“Out of Africa in beautiful Samburu National Reserve”
All too often the phrase of ‘safaris off the beaten track’ turn out to be hollow and nothing but empty commercial promises. Not so at Lion King Bush Camp! There, it is exactly what it should be and for us it turned out to be the highlight of our safari trip.
We enjoyed the off grid, peaceful setting of this small tented camp on the green banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river, offering beautiful views and a real opportunity to enjoy Africa’s treasures. Monkeys kept us company during the day, and in the evenings and nights elephants, giraffes and other wildlife wandered through the campsite. Very friendly and helpful local staff, really tasty food (some of the best we had actually) and cool and pleasant tents that in a basic manner provided all the necessary things, from bathroom and shower to good beds. Evening chats with Nahim helped us to better get to know not only Samburu, and we really enjoyed his stories about Kenya and beyond!
Off to Samburu? Do not miss this wonderful camp!
We spent 5 nights in the camp and rented it on exclusive base. We come to Kenya since 1993 and Nahim’s camp is exactly what we expect from a safari camp and gave made us feeling at homefrom the first moment:
The camp is small with 4 or 5 tents only (one of them set up as a triple, the others are doubles), a very nice dining and relaxing area and there is no fence around the camp – so wild animals may pass through the camp whenever they like. Elephants, velvet monkeys, baboons and genet cats are nearly daily visitors in the camp.
Everything is well maintained and for a bush camp extremely clean. The camp is hidden in a bushy area on the banks of the mighty Ewaso Niyro River near the bridge connecting Buffalo Springs Reserve and Samburu National Reserve.
Thankfully there is no high end luxury in the camp – the tents are built in a simple, but comfortable way – toilet and bucket shower ensuite, safari chairs with a small table in front of each tent to enyoy a great view over the river. Nahim installed a solar power system with batteries, which guarantees 24/7 power.
Food is excellent – far better than in most 4 or 5 star lodges/camps with big buffets we have seen before. Vivienne, who is responsible for the food, provides tasty dishes, most in local style.
Francis, the spotter, is grest – knowing all edges of the reserve and highly experienced in finding animals.
The whole staff is friendly and helpful and gives you the feeling of belonging to the camp and being part of the team. That makes you feeling at home.
Nahim, the owner, is an original and spent most if his life in the bush. He knows everything about the area, is extremely nice and polite. Talking with him is an own experience you should not miss. The best host in the bush we ever had.
This place is a smidge of heaven and highly recommended to all who like a real authentic safari feeling in the midfle of the bush away from mass tourism and high end luxury for affordable rates. The camp is worth the money you pay!
We definitely will be back!
“Paradise.
It is hard to put words to this ‘once in a lifetime experience’ at Lion King bush camp. The breathtaking beauty of the area where animals and humans seem to have found a natural balance. No mass tourism, genuine tranquility, a camp that is one with nature, situated at the Ewaso Nyiro river where elephants cross and might visit you at the camp.
It was a privilege to get to know Nahim, who built this camp himself and is running it for decades. He is his surroundings, speaks the Samburu language and is part of the tribe community. Together with his team, the best dishes are prepared and after another amazing day, the comfortable beds make you fall asleep immediately. Your wake up call will be by the sound of hundreds of birds the next morning.
Welcome to paradise…”