Elephant Bedroom is an excellent adventurous camp, a brilliant base for exploring the Samburu. Situated on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, in the heart of the Samburu National Reserve, Elephant Bedroom Camp offers an authentic African safari experience in a comfortable tented setting. This company’s name translates as ‘from the earth of Africa’, hinting at the very authentic nature of all their camps! And if you love elephants, it is absolutely ideal!
For over 25 years, we've been crafting personalised African safaris, shaped by our first-hand knowledge and deep local connections. Our deep roots in Africa mean we have invaluable expertise about every destination, every lodge, every experience, and every hidden gem we recommend. From your first enquiry until you safely return home, we're by your side, handling every detail with 24/7 support. Recognised by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and the World Travel Awards, we take pride in being among the world's best.
*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns.
Let's delve into the details of what makes Elephant Bedroom Camp a unique and unforgettable destination.
Location and Setting
The property is approached along a sandy road through the Reserve.
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The communal lounge, dining area and bar occupy two large tents, raised above ground level to ensure spectacular views of the River and the savanna, which stretches as far as the horizon.
The lookout of the camp is a great place to just sit and watch animals.
But perhaps the main attraction is… the elephants! These gentle giants are often spotted at a nearby waterhole - and they like to come all the way into camp to meet and greet the visitors!
Go on early morning and afternoon game drives to explore the incredible Samburu National Reserve, well known for its lion and leopard sightings. Four of the traditional Big Five - lion, leopard, buffalo and, of course, elephant - also roam the woodlands and plains. Enjoy a guided nature walk for a more intimate experience of the African bush.
Cultural activities are also on offer - you can visit a local village and enjoy entertainments provided by Samburu warriors!
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Accommodation
Elephant Bedroom Camp consists of airy tented suites, creating an intimate bush experience. Elephant Bedroom’s guest accommodation is linked to the main areas of camp via stone-lined sandy pathways. In total, there are 12 Meru-style tents - four with king-size beds and eight with queen-size beds. A single bed can be added if need be. The majority of tents are raised on wooden decks, with just three on ground level. Each boasts a veranda with a table and chairs - and a private plunge pool!
Inside, the décor is similar to that of the mess tents, with lovely wooden furniture including bedside tables, a storage trunk, a writing desk and chair, a coffee table, and a wood-framed sofa or easy chairs.
You’ll always have running hot and cold water and electricity, as well as relaxing herbal bath products to enjoy.
The en-suite facilities are situated at the back of the tent - here, you will find a flush toilet, twin washbasins and hot/cold running shower! There is also hanging space and a towel rail.
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Dining and Amenities
Relax in the lounge and dining area of the camp, designed to capture a sense of the pioneering days of African safaris. The dining area boasts vibrant safari colours and original oil paintings.
The lounge contains ample wood-framed well-cushioned seating and many other comfortable touches, such as vibrant rugs and soft lighting. We love the style, which might be described as Africa meets Europe! Many of the furnishings were created by local craftsmen. Their work is also on display in the camp’s dining tent, which has sturdy upright chairs around solid separate tables. The bar, in a central position, is equally characterful. These main areas flow out onto a delightful deck with additional seating, where guests can sit, eat, and enjoy even closer views of the Ewaso Nyiro!
The grounds have a picnic site too - and there are even a few benches positioned just a few meters from the water. The camp also has a small shop, selling a range of curios.
Personal Touch and Exceptional Service
When we landed on the airstrip to go to Elephant Bedroom Camp in the Samburu, we were picked up by our guide Papayo in full Samburu dress. When he picked us up, he said, “My name is Papayo. The camp has given everyone English names and I'm one of five people with the name James. My name is not difficult to say and I hope you will call me Papayo.” We were happy to do that and wished we knew the birth name of the other people who waited on us on our trip.
Papayo was dressed in full Samburu native dress. He told us when we met him that he didn't wear those clothes for our benefit, but that he was dressed the way he dresses every day. We appreciated having an opportunity to visit Papayo's village and learn about the Samburu people.
Papayo made sure that we saw the “Samburu Special Five”: Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy's Zebra, Gerenuk Antelope and the Somali Ostrich whose male has blue legs, etc.
Papayo went out of his way to make sure I got safely from one area to the other because my knees and hips were bothering me. He held my hand from the Landcruiser to the commons area where it was easier to walk and helped me in and out of the vehicle.
After one afternoon of our animal searches, Papayo asked Ron and I to stay behind after the other two people from the vehicle had left. Papayo told us that he wanted to meet us at the Landcruiser at 7:30 pm to take us to see a special animal.
He took us to an area by the river that was all lit up and there was a table for 2 laid for dinner. Ron and I were served dinner by candlelight by our waiter who said he was sorry he wouldn't see us at dinner that night at lunch.
When we were ready for dessert, the waiter brought out a birthday cake for Ron and all the people there who had set up this dinner sang Happy Birthday to Ron. I had tears in my eyes and felt quite emotional that these people would go out of their way to provide Ron with a surprise birthday. The entire trip was to celebrate his 80th birthday and this was a very special event. We were overwhelmed with the kindness of these people. I was particularly sad to say goodbye to Papayo.
Such a beautiful place, such beautiful people. We will definitely go back.
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