Surana Buffalo Springs Camp Samburu

Surana Buffalo Springs Camp is an extraordinary African safari oasis set in the heart of the great northern territory, amidst a sprawling arid landscape mottled with lava stones and desert flora. Known for exceeding the term “safari-chic,” this beautifully crafted sanctuary is a blend of rock and canvas, passionately designed to imbibe both Safari and Swahili senses.

The camp is carefully positioned on a brow with breathtaking views of the undulating Ewaso Nyiro and Isiolo River confluence, with the sacred Mount Ololokwe and sister hills providing a heavenly backdrop. Surana blends refined luxury with the raw beauty of the wilderness.

The main infinity pool and spa are bedded into a natural ridge, offering an oasis for cooling off after a game drive. Whether sipping a cocktail on the eagle-view terrace or watching elephants wander by from your private plunge pool, guests are immersed in a world where sophisticated comfort and wild nature coexist.

Location & Accessibility

Surana Buffalo Springs Camp is located in the Buffalo Springs National Reserve, a protected ecosystem in Isiolo County within the Great Rift Valley. It sits along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, approximately 85 km north of Mount Kenya.

By Road:

✓ Scenery: As you approach, the landscape transforms into semi-arid scrubland dominated by the striking silhouette of Mount Ololokwe
✓ Route: The drive from Nairobi takes approximately 5 to 6 hours (355 km) via the well-maintained Thika Superhighway to Nanyuki and Isiolo
✓ Conditions: The journey is scenic, passing through the lush highlands of Mount Kenya before descending into the dramatic, arid landscapes of the Northern Frontier District

By Air:

✓ Airstrips: The camp is easily accessible via Buffalo Springs Airstrip or Samburu Oryx Airstrip
✓ Scheduled Flights: Daily scheduled flights operate from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to these airstrips (approx. 1 hour)
✓ Transfer: From the airstrip, guests enjoy a short game drive transfer to the camp, offering the first chance to spot the region’s unique wildlife

Accommodation

Surana Buffalo Springs features 16 Luxury Tents and several Deluxe Lodge Rooms, all designed with hardwood floors, stylish furnishings, and spacious interiors that blend Swahili aesthetics with modern safari comfort.

Luxury Tented Suites (16 Units)

Hybrid canvas and stone structures designed for privacy and immersion.

✓ Terrace: A private deck perfect for relaxing and soaking in the “heavenly vista.”
✓ Bathrooms: Contemporary ensuite bathrooms with walk-in showers and modern amenities
✓ Views: Carefully positioned to maximize sweeping views of the river confluence and the distant mountains
✓ Plunge Pools: Every tent features its own private plunge pool, offering the rare pleasure of cooling off while watching wildlife

Deluxe Lodge Rooms

Located within the main lodge structure, these rooms provide a solid-wall alternative with the same high standards of luxury.

✓ Deluxe Triple: (29 m²) Ideal for friends, featuring three single beds and all deluxe amenities
✓ Deluxe Queen: (29 m²) Features a large double bed, private bathroom with bath/shower, and tea/coffee station
✓ Deluxe Family Room: (58 m²) A spacious unit with one large double bed and two single beds, perfect for families seeking connection and space

Room Features & Amenities

✓ In-room Safe Boxes
✓ Free Wi-Fi in rooms
✓ Non-Smoking Rooms
✓ Hair Dryers and Bathrobes
✓ Mini Bar and Coffee Machines
✓ Private Plunge Pools (in Tented Suites)
✓ Private Verandas with river/mountain views

Dining & Culinary Experience

Dining at Surana hasn’t been forgotten; it boasts a world-class culinary experience where local and international flavors meet.

Dining Settings:

✓ Bush Dining: Unique breakfasts or dinners arranged in the wilderness (upon request)
✓ Cosmopolitan Restaurant: The main dining area serving delicately prepared plated meals
✓ Alfresco Terrace: River-facing dining where you can enjoy meals while watching the water flow below
✓ Eagle-View Terrace: Perched above the lounge, this is the prime spot for sundowners and stargazing at the myriad of celestial constellations

Culinary Highlights:

✓ Board Basis: Accommodation is typically on a Full Board basis
✓ Bar & Lounge: A quaint, airy space leading to the restaurant, perfect for sipping your favorite cocktail after a day in the bush

Lounge & Common Areas

✓ Free Wi-Fi: Available in common areas for guests to stay connected
✓ Surana Spa: An oasis for those seeking to be pampered by a masseuse after an exciting game drive
✓ Eagle-View Terrace: A rooftop-style deck offering panoramic sunsets and unmatched views of the landscape
✓ Infinity Pool: Carefully bedded into a natural ridge, creating a seamless visual continuation with the river views

Experiences & Activities

Surana offers an exclusive gateway to the region’s unique wildlife.

