Reviews of Elephant Bedroom

"This is my third time to this camp, prior to this it's been great but with the latest rainfall there was almost no game around. The camp and its' people are great as always but game drives over three days yielded very little game, only two lions and some misc. others. It pains me to say this since the people continue to be great." See all these reviews: 13n in Kenya

"A truly beautiful camp in an amazing location on the riverbank. Elephants walking in the camp, so sometimes you have to leave your table at lunch in order not to disturb their relaxed afternoon stroll.

A resident impala can also "disturb" you at breakfast, competing for the best pancake from the chef. The team at the camp are most charming, friendly and obliging people. It's one of the most beautifully located camps we've stayed at during our 20+ years of African trips, BUT... it feels a bit unkept/neglected: common area with worn-out sofas, no books or coffee table books about nature or Samburu or whatever...

No bush breakfasts nor sundowners (typical at other good camps in Kenya and a great experience, here not a standard - to be arranged and payed on request), no campfire in the evening. It's such a beautiful place, but it does not allow you to have this wonderful African camp experience...

If only this camp uses its full potential, it will be a true gem." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya

"A lovely camp in a lovely location overlooking the river. Very comfortable tent with a good bathroom, plenty of hot water and attractive furnishings. It was very relaxing to sit on the raised terrace and be entertained by vervet monkey, lizards and racoons!

We had a charming waiter, Raphael, who always got us the 'best' table - by the river for lunch and breakfast and on the raised terrace for dinner. The food was usually good, though we did start to find two three course meals a day a bit much - and it wasn't easy to say no without worrying Raphael! One morning we had to make a rapid retreat, toast in hand, to allow an elephant to reach his favourite tree!

We'd chosen this camp to be able to see some of the more unusual animals and Mick, our guide, found them all for us on our game drives - along with lots of other animals and birds. The Genenuk was a particular favourite and we enjoyed watching the many herds of elephants.

The morning drive lasted from 6.15am to 9ish and the afternoon from 4pm to around 6.30pm, which did leave quite a long gap in the middle of the day with not a lot to do but relax - and eat! One evening we met up with all the other guests for a sundowner round the fire which we enjoyed." See all these reviews: 10n in Kenya

"A great experience being in a lodge with the prospects of elephants wandering past your bedroom. Guides good." See all these reviews: 16n in Kenya

"Staff very helpful. Carmen appears to run the camp well and we like the staff. Our guide (Popoya) was very good and picked up quickly what we wanted from a game drive. The food was good and the tent clean, comfortable and spacious.

Due to weather conditions Kalama was closed as a plane had got stuck on the runway a day or two earlier so we had to land at Sasaab a couple of hours away (could not be helped) still closed when we left but took off from Buffalo Springs (considerably nearer)! During our visit, however, the weather was perfect." See all these reviews: 9n in Kenya

"Fabulous setting. Excellent animal sitings - and a different range from most places. Lovely guides and staff. Good food and choice.

Elephants, monkeys and dwarf mongoose in camp and lions across the rver. Crocodile took impala on the bank just after we arrived." See all these reviews: 12n in Kenya

"Excellent location.

Our guide was very good and was empathetic to our needs.

The camp staff were excellent and helped create a good ambience.

The food was very good and the accommodation excellent." See all these reviews: 9n in Kenya

"The location, guiding and services were all excellent. The food quality was fine, but given that this is a relatively highly priced safari camp, it could perhaps have been better.

The hot water in the showers did not work properly and an overhaul of the system needs to be done.

Although our booking stated that drinks were not included in the price, when we asked for the bill at the end it turned out that non-premium drinks were included. Expert Africa should have informed us of this, although this would not have made us consume any more drinks!" See all these reviews: 8n in Kenya

"We arrived at the Samburu Kalama airstrip and were met by our guide Solomon (a native Samburu bought up close to the park) for our three night stay at Elephant Bedroom.

On the way to Elephant Bedroom we saw many animals and birds, and on arrival staff were there to welcome us with hot towels and drinks. We were given a briefing, where everything was and on safety about the camp and then shown to our tent. The monkeys which live around are so clever that just zipping up the tent is not sufficient to stop them getting in. We were supplied with a lock to put on the zips while we were both in and out of the tent!

We had a luxury tent which was vast. It had two double beds, a separate large seating and patio area (with plunge pool), all looking out onto the river. I’m sure the standard tent would have been more than adequate, but a deluxe tent was only one available when we booked. The tents are placed fairly close together strung out along the river's edge but there was extra screening put up between the tents either side of our tent. All the services to the tent whether wake up calls with hot drinks and cookies or cleaning were very good.

Our tent was the last but one from the main area but it was a short walk along a sandy path to get there. During the day you could move freely around but keeping an eye out for elephants which pass through the camp from time to time (which did happen while we were there) then at night, staff were always there to accompany you.

We went out on drives from about 6am to 9am each morning and then about 4pm to dusk each evening. The area we were in was very rich with wildlife. Our guide Solomon was fantastic. He spotted the smallest of animals and birds, recognised signs given by other animals and birds which indicated lion/leopard may be close by, and followed tracks left by animals. We had four leopard sighting and three lion sightings during our stay. Solomon spotted a leopard sitting on a rock at least 100ft above us. He heard another male leopard calling for females which he then spotted close by and which we followed for over 15 minutes before other vehicles arrived. We saw a pair of lions kill an Oryx and a pride of lions with two cubs. We saw wildlife special to Samburu such as Grevy’s Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Günther's dik-dik, Vulturine Guineafowl and Somali Bee-eater.

We had all our meals in the main area of Elephant Bedroom. Breakfast was a buffet style meal served immediately after our morning drive. The lunch was served on the beach area just in front of the river and dinner was up on the raised patio area. Lunch and dinners choices were offered and pre-selected before the mealtime. The food was of good quality and the waiting staff were excellent.

We attended a very enjoyable special sundowner with other guests where food, drinks and a singer with a guitar sang some Samburu songs.

We also made a visit to a local Samburu village to learn about how the Samburu people live which was very interesting.

In summary, we think Elephant Bedroom has the best location in Samburu, has one of the best density and range of wildlife we have come across in our seven safaris, the facilities of the camp are excellent, we were very fortunate to have Solomon as our guide, but Samburu is quite hot compared to the other places we stayed at during this trip." See all these reviews: 10n in Kenya

"Very attentive manager in Carmen and very friendly staff.

An amazing location and lovely to see animals in camp. It’s helpful to have 24 hour power and wifi in the rooms- unlike Elerai - the park itself whilst it’s stunning scenery the guides have to work hard to find wildlife, but good to see different species." See all these reviews: 13n in Kenya