Saruni Samburu

Rooms

The exceptionally spacious villas have been designed to blend into their surroundings, built into and around the volcanic rock face, with canvas sides that you can open to feel the breeze. There are six in total, though villas 2 and 6 can work as large two-bedroom family villas or be split into two separate single villas. Every villa has a separate living area with sofas and a spacious veranda furnished with chairs, loungers, beanbags and potted plants. The en suite bathrooms include a bath or shower, as well as a private outdoor shower. It’s worth noting that the rooms are set over different levels so contain steps.

Location

The property is situated in the private Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy, a short drive north of Samburu National Reserve and a 30-minute game drive from the nearest air strip. Enjoying an elevated position, you can sit back and enjoy far-reaching views over the conservancy while looking out for passing wildlife or listening for lion roaring in the valley below.

Food and drink

Meals are served communally around a big table in the main area, though private dinners can be arranged by the pool or in your villa. The food is of a high quality and usually comprises Italian-inspired dishes, though every Friday the property serves traditional Kenyan fare. Cooked breakfasts are served each morning, or you can choose to take a bush breakfast out on your game drive. Special dietary requirements can be catered for if informed in advance.

Families

Two of the villas are designed for families, containing two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two spacious living areas. Please note that the verandas aren’t fully fenced off so may not be suitable for young children. Meal times can be flexible and the chef will try to cater to children’s tastes. A babysitting service is offered along with child-friendly activities designed to immerse youngsters in the local culture.

Facilities and activities

The property has two pools offering panoramic views over the conservancy, complete with loungers, showers and changing facilities. The spa has a full menu of massages and treatments, and you’re welcome to a complimentary neck and shoulder massage during your stay. Next to the waterhole below Saruni is a sunken hide where you can sit and watch elephant and other wildlife come and go. Wi-Fi is available in the communal lounge area, where you’ll also find a telescope to use on clear nights.

Activities here include morning and afternoon game drives in the conservancy and Samburu National Reserve, as well as night game drives through the conservancy. You can also join a Samburu guide on a bush walk. Additional options include hiking Mount Ololokwe, a mountain sacred to the Samburu, visiting Reteti Elephant Sanctuary and taking a helicopter trip over Mount Kenya.

Accessibility

One of the villas is located closer to the main area and has direct vehicle access. However, the rest of the villas are spread out and require walking along sometimes steep pathways, so may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.

Environmental and social responsibility

All of the staff are from the local Samburu community, providing the area with jobs, income and an incentive to help protect the conservancy’s wildlife. You’ll receive a metal water bottle to refill with filtered water during your stay, with the aim of reducing the use of plastic bottles. Saruni also supports the Grevy’s Zebra Trust in helping to conserve the endangered subspecies.