Saruni Samburu

We really loved our time at Saruni Samburu. They do everything right here and they go way out of their way to make sure that your experience is just what you want. And that is what Saruni Samburu is: An experience! Yes, the rooms are beautiful and spacious with great views! But the food (fresh, delish, with different choices each day and with each meal), the game drives, the sundowners, the massages, the time by the pool, the climb to our Villa 6 and the fun bush BBQ, all add up to an outstanding and memorable experience.||But, what really makes this place is the genuinely kind and hardworking staff! Thank you to Lizzie, who delivered pre-game drive coffee to us at 5:45 am, served all of our delicious meals and wines, plus she planned our days with such patience and personality. She seemed to have endless energy and even taught my parents a new game.! Thanks also to Saitoti, Starlo, and Johnson. You each went out of your way to connect and make us feel welcome. To Evelyn, thank you for keeping our room in top shape--waters filled, mini-fridge stocked and laundry delivered. Martin, our guide, thank you for your hard work and for safely driving us all over and up the steep rock, for your tenacity in finding lions, and for teaching us so much along the way! Thank you, especially for the extra care and time you spent helping my parents! We were sad to leave and feel really luck to have met you all!

We spent 3 wonderful nights at Suruni Samburu at the end of October. Thanks to Simon and Wilson, we were shown more than we could have imagined, from the smallest creatures to a concealed cheetah lounging under a tree. Their knowledge of the local flora and fauna gave us a great appreciation for the land, animals and people.||At the camp, we were always greeted with a smile from Johnson the manager who helped oriented our stay. Evelyn quietly ensured our beautiful room was ready while Joyce helped relieve any tension at the spa. The guards were always there with a torch and a smile for the nighttime walks back to the villa. ||Finally, there was Lizzy, our personal concierge during our stay. She was our guide, interpreter, server, star gazer and more. She graciously shared her Samburu upbringing and culture with us around the fire while pointing out different constellations in the night sky. She made sure we were always taken care of in the most polite and professional manner. While she seemed to be one of the younger staff members, it was obvious she holds herself to high standards and has a true love of the lodge and people. The remote lodge is undeniably incredible but it is made all the more so through the staff and Lizzy in particular!

We had a magical stay for our honeymoon - the setting is beautiful and the hospitality from the Samburu hosts was top tier. This location is truly exceptional and not to be missed: stunning views, beautiful pools, amazing accommodation and wildlife on the doorstep. The food is also fantastic and you will not go hungry!||We were looked after by Starlo & Saitoti in the camp and Martin as our guide, who were all great throughout - making the stay fun, informative and truly once-in-a-lifetime.||While this location has unmatched beautiful and privacy, alongside a unique landscape, it is worth noting that the main safari area is a c. 40 minute drive from the camp.

We really loved our stay at Saruni Samburu. The location is peaceful, The lodge is well done. The staff were exceptional and for us Starlo our butler was fun and very attentive to our every need. We had Wilson for our guide and he was great. We had wonderful game drives, where we saw a wide range of animals and birds. You won’t be disappointed with a stay at Saruni Samburu.

Our 30th wedding anniversary.. what a fabulous way and place to celebrate! Our second visit to Saruni Samburu, the last being 6 years ago when it made a significant impression. Sumaro was an exceptional guide who led us to see the most amazing collection of animals and special moments when the animals found us! The elephants crossing the river was magic with the mothers easing the babies up the bank with their trunks. This place seems to seep into your soul. Our bush dinner was an evening to remember. The staff quickly become your friends who love to share a laugh. Great to see Nicole and Benson again. Thanks to all for spoiling us!

My stay at Saruni Samburu was absolutely exceptional. The hospitality and pampering were beyond anything I’ve experienced before — every member of the team was genuinely warm, attentive, and welcoming.||Biko, my guide, went above and beyond every single day. His deep knowledge of the wildlife and his coordination with other Saruni guides led to some incredible sightings — including a rare leopard! We saw the “Samburu Five,” plus elephants with babies literally centimeters from the jeep, lions, in addition to the elusive leopard encounter.||Santoti, my butler, was so kind and accommodating, always anticipating needs before I even had to ask. Even catering to my special request for an authentic Samburu meal! Ian, the night expert and star gazer, made the evenings magical with his knowledge of the night sky. Irene gave a wonderfully relaxing massage that was the perfect way to unwind after the game drives.||What makes Saruni truly special is how family-oriented it feels — every time you head out or return from your adventure, the entire staff welcomes you like you’re coming home. The lodge itself is breathtaking, set in beautiful, secluded wilderness.

Alexandra Matts, my agent was tasked with finding the best locally run safari camps in Kenya for my trip.....she nailed it with Saruni Samburu. The setting alone is worth the visit, but the people were extraordinary. Sumoro, my tracker/guide extraordinaire was absolutely brilliant, we witnessed two young lions (sister and brother) kill an Impala, sat among a very large herd of elephants (1 month old babies to 6 ton bulls) frolic...absolutely fascinating....and so much more. | Beautiful Lizzy was responsible for me on the home front, she is a delight.|Sumoro said if I want to see 3 kills, I must return for 5 days, I just might do that!|Many, many thanks to all for making this one of the most memorable trips of my life!

From the moment I arrived at Saruni Samburu, I felt a deep sense of belonging not as a visitor, but as someone reconnecting with a culture that has shaped my appreciation for authenticity, resilience, and community. My time here has been a reflection of how tourism can harmoniously blend cultural preservation, environmental consciousness, and genuine hospitality.||What makes Saruni Samburu truly exceptional is its deep respect for the Samburu people and their way of life. The staff, drawn from the local community, embody the warmth, pride, and dignity of the Samburu culture in every interaction. Their storytelling, traditional songs, and attention to detail create a cultural immersion that goes far beyond the surface — it’s a living classroom of heritage and harmony with nature.|The architecture and setting of the lodge perfectly echo the rugged beauty of the Kalama Conservancy, offering breathtaking views that remind guests of the delicate balance between wildlife, people, and the environment. Every design element and activity — from guided nature walks to cultural visits — reflects Saruni’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainable tourism and cultural respect.|Having interacted with the Samburu community over the years, I was deeply moved to see how the lodge continues to empower its people through training, employment, and conservation awareness. This is sustainability in action — tangible, impactful, and inclusive.||Saruni Samburu is not just a destination; it is a cultural bridge and a beacon of responsible tourism in Northern Kenya. My experience here reinforces the belief that when we travel with purpose and respect, we don’t just leave footprints — we build connections that last a lifetime.||Asante sana Nicole and the entire Saruni team and the Samburu community for preserving and sharing such an inspiring legacy of culture, nature, and humanity.