Ashnil Samburu Camp is a 4-star tented camp located in northern Kenya, at the junction of the Samburu and Buffalo Springs reserves. Bordered by the Ewaso Nyiro River and facing Ol Olokwe mountain, it serves as a base for exploring a semi-arid region where wildlife congregates around water sources.

Why choose Ashnil Samburu Camp

The camp combines three assets rarely found together in northern Kenya: a riverbank location beneath a dense canopy of doum palms, hotel-standard comfort in solid tents with wooden floors and private terraces, and direct access to safari territory far less crowded than the Masai Mara. Four of the Big Five are regularly observed in this sector—lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo—while the black rhinoceros remains exceptional. The region is also home to the species known as the "Samburu Special Five": the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich, absent from southern Kenya.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere is that of a wilderness camp rather than a hotel. Tents are spaced beneath the palms, the sound of the river accompanies the nights, and the décor blends dark wood, African textiles and rattan furniture. The main lounge, open to the savanna, functions as a gathering place between safari outings. Sundowner aperitifs are served facing Ol Olokwe, the table-mountain that dominates the horizon.

The tents

The camp has 19 tents positioned along the shaded bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Several configurations are available: king beds, queen beds, twin beds or triple beds, each with a private bathroom.

• Wooden flooring and a private terrace overlooking the river
• Lounge area and desk
• Full bathroom with shower, sink, toiletries and hairdryer
• Mosquito net above the bed

The terraces open onto the river and a landscape of doum palms, which line the entire bank.

Dining and services

The restaurant offers a buffet with international fare, alongside occasional Eastern and African dishes, with Swahili specialities at lunch or dinner. On request, the team can arrange lantern-lit bush dinners or packed picnic baskets for extended safari days. The outdoor bar, overlooking the savanna, serves drinks and cocktails throughout the day and evening.

On the activities front, the camp arranges morning and afternoon game drives, guided nature walks, visits to a Samburu village to meet the local community, and sundowners. Massages are available for an additional fee. An outdoor swimming pool surrounded by loungers completes the experience.

Location and access

The camp is situated within the Samburu–Buffalo Springs ecosystem, approximately six hours' drive from Nairobi. Air travel is the most practical option: Air Kenya and Safarilink operate daily flights to the region from Nairobi's Wilson Airport. Planes land on the Buffalo airstrip, about twenty minutes' drive from the camp.

When to visit

The Samburu region is accessible year-round, though two seasons stand out. From June to October, the dry season concentrates wildlife along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro and facilitates game viewing. From January to February, a hot and dry period, offers good conditions with fewer visitors. The long rains (April–May) can render certain tracks difficult; the shorter rains of November are brief and do not significantly interrupt safari operations.

Nearby

To extend your journey, several properties within the Nomadays network pair well with a stay at Samburu:

• Ashnil Aruba Lodge, in Tsavo East National Park, to combine north and south-east
• Amboseli Sopa Lodge, facing Mount Kilimanjaro, for a contrast with Amboseli's landscapes
• Chui Lodge, on the shores of Lake Naivasha, a classic Rift Valley stopover
• Crescent Camp, also on Lake Naivasha, for a more intimate tented night

Planning your stay

To incorporate Ashnil Samburu Camp into a full itinerary including the Masai Mara, Amboseli or the Swahili coast, explore our Kenya journeys.