Overview
Samburu National Reserve—and the wider Samburu-Laikipia ecosystem—are famed for their wild beauty, dramatic landscapes, riverine forests, and unique wildlife (like Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and “Samburu Special Five”). From riverbank luxury lodges to community-run eco-camps and rustic bandas, Samburu offers a diverse range of accommodation for every traveler.
1. Luxury Lodges & Tented Camps
Exceptional service, gourmet dining, and spectacular locations—perfect for a romantic or special-occasion safari.
- Saruni Samburu (Kalama Conservancy): Cliff-top villas with stunning views, private butlers, two infinity pools, exceptional guiding, conservation focus.
- Sasaab Lodge (Westgate Conservancy): Moroccan-style luxury tents, private plunge pools, spa, incredible views over the Ewaso Nyiro River.
- Elephant Bedroom Camp (Inside Reserve): Riverside luxury tents, elephants often wander through, excellent food, plunge pools.
- Samburu Intrepids Camp (Inside Reserve): Riverbank luxury, family tents, excellent children’s program, strong guiding.
- Ashnil Samburu Camp (Inside Reserve): Spacious tents, modern style, riverfront views, great service.
- Larsens Camp (Inside Reserve): Elegant tents with outdoor showers, fine dining, tranquil setting.
- Samburu Simba Lodge (Buffalo Springs side): Modern rooms with balconies, pool, great for groups.
- Saab Royale Samburu Lodge (Isiolo): New luxury lodge, boutique feel, spa, conference facilities.
- Surana Buffalo Springs Lodge (Buffalo Springs): Large, stylish, riverside, friendly staff.
- Joy’s Camp (Shaba Reserve): Famous for Elsa the lioness, stylish tents, natural springs, old-world luxury.
2. Mid-Range Camps & Lodges
Balance of comfort, value, and great locations—perfect for families, groups, or longer stays.
- Samburu Sopa Lodge (West of Reserve): Spacious cottages, large pool, family-friendly, extensive lawns.
- Samburu Riverside Camp (Inside Reserve): Tented camp, shaded by acacia trees, affordable rates.
- Samburu Game Lodge (Inside Reserve): Long-established, classic safari lodge, riverside location, pool, bar.
- Intrepids Camp (Family Tents): Spacious, kids’ club, riverside location.
- Lion King Bush Camp (Near Reserve): Simple tents, great value, friendly team, birdlife.
- Buffalo Springs Safari Lodge (Buffalo Springs): Comfortable rooms, good food, overlooks Ewaso Nyiro.
- Samburu Riverside Tented Camp (Inside Reserve): Cozy, relaxed, local hosts, good meals.
- Sabache Camp (Mt. Ololokwe): Mid-range lodge with tented and cottage rooms, amazing mountain views.
- Shaba Safari Lodge (Shaba Reserve): Historic, pools, unique setting.
- Umoja Camp (Near Archer’s Post): Tented rooms and cottages, family friendly.
3. Eco-Lodges, Community & Cultural Camps
Authentic experiences, local ownership, and low-impact stays—great for culture lovers and green travelers.
- Saruni Samburu: Conservation model, community partnership.
- Sabache Camp & Eco Camp (Mt. Ololokwe): Community-run, supports local schools, immersive cultural walks, traditional bandas.
- Kalama Community Conservancy Camps: Samburu-owned, supports local livelihoods, authentic experiences.
- Sasaab Lodge: Eco-friendly, community projects, camel treks.
- Umoja Women’s Village Camp: Unique, women-run, supports local empowerment, basic tents or bandas.
- Lewa Safari Camp (Lewa Conservancy): Community trust model, conservation focus, exceptional guiding.
- Lion King Bush Camp: Locally run, supports local guides.
- Samburu Elephant Lodge: Eco-initiatives, community employment.
- Samburu Umoja Camp: Women’s empowerment, cultural activities.
- Reteti House (Namunyak Conservancy): Near Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, eco-luxury, community-run.
4. Family-Friendly & Group Accommodations
Spacious rooms, pools, activities for kids, and flexible options for groups.
- Samburu Intrepids Camp: Family tents, kids’ adventure program.
- Samburu Simba Lodge: Pools, adjoining rooms, large lawns.
- Ashnil Samburu Camp: Family-friendly tents, kids’ menus.
- Samburu Sopa Lodge: Family rooms, pool, space to run.
- Samburu Game Lodge: Interconnecting rooms, pool, riverside location.
- Surana Buffalo Springs Lodge: Family rooms, pools, large grounds.
- Shaba Safari Lodge: Pool, family suites, wildlife walks.
