Our take
Saruni Samburu has six stone-and-canvas villas built into rocky terrain above Kalama Conservancy. Two swimming pools, open views and access to conservancy and reserve safaris create a striking northern Kenya stay, with several configurations for families and couples.
The lodge’s high rocky position is its defining feature: rooms and shared areas face the broad northern landscape rather than a conventional garden setting. It lies in community-owned Kalama Conservancy, with safari access to Samburu National Reserve as well. Samburu guides and community partnerships are central to the experience, while the pools and wellness space make time at the lodge an attractive part of the day.
Gallery
A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
Swipe or use the arrows to explore. Select a photo to enlarge.
01
Accommodation
Six villas include single-bedroom and two-bedroom arrangements. Stone walls are combined with open fronts that are closed using canvas and netting at night. The two-bedroom layouts have separate en-suite bedrooms and shared living space; some can also be divided into separate bookings. Verandas and outdoor showers extend the accommodation into the landscape, although layouts and distances from shared areas vary.
02
Food & drink
Italian-influenced cooking is usually enjoyed around the shared dining table. Private meals in a villa or beside the pool can provide a quieter alternative, particularly for families or a celebration. The lounge and dining area make the view part of the meal, with preferences passed to the kitchen ahead of arrival.
03
What to do
Day and night drives in Kalama complement daytime visits to Samburu National Reserve. Guided walks, a photographic waterhole hide, community visits and rock-art excursions broaden the programme. The northern specialist species provide a different wildlife focus from the Mara. The lodge also offers wellness treatments, two pools and stargazing; longer hikes have age and fitness requirements.
Planning your stay
Two-bedroom villas provide shared living space and separate en-suite bedrooms, but their entrances and divisibility differ. The elevated terrain and open design matter for younger children. Request the specific layout rather than treating every family villa as an identical unit.
The rocky vantage point gives Saruni Samburu an architectural character as distinctive as its landscape. Two pools and the waterhole hide provide different ways to enjoy the setting when you are not out on a drive.
The lodge is in Kalama Conservancy, not inside Samburu National Reserve. Distinguish night drives in the conservancy from reserve visits. Rocky paths and room positions make accommodation choice particularly important for anyone with limited mobility or families with young children.
Compare the alternatives
Explore the accommodation and setting of each property before choosing your combination.
Samburu
Sarara Camp sits beneath the Mathews Mountains in Namunyak, combining a small tented camp with walking, wildlife and Samburu-led experiences. Its remote northern setting and rock swimming pool overlooking a waterhole give the stay a distinctive rhythm.
Explore the property
Samburu
Sasaab overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu’s Westgate Community Conservancy. Moroccan-inspired architecture, private plunge pools and two family arrangements create a comfortable northern Kenya base, with drives, walking, camel outings and community experiences offering variety beyond the lodge.
Explore the propertyMake it part of a journey
Saruni Samburu offers a strong contrast to a Mara stay, both visually and in its wildlife interests. We would allow enough nights for reserve drives and some quieter conservancy activities, then decide whether a Laikipia stop adds useful variety or makes the overall safari too fragmented.
These journeys are starting points. We adapt the route, accommodation and length of stay around your plans.
Explore Samburu or read our Kenya seasonal guide.
Your questions
Six villas include single-bedroom and two-bedroom arrangements. Stone walls are combined with open fronts that are closed using canvas and netting at night. The two-bedroom layouts have separate en-suite bedrooms and shared living space; some can also be divided into separate bookings. Verandas and outdoor showers extend the accommodation into the landscape, although layouts and distances from shared areas vary.
Day and night drives in Kalama complement daytime visits to Samburu National Reserve. Guided walks, a photographic waterhole hide, community visits and rock-art excursions broaden the programme. The northern specialist species provide a different wildlife focus from the Mara. The lodge also offers wellness treatments, two pools and stargazing; longer hikes have age and fitness requirements.
Two-bedroom villas provide shared living space and separate en-suite bedrooms, but their entrances and divisibility differ. The elevated terrain and open design matter for younger children. Request the specific layout rather than treating every family villa as an identical unit.
Saruni Samburu offers a strong contrast to a Mara stay, both visually and in its wildlife interests. We would allow enough nights for reserve drives and some quieter conservancy activities, then decide whether a Laikipia stop adds useful variety or makes the overall safari too fragmented.
Tailor-made Kenya
We will explain how it compares with the alternatives and whether it fits your preferred dates, route and pace.
Start planning