Samburu Simba Lodge is a 4-star accommodation situated in Buffalo Springs National Reserve, adjacent to Samburu National Reserve, in the arid north of Kenya. The lodge overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro River and provides a comfortable base for observing the wildlife specific to this semi-desert region.

Why choose Samburu Simba Lodge

The lodge offers three tangible advantages for a safari stay in northern Kenya:

• A prime location within Buffalo Springs Reserve, which shares its fauna with Samburu Reserve and provides access to both safari zones.
• An expansive view of the Ewaso Nyiro River from the room terraces, with regular passages of elephants and water birds.
• Complete amenities befitting a 4-star classification: outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, jacuzzi, sauna, massage salon, and three conference rooms for groups or seminars.

The lodge has been recently renovated while maintaining its regional character through both its architecture and cultural evenings.

Atmosphere and setting

The establishment features architecture inspired by local construction traditions: brick walls, concrete floors, reed-thatched roofs painted in the colours of the Kenyan flag. The interior décor blends miniature sculptures and ornamental lamps. The overall ambiance remains rustic and functional, without any boutique hotel aesthetic.

In the evenings, Samburu dancers regularly entertain guests at the lodge, offering a direct glimpse into the culture of the pastoral community that gave the region its name.

Rooms

The accommodation is distributed across 18 cottages containing over 70 rooms. Each room is equipped with:

• a private bathroom,
• mosquito nets and ceiling fans,
• lounge chairs and a desk area,
• internet access and mobile coverage.

The terraces overlook the Ewaso Nyiro Valley. Elephant and bird passages are frequent, particularly in the early morning hours.

Dining and services

The main restaurant serves African and international cuisine, with options for breakfast or dinner served in the bush, as well as meals on the terrace. A poolside bar complements the beverage offerings.

The lodge also provides:

• a massage salon,
• a gift shop,
• laundry service,
• an on-site doctor,
• three conference rooms for professional events.

Observable wildlife and activities

The Samburu and Buffalo Springs region is home to several species not commonly encountered in southern Kenya. From the lodge or during safari excursions, you may observe:

• reticulated giraffe,
• Grevy's zebra,
• gerenuk (long-necked gazelle),
• elephants, buffalo, and water antelope,
• crocodiles along the Ewaso Nyiro River.

The outdoor swimming pool overlooks watering holes frequented by animals, allowing for extended observation between vehicle outings.

Location and access

The lodge is situated in Buffalo Springs National Reserve, in Samburu County, approximately 300 km north of Nairobi. Two access options are available:

• By road: approximately 5 hours from Nairobi.
• By air: a flight from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to the Samburu airstrip takes less than one hour, followed by a short road transfer to the lodge.

Nearby: other accommodations in Kenya

To build a multi-park itinerary, these lodges combine well with a Samburu stay:

• Lake Nakuru Lodge, for Lake Nakuru and its flamingos.
• Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, another option near Nakuru.
• Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, on the shores of Lake Naivasha.
• Chui Lodge, in the Oserian conservancy.
• Hillpark Hotel, for an urban stopover in Nairobi.

Planning your stay

Samburu Simba Lodge fits into a broader safari circuit. To combine Samburu with other parks (Masai Mara, Amboseli, Rift Valley lakes), consult our Kenya trips to build an itinerary suited to your dates and travel pace.