering the added value of the kids’ club and family-oriented activities.
What Makes It Special?
Its focus on families makes it stand out. While you enjoy a game drive, your kids can be safely entertained and educated about the bush. It makes a Kenya safari Samburu packages vacation much easier for parents.
Pro Tip: Before your trip, check the Samburu National Reserve Map to show your kids where you’ll be staying and what animals they might see. It builds excitement and makes the trip more engaging for them.
Ashnil Samburu Camp: Comfort and Accessibility
Ashnil Samburu Camp offers a comfortable and reliable safari experience in a fantastic location. It’s one of the larger properties but still manages to provide a great connection to the surrounding wilderness.
Amenities and Vibe
The camp has 30 deluxe tents, each with a private terrace offering views of the Ewaso Nyiro River. There’s a lovely swimming pool, a lounge with a view, and a restaurant serving a variety of dishes. The grounds are fenced, providing an added sense of security.
Samburu Lodge Prices
Ashnil is a solid mid-range choice, making it one of the more accessible hotels in Samburu. It offers a great balance of comfort and cost, providing excellent value for your money. It’s a good option if you’re looking for comfort without the ultra-luxury price tag.
What Makes It Special?
The ability to watch wildlife from the restaurant or your tent is a big plus. Because it’s located within the reserve, you’re never far from the action. It’s a great base for exploring the Samburu park.
Pro Tip: Make sure to factor in the Samburu National Reserve park fees when budgeting. These fees are paid per person, per day, and are separate from your accommodation costs. The Kenya safari Samburu entrance fee is essential for park conservation.
Samburu Simba Lodge: Views from a Hilltop
Overlooking the Buffalo Springs and the Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu Simba Lodge offers expansive views of the plains below. This is a larger lodge, perfect for those who enjoy more hotel-like facilities.
Amenities and Vibe
The lodge has over 70 rooms spread out in separate cottages. Two swimming pools, a bar overlooking a waterhole, and a spacious restaurant are part of the amenities. The rooms are comfortable and have private balconies to enjoy the view.
Samburu Lodge Prices
This lodge is a fantastic mid-range option. The prices are very competitive, making it a great choice for travelers who want full lodge facilities without a high price point. It offers excellent value and is a popular choice for many Kenya safari Samburu packages.
What Makes It Special?
The elevated position provides stunning, wide-open views that are hard to beat. The waterhole below the bar is frequently visited by wildlife, offering game viewing while you relax with a drink.
Pro Tip: Spend some time at the viewing deck in the evening. The floodlit waterhole attracts nocturnal animals, giving you a chance to see species you might miss during daytime game drives.
Samburu Sopa Lodge: A Rustic Retreat
Samburu Sopa Lodge is built to blend in with its environment, offering a rustic yet comfortable stay. It’s another excellent mid-range choice for exploring the wonders of Samburu.
Amenities and Vibe
The lodge is designed with local materials and features spacious cottages with private verandas. There’s a swimming pool for those hot Samburu afternoons and a cozy bar area. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious.
Samburu Lodge Prices
This is one of the more affordable lodges in the area, offering great value. It’s a good answer for those searching for slightly cheap hotels in Samburu that still provide comfort and an authentic safari feel. The Kenya safari Samburu price becomes more manageable when staying here.
What Makes It Special?
Its rustic charm and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a comfortable and practical base for exploring the reserve without the frills of the top-end luxury lodges.
Pro Tip: Chat with the local Samburu staff. They have incredible knowledge of the area, the culture, and the wildlife, and their stories can enrich your safari experience immeasurably.
Sentrim Samburu Camp: Budget-Friendly Bush Base
For those who want to experience Samburu without breaking the bank, Sentrim Samburu Camp is an excellent choice. It provides a simple, clean, and comfortable base for your adventures.
Amenities and Vibe
The camp features tented accommodation with modern ensuite bathrooms. There’s a main dining area and a swimming pool. The vibe is no-frills safari, focusing on the essentials: a comfortable bed, good food, and access to wildlife.
Samburu Lodge Prices
This is one of the best options if you’re looking for cheap hotels in Samburu. It provides all the necessities for a great safari at a fraction of the cost of the luxury camps, making a trip to this amazing reserve more accessible.
What Makes It Special?
Its affordability is its biggest selling point. It proves that you don’t need a massive budget to enjoy the magic of Samburu.
Pro Tip: Use the money you save on accommodation to book an extra game drive or a guided walk. It’s a great way to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities.
Lion King Bush Camp: An Intimate Escape
If you prefer a smaller, more intimate setting, Lion King Bush Camp is a hidden gem. It offers a cozy and personal safari experience that gets you close to nature.
Amenities and Vibe
This is a small, owner-operated camp, which means the service is very personal. The tents are comfortable and have what you need for a bush stay. The focus here is less on luxury amenities and more on an authentic, immersive safari experience.
Samburu Lodge Prices
This camp falls into the budget-friendly to lower mid-range category. The prices are very reasonable, making it another great choice for travelers keeping an eye on their budget.
What Makes It Special?
The small, intimate scale is what makes it special. You’ll feel more like a guest in a private home than a tourist in a large lodge. It’s perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
Pro Tip: This is a great place to learn about the Samburu culture. The smaller setting allows for more meaningful interactions with the local staff and guides. Ask them about their traditions and way of life.
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