The Elephant Bedroom Camp

If you love elephants, there’s nowhere better than Elephant Bedroom Camp.  We’re a small eco-camp in the middle of Samburu National Game Reserve with just 14 tents that feature private plunge pools and decks overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River. It feels like you’re in the middle of the desert, yet there’s a shady forest where monkeys play, as well as views of Mount Kenya. I call it an eco-friendly, bush glamping experience with high-end service – our staff will make you feel right at home.

Elephant Bedroom Camp is unfenced and was designed to respect animals’ natural behaviour. The area is full of elephants, we have around seven big bulls that visit us a lot, and they’re free to come and go as they please. Often, they’ll be right outside your tent when you come out in the morning, or passing by the tables at lunchtime. They feel so comfortable and safe that they come here to sleep, which is where we got the name Elephant Bedroom Camp.

Breakfast and lunch are served by the river at what we call our beach restaurant. You’ll be shaded by umbrellas and dine overlooking the water where you’ll spot animals like giraffe, wildebeest, zebra and impala. Of course, the elephants could be there bathing in the river too. At night, we have a formal dinner set up under the stars, with a four-course à la carte menu, white tablecloths and candles.

Samburu is a relatively small park, so the safari experience is slow-paced compared to other parts of Kenya. Usually, you’ll have an early-morning wake-up call with hot drinks in your tent, followed by a sunrise game drive. After breakfast, there’s time to relax, chill in the pool or take a nap before the afternoon game drive around 4pm. The wildlife in Samburu is unique, you might spot some of the Special Five: reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, the Grevy’s zebra and Somali ostrich. The area is also well-known for big cats; lately we’ve had a coalition of lions around camp with their cubs.

Our sundowners are a guest highlight. Every two days, your guide will take you to our sundowner spot, which is set up with folding chairs and a table. We serve a cocktail with Kenyan rum and a selection of other drinks to enjoy while you watch the sunset over Samburu. Then for extra activities, there’s the bush breakfasts, where you can dine in the wilderness, plus the chance to visit a Samburu village with one of our guides, some of whom have been with us since the camp started – it’s a real family vibe.