Elephant Bedroom Camp - Samburu

If you are planning a stay in Samburu Reserve, you could do no better than to choose Elephant Bedroom Camp. It is really wonderful! The views from the main building and each tent are stunning and having elephants passing your tent almost within touching distance (although no-one would ever do this!) is amazing. There is also a tame impala, who was orphaned as a new-born outside the gate and brought up by the staff, who likes to join visitors for breakfast and likes to be scratched around the ears. The food and service were excellent and the staff so friendly and welcoming, always going the extra mile to make it all such a magical experience. Thanks must also go to Gabriel from the Samburu tribe who accompanied us to his village which was so interesting and pleasurable. High-fiving with a Samburu toddler made my day! The reserve has such an abundance of wildlife and birdlife within a attractive terrain - bliss!

First impressions were excellent with a warm friendly welcome. Staff all very keen to take baggage to our room but we felt we didn’t really need 4 people to assist as we didn’t have much luggage. The location is beautiful on the river with the bar and central area on the decking. The elephants really do wander through the camp – the guards are really attentive. You order your lunch when you return from your morning drive and there was a couple of starters four or five main courses and a couple of puddings – similar for evening which was ordered when you returned from the evening drive. House drinks were included in our package. Breakfast was buffet style with a selection of fruit, juices and hot items. Food was plentiful and there was always something to eat. Quality varied but overall pretty good. You are allocated a waiter and who you get largely will reflect on your service. Ours was indifferent, often forgetting orders or getting them wrong. He did appear on the last day and morning hovering for a tip. (we used the tip box for all staff and did not tip individually except our guide) It really is lovely to eat your meals overlooking the river watching the elephants, monkeys and birds. The tents are well equipped with electricity, a safe, wifi, running water and flushing toilet, although the toilet is only screened by a curtain in the bathroom area. The bed has a mosquito net around it and the room is turned down each evening. Our guide was Papoyo who was incredibly knowledgeable. We were lucky to have solo drives most of the time. We saw elephants, lions and cheetahs on our first drive and a whole host of other animals and birds across the three days. The landscape is dry and dusty and beautiful. The colours in the morning and evening with no light pollution worth travelling for alone – factor in the animals and it is magic. We enjoyed the group sundowner on the river. A nice opportunity to meet other guests.

Never had such an excellent experience in a bush-camp. The superb tents with their jacuzzi, the best way to cool of, were so lovely situated, overlooking the river. The staff, food, service, it was all more than we could wish for. We will always have sweet memories.