About Larsens Tented Camp
One of a handful of tented camps along the north bank of the Ewaso Nyiro, Larsen's is well placed to provide ...
... good game-viewing in the dry country of Samburu National Reserve.
The Larsen's team was one of the most friendly and efficient that we have met in Kenya and the atmosphere was very laid-back and unpretentious. However, though spotlessly clean, the camp is dated and a little scruffy, and appears to have lacked any real investment for many years. If you are not too bothered about aesthetics, and the generator's rumble, then the warm welcome and fantastic staff will undoubtedly win you over. We found the guiding here superb, and the riverine forest location, with abundant birdlife, monkeys and large mammal visitors, is very appealing.
Our view
The Larsen's team was one of the most friendly and efficient that we have met in Kenya and the atmosphere was very laid-back and unpretentious. However, though spotlessly clean, the camp is dated and a little scruffy, and appears to have lacked any real investment for many years. If you are not too bothered about aesthetics, and the generator's rumble, then the warm welcome and fantastic staff will undoubtedly win you over. We found the guiding here superb, and the riverine forest location, with abundant birdlife, monkeys and large mammal visitors, is very appealing.
Accommodation
20 tented rooms
Children
Fine for 5+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Private activities




















Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 20 pictures of Larsens Tented Camp to get the candid view.
View galleryLarsens Tented Camp: Our full report
One of a handful of tented camps along the north bank of the Ewaso Nyiro, Larsen's is well placed to provide ...
... good game-viewing in the dry country of Samburu National Reserve.
Larsen's first opened in 1987 and is now part of the Soroi group of safari camps. Expert Africa has not visited the camp since it was completely refurbished so the information below is partly out of date. Please ask your Expert Africa specialist for more details.
The reception at Larsen's is located in its own tent, and manned by a friendly receptionist who seems to be on hand to help whenever you need it. With a few comfortable chairs and some interesting antique trunks, it's a good welcome to the camp. Just next door is a well-stocked shop selling a variety of jewellery, T-shirts, flipflops and bags – most of which comes from Nairobi.
The main restaurant, lounge and bar sits about 20m back from the Ewaso Nyiro River, with views across a lush green lawn. The lawn is irrigated from the river which seemed a bit odd given that the area is so dry. It is one large open-plan tent, with wide canvas doors making it very open to the outside environment. Inside is a billowing cream canvas ceiling and cool stone floors. To one side are dark wooden tables and chairs for dining, whilst the more relaxed lounge and bar area is on the other. Simple and slightly worn cream sofas and chairs surround coffee tables dotted with interesting books, and the bar is stocked with a selection of drinks that are included in the rates (as well as some excluded specially imported ones).
Right by the river, Larsen's has a wooden deck with an outside dining area where guests sit at separate tables. Usually used for breakfast and lunch, it's a lovely spot – though it would be much more relaxing if the ever-present monkeys were not constantly eyeing up your food! In the centre of the deck is a firepit that is lit in the evenings, making it a perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks.
Away from the river is another deck that is raised about six meters off the ground. The deck has great views across the park and it's a super spot for sundowners, though it's a pity that the generator is right next door. Also at the back of camp is a lovely crystal-clear pool and adjoining spa tub. Please note that the pool has no depth markings. Samburu can get very hot all through the year, so the pool offers a welcome retreat from the heat. Beside the pool is a small spa that is open at the front, making the most of the views and natural breeze. Here guests can arrange to have a variety of massages (a 45-minute massage is US$50), manicures and pedicures.
Larsen's has 20 tented rooms, each named after a different bird, and spread along the river: eight to the right of the main areas and 12 to the left. We recommend staying on the left-hand side of camp, furthest from the fairly constant rumble of the generator, if possible. Each tent is raised slightly off the floor on a stone base, with a veranda at the front.
Canvas flaps open to reveal a large and comfortable room, nicely decorated with dark wooden floors and large comfortable beds adorned with rustic bed-throws and cushions. As well as a dark wood and red leather chair in the corner, there is a writing desk, full-length mirror and a complimentary minibar. For storage, there is a luggage rack that has hanging space for clothes and a low dark-red cupboard that also acts as a headboard. Although there is a fan for warmer days, the generator doesn't run through the night, so its usage is limited.
The generator at Larsen's runs 5.30–9.30am, 12.30–3.00pm and 6.00–11.00pm. Only when the generator is running can guests use the Wi-Fi, lights and electrical sockets in their rooms.
Through the back of the guest tents, behind a curtain, the bathroom has rather dated pale-blue tiles. On one side is a flush toilet, whilst the other side has a running hot-and-cold shower.
