Lions Cave Camp Samburu

Perched dramatically on the rocky cliffs above the Ewaso Nyiro River, Lions Cave Camp is a unique luxury retreat in Kenya’s Northern Frontier District. Owner-managed by Daniel and Roseline Letoiye, the camp delivers an authentic, intimate, and profoundly personal safari experience inspired by Samburu culture, wilderness, and warm Kenyan hospitality.

Suspended over natural rock formations and overlooking river rapids and waterfalls, the camp invites guests into a world where adventure meets serenity. From guided walks along the riverbank to sundowners on an open cliff-top balcony, Lions Cave Camp blends natural beauty, meaningful cultural encounters, and unforgettable wildlife moments.

With easy access to Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves, home to elephants, big cats, and the iconic Samburu Special Five, this camp is the perfect base for explorers, photographers, families, and honeymooners seeking true wilderness immersion.

Location & Accessibility

✓ Located in Archer’s Post, 2 km from the Isiolo–Moyale A2 Highway
✓ Surrounded by dramatic landscapes, acacia forests, and iconic wildlife-rich terrain
✓ A gateway to Northern Kenya’s vast lowlands and nomadic pastoralist communities
✓ Only 15 minutes by game drive from Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves
✓ Elevated on cliffy riverbanks overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River and stunning rock formations

By Road

✓ Private transfers arranged on request
✓ 1.5 hours’ drive from Nanyuki Airstrip
✓ Smooth, scenic A2 highway for most of the journey
✓ 4–5 hours’ (310 km) drive from Nairobi via Nanyuki–Isiolo–Archer’s Post

By Air

✓ Charter flights available on request
✓ 15-minute transfer from the airstrip to the camp
✓ Safarilink & Air Kenya flights from Wilson Airport to Kalama or Samburu airstrips

Accommodation – Cottages & Luxury Safari Tents

Lions Cave Camp features 3 Luxury Cottages and 9 Luxury Standard Tents, all ensuite and all facing the Ewaso Nyiro River. Designed with natural materials and open architecture, each room blends seamlessly with the environment while offering comfort, cooling breezes, and sweeping river views.

The camp accommodates up to 24 guests, making it intimate, exclusive, and ideal for couples, families, and groups.

Luxury Cottages

Spacious, open, and crafted with natural stone and thatched roofing, each cottage offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding wilderness.

Cottage One – Honeymoon / Couples Cottage

✓ One large family-size bed
✓ Romantic ambience and perfect for honeymooners
✓ Ideal for couples desiring privacy and river views

Cottage Two – Small Family Cottage

✓ Suited for parents with one child
✓ One large family bed + one single bed
✓ Cozy shared space overlooking the river

Cottage Three – Family Adventure Cottage

✓ One big family bed + two single beds
✓ Perfect for families with two children
✓ Spacious layout for families wanting to stay together

Features (All Cottages):

✓ En-suite bathrooms
✓ Locally inspired décor
✓ Natural cooling airflow
✓ Comfortable luxury bedding
✓ Private verandas with river and waterfall views

Luxury Standard Tents

The camp has nine spacious safari tents, perfect for couples, friends, or small groups. All are ensuite with outdoor showers offering a unique Samburu wilderness experience.

Features:

✓ Choice of double or twin beds
✓ Outdoor showers with stone accents
✓ Private seating areas with river views
✓ Locally crafted furnishings and décor
✓ Ensuite bathrooms with naturally warmed water

Room Names:

Somali Ostrich • Beisa Oryx • Waterbuck • Impala • Buffalo • Crocodile • Lesser Kudu • Lion • Greater Kudu

Room Features & Amenities

✓ Wi-Fi in the common areas
✓ Complimentary drinking water
✓ Private verandas facing the river
✓ Mosquito nets and quality bedding
✓ 24-hour guest assistance and security
✓ Hot showers and clean flushing toilets
✓ Outdoor stone showers with warm water
✓ Ensuite bathrooms in all cottages & tents
✓ Daily housekeeping and laundry on request
✓ Solar-powered lighting and eco-friendly operations

Dining & Culinary Experience

At Lions Cave Camp, meals are an experience in themselves. Expect homely hospitality, fresh ingredients, and a blend of local and international flavors.

Culinary Highlights:

✓ Bush breakfasts along the river
✓ Sundowners on the cliff-top balcony
✓ Full-board dining with three meals daily
✓ Vegetarian, vegan & specialty diets available
✓ Open-air dining with views over the river and cliffs
✓ Locally sourced produce and Samburu-inspired dishes

Meals are served in the scenic restaurant area or outdoors under the Samburu sky.

Lounge, Pool & Common Areas

✓ Cool breezes and river sounds for tranquil downtime
✓ Hammocks, shaded seating, and private reading corners
✓ Open-air lounge and dining deck with panoramic views
✓ Firepit area lit each evening for relaxation and stargazing
✓ Rock-carved swimming pool overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River

The pool—carved directly into the natural rock—is a standout feature and a guest favorite.

