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Trip To Samburu Tribal Community and Samburu National Reserve In Magical Kenya

The Samburu Tribe of Nothern Kenya and East Africa:

Samburu people of Kenya live north of the equator in the geographically fascinating Samburu County of Northern Kenya. The Samburu people are closely related to the Maasai tribe who also live in East Africa. Both these tribes speak a similar language, derived from Maa.

The Samburu tribe, just like the Maasai are semi-nomadic people. Only the Samburu are still very traditional and have not parted with old customs as compared to the Maasai. Cattle, as well as goats, sheep, and camels, play a vital role in the Samburu way of life and culture. The Samburu people are highly dependent on their livestock for survival. Their diet comprises mostly of milk and occasionally blood from their cows. Contact us here...

The blood is accrued by slightly cutting the jugular of the cow and draining the blood into a cup. The wound is then promptly sealed with hot ash. Meat is only served on special occasions. The Samburu people's diet is also supplemented with vegetables, roots, and tubers that are made into soup.

Samburu Traditional and Culture

Samburu County is mostly dry barren land, and the Samburu tribe has to relocate to be certain their cattle have enough food. Every few weeks the tribe will change location to find fresh grazing grounds. Huts are constructed using hide, mud, and grass mats strung over poles. A fence is built around the mud huts for protection from wild animals. The Samburu tribe settlements are called manyattas. The Samburu usually dwell in groups of five to ten families. Traditionally Samburu men look after their cattle and they are also responsible for the overall safety of the tribe. Contact us here...

Samburu women are responsible for gathering vegetables and roots, caring for their children, and collecting water. Samburu girls usually help their mothers with domestic chores. The Samburu are a gerontocracy, the elders rule the tribe. It is the elders that decide when ceremonies will occur, such as weddings and circumcisions. Entry into womanhood and manhood is marked with a circumcision ceremony. Men and women are only able to get married once they have been circumcised, as before that they are still considered as children.
Once a boy has been circumcised he is now considered a Moran (a warrior). The men are placed into age sets and as a group move from one social position to another. From child to Moran, to junior elder, and finally to elder.

The traditional dress of the Samburu tribe is a striking red cloth wrapped like a skirt and a white sash. This is adorned with many colorful beaded earrings, bracelets, anklets, and necklaces. Each piece of jewelry worn represents the status of the wearer.

Dancing is a significant part of Samburu culture. Their dancing is similar to that of the Maasai people with men dancing in a circle and jumping high from a standing position. Traditionally, the Samburu have not used any instruments to accompany their dancing and singing.

Samburu People Current Situation:

Just like the Maasai tribe, the Samburu people are under pressure from their government to settle into more permanent villages. They have resisted this proposal thus far since a permanent settlement would disrupt their entire way of life. And it will be difficult to grow and maintain crops on a permanent site. Contact us here...

Accessing the Samburu People:

The Samburu people live in a very beautiful, sparsely populated part of Kenya with abundant wildlife. Much of the land is now protected and community development initiatives have extended to eco-friendly African lodges jointly run by the Samburu tribe. As a visitor, the best way to get to know the Samburu is to stay at a community-run lodge or enjoy a walking or camel safari with Samburu guides.

Other Things To Do During Your Samburu People Encounter

Visit Samburu National Reserve:

Located north of Laikipia, Samburu National Reserve is made up of scrubby, open bushland, and savanna, with the fringing riverine forest of acacias and large doum palms extending along the edge of the Ewaso Ngiro. Aside from the plentiful wildlife that can be seen in the reserve, there are many attractions to the Samburu National Reserve. Contact us here...