The activities at Larsen's Tented Camp focus mainly on twice-daily safari drives which are led by very good and enthusiastic guides. One drive we had was so interesting that it took us about an hour to go more than 200 yards up the road! The morning drive usually lasts from 6.30am to about 9.30am when you will return to camp for breakfast, then the afternoon drive is from 4.00pm until 6.30/7.00pm. Larsen's can also offer two-and-a-half-hour nature walks for (when we visited) an additional US$20 per person, led by a guide and two armed rangers. Similarly, there were shorter bird walks within the camp compound for US$10 per person, accompanied just by a guide.
When we last visited, sundowners also cost a further US$25 for a minimum of four people. These are set up on the raised deck at the back of camp, or in the park itself, with a table, drinks and canapés.
Geographics
- Location
- Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
- Ideal length of stay
- 3 nights
- Directions
- It is a 90-minute flight from Nairobi to Samburu, then usually a further 30-minute road transfer to the camp.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Given that Larsen's is a touch on the scruffy side in appearance, we didn't have high expectations of the food, but we were proved wrong. We didn’t get a chance to try the food on our most recent visit, so the following comments are based on a previous visit.
Breakfast is continental and usually served as a buffet with cereals, fruit, juice, yoghurt, and a selection of freshly baked muffins and bread. If Larsen's Tented Camp is not full they will instead serve breakfast to your table.
Lunch is à la carte, with choices for each of three courses. For a starter we had the choice of salad or a gaspacho soup. The main course offered four choices: grilled chicken with an orange sauce, grilled fish, or lamb kebab with a mint sauce. All were served with vegetables, and rice or potatoes. Then dessert was a fresh fruit salad or black-forest cake, all rounded off by cheese and crackers.
Following a similar form, dinner was also à la carte. We had cucumber soup as a starter, grilled steak with peppercorn sauce and vegetable for the main course, then a crème brûlée – and we just about had room for cheese and crackers too. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Larsen’s Tented Camp can serve dinner to your room or veranda at no extra charge.
- Drinks included
- Most drinks are included at Larsen’s Tented Camp apart from premium wines, champagne and imported sprits.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Larsen’s are happy to accommodate children over the age of three.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Three and above only
- Special activities & services
- Larsen’s Tented Camp has games available and can organise activities such as treasure hunts. They will also arrange childminding, but only during dinner when parents are still in camp. Note that childminders are from the housekeeping or security staff, and not specially trained in childcare.
- Equipment
- Larsen’s Tented Camp has baby cots and highchairs.
- Generally recommended for children
- Larsen’s Tented Camp has an electric fence which, although not foolproof, largely prevents big game from wandering through the camp. This makes it safer than other camps in the area for children – although close supervision of them will still be needed. Further to that the unpretentious vibe and fun staff would make children feel really welcome.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The generator at Larsen's runs 5.30–9.30am, 12.30–3.00pm and 6.00–11.00pm. Only when the generator is running can guests use the Wi-Fi, lights and electrical sockets in their rooms.
- Communications
- Larsen’s Tented Camp has WiFi in the dining and bar area and also in reception, although note that the internet is available only when the power is on. Cellphone coverage is good all over the camp.
- TV & radio
- There is a TV in the staff area that can be used by guests if specifically requested.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- There is plumbed in showers and toilets and hot and cold running water is available 24 hours a day. Please note that Samburu is a very dry area and guests are asked to keep water use to a minimum.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- An on-call doctor, who will come to Larsen’s, is based at Samburu Game Lodge, just 6km away. Three members of staff are first-aid trained and there is first-aid equipment at camp and in the vehicles.
Larsen’s Tented Camp has links to the flying-doctor service for any emergency cases. - Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Larsen’s Tented Camp has a gate and electric fence, and their own security guards. They also have two armed rangers who are based at the camp.
- Fire safety
- There is a fire safety card in each room to tell you what to do in case of fire. Extinguishers are dotted around the camp and the team has regular training in their use.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- In Place
- Laundry facilities
- Two items of laundry per guest per night are included – any additional items incur an extra cost.
- Money
- Larsen’s Tented Camp can offer a currency exchange, but only up to a maximum of US$300 at any one time.
- Accepted payment on location
- It is possible to settle any extras at Larsen’s Tented Camp with Visa, MasterCard and Amex with no surcharges. They will also accept US dollars, euros, British pounds and Kenyan shillings in cash.
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Larsens Tented Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Larsens Tented Camp.
Excursions from Larsens Tented Camp
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Larsens Tented Camp. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Reteti Elephant Orphanage visit
One-and-a-half hours, plus transfers
Visit the community-run Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Samburu, for an intimate experience meeting the orphaned baby elephants who have been rescued from the surrounding regions. They are hand-reared by Samburu keepers, until they are ready to be released back into the wild.
More about Reteti Elephant OrphansOther lodges in Samburu National Reserve
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Elephant Bedroom
Elephant Bedroom is a smart tented camp in the heart of the Samburu National Reserve, offering a good degree of comfort without divorcing you from the beautiful natural environment.

Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu is a top-quality boutique lodge, with one of the most breathtaking locations in Kenya overlooking its own private conservancy.

Sasaab
Stylish and luxurious Sasaab has nine rooms with stunning views across the Ewaso Nyiro River to the plains beyond.

Basecamp Samburu
Basecamp Samburu is a smart tented camp offering an intimate safari within Samburu’s Kalama Conservancy and the surrounding reserve.
When to go to Samburu National Reserve
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Larsens Tented Camp in Samburu National Reserve
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Kenya in January
Clear, hot days and warm nights make this high season a popular time for safaris and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling as water clarity is excellent and gets better as the dry season progresses. Most lodges and tented camps treat January after the New Year week is over, as mid-season, making it a good compromise in terms of value for money with reasonably reliable, dry weather and some greenery left in the landscape.
Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in January, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.
- On average, January is the second driest month of the year
- Elephants dig waterholes in the dry riverbed in the Samburu reserve.
- Wildebeest and many antelope have their calving season, to February.
- Migrant birds are seen in huge numbers, especially in the Rift Valley.
- Sea water clarity around the coral reefs generally good.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in January
Kenya in February
With the short dry season well established, the grass grazed down and wildlife gathering close to water points, this is still a good time for a safari. Good water clarity in the Indian Ocean's coastal waters makes for excellent diving and snorkelling conditions.
Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in February, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.
- On average, February is the driest month of the year.
- It’s sometimes possible to swim with whale sharks at Diani Beach.
- Migrant birds are still seen everywhere, especially near water.
- This is usually peak calving season for wildebeest and many antelopes.
- This month is often the hottest of the year, especially on the coast.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in February
Kenya in March
Hot, increasingly humid weather – with good diving and snorkelling conditions at the start of the month – gives way to rains and lower accommodation costs. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in March, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and predicting the seasons since the beginning of this century has been difficult.
March is the month when – traditionally – intensely hot conditions build up until a cloudburst finally happens at the end of the month or in early April, to relieve the humidity. As ever, regional variations across the country can greatly impact on visitors' experiences.
- Sea-water clarity is best for diving before the long rains start.
- Visitor numbers are low, though the Easter holidays can be busier.
- Night skies can be scintillatingly clear in early March.
- Cropped down savannah grasses can make it easier to see the wildlife.
- Temperartures climb high, especially at lower elevations.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Kenya in April
April sees the full onset of the southeast monsoon wind or kusi, which heralds the long rains. Temperatures drop soon after the rains are established and you’ll often have facilities largely to yourself in this more affordable low season, sometimes known as the "green season". The bush quickly springs to life, with greenery sprouting almost before your eyes. While you're likely to get a fair number of heavy showers, the breaks in the rain can yield sparklingly clear conditions.
With the dust settled and bright sun piercing the clouds, conditions can be sublime for photography, especially first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon with another storm brewing. You may be lucky, or you may find conditions very wet and muddy.
- A wet month, the coast often gets more than 300mm (12in) of rain.
- Sunny spells can provide great light for photography.
- Buffalo and zebra calving season often happens in this month.
- Baby crocodiles hatch, for example on Central Island in Lake Turkana.
- Palearctic migrant birds gather to fly north to breeding grounds.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in April
Kenya in May
While game viewing can be trickier as vegetation runs riot, between the cloudbursts the colours and light are great for photography at this time of year. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in May, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and while it's reasonable to expect heavy rains in many parts during this month, especially on the coast, the rains don't always come evenly or in some areas come at all.
In an El Niño year, the so-called long rains that normally are established across much of the country by May can be meagre, to the despair of farmers. On the other hand in a La Niña year, the long rains can bring floods. On the coast, the monsoon winds make the climate much more predictable, with heavy rains common throughout this month.
- Frogs breed in the ponds in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu.
- Wildebeest, impala and other grazers are in rut (the breeding season).
- Kilimanjaro looks its best as heavy rain falls as snow on the summit.
- There's a sharp peek of rainfall on the coast with many rainy days.
- Accommodation prices are uniformly low, while some camps close.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in May
Kenya in June
The rains give way to cloudy, cooler weather, often making for comfortable conditions by the end of the month, especially in the highlands. Starting from mid-June or the beginning of July and running until the end of October, this is the high season, and accordingly has higher accommodation rates and – at least until early September – higher numbers of visitors.
While the early part of June can often be rainy on the coast, it can be a great time to go on safari, with fresh greenery, many young animals and good photographic conditions with clear air.
- The Taru Desert, inland from the coast, is carpeted with flowers.
- The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is held in Loiyangalani.
- Madaraka Day (commemorating self rule) is 1 June.
- The annual Lewa marathon runs a course through the wildlife.
