Where to Stay in Samburu National Reserve, Kenya: Best Lodges in Samburu

Samburu National Reserve is one of northern Kenya’s most captivating safari destinations, known for its striking semi-arid landscapes, rich Samburu culture, and home to the Samburu special five which include; Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. Choosing the right Samburu National Reserve accommodation is key to enjoying your Kenya safari experience, whether you’re after secluded luxury, a midrange tented camp, or a family-friendly lodge that welcomes children.

So, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family safari, or independent wildlife adventure, selecting accommodation that matches your priorities,that is location, guiding quality, amenities, and budget will enhance every moment of your Samburu experience. This guide provides a wide range of Samburu lodges and camps, from intimate, high-end retreats with private guides to comfortable midrange options and budget-friendly safari bases. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you compare options, understand Samburu lodge prices, and pick the perfect stay for your next adventure.

Quick Comparison: Samburu Lodges at a Glance

*Approximate per-person, per-night rates (full board). Contact us for current prices.

How to Choose Accommodation in Samburu

Selecting the right lodge requires balancing several key factors:

• Location & Access: Riverside camps offer prime wildlife views but may require longer transfers. Some lodges are inside the reserve, while others are in adjoining conservancies. Also note that, these prime locations command premium prices.
• Seasonality affects both prices and wildlife experiences: Dry seasons (June-October, December-March) offer excellent game viewing but higher rates. Green seasons bring lower prices, fewer crowds, and unique photographic opportunities.
• Family Facilities: Look for child-friendly menus, interconnecting tents, and kids’ activities. Not all lodges welcome young children due to unfenced boundaries with wildlife areas.
• Conservation involvement: varies significantly. Some camps contribute directly to community projects and wildlife conservation, which many travelers value when making booking decisions.
• Guided vs. Self-Drive: Most visitors book guided game drives. Self-drive is possible but limited. make sure you confirm road conditions and park fees before booking.

Luxury Lodges in Samburu

Saruni Samburu

Saruni Samburu represents the pinnacle of luxury lodges in samburu, offering an intimate six-tent camp within the exclusive 200,000-acre Kalama Conservancy. Each elevated tent features private verandas overlooking the dramatic landscape, with decor reflecting authentic Samburu culture through locally-sourced materials and traditional beadwork.

The lodge’s greatest advantage lies in its conservancy location, providing exclusive access to areas where wildlife viewing occurs without other vehicles. Professional guides, many from local Samburu communities, offer unparalleled knowledge of animal behavior and traditional land use. Game drives extend beyond typical park boundaries, creating truly personalized safari experiences.

• Approximate nightly rates: $900-1200 per person sharing, all-inclusive
• Ideal for: Couples, honeymooners, photographers seeking exclusive access

Sasab Camp

This Moroccan-inspired tented camp overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro River and offers camel safaris and Samburu cultural walks. Sasab Camp delivers an authentic tented safari experience within the national reserve proper, featuring eight traditionally-styled tents along a seasonal riverbank. The camp’s reputation centers on exceptional guiding standards and consistent wildlife sightings, particularly for the Samburu Special Five.

What sets Sasab apart among other top camps in samburu is its commitment to traditional safari aesthetics combined with modern comfort. Each tent includes proper safari furniture, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas perfect for evening wildlife observation. The camp’s guides consistently receive praise for their tracking abilities and wildlife knowledge.

• Approximate nightly rates: $600-900 per person sharing, all-inclusive
• Ideal for: Wildlife enthusiasts, photography groups, couples

Larsens Tented Camp

Set along the river, Larsens Tented Camp delivers a classic safari ambiance with elegant canvas tents and eco-friendly practices. The camp’s seventeen tents provide comfortable accommodation with river views, while the central mess tent serves as a social hub for evening storytelling and wildlife discussions. Larsen’s participates actively in local conservation projects, including elephant research and community education programs.

