Kenya Low Season

Embark on a star-gazing safari with Samburu knowledgeable guides, equipped with night torches. Guests will have the opportunity to marvel at the celestial display, learning to find and name constellations in the clear, unpolluted skies.

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. Basecamp Samburu 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 under the vast African skies (weather permitting). Basecamp Samburu 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 Camp can accommodate otherwise.

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.

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 Basecamp guides are birdwatchers by instinct and training and share a love for birds. The 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 Basecamp 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.

A saruni Basecamp safari is not only focused on wildlife but also on culture and people. Some call it ‘cultural tourism’. Saruni Basecamp calls it ‘meet the neighbours’. Guests visit genuine Samburu villages - the camps 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.

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 Basecamp Samburu their home. Walking shoes or boots advised!

Our drives are usually conducted in the early mornings, late afternoon or at night since these are the coolest times of the day when most animals are more active. During the game drive, our knowledgeable Maasai guides will introduce you to life in the savanna and share their infinite knowledge about African wildlife.

Walk across the savannah with the Maasai who have been doing it for generations. Learn the Maasai's basic survival skills. Track and identify animal footprints and dung as you follow the path taken by elephants, wildebeest and lions. Listen to the secrets of the Savannah and let the gentle winds urge you forward. Experience the wilderness on foot and come close to nature as you walk the vast Masai Mara plains.

Bush dining is a memorable activity worth experiencing during your safari adventure, and the option of where to dine is a careful consideration. Once a site is located, our staff carefully serve guests with freshly prepared gourmet food prepared by the executive chef using fresh local produce with international influences accompanied by fine wines. To make it an unforgettable African dining experience, a group of local Maasai men and women sing and dance providing background entertainment that blends with the sounds of the untamed bush.

Just as you wind up your afternoon game drive, your guide will set up for a sundowner drink. Enjoy a selection of drinks, cocktails and delicious biting usually served against the unforgettable backdrop of the African sunset. Most sundowner spots also offer amazing opportunities for a photographic session.