- The Diani Rules "sports" event rips up the rulebook at Diani Beach.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Kenya in July
Kenya’s “winter" season sets in (winter is a misnomer but locals feel the change), and the highlands can be rather grey. Skies are often cloudy and the days can be surprisingly cool, with an average daytime high in many highland safari areas of 15-20°C and night-time temperatures dropping below 10°C in Nairobi and the highlands. Lower parts of the country and the coast are usually warm and dry, typically reaching highs of around 25°C with lows in the high teens.
As this is the start of the high season, coinciding with the usual arrival of the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, July is a busy month. Ask your Expert Africa specialist to advise on how to avoid the crowds, which is not that difficult to do.
- The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara in July.
- Simbi Lake (Kisumu) and Crater Lake (Naivasha) can attract flamingoes.
- Watersports start to pick up and some surfing is possible at Malindi.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are a common feature in the Maasai Mara.
- The sea can be choppy along the coast, making diving difficult.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in July
Kenya in August
The Great Migration fills the plains of the Maasai Mara, and school’s out, so the park roads are full of tourists – ask your Expert Africa specialist for advice on crowd avoidance tactics. Choose a private conservancy rather than a public national park or national reserve for quieter conditions.
Like July, August is generally mild and relatively dry in the safari areas, but it can be very chilly in the highlands, even in the middle of the day, and hail occasionally falls above altitudes of around 2,400m (8,000ft). Nairobi can be disappointingly overcast, with low cloud.
- Apart from Christmas holidays, this is the busiest month of the year.
- Late August sees peak wildebeest drama at the Mara River crossings.
- Coastal winds are good for kite- and wind-surfing.
- Few mosquitoes are around at this generally dry time of year.
- The annual Camel Derby takes place in the Samburu capital, Maralal.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in August
Kenya in September
The skies clearing of cloud signals the start of hot, dry weather with little chance of rain – and, after the first few days of the month, far fewer visitors – making the latter part of September a good time for a quieter safari. While early September is often good for dramatic migration crossings along the Mara River, you might consider deliberately postponing your trip until later in the month, when the migration can still be very impressive and visitor numbers fewer.
If tourist surges are somewhat predictable, however, the patterns of the wildebeest migration are more volatile, and like all of Expert Africa's climate and weather assessments, they are based on accumulated years of experience rather than guaranteed certainty.
- This is still high season, with prices to match.
- Many river crossings take place on the Mara river in both directions.
- Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators.
- The Rift Valley Music Festival takes place by Lake Naivasha.
- With school holidays over by early September, late-month is quieter.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Kenya in October
Still hot, mostly dry and not too busy, this is many people’s preferred month for a safari, and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling. The wildebeest and zebra herds of the great migration are often still to be seen, though in dwindling numbers. The swamps of Amboseli attract thirsty wildlife including large herds of elephants.
While we wouldn't expect much rain across most of the country this month, the climate has become so unpredictable that you can never say never, and the possibiity of the short rains – usually associated with November to mid-December, starting early, can't be discounted.
- This month sees the tail end of the great migration in the Mara.
- Palearctic migrant birds start to arrive, staying until March.
- Turtle nests hatch at Watamu, until November.
- Amboseli elephants focus on the swamps for their daily water.
- The Indian Ocean monsoon winds turn from southeast to northeast.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Kenya in November
The northeast monsoon wind or kaskazi heralds the start of the “short rains", usually some time in the second half of the month. From November to mid-December, this is the low season, and accordingly has lower accommodation rates and lower visitor numbers. Across most of the country you can expect warm, somewhat cloudy weather, with occasional heavy showers and localised flooding.
Expert Africa bases its description of the climate in November, like the other months of the year, on the records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable: some years the short rains don't come at all, or don't reach every part of the country. In an El Niño year, the November short rains can be very heavy, but in a La Niña year, they can fail completely.
- Swimming with dolphins in Lamu can be done from now until April.
- Birders gather at Ngulia in Tsavo West to ring Palearctic migrants.
- The Lamu Cultural Festival takes over the town and Lamu Creek.
- Agricultural shows often take place regional market towns.
- This is low season, so camps can be great value, with special offers.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Kenya in December
In a typical December, the rains usually finish by middle of the month, leaving the landscape looking its best, under clear blue skies, and heralding the start of the second peak tourist season from around 20 December to the first week of January. Our assessment of the likely weather in December, like the other months of the year, is based on climate records, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.
Christmas can sometimes be wet, but most years the rains have finished a week or two earlier, with the festive season ushering in the perfect combination of clear skies and sunshine by day and starry nights.
- Christmas and New Year are busy, with the lodges and camps full.
- Rates are highest after 24 Dec, with supplements on public holidays.
- Republic Day and Independence day are celebrated on 12 December.
- Good kite- and wind-surfing restarts, with strong northeasterly winds.
- Mango season begins, providing excitement for primates and elephants.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December

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