Experiences & Activities

Guided Game Drives

✓ One ticket gives access to all three reserves
✓ Explore Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba Reserves
✓ See elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards & Samburu Special Five

Walking Safaris & Nature Trails

✓ Warrior-led bush walks
✓ Scenic walks along the Ewaso Nyiro River
✓ Learn about plants, insects, tracks & local traditions

Rock Climbing & Mountain Adventures

✓ Dramatic views of northern Kenya
✓ Climb Mount Ololokwe (Sacred Mountain)
✓ Access to Mt. Kulal, Ndoto, Nyiro & Mathews Ranges

Cultural Experiences

✓ Visit Samburu, Rendille & Turkana communities
✓ Learn traditional dances, beadwork, and pastoral life
✓ Authentic interactions guided by Samburu warriors

Reteti Elephant Orphanage

✓ Witness baby elephant feeding & conservation efforts
✓ Visit the region’s community-run elephant rescue center

Bush Meals & Sundowners

✓ Breakfasts or picnics by the river
✓ Sunset drinks on cliff-top viewpoints
✓ Romantic private dinners on request

Camping

✓ Water supply available for campers
✓ Clean flushing toilets and hot showers provided
✓ Serene camping grounds for guests with their own tents

Wild Bush Walks & Riverside Relaxation

✓ Explore dramatic rock formations
✓ Hammocks and yoga-friendly verandas
✓ Watch crocodiles, birds & wildlife from the balcony

Facilities & Guest Services

✓ On-site restaurant & bar
✓ Full-board meals included
✓ Airport & airstrip transfers
✓ Car hire & safari planning support
✓ Gift shop with local Samburu crafts
✓ 24-hour security and guest support
✓ Rock-carved natural swimming pool
✓ Laundry service & daily housekeeping
✓ Eco-friendly, solar-powered operations
✓ Family-friendly with flexible room options

Highlights of Lions Cave Camp, Samburu

✓ Rock-top architecture with waterfalls and river views
✓ Rock-carved pool integrated into natural formations
✓ Guided walks, cultural visits, and mountain climbing trips
✓ One of the most dramatic cliff-view camps in Northern Kenya
✓ Close to Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba National Reserves
✓ Intimate, private, exclusive atmosphere with personalized service
✓ Eco-friendly construction blends seamlessly with the environment
✓ Perfect for honeymooners, families, photographers & adventure lovers
✓ Owned & managed by a Samburu family deeply connected to conservation

2025 Lions Cave Camp Samburu Non-Resident Accommodation Rates Per Night;

Notes

* Nature Walk –  Free
* Lunch – 15 US Dollars per Person
* Dinner- 15 US Dollars per Person
* Samburu Dance – 130 US Dollars Dance
* Cultural Village Visits – 30 US Dollars Person
* Game Drive To Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserve –  100 US Dollars per Person
* Visit and Climbing Ololokwe Sacred Mountain – Conservation and Hiking Fees – 30 US Dollars Person & Guide –30 US Dollars Per Day

2025 Lions Cave Camp Samburu Resident Accommodation Rates Per Night;

Rates in Kenya Shillings

Notes

* Nature Walk –  Free
* Lunch – 15 US Dollars per Person
* Dinner- 15 US Dollars per Person
* Samburu Dance – 13,000 Kenya Shillings –  Dance
* Cultural Village Visits – 2,500 Kenya Shillings per Person
* Game Drive To Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserve –  1,500 Kenya Shillings per Person
* Visit and Climbing Ololokwe Sacred Mountain – Conservation and Hiking Fees – 2,500 Kenya Shillings per Person & Guide –3,000 Kenya Shillings Per Day

Lions Cave Camp Samburu consists of over 5 spacious and comfortable tents with a view of the river and the wilderness that reflects the African traditional building style with natural materials and are constructed with stones and grass thatched roofs.

The tents are well elevated with a raised platform and furnished with high-standard private en-suite facilities of flushing toilets, separate cold and hot showers heated on the fire, wrapped mosquito nets, free bottled water, free toiletries, complimentary bottled water, chairs, and tables, etc.

Each room has sitting areas, verandas, and terraces overlooking the stunning views of the savannah, River Ewaso Nyiro, and mountains beyond.  Tents are well equipped with comfortable and excellent beds with clean beddings.

The camp offers single beds for individuals, doubles/ twins, and triple/family rooming options. There is a fireplace where the fire glows with comfortable chairs for guests to relax in and share stories/experiences about the Kenya wildlife safaris and it provides warmth during cold nights.

A dining area in the main building that serves delicious food both local and international meals that meet guests’ appetite; Continental breakfast overlooking the wilderness, picnic lunch and dinner both in and outdoor dinners especially bush barbeque dinner facing elephant meandering along the banks of the river and morning sunrise when on bush breakfast. 

A well-stocked bar with a variety of refreshments both hard and soft like local, cocktails, wines, spirits, and international beers, you relax as you sip the drink of your choice while overlooking the spectacular view of  Ewaso Nyiro river, wild beast especially elephant meandering along the river and surrounding areas.

Activities available from Lions Cave Camp Samburu include; Day and Night game drives, camel walks, bush breakfasts, sundowners, nature walks, bird watching, etc.

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