Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves
Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves : Road access to the three reserves is available from Isiolo, Maralal, and Marsabit. There is an airport in Isiolo from which there are regular flights to various kenya safaris destinations in Kenya.4WD vehicles are necessary all year round due to the rocky, dusty, and muddy trails found within the reserves during the dry season. The Samburu people live in this region. The Samburu are semi-nomadic pastoralists and cousins of the nomadic Maasai. During one of the Nilotic migration waves, they crossed into Kenya from Sudan and settled in the north of the country, leaving the Maasai to continue their southward trek. Similar to the Maasai, Samburu society has always been centred around cattle, which are utilised for dowries, ceremonies, fines, and food. One of the highlights of Kenya cultural safaris to the area is seeing the native Samburu villages, which offer intriguing insights into their culture and traditions.
The Samburu National Reserve has two gates: Archers Gate and West Gate. The reserve is home to the big five (lions, buffaloes, elephants, Rhinos and leopards) cheetahs, and crocodiles in addition to more uncommon species including reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, gerenuks, and Beisa oryx. More than 350 bird species have been identified, such as the Verreaux’s eagle, the Somali ostrich, the grey-headed kingfisher, the vulturine guineafowl, the lilac-breasted roller, the red-billed hornbill, and the secretary bird. Vibrant bunches of desert roses add colour to the arid surroundings.
One of the places where environmentalists Joy and George Adamson reared Elsa, the lioness from Born Free, was the Samburu National Reserve. The best-selling book by Joy Adamson was eventually adapted into an Oscar-winning movie. Kamunyak is another well-known Samburu lioness who gained notoriety for taking in oryx calves. Buffalo Springs National Reserve, situated across the Ewaso Ngiro River, is comparatively less densely populated and less steep than Samburu. The airfield is known as Buffalo Springs, and the reserve entrances are Cholcaa Gate and Ngare Mare Gate. The primary vegetation types include marshes, riverine forests, and grasslands with bushes and trees. Its name comes from a glittering oasis near the western edge of the reserve. It is one of the few locations where the Grevy’s and Burchills zebras, as well as the Maasai and Somali ostriches, coexist.
Shaba National Reserve gets its name from the large volcanic rock cone that sits atop the region. The lava flow that has solidified and is spewing out of the rock represents the rugged yet remarkable features of the landscape. Shaba is less dry than Samburu or Buffalo Springs since it has four springs and a few little hills. It is one of the few locations where the Grevy’s and Burchills zebras, as well as the Maasai and Somali ostriches, coexist. Shaba National Reserve gets its name from the large volcanic rock cone that sits atop the region. The lava flow that has solidified and is spewing out of the rock represents the rugged yet remarkable features of the landscape. Shaba is less dry than Samburu or Buffalo Springs since it has four springs and a few little hills.
Kenya safari Camps accommodations in Samburu
Naibor Samburu seasonal camp
Naibor Samburu is a posh mobile camp located next to the well-known Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu. The camp is only open at the times of year when the breathtaking and isolated Samburu National Reserve is at its most beautiful. The six en suite tents are furnished in a classic Kenya safari motif with wooden chests, woven rugs, lamps, and flower vases in addition to cosy beds. They feature kenya safari-style showers in their bathrooms and seats and tables on their verandas. The open-sided mess tent features an eating room and lounge and is shaded by doum palms. In addition to serving delicious, freshly prepared food, the chef can organise picnics and bush meals. One group at a time is the only ones who can attend the camp. On game drives through this region, one may witness Samburu’s ‘Special Five’: The reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, and gerenuk. ‘Royal Herd’ of resident elephants is one of this location’s highlights. The camp is extremely eco-friendly, using solar electricity for both water heating and illumination. Similar to the Maasai Mara Naibor Camps, the camp hires local workers, recycles, and reuses materials in addition to sourcing organic produce locally. The group is committed to educating the next generation, safeguarding nature, and improving local communities in a long-term way.
