Saruni Rhino, Sera
The secluded 4-banda camp of Saruni Rhino, in partnership with Sera Community Conservancy, offers the first rhino tracking experience in East Africa, an amazing experience that provides a uniquely thrilling experience, but also allows guests to actively contribute to the protection of this iconic species. Comprised of four elegant ‘bandas’ (rustic stone cottages) and a main ‘mess’ cottage for dining and relaxing, Saruni Rhino is nestled amidst swaying doum palms dotted along a dry river bed with sweeping views of a nearby waterhole and dramatic landscape so typical of the north. There is also a beautiful swimming pool, built-in harmony with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The dry river bed proves the quintessential torch-lit bush dinner location under the vast African skies.
A shared lounge provides a cool retreat from the large verandah which also has outside seating and the best view of the waterhole and the many elephants that visit it every day. Note that Saruni Rhino is an open camp without perimeter fencing. Wildlife is often seen in and around camp. A guard or ‘Askari’ is on hand to escort guests to and from their bandas after dark.
Children and extra beds
Our lodges are child-friendly and we are delighted to host families with children of any age. Childminding facilities can be arranged at extra cost with advance notice. However, the Black Rhino Tracking Experience is only available to young adults 16 years old and over. Exceptions to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Pets
Camp GPS Coordinates: N 1°03’25”, 37°43’01” E
Camp Google Earth Coordinates: 01.057266, 037.717158
Camp elevation: 751m
Flights:
- Nearest airstrip: Kalama airstrip for daily scheduled flights.
- Daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Kalama airstrip in Samburu, approx. a 1-hour flight, followed by approx. 1hour 45 mins transfer drive to the camp – included in daily rate)
- Kalama airstrip GPS coordinates: N 0°41’39”, 37°36’45” E
- Kalama airstrip Google Earth Coordinates: 00.6941667, 037.61250
- Kalama airstrip Elevation: 875m
- Nearest airstrip: Kauro airstrip for chartered flights.
- Kauro airstrip GPS coordinates: N 1°03’51”, 37°43’09” E
- Kauro airstrip Google Earth Coordinates: 01.0641667, 037.71917
- Kauro airstrip Elevation: 753m
Driving: Due to the remoteness of this camp, when self-driving, guests to Saruni Rhino are met by a Saruni vehicle and guide/driver at Kalama Wildlife Conservancy Headquarters where they will leave their vehicle for the duration of their stay (parking fees apply). They are then transferred (complimentary, part of the daily rate) the approx. 1 hour 45 mins’ drive over to Sera Community Conservancy, and back, on their departure. Therefore, driving directions are from Nairobi to Kalama Wildlife Conservancy Headquarters as the pick-up point. (approximate time 5-5 ½ hours). Approximate distances between towns along ‘the Chinese Highway’.
- Nairobi (CBD) to Thika – 44 km
- Thika to Makuyu – 28.6 km
- Makuyu to Karatina – 64.3 km
- Karatina to Nanyuki – 68 km
- Nanyuki to Isiolo – 79.5 km
- Isiolo to Archer’s Post – 34.6 km
From Archer’s Post, follow the below instructions to Kalama Wildlife Conservancy Headquarters, the pick-up point for Saruni Rhino.
- At Archer’s Post stay on the highway and keep North; do not enter the Samburu National Reserve and do not go through the Archer’s Post gate;
- At exactly 8 km after Archer’s Post, down on the left‐hand side, you will see a sign that reads: ‘Kalama Conservancy/Saruni Camp’, leave the main road and go through the Kalama Conservancy gate;
- Tell the ranger on duty you are staying with Saruni and that you are being met by a driver/guide and you will be allowed to park and wait to be transferred over to Saruni Rhino in Sera Community Conservancy.