Saruni Rhino Camp Sera Community Conservancy

Saruni Rhino Camp is an intimate and exclusive lodge located in the heart of the 839,000-acre Sera Community Conservancy in Kenya’s untamed northern frontier. It serves as an extraordinary gateway to conservation and adventure, offering the unique opportunity to track Black Rhinos on foot—the first experience of its kind in East Africa.

This rustic yet elegant camp comprises four stone bandas (cottages) set along a dry riverbed (lugga) lined with doum palms. From this serene vantage point, guests can watch herds of elephants, impalas, and monkeys visit the nearby waterhole.

Saruni Rhino is a pioneer in sustainable tourism; it is the first community-owned black rhino sanctuary in Africa, providing guests with an authentic connection to Samburu culture and a direct opportunity to support the protection of an iconic species.

Whether witnessing the ancient tradition of the “Singing Wells” or enjoying a starlit bush dinner in the riverbed, a stay here is a journey into a wild, untouched landscape where nature and people coexist in harmony.

Location & Accessibility

Saruni Rhino is situated in the vast Sera Community Conservancy, approximately a 2-hour drive north of Saruni Samburu lodge (Kalama Conservancy). The landscape is a striking mix of semi-arid scrub, sandy luggas, and open plains.

By Road:

✓ From Nairobi: Driving from the capital is a long journey, taking approximately 7–9 hours depending on road conditions, recommended only for seasoned adventure travelers
✓ From Saruni Samburu: The transfer is a comfortable 1.5 to 2-hour game drive through the changing landscapes of Northern Kenya, moving from the rocky hills of Kalama to the open plains and luggas of Sera

By Air:

✓ Charter Flights: For a more direct and exclusive arrival, private charter flights can land at Kauro Airstrip, which is located just 5 minutes from the camp
✓ Scheduled Flights: Daily scheduled flights from Nairobi (Wilson Airport) land at Kalama Airstrip. From here, you will be met by a guide for a scenic transfer to the camp, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This drive effectively doubles as an introductory game drive through the conservancy

Accommodation

Saruni Rhino comprises four rustic stone bandas with thatched roofs and canvas zip-down windows. Each banda is designed to blend into the environment while ensuring maximum privacy and comfort.

Ntangaswa (Standard Banda)

Named after the first rhino born in the sanctuary, this spacious banda blends rustic charm with elegance.

✓ Capacity: Sleeps 2–4 guests (Double bed + option for extra singles)
✓ Features: En-suite bathroom with natural stone shower, private sandy terrace with sitting area overlooking the lugga

Loijipu (Standard Banda)

A cozy retreat named after the second rhino born in the sanctuary, focusing on intimacy.

✓ Capacity: Sleeps two guests (Double bed)
✓ Features: En-suite bathroom with natural stone shower, private terrace with picturesque views of the dry riverbed

Nashami (Family Banda)

A spacious family unit named after Ntangaswa’s daughter, offering comfort for groups.

✓ Capacity: Sleeps 4–5 guests (Two bedrooms: one Queen, one Twin)
✓ Features: Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom. Features a shared lounge and an expansive veranda with views of the waterhole frequented by wildlife

Napanu (Honeymoon Banda)

The newest addition exudes romance with soft pink hues and an open-plan design.

✓ Capacity: Sleeps two guests (Double bed)
✓ Features: Open shower spanning the width of the room, concrete vanity, and a shaded veranda with comfortable seating overlooking the pristine wilderness

Room Features & Amenities

✓ In-room Water Dispenser
✓ Hot & Cold Water provided
✓ Mosquito Nets over every bed
✓ Complimentary Wi-Fi in communal areas (Swara House)
✓ Private Verandas overlooking the dry riverbed or waterhole
✓ En-suite Bathrooms with flushing toilets and natural stone showers
✓ 24-Hour Solar Power (supports charging, but not high-wattage items like hairdryers)

Dining & Culinary Experience

Dining at Saruni Rhino is a communal, immersive experience celebrating Italian-inspired cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients.

