Saruni Samburu | Best Private Kenya Safari Villas

The place

Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking 8,000ha of wilderness, our family villa at Saruni Samburu has fantastic views. I point out Mount Kenya to the kids, which commands a few seconds of their attention before they ask if they can go swimming in one of the two infinity pools. I’m delighted when my partner decides to join them, leaving me to relax and gaze over these impressive panoramas like a monarch from a castle. Feeling indulgent, I decide to book a complimentary massage and a few minutes later the friendly masseuse arrives at our villa. As I’m lying there, I completely relax as my mind drifts away with the murmur of the wind.

Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking 8,000ha of wilderness, our family villa at Saruni Samburu has fantastic views. I point out Mount Kenya to the kids, which commands a few seconds of their attention before they ask if they can go swimming in one of the two infinity pools. I’m delighted when my partner decides to join them, leaving me to relax and gaze over these impressive panoramas like a monarch from a castle.

Feeling indulgent, I decide to book a complimentary massage and a few minutes later the friendly masseuse arrives at our villa. As I’m lying there, I completely relax as my mind drifts away with the murmur of the wind.

The rooms

Cocooned by the softest linen, I drift into a peaceful sleep, only waking when I hear the trill of a distant bird. The views from here are so beautiful that it feels like I’m still in a dream. I pad across patterned rugs to the bathroom, where the tub overlooks the same wonderful views of pristine wilderness. I’m soaking it all in when the pitter-patter of footsteps and childish voices announces the return of my family, who excitedly tell me that they want to try out the Warriors Academy. As I wrap myself in a terry-cloth robe, I tell them to give me five minutes to change. My partner, already in an adventurous mood, gets the kids ready in their safari gear, and we walk (well, the adults do at least) to meet our Samburu warrior, Lesukat. We’re all eager pupils as he teaches us the art of making a bow and arrow, how to track animals and building a fire. We even get to throw a spear, something my son particularly excels at. We’re now ready to face the wild – and just in time for our afternoon game drive!

Cocooned by the softest linen, I drift into a peaceful sleep, only waking when I hear the trill of a distant bird. The views from here are so beautiful that it feels like I’m still in a dream. I pad across patterned rugs to the bathroom, where the tub overlooks the same wonderful views of pristine wilderness. I’m soaking it all in when the pitter-patter of footsteps and childish voices announces the return of my family, who excitedly tell me that they want to try out the Warriors Academy.

As I wrap myself in a terry-cloth robe, I tell them to give me five minutes to change. My partner, already in an adventurous mood, gets the kids ready in their safari gear, and we walk (well, the adults do at least) to meet our Samburu warrior, Lesukat. We’re all eager pupils as he teaches us the art of making a bow and arrow, how to track animals and building a fire. We even get to throw a spear, something my son particularly excels at. We’re now ready to face the wild – and just in time for our afternoon game drive!

What sets it apart

Perched up on a hill with jaw-dropping views, our family villa at Saruni Samburu was like an incubating nest, drawing our family together whether we were eating on the deck under the stars, swimming in one of the infinity pools, learning how to be a Samburu warrior or tracking animals in the bush on walking safaris. That said, with two separate bedrooms and lots of child-friendly activities, we had ample time and space to be alone too, giving us the chance to reconnect as a couple, while the kids literally had the time of their lives. Being just next to Samburu National Reserve, we could spread our wings too, exploring not just the Kalama Conservancy the lodge is located in but beyond – and at our own pace. This meant we had all the time in the world to find the Samburu Special Five – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk – and the kids wouldn’t let us return for dinner until we’d eliminated all of them from our list. Of course, seeing wild dog and elephant was a highlight too, and knowing that the staff had the kids completely under their spell while we celebrated our anniversary, another.

Perched up on a hill with jaw-dropping views, our family villa at Saruni Samburu was like an incubating nest, drawing our family together whether we were eating on the deck under the stars, swimming in one of the infinity pools, learning how to be a Samburu warrior or tracking animals in the bush on walking safaris.

That said, with two separate bedrooms and lots of child-friendly activities, we had ample time and space to be alone too, giving us the chance to reconnect as a couple, while the kids literally had the time of their lives.

Being just next to Samburu National Reserve, we could spread our wings too, exploring not just the Kalama Conservancy the lodge is located in but beyond – and at our own pace. This meant we had all the time in the world to find the Samburu Special Five – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk – and the kids wouldn’t let us return for dinner until we’d eliminated all of them from our list. Of course, seeing wild dog and elephant was a highlight too, and knowing that the staff had the kids completely under their spell while we celebrated our anniversary, another.

At a glance

Four private houses set on rocky outcrops with wonderful views over the untouched wilderness of Kalama Conservancy, on the border of Samburu National Reserve. Each includes two separate bedrooms, sleeping four, with private verandahs, and access to two infinity pools and a spa.
Exclusive-use safari houses, private vehicle available (additional cost in high season) and complete flexibility over meals and activity schedules.
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, birding, stargazing, bush meals, bush sundowners, spa treatments (additional cost), swimming, helicopter excursions (additional cost), Warriors Academy, rock-art tours and Mount Ololokwe excursion (additional cost).
Children welcome, with four family villas available. Warriors Academy available, where kids (and adults) can learn bush skills.

Four private houses set on rocky outcrops with wonderful views over the untouched wilderness of Kalama Conservancy, on the border of Samburu National Reserve. Each includes two separate bedrooms, sleeping four, with private verandahs, and access to two infinity pools and a spa.
Exclusive-use safari houses, private vehicle available (additional cost in high season) and complete flexibility over meals and activity schedules.
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, birding, stargazing, bush meals, bush sundowners, spa treatments (additional cost), swimming, helicopter excursions (additional cost), Warriors Academy, rock-art tours and Mount Ololokwe excursion (additional cost).
Children welcome, with four family villas available. Warriors Academy available, where kids (and adults) can learn bush skills.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.