Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu is perched on an impressive hill top with panoramic views out across northern Kenya. It is located on the 100,000 hectare Kalama Wildlife Conservancy just seven kilometres north of the renowned Samburu National Game Reserve. Children of all ages are welcome.
Accommodation & Facilities
The camp consists of six open fronted cottages, including three family villas which comprise two en-suite bedrooms and a central sitting room. All rooms have verandahs and magnificent views over the Samburu. The verandas across all the villas are fenced with strong vertical wire balustrades. These cannot be considered child-proof so parents need to be responsible for the supervision of their children. The main area of the camp has a central bar and dining area, and a wellbeing centre. There are two pools; the upper infinity pool is near to villas five and six. The spectacular lower infinity pool is situated close to the main communal area on a rocky formation. The pools do have steps but there is no real shallow area that could serve as a child’s playing area.
Family Villa One sleeps four in two separate bedrooms (a double and a twin) both with en-suite bathrooms. The room are joined by a spacious living room with private dining area and veranda with firepit. The villa is accessible by car and a short walk from the main lodge. Extra children’s beds are available. Family Villa Four is a large family villa with two en-suite bedrooms connected by large living area and veranda – perfect for private dinners. Villa Six has two spacious bedrooms each with spectacular en-suite bathrooms. The villa also has a spacious sitting and dining area for private dinners and a large veranda overlooking the Mathews mountains beyond. For families with older children, Villa Two is Saruni Samburu’s biggest and most spacious option with a double and twin en-suite bedroom, spacious sitting and dining area and large veranda. The two rooms are connected by an external set of stairs.
Eating & Sleeping
Food can be tailored to suit children’s requirements and earlier meal times can be arranged where necessary – either in the communal area, out on the game drives or in-room. Some options include but are not limited to: pizza, plain pasta or pasta with tomato sauce, chicken or burgers with chips etc. A babysitting (‘ayah’) service is available upon request for US$10 per hour payable directly. Should guests require a babysitter, they should let the lodge managers know in advance and this can be arranged. A member of the Saruni staff, usually mothers themselves, do the babysitting. A ‘a baby-listening service’ can be arranged when parents of young children wish to dine after the kids have gone to bed. Typically, it would be one of the housekeeping staff who do this and there is no extra charge but it is requested that guest tip the sitter directly.
Wildlife & Activities
Guests may take night and day game drives in the Kalama Conservancy or visit the other game reserves of the area. The camp has several hides for close quarters game viewing, and view-points which overlook waterholes that attract wildlife. The resident species include reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, oryx, gerenuk, and elephant, along with many birds.
In addition, rock climbing, professionally guided game walks, bush dinners, and star gazing are on offer. Fly camping is offered as an option for anyone feeling adventurous, and please let us know if this is something you would be interested in doing. The Samburu people and their heritage are an integral part of Saruni Samburu, and guests will be able to discover much about their lives and traditions from the professional Samburu guides who accompany them.
Specifically for children …
• Warriors Academy – learn folklore, bush skills, survival skills, learn how to use bows, arrows, pangas and spears and share time with Masai and Samburu warriors.
• Children can be taken on a bush walk, accompanied by guides and rangers, to nearby caves containing ancient rock art.
• There is an elephant proof photographic hide situated in front of a waterhole that is open to children and adults alike. A great place to hang out while waiting for wildlife to come and drink from the waterhole.
• Stargazing – the night skies above Saruni are among some of the brightest and most beautiful in the world. There is a powerful telescope for use in the main communal area.
• Scorpion safaris – Johan, lodge manager will take you on a ‘scorpion safari’ using his special ultra-violet torch that locates scorpions lurking in the sand. Understand the many different types of scorpion that call the earth surrounding Saruni Samburu their home. Walking shoes or boots advised!