Dining Experiences:

✓ In-Room Dining: Available for guests in the Family Banda upon request
✓ Bush Meals: Breakfasts served along the dry riverbed and magical starlit dinners under the vast African sky
✓ Riverbed Bar: Enjoy a traditional Samburu sundowner or a pre-dinner drink at the open-air bar located directly in the dry riverbed
✓ Communal Dining: Meals are hosted by guides and managers in the open-air dining area, fostering a sense of family and shared storytelling

Lounge & Common Areas

✓ Swara House: The main communal lounge and dining area featuring a fireplace and comfortable seating
✓ Waterhole: Located directly in front of the camp, drawing elephants, kudu, and sandgrouse for excellent wildlife viewing from the comfort of the lounge
✓ Infinity Pool: A stunning pool offering the perfect way to cool off while gazing at the sparse, beautiful landscape. It feels like a tropical beach with sand underfoot and swaying doum palms.

Experiences & Activities

Saruni Rhino offers unique activities that connect guests with the land and its people.

Included Activities:

✓ Sundowners & Bush Picnics: scenic stops to enjoy food and drink in the wild
✓ Bush Walks: Guided walking safaris along the dry riverbed to learn about tracking and flora
✓ Game Drives: Explore the 350,000-hectare conservancy to spot the “Samburu Special Five” and predators
✓ Sandgrouse Spectacle: Watch thousands of sandgrouse flock to waterholes in a mesmerizing display (seasonal)
✓ Rhino Tracking on Foot: The signature experience—track Black Rhinos accompanied by expert guides and rangers
✓ The Singing Wells: Witness the rare, ancient tradition of Samburu warriors singing to their cattle while digging for water (seasonal)

Optional Activities (Extra Cost):

✓ Reteti Elephant Sanctuary: A visit to the nearby community-run sanctuary for orphaned elephants
✓ Helicopter Excursions: Scenic flights over the dramatic northern landscape (Mount Ololokwe, etc.)

Facilities & Guest Services

✓ Laundry Service: Complimentary
✓ Solar Power: Eco-friendly energy 24/7
✓ Gift Shop: Located at the sister property, Saruni Samburu (items can be ordered)
✓ Community Focused: 90% of staff are from the local community, ensuring your stay directly supports local livelihoods

Highlights of Saruni Rhino

✓ The Singing Wells: Access to a deeply authentic cultural tradition unseen in most other parts of Kenya
✓ First Rhino Tracking in East Africa: The only place in East Africa offering on-foot tracking of Black Rhinos
✓ Intimacy & Exclusivity: With only four bandas, the camp guarantees a private and personalized safari experience
✓ Community-Owned Sanctuary: Africa’s first community-owned rhino sanctuary, a model for sustainable conservation
✓ Samburu Special Five: A prime location to see Grevy’s Zebra, Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, and Beisa Oryx

Saruni Rhino Camp Non-Residents Accommodation Rates Per Night Includes;

Full-board – all meals & accommodation + Soft drinks, house wines, selected beers & house spirits + Bush meals, picnic excursions & sunset sundowners + Tea & coffee service in own room + Selected laundry service + Unlimited internet + Return airstrip transfers and to & from Saruni Samburu + 1 x Rhino tracking session per day (early morning or late afternoon) + Shared day & night game drives in open-sided vehicles + Guided bush walks + Value Added Tax  & Other taxes.

