Basecamp Samburu beside the Ewaso Ng'iro River

Mid range · Eco tented camp

Basecamp Samburu

Kalama Community Conservancy, on the Ewaso Ng'iro River

Overview

Basecamp Samburu sits on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River within the 16,500-hectare Kalama Community Conservancy, a short drive from the northern boundary of Samburu National Park.

The camp is deliberately small — a handful of en-suite tents plus a family tent — and built to a low-impact, solar-powered standard in keeping with Basecamp's long record in community-led conservation tourism.

Guiding is by Samburu warriors from the surrounding group ranches, and because you are on conservancy land the camp can offer night drives, walking safaris and off-road game viewing alongside drives into the national park. The star bed, set out on its own deck with a plunge pool, is the highlight for most guests.

Gallery

Basecamp Samburu beside the Ewaso Ng'iro River
Safari tent exterior at Basecamp Samburu
Tent bedroom at Basecamp Samburu
Main lounge area at Basecamp Samburu
Dining set-up at Basecamp Samburu
Star bed deck with private pool at Basecamp Samburu
Mount Ololokwe seen from Basecamp Samburu
Walking safari from Basecamp Samburu

Location

Kalama Community Conservancy, on the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Samburu National Park is reached by a 5–6 hour drive from Nairobi or a 1 hour 15 minute scheduled flight to the Samburu or Kalama airstrips, followed by a short transfer. See our guide to getting there.

Basecamp Samburu is highlighted on the map, alongside nearby camps, gates, airstrips and landmarks in Samburu National Park.

Room types

Safari tent
River-view tent with en-suite bathroom, veranda and solar lighting.
Family tent
Two sleeping areas with shared facilities for up to four guests.
Star bed
Open-air deck with private plunge pool for sleeping under the stars, as a supplement.

Facilities

  • Riverside main area and bar
  • Star bed deck with plunge pool
  • Solar power
  • Laundry service
  • Wi-Fi
  • Young Explorers Club for children

Dining

Full-board menus using local produce, served in the open-sided main area, on the riverbank, or as bush breakfasts and sundowner dinners.

Safari activities available

  • Day and night game drives in Kalama Conservancy
  • Game drives into Samburu National Park
  • Guided walking safaris with Samburu warriors
  • Samburu village and cultural visits
  • Star gazing and astrophotography
  • Sundowners at Mount Ololokwe viewpoints

Best suited for

Families and travellers wanting authentic community-run conservancy access at a fair price.

Rates

Rack rates 2026

Rates from 03 January 2026 to 02 January 2027

Safari tent

per person per night sharing (4 tents)

High season
USD 700
Mid season
USD 600
Low season
USD 500

Family tent

per person sharing per night, up to 4 pax; additional adult/child at standard sharing rate

High season
USD 700
Mid season
USD 600
Low season
USD 500

Child aged 5–16

per night sharing

High season
USD 350
Mid season
USD 300
Low season
USD 250

Single occupancy

per night

High season
USD 910
Mid season
USD 780
Low season
USD 500

Star bed supplement

per person sharing per night, weather permitting

High season
USD 210
Mid season
USD 180
Low season
USD 150

Conservation fee — adult

per person per night

High season
USD 160
Mid season
USD 160
Low season
USD 160

Conservation fee — child 5–16

per person per night

High season
USD 80
Mid season
USD 80
Low season
USD 80
  • High season: July, August, September & 20 December 2026 – 02 January 2027
  • Mid season: 03 January – 29 February, June, October & 01 – 19 December 2026
  • Low season: March, April, May & November 2026

All rates in USD, per person per night sharing unless stated otherwise.

Included

  • Full board — all meals & accommodation
  • Soft drinks, house wines, selected beers & house spirits
  • Bush meals, picnic excursions & sunset sundowners; tea & coffee service in own room
  • Selected laundry service
  • Unlimited internet
  • Return airstrip transfers
  • Shared day & night game drives in open-sided vehicles
  • Guided bush walking safari
  • Cultural village visit transfers
  • Young Explorers Club family activities (on request, bookable in advance)
  • VAT & taxes

Excluded

  • Daily conservation fees
  • Premium spirits, wines/Champagne and beers
  • Temporary Flying Doctors evacuation cover
  • Additional Wellbeing Space massages & treatments
  • Exclusive use of safari vehicle & guide (USD 400 per day)
  • Late departure & extra lunch fee (USD 180 per adult / USD 90 per child)
  • Cultural village visit entry fees
  • Gratuities to staff & guides
  • Anything of a personal nature and other extras
  • All statutory increases beyond our control

Notes

  • Rates are subject to change with notice.
  • Children under 5 stay free of charge when sharing with parents/adults.
  • Conservation fees are subject to change by the private conservancies.
  • No Easter, Christmas or New Year supplements.
  • Minimum stay during high season is 2 nights.
  • Star bed is suited to guests aged 17 and above and is weather permitting.
  • All guests must have comprehensive travel, medical and emergency evacuation insurance.

Rates exclude Samburu National Park entry fees where applicable — see park fees. Send an enquiry and we will confirm exact current rates and availability.