By Santiago Legarre
Safari enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that the iconic Larsens Camp has reopened along the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu National Reserve. After a brief but transformative renovation, the camp has emerged fully restored, maintaining its signature elegance while offering enhanced amenities. Though now partially rebranded as “Soroi Larsens Camp,” the name will undoubtedly resonate with those who hold fond memories of its timeless charm.
My journey to Samburu began at Wilson Airport. There’s no better way to start a safari than by flying, bypassing the hassle of long road trips. On my recent morning flight with Safarilink to Samburu Kalama, something further cemented my preference for air travel. I engaged in a fascinating conversation with two fellow passengers, Corey and Valerie, heading to Soroi Larsens Camp.
That evening, after our respective game drives, I reconnected with Corey and Valerie—incidentally, it was Valerie’s birthday. They shared an incredible experience that might seem extraordinary to some. On their very first day in Africa, they spotted a leopard. It had taken me three years to achieve the same, and I had considered myself lucky! Valerie’s husband, Corey, captured a stunning photo of the yawning leopard accompanying this article. How did they manage such a rare sighting so quickly? The answer is simple: Samburu National Reserve is one of the best places in Kenya to see leopards. Additionally, unlike in other safari destinations, you won’t be surrounded by a crowd of vehicles at every sighting. Corey and Valerie had the privilege of watching the leopard for 20 minutes before other cars arrived.
Speaking of big cats, Samburu held another surprise for us. Although leopards are a reserve highlight, I was thrilled when we encountered a mother cheetah with three tiny, playful cubs during a joint game drive on our third day. Once again, Corey’s photography skills captured the beauty of this unexpected and delightful scene.
In the evenings, we often reminisced about our wildlife encounters in a particular part of Soroi Larsens Camp: the Deluxe Suites, where Corey and Valerie stayed to celebrate Valerie’s birthday. One of the unique features of these suites is the “star bed,” which they proudly showed me. The following day at breakfast, they excitedly shared their experience of sleeping under the stars, gazing up through a glass panel while remaining fully protected from mosquitoes. I must admit, I was a little envious—though the standard Tented Suites where I stayed were almost equally charming.
Not far from the Deluxe Suites is the camp’s “photo hide,” a feature that Sheena Patel, the camp’s enthusiastic manager, introduced during our property tour. The hide offers nature lovers and photographers a chance to unobtrusively observe and capture wildlife in its natural environment. Blending seamlessly into the surroundings, it provides a safe and comfortable space to watch animals day and night. Booking it is straightforward, and for a moment, I was tempted to swap my pen for a camera!
One of the most remarkable aspects of Soroi Larsens Camp is its family-friendly approach, mainly its focus on children. The camp offers several Family Units and has a special playroom, Little Explorers, filled with wildlife-themed games. Sheena explained that the idea is to introduce children to the world of safaris and inspire a love for African wildlife from an early age—a wonderful initiative.
I cannot conclude without mentioning the exceptional staff at Soroi Larsens Camp. It may sound cliché, but it’s true: the staff, from the manager to the team on the ground, are genuinely delightful. If you choose Samburu National Reserve as your destination and stay at Soroi Larsens Camp, I can guarantee you’ll experience unparalleled hospitality. I, for one, can’t wait to return. And I’m sure that Corey and Valerie, now back home, are already planning their next adventure in Samburu.
Santiago Legarre, an Argentinian safari enthusiast, is a visiting lecturer at Strathmore University, Nairobi.
