Ashnil Samburu Camp

It looks like our motto is ‘go compare’. In our case it means staying at extremely different places, after some days in a luxurious lodge we try a very basic, budget camp. We have been doing it for years and still find it entertaining and challenging. We arrive at Riverside Camp in time for lunch which offers pasta, French fries, fried vegetables, salad and fruit, all very nice. Our tent is called Tembo (elephant), there are two beds, a small bathroom with flush toilet and a wash basin with only one tap. The access paths are set out with stones painted in zebra fashion which gives brilliant effect. At 4pm when the temperature is 37 C we start our game drive. It would be very appropriate to call it a drive through Elephant Kingdom. What should clever animals like elephants do when in the scorching sun? They play in water, of course. So we stay glued to the river bank the whole afternoon and watch big elephants, small elephants and baby elephants, on our side of the river, then crossing the river, going back, mock fighting, splashing. From time to time they would get interested in our vehicle and come very close. We were demonstrated how to feed the babies if you have breasts between the forelegs or how to rub against the trees. For the first time we were able to see some elephants actually lying down in the shade of a bush. When it is inevitable to start going back to the Camp, we are making a rather slow progress as the elephants are all the time around us: some are on our left, on our right and in front of the vehicle. When we eventually get back to our camp and our very appropriately called tent (Tembo) we are offered dinner with a perfect tomato soup with croutons, choice of rice or potatoes, stew, cooked vegetables, coffee. Generally the food is a very strong point of this establishment. We stay up long talking with our guide and the very friendly men who run this camp so efficiently. Our breakfast was also perfect, fruit - pineapple, mango, pancakes, warm toast, fried eggs, coffee. Remember: the choice is yours.

We spent two nights at this place. It is far more affordable than the lodges and it offers a much greater sense of adventure. Much of the sense of adventure comes from sleeping in a tent though this is not as dangerous as you may think. The beds and facilities are comfortable though I would advice to keep everything closed to stop uninvited visitors. And of course do not leave any food lying around. The meal facilities are basic to match the camp but meals are nevertheless very tasty. Staff are helpful, accommodating and knowledgeable. Don't be afraid to ask questions or to ask for things like towels or if you have food requests. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants that little bit of extra adventure in their visit to this wonderful park.

If you are looking for luxury this isn't the camp for you but if you are looking for the real African experience then this is the place to stay. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful and Kelvin was a great guide - 9 visits to Kenya and at last we saw leopard! Yes, it is basic but the food was very good and it was clean, no frills but we came to see the game and you certainly won't be disappointed.

We opted to stay here as it was more affordable. We booked the only two 'en suite' tents which had very comfortable beds. It is a very simple camp with most of its tents having shared facilities. (These were quite basic). It has a simple mess tent. We took our own drinks and meat but that isn't really necessary. They do provide food, Sodas, beers. The kitchen produced tasty simple food and cooked our fillet steak perfectly. Don't expect frills here but the service is good for the level of accommodation. Kelvin who owns the camp is very pleasant, knowledgeable and trying hard. We went on a game drive with him and found excellent sightings of Leopard. Would definitely return.

Good location, nice staff, good tents to sleep in, safe. Only downside is that electricity is not available for charging at night so bring your powerbank if you want to be sure you can take all the pictures you want. Tents are rather small for 3 people but we managed even with our large backpacks so it is certainly doable. If you bring your own padlock you can lock your tent. "Cages" to store your valuables are under the bed. We were 12 people and all were positive about this place. Great value for money!