Soroi Larsens Camp

OVERVIEW:

Soroi have taken over this well-located property in the Samburu region of Kenya and reduced the number of rooms for a more boutique, luxurious feel. Retaining that authentic African charm and with upgrades based on sustainability and community support, the camp is certainly all the better for it! With a great location on the Ewaso Nyiro River, it boasts beautiful views from camp and opportunities to enjoy the safari benefits that come from having both the Samburu and Buffalo Springs national reserves on your doorstep. With a healthy diversity of wildlife, Samburu is most famous for the 'Samburu Five' which is made up of the Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, oryx and reticulated giraffe. Named after the famous explorer Eric Larsen and located on the very spot he first pitched his camp, this is a well-priced option with a great location, and although we wish the rooms were not quite so close together it’s expertly run and offers some great safari.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

The national reserves of Samburu and Buffalo Springs form an iconic part of some of Kenya’s most beautiful landscapes. Scorched red earth gives rise to doum palm groves dotted against the familiar short-grass plains, studded with granite outcrops. The Ewaso Nyiro river, on which the camp sits, runs from the glaciers of Mount Kenya and provides a permanent water supply to the animals in the area, maintaining excellent resident game! The camp is accessed by scheduled light aircraft (usually from Nairobi on a 1.5hr flight) into the Buffalo Springs airstrip, and then it’s a scenic 30 minutes’ drive to the lodge.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT SOROI LARSENS CAMP:

There are 12 spacious, luxury tented suites, each complete with king-size bed, private en-suite bathroom, and large wooden terrace overlooking the mighty Ewaso Nyiro river. In addition, you have a lounge area, tea-and-coffee station, walk-in wardrobe, writing desk, and complimentary Wi-Fi. If you are on honeymoon or would just like something a bit more special, there are two deluxe suites, certainly a cut above and including a private plunge pool, star beds, mini-bar, private butler, and some delightful private dining options. The family suites offer two separate en-suite bedrooms, one with a king-size bed and the other with twin beds. There’s also a sunken lounge seating area, ideal for family-time games.

Soroi Larsens’ lounge, restaurant, and bar all occupy a spacious main tent, positioned very close to the Ewaso Nyiro and giving you lovely river views. The food is excellent. You are greeted in the morning with delicious buffet breakfasts and fantastic lunches, with freshly baked bread and delicately grilled chicken or fish being some of the highlights! The camp’s lavish dinners are served al fresco, communally under the stars, although private dining can be arranged on request. A good selection of drinks is available from the bar and the firepit is incorporated on decking even closer to the river, where you can also choose to have breakfast to the sound of hippos. There’s also a pool and jacuzzi, great for relaxing in the heat of the day, as well as a small spa room where you can get a massage after a long day in the bush.

ACTIVITIES AT SUSSURRO:

The main activity from Larsens Camp is game drives, which take place during early morning and late afternoon into evening to avoid the hottest times of the day.

• Expertly guided game drives

  - Foremost among species to spot here are the five that make up the Samburu’s own Big Five, consisting of Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich. Four of the traditional Big Five are also in residence – lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. You can look out for cheetah too, as well as hyena, wild dog, hippopotamus, crocodile, an exciting assortment of antelopes, and even olive baboons.

• Birding walks

  - Larsens also offers bird walks along the banks of the river. With almost four hundred species setting up home in the reserve, there’s certainly a lot to see on an hour or two-hour stroll. This is a great change of pace, and even if you’re not a keen twitcher you will be impressed with the magnificent diversity.

• Children’s activities

  - Although there isn’t a specific kids programme here, staff are happy to keep the little ones occupied with various games and treasure hunts when parents wish to take some time to themselves. A lovely addition and a chance for a little romance even on a family trip!

*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. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.