Saruni Rhino

Saruni Rhino is a small, exclusive camp located in Sera Conservancy, north of Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. The conservancy forms part of the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, one of the largest community-owned conservation areas in East Africa.

The camp sits in a quiet valley overlooking a waterhole where wildlife frequently gathers. Unlike many lodges in Samburu, Saruni Rhino focuses on one very specific purpose — black rhino conservation and tracking.

This is currently the only place in East Africa where guests can track black rhinos on foot in a protected wilderness environment.

Landscape & Setting

The landscape of Sera Conservancy is raw and remote. Rolling hills, dry valleys, rocky ridges and acacia woodland define this part of northern Kenya.

The environment feels wilder and less visited than the main Samburu Reserve. Wildlife moves through broad open spaces where sightings often occur with no other vehicles nearby.

Saruni Rhino’s tents overlook a natural waterhole, creating a constant sense of connection with the surrounding wildlife.

Accommodation

Saruni Rhino is an intimate camp consisting of only a small number of luxury tents, designed to blend quietly into the surrounding landscape.

Each tent features:

Spacious canvas interiors
Private verandas overlooking the waterhole
Ensuite bathrooms
Comfortable safari furnishings

The atmosphere is deliberately understated. The focus here is on wilderness, conservation, and the experience of tracking rhino rather than elaborate lodge architecture.

Safari Experience / Activities

Saruni Rhino offers a safari experience very different from the traditional game-drive safari.

Activities include:

Guided black rhino tracking on foot
Game drives in Sera Conservancy
Samburu cultural visits
Guided bush walks
Sundowners in the conservancy

Rhino tracking is conducted with highly trained Samburu rangers and guides who monitor the conservancy’s protected black rhino population.

The experience involves walking through the landscape following fresh tracks until the rhinos are located.

Wildlife

Sera Conservancy was established to reintroduce critically endangered black rhinos to northern Kenya.

Today the conservancy protects a growing population of these animals, making rhino tracking the defining wildlife experience of the area.

Other wildlife found in the conservancy includes:

Grevy’s zebra
Reticulated giraffe
Gerenuk
Beisa oryx
Elephant

Predators such as lion and leopard are also present in the wider ecosystem.

When to Visit

Saruni Rhino operates year-round.

June – October
Cooler temperatures and excellent conditions for walking safaris and rhino tracking.

January – March
Warm days with clear skies and strong wildlife viewing.

April – May
The long rains may bring greener landscapes but walking conditions can occasionally be more challenging.

Because rhino tracking is the primary activity, sightings are generally reliable throughout the year.

Insider Tips

Rhino tracking takes place early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and tracks are easier for the guides to follow.

The experience involves walking through open terrain, so sturdy walking shoes and neutral-coloured clothing are recommended.

Guests who appreciate conservation-focused safaris tend to find Saruni Rhino particularly rewarding.

Oloi Shorua Must-Do

Track black rhino on foot with Samburu rangers in Sera Conservancy, following fresh tracks through the landscape until the rhinos are located.

It is one of the most powerful wildlife encounters available in East Africa.

Oloi Shorua Recommendation

We recommend spending a full morning tracking rhino on foot, allowing time to understand how the rangers monitor the animals and protect them across the conservancy.

The experience offers rare insight into one of Africa’s most important conservation successes.

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.