• Approximate nightly rates: $500-800 per person sharing, all-inclusive
• Ideal for: Conservation-minded travelers, small groups, wildlife researchers

Comfort and Midrange Accommodation Optios in Samburu

Samburu Intrepids Camp

Samburu Intrepids Camp provides reliable midrange accommodation with twenty-eight tents spread along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The property excels in family accommodation, offering interconnected family tents and child-friendly facilities including a swimming pool and organized activities.

The camp balances comfort with authenticity, featuring traditionally-designed tents with modern bathrooms and private verandas. Game drives operate twice daily, with additional activities including nature walks and cultural visits to nearby Samburu villages.

• Approximate nightly rates: $300-500 per person sharing, full board
• Ideal for: Families, first-time safari visitors, groups

Elephant Bedroom Camp

True to its name, Elephant Bedroom Camp regularly hosts visiting elephants who drink and bathe at the adjacent river. This unique feature creates unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities directly from camp, particularly during evening hours when elephants gather in large numbers.

The camp’s twelve tents offer comfortable accommodation with excellent river views, while the elevated restaurant and bar provide safe wildlife observation points. Evening elephant visits have become legendary among safari enthusiasts, creating magical photographic opportunities.

• Approximate nightly rates: $250-400 per person sharing, full board
• Ideal for: Wildlife photographers, couples, elephant enthusiasts

Sentrim Samburu Camp

Sentrim Samburu Camp offers thirty tents in a riverfront setting, targeting travelers seeking comfort without luxury pricing. The property provides standard safari accommodation with en-suite facilities, mosquito netting, and private verandas overlooking the river.

The camp’s strength lies in its consistent service delivery and competitive pricing structure. Game drives operate on flexible schedules, while optional activities include bird watching walks and cultural village visits.

• Approximate nightly rates: $200-350 per person sharing, full board
• Ideal for: Budget-conscious couples, independent travelers

Samburu Simba Lodge

Samburu Simba Lodge provides seventy-four rooms in a hotel-style configuration, making it suitable for larger groups. The property includes standard amenities like a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar, with accommodation ranging from standard rooms to family suites.

While lacking the intimate safari camp atmosphere, Samburu Simba Lodge offers predictable comfort and facilities that appeal to travelers prioritizing modern conveniences over wilderness immersion.

• Approximate nightly rates: $180-280 per person sharing, full board
• Ideal for: Large groups, comfort-focused travelers

Budget Safari Lodges in Samburu

Samburu Game Lodge

One of the oldest top camps in Samburu, this riverside lodge balances history with value. The lodge provides the most economical accommodation within the reserve, featuring basic but clean rooms with essential amenities. The property’s central location ensures easy access to prime game viewing areas, making it popular with budget-conscious travelers who prioritize wildlife experiences over luxury amenities.

• Approximate nightly rates: $150-250 per person sharing, half board
• Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers, short stays

Samburu Sopa Lodge

Samburu Sopa Lodge offers sixty rooms in a lodge-style setting, providing step-up comfort from basic budget options while maintaining reasonable pricing. The property includes a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar, making it suitable for travelers seeking moderate comfort without premium costs. The lodge has recently become home to astro-tourism, taking safari experiences to the next level.

• Approximate nightly rates: $180-300 per person sharing, full board
• Best for: Mid-budget travelers, families seeking affordable accommodation

Sarova Saba Game Lodge

Sarova Saba Game Lodge provides budget accommodation just outside the reserve boundary, requiring short drives to access prime game viewing areas. The property offers basic amenities and serves as a cost-effective base for Samburu exploration.

• Approximate nightly rates: $120-200 per person sharing, full board
• Best for: Extreme budget travelers, short-stay visitors

Family-Friendly Lodges in Samburu

When traveling with children, several family friendly lodges in samburu stand out for their child-welcome policies and appropriate facilities. Samburu Intrepids Camp leads family accommodation with interconnected family tents, children’s activities, and a swimming pool providing safe recreation during midday heat.

Elephant Bedroom Camp welcomes families with older children (typically 8+ years), offering unique educational opportunities when elephants visit the camp. The close wildlife encounters provide unforgettable learning experiences while maintaining appropriate safety measures.

