need advice on Samburu camps/lodges
 

We intend spend 3nights in Samburu end next nov.need advice /experience on Camps/lodges.
thanks for answers.

The old standbys are the Serena Lodge, Samburu Game Lodge and Intrepid's Camp.

Then there is Larsen's Camp (reopened since 2005); the new Sopa Lodge (opened just this season)

Serena is probably a bit more expensive than the Sopa and Game Lodge; Camps generally are higher cost, with Larsen's being higher than Intrepid's.

Joy's in the Shaba area and quite pricey, will be closed in November (the short rain period).

I understand that Bedouin Camp (operated by Craig Griffith) has reopened in Samburu. It is a terrible camp and would not recommend that anyone stay there. The only really bad camp experience we have ever had. Although they represent themselves as a high end camp, they were kicked out for non payment of their rent. Now they are back in business.

I stayed at the Larsens Camp in May, and thought it was a wonderful place, with excellent service. I would highly recommend.

I stayed at Samburu Game Lodge last September. If you choose to stay there, be sure to avoid the original oiled wood cabins that look as though they were built in the 60s. Request one of the 'newer' rooms (although I don't think anything has been built here recently) with river frontage.

The first room I was allocated was at the back of one of the original 'cabins' (these have 2 rooms per cabin, the front rooms have a verandah and chairs and face the river.) The room was careworn, had a hole in the wall, no outlook and was dark and very small. Most of the space was taken up by the bed! When I complained I was given the choice of 2 other rooms and haughtily told that 'someone' would be sleeping in the room tonight because the lodge was fully booked!

The food was OK, not great and the staff so-so. The Lodge has a fantastic riverside situation and a wonderful lounge area from which to view the river and game whilst enjoying a drink. The game viewing was great and I plan to return in 2008, probably stay at the Serena.

Enjoy Samburu,


Pol