Notes

* Saruni Rhino minimum stay – 2 nights
* Rates are subject to change with notice
* Accommodation is subject to availability
* No Easter, Christmas, or New Year supplements
* Children under the age of 5 stay for free when sharing with parents/ adults
* The Rhino Tracking Experience is only available to guests over 16 years of age
* Children under the age of 5 stay free of charge when sharing with parents/adults
* Conservation fees are subject to change by the private conservancies in which we operate
* Ayah accommodation is  subject to availability at the rate of 100 US Dollars per day in the guest’s room
* All children are the responsibility of their parents, childminder, or ayahs can be organized upon request for 20 US Dollars per hour
* Conservation fees – Adult – 175 US Dollars per person per night & Child(5-16 years) – 65 US Dollars per Child per night
* All guests travelling to Saruni Rhino must have comprehensive travel insurance, medical insurance, and emergency evacuation coverage
* All participants in the Rhino Tracking Experience must have and be able to provide evidence of membership in an emergency evacuation service
* Children under the age of 16 years can stay at Saruni Rhino paying the current child’s rate and conservation fee, but due to safety reasons, will not be permitted to participate in the Rhino Tracking Experience

Saruni Rhino Camp Non-Residents Accommodation Rates Excludes:

* Child-care
* Daily conservation fee
* Additional rhino tracking sessions
* Additional Massage or Spa Treatment
* Extra Lunch Per person is 35 US Dollars
* All statutory increases beyond our control
* Own private guides ( 60 US Dollars  per day)
* Gratuity to staff & guide and anything personal
* Entry fee to cultural visits Any payable extra activity
* Transport & entry fees for Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
* Temporary Flying Doctors Evacuation cover (mandatory)
* Exclusive use of safari vehicle & guide ( 400 US Dollars per day)
* Late departure fees – Adult (150 US Dollars) and Child (75 US Dollars)
* Anything of a personal nature, any payable extra services, activities & extras
* Sera Conservancy entry fees and exclusive use of the vehicle are additional costs
* Premium spirits, wines/Champagne, and beers (limited selection available upon request in advance)
* Conservation fees – Adult – 175 US Dollars per person per night & Child(5-16 years) – 65 US Dollars per Child per night

Sera Conservancy Samburu – Conservancy Fees

* Adult – 175 US Dollars per adult Per Day
* Child(5-16 Years) – 65 US Dollars per child Per Day

Saruni Rhino Camp offers the first rhino-tracking experience in East Africa: a thrilling walking safari that provides a unique adventure while allowing our guests to contribute to the protection of this iconic species actively. Herds of elephants populate this vast landscape, and it also offers excellent birdwatching and cultural experiences at the “singing wells”.

Saruni Rhino Camp comprises stone-and-thatch structures overlooking both riverbeds and waterholes. The Lodge sleeps eight guests in three bands. Bandas 1 and 2 come with twin beds that can be combined to make a double. A bathroom with a shower, mirrors, twin basins, hot water, and a flush toilet. Both bedrooms in the family-sized banda are en-suite.

Banda 3 is a 2-bedroom, family-sized unit with four twin beds, which can be reconfigured to meet each party’s individual needs. The beds are comfortable and covered in traditional prints, and outdoor tables and chairs complement the sofas and rugs.

Please be aware that Wi-Fi is unavailable and cell phone coverage is unreliable. Solar power is sufficient to charge batteries but not to power appliances such as hairdryers.

Saruni Rhino provides the Sera Conservancy with a vital source of commercial income and serves as a tourism partner to the Samburu community. As a result, Saruni Rhino is the only company operating black rhino tracking in East Africa, and the income generated provides the community with a financial incentive to continue the conservation project’s excellent work.

Sera Conservancy offers abundant wildlife opportunities and experiences, including game drives to spot Samburu specials (oryx, gerenuk, ostrich, Grevy’s Zebra, reticulated giraffe), buffalo, elephants, antelope, and a wide variety of birdlife.

Sera is also home to The Fifty Wells, ‘Kisima Hamsini’, a series of (50!) springs where local pastoralists take their livestock to water, digging up water from the wells to fill upholders and troughs. 

Saruni Rhino Camp activities include rhino tracking, wildlife drives, guided walks on the Lugga, and trips to perennial springs to view the massive flocks of sandgrouse & visit the Fifty Wells.

Mobile: + 254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com