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We
headed to the dry north of Kenya into Samburuland from Nairobi. We
passed panoramic views of Mt Kenya in Nanyuki and Timau. Villages of
Turkana en route and then into the heart of Samburu. We were invited to
visit Saruni Samburu: http://www.sarunisamburu.com/ located in the Kalama Conservancy just 7km from the northern border of Samburu National Reserve.
Kalama
lies in an area of 95,000 hectares of Girgir Group Ranch in Samburu
land, west of Archer's Post. With a population of only 2,000, the main
livelihood in the area is livestock, mostly camels and goats. Centered
around a core conservation area of 3,150 hectares, Kalama represents a
crucial migratory corridor between northern and southern conservation
areas of this spectacular region of Kenya. Large herds of elephants
cross Kalama in their migratory routes between the different
conservancies. Kalama members have coexisted with the Samburu National
Reserve for over 40 years, sharing revenues and wildlife.
Northern
Kenya is one of Africa's last true wilderness areas. The absence of
fences makes it one of the few places left that allows for the free
movement of wildlife across a vast area. A red landscape dominated by
acacia-grassland mosaic, with dramatic dry upland/montane forests rising
from its plains, it is home to a wide diversity of species. Inhabited
by pastoral tribes with rich traditional histories that are collectively
striving both to protect its ecological integrity and their own
livelihoods there is no better way for visitors to experience the real
Africa.
Perched
on the top of the Kalama Mountains with an all-round view of Northen
Kenya all the way to snow-covered Mount Kenya, Saruni Samburu is a
design lodge that is introducing a fresh concept to a well-known safari
destination. The lodge offers first-class safari experience in a totally
un-spoilt environment, far from the beaten tracks but very close to the
wildlife. There are four houses with spectacular bathrooms, a large
swimming pool with dramatic view over Samburuland, a waterhole that
attracts elephant, reticulated giraffe, zebra, oryx and all the species
that make Kalama so special. Activities include night and morning game
drives in Kalama Conservancy, visits to the caves where in the past the
Samburu have painted and carved rock art during meat-eating feasts,
professionally-led game walks, bush dinners and star gazing. The
traditions and semi-nomadic heritage of the local Samburu people are an
important part of the experience. Led by professional Samburu guides,
guests enjoy the feeling of exclusivity, of having an incredibly large
area totally to their own, and a high level of comfort and tailor-made
service.
A great safari extension after climbing Mount Kenya!
A great safari extension after climbing Mount Kenya!
We have a slideshow and also a short teaser video from our few days below ::
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
