Saruni Samburu, Kalama Conservancy
Saruni Samburu sits high on a rocky cliff in Kalama Conservancy in northern Kenya, with sweeping views across the surrounding wilderness towards Mount Kenya, the Ewaso Nyiro River corridor and the Matthews Range. The lodge is the only property operating within this 240,000-acre community-owned wilderness, giving guests a peaceful base just beside Samburu National Reserve and access to the wider conservancy. Its setting on the hillside makes the lodge feel closely connected to the surrounding landscape, with the rocky terrain forming part of the character of the property. Accommodation is kept small and private, with just six villas built into the volcanic rock of the hillside. Two infinity pools are positioned at different levels of the cliff, adding places to relax while taking in the views. Days here can include morning and night game drives, guided walks, rock climbing, cultural visits and time at the waterhole photographic hide, giving you plenty of ways to enjoy the conservancy beyond the usual vehicle safari.
Where Is Saruni Samburu Located?
Saruni Samburu sits on a dramatic cliff within Kalama Conservancy, right next to Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. The conservancy covers about 240,000 acres of community-owned wilderness, giving the lodge a remarkable setting far from the feel of a busy safari destination. The lodge stands at around 3,000 feet above sea level, with wide views across the surrounding northern Kenya landscape. From the cliff, you can look towards Mount Kenya on one side, while the Ewaso Nyiro River corridor and the Matthews Range stretch out in the other direction. Below the lodge, the landscape is largely semi-arid, with acacia bush and patches of riverine woodland following the waterways. This setting supports wildlife such as elephants, leopards, reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx and Grevy’s zebras. One of the main advantages of staying at Saruni Samburu is the access it gives you to two different safari settings. You can spend time exploring Kalama Conservancy, where the lodge is located, and also venture into the neighbouring Samburu National Reserve. This gives your safari more variety, rather than keeping every activity within a single protected area.
Villas at Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu has just six luxury villas, giving the lodge an intimate feel throughout your stay. Two are one-bedroom villas, while the other four have two bedrooms, making them suitable for couples, families, friends and small groups. What makes the villas particularly distinctive is the way they are built into the volcanic cliff. Rather than standing as conventional rooms, they follow the natural shape of the landscape, with volcanic rock incorporated into the interiors and, in places, forming part of the walls. Large private verandas open onto the surrounding views, while generous living spaces give each villa a comfortable place to relax between activities.
One-Bedroom Villas
The two one-bedroom villas are a good choice for couples or travellers looking for a little more privacy without needing the extra sleeping space of a two-bedroom villa. Each villa combines a private living area with a veranda overlooking the landscape. Volcanic rock, natural textures and the open setting give the rooms a strong sense of place, while features such as an en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, safe, ceiling fan and mosquito netting keep the stay comfortable.
Two-Bedroom Villas
Four of the six villas have two bedrooms, making them a practical choice for families, friends and small groups travelling together. The extra bedroom gives guests separate sleeping spaces while allowing them to share the same villa, living area and private veranda. The design remains closely connected to the surrounding cliff, with natural rock and wide views forming part of the character of the accommodation.
Villa Amenities and Private Verandas
The villas combine the feel of a private retreat with the comforts you would expect from a luxury safari lodge. Depending on the villa, facilities include:
- Private veranda
- Private living area
- En-suite bathroom
- Outdoor shower
- Indoor bath in selected villas
- In-room safe
- Ceiling fan
- Mosquito netting
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- In-room fridge
- Water dispenser
- Exercise mat
- Full electricity
- Private dining on request
Samburu craftsmanship also comes through in the interiors, with locally woven fabrics adding colours inspired by the surrounding volcanic rock and the red Samburu shuka. One of the villas sits on a cliff promontory with particularly wide views across the Matthews Range and the Ewaso Nyiro Valley. It is the kind of setting where the landscape becomes part of the room itself.
Restaurants and Dining at Saruni Samburu
Dining at Saruni Samburu is relaxed and flexible, with meals taking place in different settings rather than following a rigid restaurant routine.
Communal and Private Dining
The main meals are served around the central lounge and dining area, where the small size of the lodge creates a naturally social atmosphere. Guests can sit together, share stories from the day’s activities and enjoy the views around the lodge. Private dining can also be arranged when you prefer a quieter meal. The cuisine has an Italian influence, bringing a different flavour to the usual safari dining experience while retaining the relaxed character of the lodge.
Picnic Breakfasts and Bush Dinners
Meals can also take you beyond the lodge. A picnic breakfast beside the Ewaso Nyiro River makes a memorable start to the day, while bush dinners are set up in a dry riverbed and served by firelight. Traditional Samburu dancers can accompany some of these evenings, adding a strong local touch to dinner under the open sky. For longer stays, these different dining settings add variety and allow you to enjoy more of the surrounding landscape.
