Saruni Samburu

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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!

We have a slideshow and also a short teaser video from our few days below ::

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