You can see Samburu National Reserve Big 5. Whilst the bigger, and more expected animals (the likes of elephants, giraffes, big cats, etc.) can be seen daily inside the reserve, guests have the remarkable opportunity to see the Samburu Five - five rare and endemic animals to the Samburu ecosystem. These include the reticulated giraffe, the Somali ostrich, the gerenuk, the Beisa oryx, and the Grevy’s zebra.
The Samburu National Park’s landscape is very photogenic. The river Ewaso Ngiro is the heart of the park and contrasts against the dry desert-like soil that shines bright red under the African sun.
There are some truly beautiful camps in Samburu National Reserve. Inside the national reserve, Elephant Bedroom Camp is the perfect choice for those looking for an authentic tented camp in the heart of the game (named so because herds of elephants like to come and browse around the unfenced camp). Outside the park, Sasaab and Saruni Samburu offer ultimate luxury in unique and untouched landscapes.
If you stay outside the national reserve, such as Saruni Samburu in the Kalama Conservancy, you can partake in a diversity of activities that are available exclusively to conservancies. These include night game drives, guided bush walks, trekking excursions, visiting the local Samburu caves full of historical rock art, cultural village visits, and warriors academy.

Where to Stay in Samburu National Reserve, For Samburu safari tour, Samburu Tribe photo tour, Samburu People tour, Samburu People Cultural Tours, Samburu National Reserve Accommodation, Magical Kenya Tours

HOW WE RATE ACCOMMODATIONS, For Samburu safari tour, Samburu Tribe photo tour, Samburu People tour, Samburu People Cultural Tours, Samburu National Reserve Accommodation, Magical Kenya Tours

Budget - Accommodations such as simple guesthouses or dormitory rooms are available throughout Kenya. Service and amenity standards won't be high and you are likely to share facilities with other guests, but choosing this standard can make a big difference in the price of the safari. Alternatively, you can choose to camp in tents. Some campsites have wonderful locations and Ultimate Wild Safaris can provide you with tents and mattresses.
Mid-range- Ultimate Wild safaris, we believe this is ultimately your best option for comfortable, self-contained ('en suite') accommodation set in stunning locations that don't cost a fortune.
Semi-luxury- Accommodation falling in this category is more comfortable than the mid-range. The locations are similar, but the details are further refined, carefully picked out details, and often more luxurious detail and finishes. These lodges often have a swimming pool, as well.
Luxury - The luxurious accommodation is fully equipped, comfortable, and more spacious than the mid-range options. They often have facilities like swimming pools, masseurs, steam baths, and sometimes even private butlers.

1. Elephant Bedroom Camp. (Superb value for money in the best region for the game).

The name of this camp says it all! Located inside Samburu National Reserve, along the Ewaso Nyiro River, Elephant Bedroom Camp regularly sees herds of elephants come down to the river, through the camp, and even passed your bedroom! Walking through the majestic doum palms, the camp has a real ‘safari feel’ to it, with comfortable canvased tents and a classic candlelit alfresco dining area. The camp is one of our Samburu favorites and is a fantastic value for money!

Location of Elephant Bedroom Camp

The camp is located in a prime location inside Samburu National Park. Each room has a spectacular view of the Ewaso Nyiro River, as it meanders through the dry plains of the park, providing water for a diversity of animals. Elephant sightings, in particular, are incredible, as huge herds cross through the elephant corridors from the park to Mount Kenya daily. Contact us here...

Elephant Bedroom Camp Layout

The main mess area gives an immediate African and safari feel, with a perfect balance of comfort, design, and natural lighting. Whilst dinner is served on the verandah of the main mess tent under the stars, breakfast, and lunch are served on the stunning river bank. On either side of the mess tent, there are 12 tents positioned in a row, all raised on individual wooden platforms and all directly facing the river.

Elephant Bedroom Camp Rooms

The spacious, en-suite tents are comfortable and traditional. The large beds and furniture are simple and rustic and the hanging beads, separating the bedroom and bathroom, are a beautiful African touch, reflecting the traditional outfits of the Samburu people. Offering further comforts, each tent has its private plunge pool on the deck, electricity all day and night, hot and cold running water, and complimentary herbal shower and bath products. Contact us here...

Elephant Bedroom Camp Activities.