Included Activities:

✓ Nature Walks: Guided walks to learn about the desert flora, medicinal plants, and smaller fauna
✓ Big Cat Sightings: Look for lions, cheetahs, and African leopards, often found along the riverine forests
✓ Bird Watching: The ecosystem supports over 450 recorded bird species, including the vulturine guineafowl and martial eagle
✓ Game Drives: Explore Buffalo Springs, Samburu National Reserve, and Shaba National Reserve to spot the famous “Samburu Special Five” (Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk)

Optional / Extra Activities:

✓ Sera Rhino Sanctuary: Day trips to track rhinos in the neighboring conservancy
✓ Cultural Visits: Trips to local Samburu villages to learn about their semi-nomadic way of life
✓ Reteti Elephant Sanctuary: A visit to the nearby community-run sanctuary to see orphaned elephants (requires arrangement)

Facilities & Guest Services

✓ Spa: Full-service spa facilities
✓ Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
✓ Swimming Pool: Main outdoor infinity pool with sunbeds
✓ Business Services: Available for corporate or connectivity needs

Highlights of Surana Buffalo Springs Camp

✓ Mt. Ololokwe Views: Unbeatable backdrop of the sacred Samburu mountain
✓ Samburu Special Five: Prime location for spotting these rare, arid-adapted species
✓ Infinity Pool & Spa: A high level of luxury and wellness facilities in the remote wilderness
✓ Private Plunge Pools: One of the few camps in the region offering a private pool with every tent
✓ River Confluence: Unique location overlooking the meeting of the Ewaso Nyiro and Isiolo Rivers

Surana Buffalo Springs Camp Samburu Non-Resident Accommodation Rates Include;

Accommodation on a Full-Board Basis

Notes

* Family tent supplement 80 US Dollars per family per night
* Family tent allocation will apply to a minimum of 4 paying guests. Children sharing – 75% of the adult rate
* All Inclusive Drinks Supplements – 50 US Dollars Per Person Per Night and includes Local Beers, House Wine, Soft Drinks, and Water

Child Policy

* Child up to 3 years of age – Free of charge
* Three children in own room – Pay full double room rate
* Children aged 4-12 sharing with adults – 50% of adult rate
* Two children in their own room – pay 75% of the adult rate each
* One adult sharing with one child: Adult single room rate & child 50% of half twin rate

Game Package

* Supplement Per Night – 100 US Dollars per Adult & 80 US Dollars per Child
* Include return airstrip transfers and two shared game drives in 4×4 Safari Vehicles

Meals

* Lunch (Extra) – 20 US Dollars Per Person
* Lunch (Packed)  – 25 US Dollars Per Person
* Half Board Reduction – 5 US Dollars Per Person

Accommodation Rates Exclude:

* Flights
* Activities
* Park Fees
* Game drive
* Alcoholic drinks
* Gratuities/ Tips
* Domestic Flights
* Excursions from the camp
* Medical/ Travel insurance
* Items of a personal nature
* Transfer to and from the camp
* Medical evacuation and flying doctor insurance

Surana Buffalo Springs Camp is an excellent base from which to explore Buffalo Springs in Samburu. Surana camp is located in Buffalo Springs National Reserve, which lies in the Samburu County of Kenya, on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Northern Kenya.

The camp has 16 tents, each with an individual plunge pool, all enjoying views of the undulating Ewaso River and, in the background, Mt Ololokwe, and is about 350 km north of the vibrant city of Nairobi.  

Syrana Buffalo has an eagle-view terrace perched above the main lounge and dining, where you can take in some of the most beautiful sunsets and continue the journey into the night, stargazing at the myriad of celestial constellations. There is also an airy bar & lounge leading to a cosmopolitan restaurant serving delicately prepared meals.

The lodge’s main infinity pool and spa is carefully nestled into a natural ridge and offers an oasis for guests to cool off after an exciting game drive, lounge, sip their favorite cocktail, or be pampered by a masseuse.

Buffalo Springs game park, one of Kenya’s three northern parks (including Shaba), is part of the spectacular Great Rift Valley and reaches altitudes of 800 to 1230 meters above sea level in some places.

The game park is centered on the permanent water source of the Ewaso Nyiro River, which lazily winds through the park, giving rise to doum palm groves and thick riverine forests that attract a wide variety of animals, big and small. These include gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, oryx, and reticulated giraffe.

All three big cats, the lion, cheetah, and African leopard, can also be found here, as well as the elephant, Cape buffalo, hippopotamus, olive baboon, warthogs, Grant’s gazelle, Kirk’s dik-dik, impala, Nile crocodile, and waterbuck.

There are over 350 species of birds. These include grey-headed kingfisher, sunbirds, bee-eaters, Marabou stork, tawny eagle, Verreaux’s eagle, bateleur, vulturine guineafowl, yellow-necked spurfowl, lilac-breasted roller, secretary bird, superb starling, and various vultures, including the palm-nut vulture.

Surana Buffalo Springs Camp activities include game drives to spot gerenuk, beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich – the Samburu Special 5. Other activities include visiting Samburu villages to learn the way of life that differs from the Maasai, and bird watching – ticking off at least 450 recorded bird species, and nature walks.

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