Lounge and Bar
The open-plan lounge sits alongside the dining area and serves as the main gathering place before and after meals. It is a relaxed spot for a drink, conversation or simply taking in the views from the cliff. There is also a pool bar, giving guests another place to unwind during the day. The atmosphere throughout remains informal, with the dramatic landscape doing much of the work rather than the lodge relying on a formal bar or restaurant setting.
Two Cliff-Top Infinity Pools
Saruni Samburu has two infinity pools set at different levels along the cliff, giving each pool its own views and feel as the light changes through the day. One looks towards Mount Kenya, while the other faces the Matthews Range. A shared sunbathing area and pool bar make the pools a relaxing place to spend the warmer hours of the day, with plenty of space to sit back and take in the surrounding landscape.
Samburu Wellbeing Space
The Samburu Wellbeing Space offers a quiet setting for massages and wellness treatments during your stay. Every room also includes one complimentary 30-minute massage, giving guests an easy way to unwind after a day of game drives or walking in the conservancy.
Other Facilities at Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu has a range of facilities designed to make your stay comfortable while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and intimate. These include:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- In-room refreshments
- Pool bar
- Gift shop
- Communal lounge
- Dining area
- Fireplace
- Photographic hide
- Private dining on request
The gift shop features locally connected products and crafts, with proceeds supporting community groups and projects. The communal lounge, dining area and fireplace provide natural spaces to relax, enjoy a meal or spend time together between safari activities. With just six villas, the lodge maintains a quiet and personal atmosphere.
What Is Included at Saruni Samburu?
Your stay at Saruni Samburu includes accommodation, meals, day game drives, night game drives, guided walks, and one complimentary 30-minute massage per room. Some experiences and drinks come at an additional cost. These include Samburu cultural village visits, day trips to Ololokwe Mountain, and premium drinks. Room rates vary depending on the season and travel dates, so it is best to confirm the current rate when booking.
Safari Activities at Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu’s private conservancy setting gives you plenty of ways to enjoy the area beyond the usual daytime game drive. You can head out in the morning, continue into the evening, explore on foot, spend time at the photographic hide, or take part in cultural and outdoor activities around the lodge.
Day and Night Game Drives
Game drives take you through Kalama Conservancy and into the neighbouring Samburu National Reserve, giving you the chance to see some of northern Kenya’s distinctive wildlife. Elephants, leopards, reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebras and hyenas are among the animals you can look for, with plenty of birdlife adding to the drive. Night drives offer a completely different way to see the conservancy. Once the sun goes down, the landscape becomes quieter and nocturnal animals become active, making an evening drive a great addition to a daytime safari.
Guided Bush Walks
Walking is another rewarding way to explore the conservancy. You can choose from shorter afternoon walks or longer morning treks, depending on how much time you want to spend on foot. Without the vehicle, your attention shifts to the smaller details of the bush. Your guide can point out animal tracks, plants, birds, insects and other signs of life that are easy to miss during a game drive.
Photographic Hide at the Waterhole
For photographers, the ground-level hide beside the lodge’s active waterhole is a particularly good place to spend time. Its low position puts you close to ground level, giving you a different angle as animals come down to drink. Elephants, leopards, hyenas and a variety of birds can be seen around the waterhole. It is also a good option when you want to slow down and watch wildlife without spending every hour in a safari vehicle.
Rock Climbing
The lodge’s cliff-top setting also creates an opportunity for rock climbing. It is a good choice for active travellers who want to enjoy the rocky landscape in a more hands-on way rather than spending the entire stay focused on wildlife viewing.
Samburu Cultural Visits
You can also visit nearby Samburu communities and spend time learning about local traditions and daily life. These visits can be arranged as part of your stay, with a local visiting fee normally paid separately from the standard accommodation rate.
Ancient Rock Art Caves
The surrounding area also has caves containing traditional Samburu rock art. A visit adds a historical side to your safari, giving you the chance to see something beyond wildlife while learning more about the people and heritage of the region.
Ololokwe Mountain Day Trips
For travellers looking for a more demanding day out, a climb of Ololokwe Mountain can be arranged. The excursion takes you into the surrounding landscape and offers a more active way to spend the day. An additional fee applies for this experience.
Stargazing
With its remote setting and limited artificial light, Saruni Samburu is also a good place to spend an evening looking at the stars. Stargazing fits naturally into the slower pace of the evenings, whether you have just returned from a night drive or are simply enjoying time around the lodge after
How to Get to Saruni Samburu
Flying is the most convenient way to reach Saruni Samburu, particularly for travellers starting their northern Kenya safari from Nairobi. Most guests fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to an airstrip serving the Samburu area, then continue by road into Kalama Conservancy. Once you land, your safari transfer takes you onwards to Saruni Samburu. The lodge can also fit naturally into a wider northern Kenya itinerary, allowing you to combine your stay with time in Samburu National Reserve and other nearby community conservancies. For travellers planning a longer safari, Saruni Samburu works well as part of a route through northern Kenya, combining the lodge and surrounding conservancies with the wildlife areas of the Samburu region.
