Top 7 Luxury Safari Camps in Samburu and Laikipia: A Northern Kenya Experience
Introduction: The Allure of Northern Kenya’s Wilderness
When most travelers think of a Kenyan safari, the famed plains of the Masai Mara or the elephants of Amboseli often come to mind. But for those seeking unmatched exclusivity, untouched wilderness, and unique wildlife species, Northern Kenya—particularly the regions of Samburu and Laikipia—offers an extraordinary safari experience.
These areas are not just about game drives; they are about immersive journeys into remote landscapes, encounters with rare species like the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe, and authentic cultural exchanges with the Samburu and Maasai communities. Add in the region’s luxury camps and lodges, which offer world-class comfort amidst rugged beauty, and you have the recipe for a safari unlike any other.
In this guide, we present the top 7 luxury safari camps in Samburu and Laikipia—each offering unparalleled service, exclusive wildlife experiences, and a gateway to the best of Northern Kenya.
Why Choose Samburu and Laikipia for Your Luxury Safari?
- Fewer crowds: These regions are less frequented than the Masai Mara, offering solitude and tranquility.
- Unique wildlife: Home to the “Samburu Special Five”—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.
- Rich cultural experiences: Engage with Samburu warriors and Maasai communities for authentic cultural encounters.
- Diverse landscapes: From arid semi-deserts to lush highlands beneath Mount Kenya.
- Conservation focus: Many camps directly support wildlife conservation and community development.
1. Saruni Samburu (Kalama Conservancy, Samburu)
Highlights:
- Panoramic views over Kalama Conservancy and beyond to Mount Kenya
- Unique design built into a rocky outcrop
- Exclusive access to Kalama Conservancy and Samburu National Reserve
Overview:
Perched on a dramatic hillside within the Kalama Conservancy, Saruni Samburu offers sweeping views of the vast plains, dotted with acacia trees and roaming elephants. The lodge’s six spacious villas are open and airy, blending modern luxury with the rugged wilderness.
Guests enjoy exclusive access to Kalama Conservancy and can venture into Samburu National Reserve for game drives. Saruni Samburu also offers guided bush walks, cultural visits to Samburu villages, and even a Warriors Academy, where guests can learn survival skills from Samburu warriors.
Unique Touch:
Saruni Samburu’s partnership with the local Samburu community ensures that a significant portion of your stay contributes to conservation and community development.
Perfect for: Couples, families, and those seeking immersive cultural experiences.
2. Sasaab Lodge (Westgate Conservancy, Samburu)
Highlights:
- Moroccan-inspired luxury with riverfront views
- Camel safaris along the Ewaso Nyiro River
- Spa and wellness treatments in the wild
Overview:
Located in the Westgate Conservancy, bordering Samburu National Reserve, Sasaab Lodge is a striking blend of Swahili and Moroccan design. Its spacious suites feature private plunge pools and open verandas overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River, where elephants often drink.
Sasaab offers a diverse range of experiences—from game drives and camel treks to guided bush walks and spa treatments with sweeping views. Cultural visits to Samburu villages add another dimension to the safari.
Unique Touch:
The lodge’s commitment to sustainability includes solar power and strong ties with the local Samburu community.
Perfect for: Luxury seekers, honeymooners, wellness enthusiasts.
3. Lewa Wilderness (Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Laikipia)
Highlights:
- Horseback and camel safaris across open plains
- Family-run lodge with a rich conservation history
- Access to rhinos, Grevy’s zebras, and more
Overview:
As one of the oldest safari lodges in Kenya, Lewa Wilderness offers an intimate safari experience within the renowned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The lodge, still family-run, combines rustic charm with luxurious comfort, featuring stone cottages and hillside rooms with stunning valley views.
Guests can enjoy game drives, horseback safaris, and walking tours, with a focus on spotting black and white rhinos, Grevy’s zebras, and unique northern species.
Unique Touch:
Lewa Wilderness operates its own aviation wing, offering scenic flights over Mount Kenya and the conservancy—a thrilling way to experience the landscape.
Perfect for: Families, conservation enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.
