The hype
Guests are obsessed with the close-up elephant encounters and the magical riverside setting.
Elephant Bedroom Camp - Samburu
$450-690+ per person/night/ night
Book this if You want to wake up to an elephant drinking from your private plunge pool without sacrificing 5-star service.
Why People Love It
- Elephants literally walk through the camp daily
- Private plunge pools on every tent deck overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River
- Intimate vibe with only 14 tents and personalized butler service
Quick Take: It’s a luxury bush camp, not a sealed hotel—you will hear lions, you will have bugs on your porch, and you will need an escort to walk to dinner.
Reviewed by @wherenextfamily: I literally held my breath when this gentle giant walked right past my deck! Staying here felt like living inside a nature documentary, but with luxury sheets and amazing service. Being this close to wild elephants in their natural habitat is an experience I will never forget.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Plumbing can be finicky (occasional cold showers) and the 'plunge pool' is more of a small splash pool than a swimming pool.
- You want immersive wildlife encounters right at your doorstep
- You appreciate 'glamping' with real beds and en-suite bathrooms
- You are okay with nature sounds and open-air living
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Twice daily service (morning clean + evening turndown). Thorough, despite the dusty environment.
- Bathroom hygiene: En-suite bathrooms are clean with flush toilets and running water. Occasional plumbing hiccups reported.
- Maintenance: Canvas and decks are well-maintained. Solar systems generally reliable but can struggle in cloudy weather.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, crisp linens. Towels are fresh but maybe not 5-star hotel fluffy due to bush laundry.
- Odors & scents: Smells like fresh river air and sage; no musty tent smells reported.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Ewaso Nyiro River flow
- Elephants feeding near tents
- Morning bird calls
Before you book
Good to know
- Park fees are extra: ~$85 per adult per day (non-resident)
- Wi-Fi is available in the lounge/main areas but can be spotty in tents
- Monkeys are experts at stealing food; keep tent zippers locked
What to pack
- US dollars printed after 2009 for tips/fees (older bills often rejected)
- Good binoculars for deck viewing
- Lightweight, breathable sleepwear (it gets hot)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Tents 12 & 14 (Deluxe/Family) for extra space, larger plunge pools, and more privacy
- Higher numbered tents generally offer more seclusion from the main mess area
Rooms to avoid
- Tent 1 if you want to avoid foot traffic near the main dining/lounge area
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request one of the Deluxe tents (like Tent 12 or 14) or a tent further from the main mess area for maximum privacy and river views.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there air conditioning?
No. Tents have fans and open flaps for airflow, but it can get warm.
Is the camp fenced?
No. The camp is unfenced to allow wildlife to move freely. Guards monitor the perimeter.
Can I charge my camera?
Yes, there are charging stations in the lounge and power points in tents (solar-based).
Is there a pool?
No large communal pool, but every tent has a private plunge pool on the deck.
What is the food like?
Excellent 4-course meals, often served al fresco by the river. Dietary needs accommodated.
Is it safe for kids?
Yes, but strict supervision is required due to the unfenced nature and river proximity.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a 'bush breakfast'—they set up a private meal on the riverbank away from the main dining area.
- ✨
The 'plunge pool' water is unheated and can be quite cold—refreshing in midday heat, shocking in the morning.
- ✨
Keep an eye out for 'Genet Cats' around the dining tent at dinner; they are shy but often visible.
5 things to know before you go
💡The monkeys know exactly how to unzip tents—lock yours with the provided padlock.
💡You might be woken up by an elephant rubbing against your tent pole (it's sturdy, don't panic).
💡The 'hot' water can sometimes be lukewarm depending on solar heating and usage.
💡The drive from the airstrip is effectively your first game drive—have your camera ready immediately.
💡Walking to your tent at night feels like a covert military operation with your flashlight-wielding escort.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Elephant Bedroom Camp - Samburu is located and what's nearby.