Saruni Samburu

Saruni Samburu was the first lodge built in Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy, a 240,000-acre community-owned wilderness bordering Samburu National Reserve. Six villas are built around giant boulders on a high ridge, using natural materials and open fronts that look out over the plains toward Mount Kenya. The lodge holds a Gold rating from Ecotourism Kenya, and over 85% of staff are hired from the local Samburu community, some having worked at the lodge since it opened.

A daily conservation fee, included in the rate, funds the Kalama Conservancy directly, and the lodge runs a Warriors Academy where young Samburu community members share their skills and traditions with guests around the fire. Because the lodge sits in a conservancy rather than a national reserve, night drives, walking safaris and off-road driving are all possible here, alongside day access to Samburu National Reserve to see the 'Samburu Special Five'.