Larsen’s Camp

Larsens Camp sits along a quiet stretch of the Ewaso Nyiro River inside Samburu National Reserve, one of the most wildlife-rich river systems in northern Kenya.

The camp takes its name from Eric Larsen, a Danish explorer who spent many years in this region studying wildlife and documenting the culture of the Samburu people.

Unlike the hillside lodges surrounding Samburu, Larsens Camp is set directly along the riverbank, placing guests at the heart of the reserve’s wildlife activity.

Landscape & Setting

The landscape around Larsens is defined by the Ewaso Nyiro River, whose permanent water attracts wildlife throughout the year.

Towering doum palms line the riverbanks, creating one of the most distinctive landscapes in Kenya. Beyond the river the terrain opens into dry savannah plains, acacia woodland and rocky hills.

From the camp’s decks and tents, elephants are frequently seen moving along the river while troops of monkeys and birds occupy the palm forest overhead.

Accommodation

Larsens Camp is a classic riverfront tented safari camp, with large canvas tents positioned along the shaded banks of the river.

Each tent features:

Spacious bedrooms
Private verandas overlooking the river
Large bathrooms
Traditional safari-style furnishings

The tents are widely spaced beneath the palm trees, creating a quiet atmosphere where the sounds of the river and wildlife become part of the experience.

Safari Experience / Activities

Because the camp sits inside Samburu National Reserve, wildlife viewing begins almost immediately after leaving camp.

Activities include:

Game drives in Samburu National Reserve
Sundowners along the river valley
Bush breakfasts in the reserve
Cultural visits to Samburu villages
Birdwatching along the river system

The river environment around Larsens often produces particularly strong sightings of elephant, leopard and crocodile.

Wildlife

Samburu is famous for wildlife species rarely seen elsewhere in Kenya.

Animals commonly encountered include:

Grevy’s zebra
Reticulated giraffe
Beisa oryx
Somali ostrich
Gerenuk

Large elephant herds move regularly along the Ewaso Nyiro River, and the riverine forest is one of the best places in the reserve to encounter leopard.

The area also supports lion and cheetah populations across the open plains.

When to Visit

Wildlife viewing in Samburu remains strong throughout the year.

June – October
Cooler temperatures and excellent wildlife viewing as animals concentrate along the river.

January – March
Dry conditions with good visibility and active wildlife.

April – May
The long rains bring greener landscapes and fewer visitors.

Because the river flows year-round, wildlife sightings remain reliable even during drier periods.

Insider Tips

Early morning drives along the Ewaso Nyiro riverbanks are particularly productive for leopard and elephant sightings.

The shaded riverfront setting also makes Larsens one of the more comfortable camps in Samburu during the warmer months.

Evenings on the camp deck are excellent for watching elephants crossing the river nearby.

Oloi Shorua Must-Do

Arrange a private bush breakfast along the Ewaso Nyiro River, watching elephants and other wildlife move through the riverine forest while the morning light spreads across the Samburu landscape.

Few experiences capture the character of Samburu as beautifully as a quiet morning along this river.

Oloi Shorua Recommendation

We recommend a sunrise game drive following the Ewaso Nyiro River corridor, where wildlife activity is often strongest as animals come down to drink in the cooler hours of the morning.

This river system is the true heartbeat of Samburu.

Planning Your Safari

Many journeys combine Mathews Range with:

You can also explore:

At Oloi Shorua we design bespoke safari journeys that combine the finest lodges across Africa’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes. Speak with us to begin planning your safari.