The camp is set in the heart of the game in Samburu National Park so the safari starts from the minute you step foot in the safari vehicle. There is a range of activities including game drives, guided bush walks, cultural visits, lectures on Samburu culture, entertainment by local Samburu warriors, bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, and sundowners.

2. Sasaab Lodge ( The most luxurious lodge in Samburu!)

Sasaab is a piece of paradise amid the Samburu’s heat. Samburu has a rich diversity and concentration of animals- including the Samburu National Reserve Big Five- a collection of species that are rare and endemic to the Samburu ecosystem. Sasaab prides itself on its service, exquisite hospitality, and ultimate peacefulness as soon as guests arrive. Spend the morning, evening, or day relaxing, taking in the stunning views from the spa, lounge, verandah, or your very own private plunge pool!

Sasaab Location

Sasaab Lodge is set on a hillside, past the western gate out of the Samburu National Reserve, situated on community land. Because of Sasaab’s relationship with the local people, the Samburu cattle do not graze on land surrounding the camp, so over the years, the game coming through this area has slowly increased. With that in mind, the game is far better and more concentrated inside the national park so game drives take place there, with roughly a 20-minute drive to the western gate entrance.

Sasaab Lodge Layout

As you walk into the grand building, you are immediately struck by the class and quality of Sasaab Lodge. With huge high ceilings and a very open plan feel, the lounge and dining room sit alongside one another, both with a stunning backdrop of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Sasaab has a large pool, surrounded by plenty of day beds and loungers in the shade, even equipped with a bar and a stone oven for special alfresco dinners. Next to the pool is a gym and spa, for ultimate relaxation after your safari. The nine rooms are scattered below and around the main area, with, however, quite a walk to a few of them.

Sasaab Lodge Rooms

Sasaab Lodge has nine expansive and stylish tents, fit for a king, all with a Moroccan and African infusion of design. The rooms are all very spacious and airy, with a lounge area, a four-poster, and an enormous open-air bathroom. Making it even more special, each room has a private plunge pool overlooking the river where you can often see families of elephants come to bathe! There is also a family unit, where two tents sit together and share a huge verandah with beautiful views. Contact us here...

Sasaab Lodge Activities

Game drives can be done on the community land or more often, inside Samburu National Reserve as the game is there is a greater density of wildlife. On the community land that Sasaab sits on, guided bush walks, cultural visits to a local Samburu village, camel riding, sundowners with panoramic views on 'sundowners rock’, and fly camping are also available. Contact us here...

3. Saruni Samburu Lodge (A stunning lodge with arguably, the best views across all of Kenya!), For Samburu safari tour, Samburu Tribe photo tour, Samburu People tour, Samburu People Cultural Tours, Samburu National Reserve Accommodation, Magical Kenya Tours

With panoramic views, Saruni Samburu offers a very unique and memorable stay in an untouched environment off the beaten track. Sat in the Kalama Conservancy, the lodge prides itself on its views, luxury, and serenity, attracting nature-loving families, honeymooners, and couples to this unaffected area of Kenya… the best place to stay for a ‘wow factor.

Saruni Samburu Lodge Location, For Samburu safari tour, Samburu Tribe photo tour, Samburu People tour, Samburu People Cultural Tours, Samburu National Reserve Accommodation, Magical Kenya Tours

Saruni Samburu Lodge is situated in the heart of the Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy. Although this conservancy sees huge herds of elephants crossing between the different conservancies, it generally does not have a great density of game, so game drives are done inside the Samburu National Reserve which is roughly a one-hour drive.

Saruni Samburu Lodge Layout, For Samburu safari tour, Samburu Tribe photo tour, Samburu People tour, Samburu People Cultural Tours, Samburu National Reserve Accommodation, Magical Kenya Tours

The main area of the lodge is completely open, offering panoramic views over the vast conservancy plains. It has a range of cozy seating areas, with beanbags on the rock face and armchairs around an evening bush campfire. There are two infinity pools, one more secluded and private at the top of the lodge and the other closer to the main area, offering shade and access to the spa next to it… where the most amazing masseuse gives a complimentary 30-minute massage per villa.

