Kenya's Ultimate Highlights

Guests can enjoy morning, afternoon and all day game drives through renowned and teeming conservation areas; Kalama Conservancy and Samburu National Reserve, two fantastic habitats for African wildlife. Saruni also highly recommends night game drives in Kalama Conservancy, when nocturnal species can be encountered. This is a unique activity not permitted in the National Reserve.

Guests enjoy breakfast along the Ewaso Nyiro River and starlit dinners in a dry river bed under the vast African skies (weather permitting). Saruni loves to take guests to their secret spots for a bush dinner or for a picnic lunch that allows guests to be with elephants, waterbuck, lion, impala and the Samburu Five that stop to take water. Note – bush dinners are usually part of a group, unless the lodge can accommodate otherwise.

Saruni Samburu offers guests a unique experience for Kenya: access to an elephant-proof, open ground level hide based at a waterhole, where from both novice and professional photographers can photograph wildlife from ground level. Designed with the needs of photographers in mind, buried partially underground, located a few steps from a waterhole: the perfect spot for 'stealing' amazing images of what occurs at the well-frequented waterhole. It can have up to 8 guests inside, it has maps and books available, and bean bags for photographers. The waterhole at Saruni Samburu offers a unique opportunity to spot from very close up the elephants that come and drink its water, the fantastic birds species and the 'Samburu Five'; reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, Somali ostrich and Grevy’s zebra. Being in the middle of an arid area, the hide also provides excellent opportunities to photograph from ground level and from very close up the predators of Samburu, especially lion and leopard.

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. Having discovered Samburu rock art in several caves nearby the lodge, Saruni includes a visit to these extraordinary archaeological sites during the bush walks.

Saruni runs the Samburu Wellbeing Space in the most serene and relaxing environment, guests enjoy massage and wellness treatments under the supervision of highly trained staff. The techniques combine sophisticated methods developed at Centro Benessere Stresa with ancient Samburu wisdom and knowledge. The Spa therapists use the Olmurmuru seedas (Albizia Harvey) to reduce muscular discomfort and pure gel from Usunguru (Aloe Kedongesis) for sun burnt areas. Among the treatments available, guests can choose between the lymphatic drainage massage, decongestive or nourishing or purifying facials, manicare, pedicare and the popular sport massage. All with an open view of Kalama Wildlife Conservancy, where elephant, kudu and giraffe roam freely.

Should it get too hot up on the hot rock - and sometimes it does - guests have the option of relaxing and taking a refreshing dip in not just one but two infinity pools! The upper infinity pool is located high on an impressive panoramic view point near to villas 5 & 6. The spectacular lower infinity pool is situated close to Kudu House (main communal area) on a rocky formation.

If guests are passionate about birds, Samburu is the perfect place to visit; not only are the species abundant but the birds can be easily spotted and photographed. Saruni's guides are birdwatchers by instinct and training and share a love for birds. Saruni's guides always carry field guides in the game drive vehicles.

The sundowner is a well-deserved drink at the end of a long day on safari to ‘salute’ the African sun as it is setting. Saruni guide's drive guests to an unforgettable panoramic viewpoint and serve guests' favourite drink along with a selection of scrumptious ‘bitings’; small snacks to whet appetites ahead of the delicious dinner which awaits.

The Warriors Academy is a special interactive safari experience with a strong educational flavour, designed especially for families with children or small groups. It is a fun learning experience, that allows families to explore not only the wildlife, but also the authentic lifestyle of one of the most well-known and culturally fascinating tribes left in Africa; the Samburu. Under the tutelage of their ‘Moran’, or warriors, participants get to know, enjoy and understand these unique people and see the Kenyan wilderness from a different perspective. Combined with regular safari activities, and tailored to guests' interests and timeframe, the Warriors Academy can last between 1-3 days, and needs to be booked in advance.