Saruni Rhino Camp
In 2016, Africa’s first community-owned rhino sanctuary opened for business. A herd of black rhinos has been reintroduced in an area where the population has continuously declined for more than 40 years. A kenya safari tours is available at Saruni Rhino Camp, where guests can track black rhinos on foot with a knowledgeable Saruni guide and a highly skilled Sera Community Conservancy ranger. The three en suite luxury cottages at Saruni Rhino amp are situated in the Sera Community Conservancy. Two of the cottages are doubles, and one has a huge stone veranda and a shared lounge that is ideal for a family. The houses have views of the river bed surrounded with doum trees, locally woven rugs, handcrafted kenya safari furniture, and thatched roofs.
The lodge offers a three-course set dinner with fresh local products and exceptional imported luxuries, all influenced by Italian cuisine. Allergies and dietary requirements can be met. Activities include kenya game drives safaris to view the Samburu Five and other endangered species of the area, as well as trips to the Singing Wells and the rhino sanctuary. The camp employs locals, is environmentally conscious, and collaborates with the Northern Rangelands Trust to assist regional conservation initiatives.
Elephant Watch Camp
Elephant Watch Camp, situated along the Ewaso Nyiro River, is the home of some of Samburu’s biggest bulls. You may frequently see them swimming in the river, relaxing beneath an acacia tree, or gathering pods next to the tents. Owning the camp are Oria and Lain Douglas Hamilton, who co-wrote Battle for the Elephants and Among the Elephants. Six en suite tents with verandas and vibrant cotton linens are available; safari showers are located in the bathrooms. Delicious, straightforward fare is served by the chef, including freshly prepared scones and breads as well as jams, preserves, and fruit juices. In the camp’s farm by Lake Naivasha, the veggies are grown by hand. Game drives with an emphasis on observing elephants are among the activities. Sundowners, game drives, and cultural excursions to nearby Samburu villages are also offered.
The research centre of Save the Elephant is open to visitors. Helicopter rides, Samburu dance performances, and climbing Mount Ololokwe are among the extra-cost activities offered. Elephant Watch is closely associated with Save the Elephants, whose programmes benefit both the local population and elephants. Their Fund for Education gives kids the chance to receive a quality secondary education along with practical experience with elephants and the environment.
Larsen’s Camp
Larsen’s Camp is named after Erik Ole Larsen, a Dane who is recognised with improving the design of opulent tented campgrounds. Larsen would have been pleased with this camp. The camp, which is situated along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, offers views of the immaculate Samburu National Reserve wildness. Each of the 20 en suite tents—doubles and twins—is named after a Samburu bird seen in the area. The roomy tents feature lounge spaces that are decorated with regional accents and equipped with chairs, tables, writing desks, books, minibars, and kettles. Every tent has a separate porch. There are Molten Brown amenities in the bathrooms. Meals can be served in the riverbanks, in the bush, on the deck of the tree house, or in the dining tent.
A bar is located next to the swimming pool in addition to the main bar. Kenya game drives safaris, game walks, and kenya cultural tours to nearby Samburu villages are among the kenya tours activities. There is a wide variety of birds, and bird watching is advised. The Samburu name Eseriani Spa, which means “place of peace,” features a Jacuzzi in addition to aromatherapy body scrubs and massages. In addition to having a doctor on call and postage services, the camp boasts WiFi. A perimeter of electricity encloses the camp.
Elephant Bedroom Camp
Elephant Bedroom Camp is situated in Samburu National Reserve on the verdant banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, encircled by doom palms and other indigenous plants and shrubs. The camp’s modest size and tasteful design were influenced by the hues and textures of African landscapes. Each of the twelve roomy en suite tents features an own veranda with a view of the river. Original oil paintings adorn the chic lounge and dining tent, which has a big veranda that provides visitors with a view of the peaceful surroundings. On the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, food is provided outdoors for breakfast and lunch. Gourmet dinners served beneath the African sky or in the elegant dining room by candlelight. Warriors from Samburu offer entertainment every night. There are also offered lectures on Samburu culture.
True to its name, the camp is frequently visited at night by herds of elephants, who find a picturesque setting in the rough hills behind it. Elephant Bedroom Camp is concerned about the environment and supports sustainable environmental improvement. Members of the local community are employed by the camp, which also helps with community education.