Saruni Samburu Lodge Rooms, For Samburu safari tour, Samburu Tribe photo tour, Samburu People tour, Samburu People Cultural Tours, Samburu National Reserve Accommodation, Magical Kenya Tours

Saruni Samburu has six enormous and luxurious villas that are all spread across the rock face, each facing a stunning view. They are partially canvased tents, built-in and around the rock face which is visible inside, giving a natural and unique design. The bathrooms are enormous, with bathtubs and outdoor showers for a cool down under the African sky. The king-size beds are extremely comfortable, and in the evenings, a little fact about Africa is left on your pillow when you return from dinner... it's the smallest of touches that make places like these so memorable! Contact us here...

Saruni Samburu Lodge Activities, For Samburu safari tour, Samburu Tribe photo tour, Samburu People tour, Samburu People Cultural Tours, Samburu National Reserve Accommodation, Magical Kenya Tours

Game drives from Saruni Samburu can be done in the Kalama Conservancy, Buffalo Springs National Park, or the most popular, Samburu National Reserve. The benefit of being in the Kalama Conservancy is that a variety of activities are available that are exclusive to the conservancies, including night game drives, guided bush walks, trekking excursions, visiting the local Samburu caves full of historical rock art, cultural village visits, and warriors academy. The lodge has recently built a photographic hide down by the waterhole for guests to have sundowners in and watch the wildlife in its most natural form. Contact us here...

4. Lion’s Cave Camp, Samburu ( Discover Something Different), For Samburu safari tour, Samburu Tribe photo tour, Samburu People tour, Samburu People Cultural Tours, Samburu National Reserve Accommodation, Magical Kenya Tours

Owner-managed and run, guests are assured of a five-star, unforgettable safari stay. The Camp is in proximity to the Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves in the country's Northern Frontier District. This region is home to an abundance of wildlife with large herds of elephants, as well as Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs including the Samburu Special Five.

Lion Cave Camp Layout, For Samburu safari tour, Samburu Tribe photo tour, Samburu People tour, Samburu People Cultural Tours, Samburu National Reserve Accommodation, Magical Kenya Tours

A once-in-a-lifetime trip begins with a one to two-hour walk along the beautiful banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, where guests experience the sounds, sights, and smells of this magnificent bush savanna and meanders of the Ewaso Nyiro River in the natural rock formation.

Lion Cave Camp Rooms.

Lion's Cave will introduce you to this tremendous Kenya’s natural wonders that start in the spectacular lowlands of northern Kenya. As you stay in the wild and rugged Samburu, you will have a chance to experience and time for relaxation in the sun swimming in the natural river, and bursting in the sun on the Ewaso Nyiro sand beaches and on top of the natural beach rock.

The camp is elegant, luxurious, and intimate – the perfect hideaway for your honeymoon, offering unmatched romance and complete seclusion. Your Heavenly Honeymoon in Kenya – which neatly puts together all the elements to make up a unique and unforgettable honeymoon. Contact us here...

Lion Cave Camp Activities, For Samburu safari tour, Samburu Tribe photo tour, Samburu People tour, Samburu People Cultural Tours, Samburu National Reserve Accommodation, Magical Kenya Tours

Encounter dramatic views of the private balcony of tents overlooking breathtaking scenes and landscapes. Days can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you desire, from wild bush walks with your warrior guide, exciting game drives, and picnics, to private dinners.

Please Note: We Recommend Two options of Safari Packages: For Samburu safari tour, Samburu Tribe photo tour, Samburu People tour, Samburu People Cultural Tours, Samburu National Reserve Accommodation, Magical Kenya Tours

Budget Option: 12 Days Exploring Northern Kenya Tribes and Kenya Wildlife Tour Experience

Luxury Option: 11 Days Kenya Wildlife Tour & Northern Kenya Tribes Tour

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