Saruni safaris are not only focused on wildlife but also on culture and people. Some call it ‘cultural tourism’. Saruni calls it ‘meet the neighbours’. Guests visit genuine Samburu villages - the lodge's neighbours and friends, and are privileged to share moments of their life. They are the ancient custodians of this land and Saruni feel it is an integral part of the overall experience for guests to see how they live, how they protect the environment and in what way they differ from other African tribes. Be prepared for the Samburu to ask questions too as they will be curious about life outside of their way of life! Consider it an exchange of ideas and information.

*Please note, this visit incurs an additional charge of US$20 per person that goes to the community directly.

Located in Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in Samburu County of Northern Kenya, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is the first community owned and managed elephant sanctuary in Africa. The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is situated in the remote Mathews Range, among Kenya’s second largest elephant population. Similar to the world-famous Sheldrick Sanctuary in Nairobi, it takes in orphaned and abandoned elephant calves with the aim to release them back into the wild herds adjoining the Sanctuary. This excursion needs to be arranged in advance with reservations at the time of booking, or lodge management, and is payable extra.

Saruni Samburu is the perfect place if guests want to be part of an unusual but very genuine Samburu wedding ceremony. The experience can be enjoyed either by newlyweds who want to re-affirm their vows in the middle of a very spiritual land or by those who plan to actually get married in Kenya. The ceremony takes place in a Samburu village, with the participation of the elders, the women and the warriors, or on the top of a mountain overlooking the endless landscape.

These are available upon request and payable extra, with excursions to Mount Kenya, Turkana and everything in between.

As part of the guided bush walks, guests can also visit nearby mountain caves where, hundreds of years ago, the Samburu have drawn hunting scenes and animals in what the experts call ‘white rock art’. The caves evoke a past when the Samburu were mostly pastoralist warriors.

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 (with picturesque pit stops for breakfast and lunch) teaching guests along the way about the mountain, its cultural significance and all of its wonders.

*Please note, this trek is payable extra.

Interested in scorpions and all that lies beneath the sand, hidden away from sight? Guests can venture out on a ‘scorpion safari’ to understand the many different types of scorpion that call the earth surrounding Saruni Samburu their home. Walking shoes or boots advised!

The night skies above Saruni Samburu and the ‘hot rock’ upon which it sits are among some of the brightest and most beautiful in the world. Unpolluted and unobscured, every evening the night skies provide guests with an alternative ‘playground’.

Emboo's game drives run in fully electric Land Rovers and Land Cruisers, powered by the camp's solar array. The vehicles are silent, which changes the experience: you hear the landscape, spot wildlife without engine noise, and get closer to the action without disturbing it.

The Maasai Mara delivers consistently. Lions on termite mounds at sunset, elephant herds at the river, the daily drama of predator and prey. Your guide reads the landscape, follows the signs, and positions you for the best sightings. Full-day drives take you across different habitats, from open plains to riverine forest, tracking wildlife and soaking in the scale of the place.

Back at camp, evenings are spent around the fire: stories from the day, Maasai cultural insights, and meals under the stars. It's the rhythm of safari done properly, with the added benefit of doing it quietly and sustainably.

Just Chilling Credit: Emmett Sparling

Lilac Breasted Roller Credit: Emmett Sparling

Lioness and Cub Credit: Emmett Sparling

Vultures Credit: Emmett Sparling

Let's paint the sky white Credit: Emmett Sparling

Calm before the storm Credit: Emmett Sparling

Bush Spa and Gym
Emboo's Bush Spa sits between the trees overlooking the river, offering a quiet space to unwind between game drives. Treatments use natural and locally sourced ingredients, and the setting provides river views and proximity to the forest.
The gym is equipped for guests who want to maintain their routine while on safari, with the same tree canopy and river outlook as the spa.

Swimming Pool
The swimming pool overlooks the Talek River, providing a place to cool down and relax during the midday heat. It's a practical addition that fits the rhythm of safari: early morning game drives, afternoons at the pool, and back out in the late afternoon for more wildlife.

Having fun you said Credit: Backdrop

Goofy at the pool Credit: Brian Siambi

Massage in the WIld Credit: Backdrop

Capturing views Credit: Brian Siambi

Running Track Credit: The Backdrop

Strike a pose Credit: Backdrop

Cultural Experiences

Emboo works closely with local Maasai communities, creating opportunities for guests to engage with traditions and learn practical skills. Activities include fire-making with natural materials, tracking basics, bow and arrow demonstrations, and learning about medicinal plants used in traditional practices.

