A place of endless skies, dust-red plains and palm-fringed rivers, Samburu National Reserve lies on the fringes of the vast and arid desert once known as the Northern Frontier District, whose heat-scorched scrublands extend all the way to the jade-green waters of Lake Turkana and beyond. Physically dramatic, the 104 sq kilometre landscape of the Reserve features rocky battlements, craggy scarps, dry river beds and fallen boulders rising out of the thorn scrub against a backdrop of the far-distant hills and the great red table mountain known as Lololokwi. As for wildlife, Samburu provides one of the few sanctuaries in Kenya for the endangered Grevy’s zebra, the rare beisa oryx and the blue-shanked Somali ostrich whilst large herds of elephant roam the gaunt hills during the day before returning to bathe on the banks of the river in the evening.
Set in a landscape of endless skies, dust-red plains and palm-fringed rivers, this refreshingly rustic lodge is renowned for the timeless beauty of its landscape and the serene tranquillity of its setting. Nestled amidst the acacia groves that border the crocodile-filled reaches of the Uaso Nyiro River, the lodge stands centre-stage to miles of lion-stalked grasslands, elephant-studded plains and wildlife-teeming bush. It is also ideally placed for visits to the neighbouring parks of Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserve. Experience the serenity and tranquillity of Samburu at the Samburu Serena Safari Lodge.
The Lodge - The long, low, shingled buildings of the lodge blend seamlessly into the soft green of the acacia woodlands lining the banks of the languid brown loops of the Uaso Nyiro River, whilst the architectural style makes optimum use of soft local stone and traditional Samburu building motifs.
The cool of the interior, meanwhile, reflects a strong ‘khaki and canvas’ safari influence enriched by a vibrant selection of age-old Samburu masks, spears and ceremonial treasures.
The Rooms - Each room is accommodated in a prettily shingled timber cottage with its own blossomed veranda looking out over the river. The décor melds world-class luxury with quintessential Africa and features a tranquil blend of traditional safari colours, draped nets, soft lamps and stunning Samburu art.
GUEST ROOM INFORMATION
Total number of guest rooms 62, Double rooms 10, Twin rooms 44, Family rooms
The Dining - The breeze-cooled bar and dining area overlooks the flood-lit expanses of the river and game viewing arena where lumbering herds of elephant gather nightly and shy leopards are lured to the forked branch of an acacia tree where a haunch of meat has been laid out for them. Menus are styled to feature traditional bush barbecues, spicy ethnic cuisine, internationally-themed dishes and a broad selection of hearty safari favourites.
Guest Services and Amenities - The Serena offers so much more. At the end of an action-packed day, guests can also enjoy a dip in the cool, blue waters of a rock-paved swimming pool, set amongst the lush foliage of an extensively planted tropical garden.
Swimming pool, nature walks, bird watching and game drives; Extensively stocked Africana Gift Shop; Luxurious beauty treatments and toning massages; Guest room facilities include fans, direct dial telephone and mosquito nets; Full housekeeping services (laundry, valet, babysitting on request, childrens’ menus and dining facilities, shoeshine etc) ; Hairdryer available on request fom the Reception Desk; Forex facilities; Full medical back-up and emergency evacuation facilities; All weather air-strip and well-maintained road network; A wide range of board games plus a full library of books on Africa.