Most luxury camps maintain minimum age restrictions (often 8-12 years) due to unfenced boundaries with wildlife areas. Always confirm child policies when booking, as these can affect both safety protocols and pricing structures.

Best Lodges in Samburu and Top Camps in Samburu – Expert Picks

• Best Overall: Saruni Samburu for its combination of luxury, exclusivity, and cultural authenticity within the Kalama Conservancy.
• Best for Wildlife: Elephant Bedroom Camp offers unmatched wildlife viewing opportunities with elephants regularly visiting the camp grounds.
• Best Luxury Experience: Sasab Camp provides authentic tented safari luxury with exceptional guiding standards and intimate atmosphere.
• Best Value: Samburu Intrepids Camp delivers excellent facilities, family amenities, and riverfront location at reasonable midrange pricing.
• Best Budget Option: Samburu Game Lodge provides basic but clean accommodation at the most accessible price point within the reserve.

Samburu Lodge Prices – What to Expect

Samburu lodge prices vary significantly by season, accommodation level, and package inclusions. Expect the following approximate ranges per person sharing:

• Luxury lodges: $500-1200 per night (all-inclusive)
• Midrange camps: $200-500 per night (full board)
• Budget lodges: $120-300 per night (half to full board)

Peak season pricing (July-October, December-January) typically increases rates by 20-40%. Green season offers substantial savings while providing unique photographic opportunities and fewer crowds.

All-inclusive packages generally provide better value than room-only rates, especially at luxury properties where game drives, meals, and drinks are included. Always clarify what’s covered: some lodges include premium beverages while others limit alcohol selections.

Practical Tips for Booking

Book Samburu accommodation 3-6 months ahead for peak seasons, particularly July-October when Great Migration visitors combine Samburu with Masai Mara safaris. Shoulder seasons (April-June, November) offer excellent availability and rates.

When combining parks, consider Samburu with nearby Shaba and Buffalo Springs reserves for extended wildlife experiences. Many operators offer package deals covering multiple northern Kenya parks.

Essential booking questions:

• Child age policies and family room configurations
• Game drive inclusions and additional activity costs
• Transfer arrangements and charter flight requirements
• Meal plans and dietary accommodation
• Cancellation policies and travel insurance recommendations

When to Visit & Wildlife Highlights

• Dry seasons (June-October, December-March) provide optimal game viewing as animals concentrate around permanent water sources. The Ewaso Ng’iro River becomes a wildlife highway with regular sightings of elephants, leopards, and the Samburu Special Five.
• Green seasons (April-May, November) offer advantages including lower rates, fewer tourists, dramatic landscapes with seasonal rivers flowing, and exceptional bird watching with over 450 species recorded.

Wildlife highlights include large elephant herds, healthy leopard populations, and all members of the Samburu Special Five. The reserve supports significant populations of lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs, with sightings varying by season and location.

FAQs

Which lodge is best for families?
Samburu Intrepids Camp and Samburu Simba Lodge offer kids’ clubs, interconnecting tents, and child-friendly meals.

How much do Samburu lodge prices typically cost?
Budget about USD 150–250 per person for budget options, USD 250–550 for midrange, and USD 600+ for luxury.

Are there luxury lodges in Samburu with private guides?
Yes, Saruni Samburu provides private guides and vehicles as part of its all-inclusive package.

Do lodges include game drives?
Most full-board packages include two daily shared game drives. Check when booking.

Is Samburu safe for children?
Yes, with supervision. Many family friendly lodges in Samburu offer child-specific safety measures and activities.

Can I combine Samburu with other parks?
Yes you can. Shaba National Reserve and Buffalo Springs are easily accessible and complement a Samburu itinerary.

Plan Your Samburu Safari Adventure

Samburu National Reserve offers accommodation options for every budget and travel style, from exclusive luxury camps with private conservancy access to comfortable family-friendly lodges and budget-conscious options that don’t compromise on wildlife experiences. The key is matching your choice to your priorities: location for wildlife viewing, luxury level for comfort preferences, and included services for value optimization.

Compare your options, check availability early especially for peak months, or contact us to plan the perfect Samburu safari.