Visits to nearby Maasai villages show how communities live and work, with particular focus on the role of Maasai women in building and maintaining homesteads. Evenings around the campfire often include storytelling and cultural insights from the team and local guides.

The camp prioritises gender balance and equal opportunities across all roles, with Maasai women and men working side by side as guides, chefs, managers, and security. It's a practical demonstration of inclusive employment within the communities Emboo operates alongside.

Emboo's name comes from the Maasai word for pride or community, reflecting the camp's commitment to working with and supporting the people who call this landscape home.

Stand Tall in the Wild Credit: Emmett Sparling

Beauty of Culture Credit: Emmett Sparling

Melody Tunes Credit: Emmett Sparling

Fireside Credit: Emmett Sparling

Fly Credit: Dennis Mwangi

Sustainability in Practice

Emboo runs entirely on solar power with no backup generators, maintaining 24/7 electricity through its solar array and battery system. The camp operates a fully electric vehicle fleet for game drives, powered by the same solar setup. The result is silent safaris that allow closer wildlife encounters without engine noise or emissions.

Meals are prepared with produce from the camp's vertical and hydroponic gardens, located steps from the kitchen. Greywater is recycled, waste is converted to biogas, and materials are reused wherever possible. The approach is transparent: guests can tour the behind-the-scenes systems to see how it all works in practice.

Sustainability here isn't a marketing angle; it's how the camp operates. Every element, from energy to waste management to vehicle fleet, demonstrates what's possible when environmental responsibility is built into operations from the ground up.

Credit: Backdrop

Credit: Backdrop

Credit: Backdrop

Credit: Backdrop

arm-to-Table and Natural Resources

Emboo's vertical and hydroponic gardens supply fresh produce for the kitchen, grown just steps from where meals are prepared. Guests can join the culinary team to select ingredients directly from the gardens, seeing exactly where their food comes from.

Rainwater is collected and used throughout the camp's operations, part of the broader water management system that includes greywater recycling. The bar serves fresh herbal teas and locally inspired cocktails using ingredients from the gardens.

Spa treatments incorporate African botanicals and natural ingredients, complementing the camp's overall approach to using what's available locally and sustainably. The pool overlooks the river, providing a place to cool down between activities while staying connected to the landscape.

It's a practical demonstration of working with what nature provides rather than against it.

Credit: Backdrop

Credit: Backdrop

Credit: Backdrop

Emboo's night guards escort guests safely to their tents in the evenings, ensuring no unexpected encounters between wildlife and people. The guards are often willing to share stories from their experiences in the Mara, offering insights into the landscape and the wildlife that moves through camp after dark.

Starry Nights Credit: Emmett Sparling

Beautiful Nights Credit: Emboo

Let the Night Credit: Emboo

Hot air balloon flights launch at sunrise, offering a different perspective on the Maasai Mara from above. The flight lasts approximately one hour, drifting over the plains as the landscape wakes up and wildlife begins to move. After landing, a bush breakfast follows.

It's an optional activity that complements ground-level game drives, showing the scale and layout of the Mara's ecosystems from the air.

Sunrise Credit: Samy Ghannam

Emboo accommodates families with children aged 5 years and older. The Family Tent provides two separate bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, giving families space while staying connected.
Activities for children include:

Safari bingo during game drives, helping younger guests engage with wildlife spotting
Maasai Warrior training followed by a graduation ceremony with certificates
Making Maasai toys: figurines from mud and twigs (arrange with the team in advance)
Arts and crafts materials and family games available in the lounge area
Emboo's beach, a sandy spot along the riverbank for picnic lunches, playing in the shade, or building sandcastles
The swimming pool includes a children's section
Wooden children's beds in tents for comfortable sleep

The camp's layout and activities allow families to experience the Mara together while keeping younger guests engaged and comfortable.

Warrior Training Credit: Ken Lai