The word "safari" means to be out and away, to be on a journey or travelling in remote areas. It is both a physical and spiritual journey that can be undertaken in many ways. For our safaris we use comfortable, fully-open Land Rovers, specially designed to give you maximum visibility over the landscape and the animals of Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve and Kalama Conservancy, three fantastic habitats for African wildlife. In the Land Rover you are accompanied by your professional guide and by a tracker, a team that will help you to read the book of nature. We don't rush while on safari and there will be time to observe the wild animals, to see how they interact and to study their behavior and their habitats. Days are normally hot, dry and sunny: the wildlife of Samburu is best seen during the early hours or late hours of the day, but we have discovered that during the central hours of the day there is a great concentration of animals along the river. So we’ll take you there to have an unforgettable experience. We also recommend night game drives, when the nocturnal species can be seen. If you are passionate about birds, Samburu is your preferred park: not only the species are abundant, but the birds are very tame and can be easily spotted and photographed. Our guides are birdwatchers by instinct and by training and share your love for birds. We always carry field guides and binoculars in our vehicles.  Morning and late afternoon are the two magic moments of a safari. After dawn, the light is perfect for photography and the sounds of the African bush start filling the air. Later in the day, just before sunset, we will stop and think about the day that is about to end while drinking a sundowner. We will be right in the middle of "nowhere" that is right in the centre of everything, surrounded on all sides by life and death, hunting and escape, sleeping and eating, mating and playing. We can take you to visit a genuine Samburu village and, because they are our neighbors and friends, we will be allowed to share moments of their life. They own the land we show you, and therefore we feel that it is important for you see how they live, why they protect the environment and in what way they are different from the other African tribes. They will ask you questions as they will be curious about you, too. It is an exchange of ideas and information. 

We'd love to take you to our secret spots, especially for bush dinner, or to the river for a picnic lunch that allows us to be with elephants, waterbuck, lion, impala, giraffe - all the Samburu species that come to drink water. Surrounded by nature, a nicely decorated table is waiting for you, providing you with the thrilling experience of a gourmet meal in the middle of the bush.

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.

On our foot safaris we walk to explore the Kalama Mountains, among the most spectacular in Northern Kenya. On a game walk you will feel, touch and smell the trees, the bushes, the rocks and the tracks - and even the animal droppings - that make our area unique. To walk with the Samburu warriors in the African bush is a fantastic experience and you will learn how they use the berries and the leaves, about their traditions and about their life. Having discovered Samburu rock art in several caves near the lodge, we include a visit to these extraordinary archeological sites during our game walks.

In collaboration with Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees (Stresa, Italy) and its world-famous spa - Centro Benessere Stresa - Saruni runs the Samburu Wellbeing Space. It is a unique feature in Samburu: in the most serene and relaxing environment, our guests enjoy massage and wellness treatments under the supervision of highly trained staff. The new techniques combine sophisticated methods developed at Centro Benessere Stresa with ancient Samburu wisdom and knowledge. For instance, we use the Olmurmuru seedas (Albizia Harvey) to reduce muscular discomfort and pure gel from Usunguru (Aloe Kedongesis) for sun burnt areas. One treatment per villa, our complimentary "back and neck" massage, is included for free in the regular safari package. Among the treatments available, you 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.

This a special interactive wildlife safari with a strong educational flavour, designed especially for families or small groups. It is a fun but learning experience, that allows you to explore not only the wildlife, but the real ‘life’ from one of the most well known and culturally interesting cultures left in Africa, the Samburu. Under the tutelage of their ‘Moran’, or warriors, our guests get to know, enjoy and understand these unique people and see the Kenya bush from a different perspective.

What you do

Learn and experience at first hand the bush skills, folklore and ancient wisdom needed to survive in one of the richest wildlife regions in Africa; gain in depth experience in wildlife tracking following an elephant or a leopard, learn survival skills; visit an original Samburu village; learn how to use bow, arrows, pangas and spears;  build a bush camp; tend goats and cattle whilst listening to Samburu stories and songs; share time with real Samburu warriors while they walk, sing, track and live the traditional life in this phase of their existence; learn how to bead and create traditional Masai or Samburu artifacts. All of this can be combined with the regular safari activities and the experience can last for one day up to one week. (Additional cost applies.)

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 you want to be part of an unusual but very genuine Samburu wedding ceremony. The experience can be enjoyed either by newly weds 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. (Additional cost applies.)

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’.