- Lion King Bush Camp: Groups and families welcome.
- Joy’s Camp: Large tents, guides for families.
- Sabache Camp: Family cottages, nature activities.
5. Budget Camps, Bandas & Guesthouses
Simple, safe, and affordable—ideal for backpackers, solo travelers, or those on a budget.
- Lion King Bush Camp: Budget tents, good food, warm hosts.
- Samburu Riverside Tented Camp: Affordable, riverside, basic but clean.
- Umoja Women’s Village Camp: Basic tents and bandas, community meals.
- Umoja Camp: Dorms and private rooms, communal kitchen.
- Sabache Bandas: At foot of Ololokwe, very affordable, BYO food.
- Samburu Guest House (Archer’s Post): Budget rooms, local style.
- Riverside Camp (Outside Reserve): Budget tents, camping, social vibe.
- Buffalo Springs Public Campsite: KWS-run, very basic, bring your own gear.
- Shaba Public Campsite: Basic, good for self-drivers.
- Manyatta Banda Camp: Budget bandas, close to Archer’s Post.
6. Self-Catering & Special Interest
Independence, privacy, and ideal for longer stays or those who love to cook.
- Sabache Camp & Bandas: Self-cater, use communal kitchen.
- Umoja Camp: Shared kitchen, family/group options.
- Samburu Simba Lodge: Some units with kitchenettes.
- Private Airbnbs: Homes and apartments in Archer’s Post and nearby towns.
- Reteti House: Fully catered, but private bookings possible.
- Samburu Game Lodge: Can arrange for group catering/self-cater on request.
7. Camping & Public Campsites
Perfect for adventure seekers, overlanders, and those wanting to pitch their own tent.
- Buffalo Springs Public Campsite: Basic, riverside, secure, bring your own gear.
- Shaba Public Campsite: Scenic, under shade trees, pit latrines.
- Sabache Camp: Offers camping at base of Mt. Ololokwe.
- Samburu Riverside Camp: Basic, close to reserve entrance.
- Umoja Camp: Campsite space, access to bathrooms and kitchen.
- Lion King Bush Camp: Bring your own tent or rent theirs.
- Private Campsites: By arrangement with certain lodges/conservancies.
Samburu Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | Eco/Ethical | Inside Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saruni Samburu | Kalama Conservancy | Luxury Villas | $500–$900 | Cliff-top, private, community-run | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Sasaab Lodge | Westgate Conserv. | Luxury Tented | $600–$1000 | Moroccan style, spa, eco-projects | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Elephant Bedroom Camp | Inside Reserve | Luxury Tented | $400–$700 | Riverside, elephants, plunge pools | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes |
| Ashnil Samburu Camp | Inside Reserve | Luxury Tented | $300–$500 | Riverfront, pool, modern tents | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes |
| Samburu Intrepids Camp | Inside Reserve | Luxury Tented | $300–$500 | Family tents, kids’ club, riverside | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes |
| Samburu Simba Lodge | Buffalo Springs | Lodge | $180–$300 | Pools, group friendly, large rooms | Yes | Yes | Some | Near |
| Samburu Sopa Lodge | Outside Reserve | Lodge | $150–$220 | Pool, cottages, lawns, kids’ menus | Yes | Yes | Some | No |
| Lion King Bush Camp | Near Reserve | Budget Tented | $50–$100 | Local guides, group/family friendly | Yes | No | Yes | Near |
| Sabache Camp & Bandas | Mt. Ololokwe | Eco/Community | $30–$80 | Cultural, hiking, bandas, camping | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Umoja Women’s Village Camp | Near Archer’s Post | Community/Budget | $20–$50 | Women-run, cultural, basic tents | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Samburu Game Lodge | Inside Reserve | Classic Lodge | $200–$350 | Pool, riverside, history | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Buffalo Springs Safari Lodge | Buffalo Springs | Lodge | $160–$250 | River view, family friendly | Yes | Yes | No | Near |
| Umoja Camp | Near Archer’s Post | Guesthouse/Budget | $20–$60 | Dorms, family rooms, camping | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Shaba Safari Lodge | Shaba Reserve | Lodge | $200–$350 | Pool, suites, unique setting | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes |
| Public Campsites (KWS) | Various | Camping | $10–$20 | Bring your own gear, wild camping | Yes | No | No | Yes/No |
*pppn = per person per night. Prices are estimates and vary by season and booking.
Conclusion
Samburu offers something for everyone—from cliff-top ultra-luxury to vibrant community camps, riverside family lodges, and wild bush camping.