Overview
See the north
Saruni Samburu is a wonderful eco-lodge surrounded by the vast wilderness of the Kalama Community Conservancy and Samburu County.
Six chic tented villas, some with two bedrooms, are perched on a spectacular viewpoint, built into the rocks and opening out onto a seemingly endless landscape.
The only lodge in the protected 80,000-hectare area, spot giant herds of elephant coming to drink at the waterholes, leopards stalking rocky outcrops, packs of African wild and local specialities such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk or game drives and walks.
But the real joy of Saruni Samburu is the culture and community here. Your guides and camp staff are local Samburu who are passionate about their land and their culture – the best possible guides in this very special place.
Facts
At a glance
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Six villas
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Two infinity pools
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Wellbeing space
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Photographic hide
Experiences
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![Saruni Samburu 22]()
Game drives
Guests can enjoy morning, afternoon and all-day game drives in the Kalama Conservancy and Samburu National Reserve, two fantastic habitats for African wildlife. Night drives are also possible in the conservancy.
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![Saruni Samburu 25]()
Guided walks
Walking safaris are individually tailored to guests' interests and are set in a breath-taking landscape. Walking with the Samburu warriors out in the African bush is a fantastic experience and guests learn from their authentic local knowledge of the plants, animals and landscape, about their traditions and about their lives.
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![Ladzinski for Niarra Travel Reteti Elephant Sanctuary]()
Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
Take time to visit the first community-owned elephant orphanage in Africa. At Reteti they care for rescued elephant calves before they are released back into the wild. The sanctuary also creates employment for the local people who work there. You’ll be paired with a keeper who will tell you all about the work the sanctuary does, and you will get to watch the elephants being fed and enjoying playtime in the mud.
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![Saruni Samburu 13]()
Visit the local village
Meet the neighbours on a tour to the local village with a Samburu guide, getting an insight into the culture and way of life here.
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![Saruni Samburu 20]()
Climb Ololokwe
Standing proud on Saruni Samburu’s doorstep, Mount Ololokwe is the Samburu tribe’s sacred mountain. It is a pillar of cultural significance to the Samburu and an exciting trekking venture to many others. Setting off at dawn, Saruni's professional guides will accompany guests during this day’s excursion to the summit
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![Saruni Samburu 15]()
Stargazing
The night skies above Saruni Samburu are unpolluted and unobscured, with amazing views of stars on most evenings. There is a powerful telescope for guests use in the main mess area.
Community & Culture
Kalama Conservancy covers 50,000 hectares and is home to many wildlife species, as well as around 11,000 people, most of them pastoralists who rely on livestock. It was established in 2002 with the support of the Northern Rangelands Trust at a time when the area was facing many challenges, like poaching, conflict, degrading land and poverty. Through the conservancy, which is managed by a democratically elected board and manager, the community has been able to run sustainable land management initiatives that benefit wildlife and livestock equally, and launch community-development projects like school infrastructure, water access points, and even business loans for local entrepreneurs. Tourism plays a critical role in enabling us to do this work, and link the conservation of wildlife to better lives for our families.
Saruni is committed to employing most of its staff and guides from local communities, with 85-90% from the Samburu area. They are trained and encouraged to rise through the ranks into management roles so that local communities directly benefit from the lodge's presence. They also work with a nearby school, sponsoring students and funding facilities.
Conservation
Working with the community to ensure the restoration and long-term stability of their land, the Kalama Conservancy can maintain its biodiversity including key species such as elephants, Reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx, lions, Grevy's zebras, wild dogs, gerenuk, lesser and greater kudus, leopard, cheetah among others and a diversity of bird species, and remain a safe corridor.
Footprint
Saruni Samburu is classified by ESOK (Eco Tourism Kenya) as silver-rated thanks to sustainable practices such as the lodge running on solar power, harvesting rainwaters, using biodegradable cleaning products, eliminating plastic bottles and recycling. The physical footprint of the camp itself is minimal as it was built around natural features.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
