Samburu Intrepids is part of the Heritage Hotels chain, which enjoys an excellent reputation. Situated on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in the arid heart of the Samburu National Reserve, this large and spacious club is built predominantly from timber and thatch and features wooden walkways and shaded relaxation spaces beside the river. Herds of elephant, buffalo and zebra come daily to drink at the river, together with the rarer ‘northern species’ of reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx and long-necked gerenuk antelope.
Location
The Samburu National Reserve of northern Kenya, conjoined with the smaller but no less attractive Buffalo Springs and Shaba Reserve, lies 320 kilometres from Nairobi at an altitude of 857 meters above sea level.
Wildlife highlights: elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, jackal, buffalo, hippo, zebra, oryx, gerenuk, gazelle, gerenuk, hyrax and klipspringer. Birds: 395 recorded species.
Accommodation
There are 27 luxury tents strung out along the sandy river bank beneath the trees. Each tent has an ensuite bathroom (24-hour hot water, double sinks, flushed WCs), large four-poster beds and classic mahogany safari furniture. Each tent has a private verandah with all-day bar service. Overhead fans are provided.
Dining and bars
Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style outside on wooden decks. Dinner is served in the large open-sided and thatched dining area, which is lit by hanging gourds. There is a lounge bar where slide shows and educational talks are given.
Conferences and events
The club offers a small conference room with television/VCR facilities.
Child-friendly
The acclaimed Heritage Adventurers’ Club offers a uniquely educational safari for children of all ages, under the expert guidance of Samburu guides.
Activities include:
• Luxury swimming pool and sun-lounging deck
• Twice-daily game drives with resident guides
• Bush breakfasts, sundowners and starlit dinners
• Tours of Samburu villages and 'bush secrets'
• Traditional dances by local warriors and maidens
• Lectures and slide shows on culture and wildlife
• Heritage's famous Adventurers' Club for the kids
• Camel rides
• Nature and bird walks
• ‘Body flex’ exercise programme.
• Gift shop