Budget · Budget tented camp
Samburu Riverside Camp
Outside the park boundary near Archers Post, on the Ewaso Ng'iro
Overview
Samburu Riverside Camp is a straightforward, friendly camp on the river outside the park gates, popular with overland travellers, self-drivers and budget-conscious families.
Tents are basic but clean, with en-suite bathrooms and shaded verandas. Meals are hearty and served communally, and the riverside setting still delivers birdsong, monkeys and the occasional elephant.
Because park fees are only paid on days you enter the park, staying outside can meaningfully reduce the total cost of a Samburu trip.
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Location
Outside the park boundary near Archers Post, on the Ewaso Ng'iro. 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.
Samburu Riverside Camp is highlighted on the map, alongside nearby camps, gates, airstrips and landmarks in Samburu National Park.
Room types
- Standard tent
- Twin or double tent with en-suite bathroom and veranda.
- Family tent
- Larger tent sleeping four.
Facilities
- Riverside dining area
- Bar
- Campfire
- Secure parking
- Basic Wi-Fi
- Laundry on request
Dining
Simple set menus of Kenyan and international dishes, with packed lunches available for full days in the park.
Safari activities available
- Game drives into Samburu National Park
- Guided nature walks along the river
- Cultural village visits
- Birdwatching
Best suited for
Budget travellers, self-drivers and overlanders who want atmosphere over amenities.
Indicative price range
From approximately USD 60 – 120 per person per night, full board. Rates vary by season and exclude park entry fees — see park fees. We will confirm exact current rates with your enquiry.
Other places to stay in Samburu
Luxury
Elephant Bedroom Camp
Twelve river-facing tents with private plunge pools, shaded by doum palms where elephants wander freely through camp.
Luxury
Saruni Samburu
A dramatic hilltop lodge of six open-fronted villas with 360-degree views across Kalama Conservancy to Mount Kenya.
Luxury
Sasaab
Moroccan-inspired open-sided rooms with private pools, overlooking the river on the western edge of the Samburu ecosystem.