4. Borana Lodge (Borana Conservancy, Laikipia)
Highlights:
- Private conservancy with rhinos, lions, and elephants
- Horseback safaris, mountain biking, and yoga
- Eco-conscious, with profits reinvested into conservation
Overview:
Set on the slopes of Mount Kenya within the Borana Conservancy, Borana Lodge offers a luxury safari with a strong conservation focus. The conservancy is home to thriving populations of black and white rhinos, lions, and elephants, among other wildlife.
The lodge features eight stone-and-thatch cottages with sweeping views across the valley. Activities go beyond traditional game drives to include horseback safaris, mountain biking, and bush yoga.
Unique Touch:
Borana reinvests all tourism profits into wildlife conservation and community projects, making your stay impactful.
Perfect for: Eco-conscious travelers, active adventurers, and families.
5. Ol Malo Lodge (Laikipia Plateau)
Highlights:
- Helicopter safaris to Lake Turkana or Mount Kenya
- Camel rides, horse treks, and bush walks
- Stunning cliffside setting with panoramic views
Overview:
Nestled on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau, Ol Malo Lodge offers breathtaking views across vast plains stretching toward the horizon. This family-owned lodge features stone cottages perched along a cliff, each offering privacy and spectacular scenery.
Guests can enjoy camel rides, horseback treks, walking safaris, and even helicopter expeditions to Lake Turkana or the Sacred Mountain of Ololokwe.
Unique Touch:
Ol Malo integrates community engagement into its operations, supporting local Samburu projects such as schools and healthcare.
Perfect for: Explorers, photographers, and travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.
6. Sanctuary Tambarare (Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Laikipia)
Highlights:
- Boutique camp with access to rhinos, chimpanzees, and the Big Five
- Day and night game drives, walking safaris, horse riding
- Stunning views of Mount Kenya
Overview:
Sanctuary Tambarare lies within the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, offering luxury tented accommodations amidst open plains. Guests enjoy exclusive wildlife encounters, including visits to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and rhino tracking.
The camp blends elegant interiors with outdoor adventure, providing access to night drives, walking safaris, and horseback safaris. Mount Kenya looms majestically in the background, creating an unforgettable setting.
Unique Touch:
Ol Pejeta’s focus on conservation and community development makes every visit meaningful.
Perfect for: Wildlife lovers, couples, conservation enthusiasts.
7. Loisaba Tented Camp (Loisaba Conservancy, Laikipia)
Highlights:
- Stargazing from “Star Beds” in the wild
- Game drives, camel safaris, and bush walks
- Panoramic views across the Laikipia plains
Overview:
Located within the Loisaba Conservancy, Loisaba Tented Camp offers luxurious tented suites with sweeping vistas. The camp’s standout feature is its Loisaba Star Beds—open-air platforms where guests can sleep under the stars.
Loisaba is home to elephants, lions, leopards, and rare northern species. Activities include game drives, camel safaris, and guided bush walks.
Unique Touch:
The conservancy is managed by the Loisaba Community Trust, with significant profits supporting local communities.
Perfect for: Romantic getaways, stargazers, and adventurous travelers.
How These Camps Support Conservation and Communities
Every stay at these luxury camps supports wildlife conservation and local livelihoods. Here’s how:
- Conservation fees fund anti-poaching efforts, habitat restoration, and wildlife monitoring.
- Community projects provide schools, clinics, and employment.
- Cultural engagement ensures that tourism is a mutually beneficial exchange.
By choosing a luxury safari in Samburu or Laikipia, you’re directly contributing to the protection of endangered species and the empowerment of local communities.
Conclusion: Discover Northern Kenya’s Luxury Safari Secrets with Stawi Adventures
From the rugged beauty of Samburu to the rolling plains of Laikipia, Northern Kenya offers luxury safaris that combine wildlife, culture, and conservation. Whether you’re tracking rhinos on horseback, sleeping under the stars, or soaring over the landscape in a helicopter, these experiences redefine what a safari can be.
At Stawi Adventures, we specialize in tailor-made luxury safaris that go beyond the ordinary. We partner with the finest camps and conservancies in Samburu and Laikipia to craft exclusive, impactful journeys that align with your interests.
Ready to explore Northern Kenya’s hidden gems?
Contact Stawi Adventures today to start planning your luxury safari in Samburu and Laikipia—an experience that promises adventure, connection, and lasting memories.
