Desert Rose is Kenya’s northernmost luxury lodge, acclaimed for its dramatic location and interior design. It has one of the most spectacular settings of all the African lodges, in the middle of dense and hilly jungle close to majestic Mount Nyiru. The open-plan lodge has a lounge looking towards the mountains and a wooden deck leading to a glorious dining terrace. The five rooms may be small in numbers but they’re big in impact, with a tactile mixture of stone and carved wood, as well as open-air bathrooms with great views. Beside the lawn is a curvaceous swimming pool, remarkable for its design and location. Desert Rose is designed to be an unforgettable experience – and it delivers on that promise.
Desert Rose is a destination in itself, but it also offers a selection of activities. The short hikes to ‘Safaricom Rock’ – the best place to pick up a mobile signal. The ‘lugga’ or natural water slide is a few minutes away and is very popular with children. Guests will also enjoy the indigenous plants in Desert Rose’s gardens and entertainment at the Lodge itself, including Samburu dancing. The local culture is fascinating and guests can take interpretive walks with Samburu guides on Mount Nyiru and on the open plain. The more intrepid can go fly-camping, camel trekking, paragliding and rock climbing or go sightseeing and fishing in Lake Turkana. Or guests can take a helicopter trip through the nearby Sagutu Valley. (safaricollection)
Desert Rose has just five rooms accommodating a maximum of 12 guests. Cut into the rock of the hillside, they feature stone walls, slate floors, hand-woven rugs and are furnished with unique carved wooden chairs and tables and four-poster beds – all made of local materials, all environmentally sustainable. This wood-carving is a particular feature of Desert Rose: even the soap dishes are made of hand-hewn hardwood. Open-air bathrooms with sunken baths and recessed washbasins complete the Lodge’s sensual, organic feel. The rooms accessed by paths and steps, all have screens and shutters and can be as private or open as the guest wishes. Two of the rooms are doubles, two twins, one a family house sleeping four. There’s a dining room serving home-grown organic meals, a lounge and a small library.
Desert Rose Lodge in Northern Kenya offers a secluded, eco-friendly retreat focused on adventure and cultural immersion. Key activities include camel trekking, hiking Mount Nyiru with Samburu guides, visiting local nomadic communities, swimming in a natural rock waterslide ("lugga"), and taking scenic helicopter trips over the Suguta Valley.
Top Activities and Experiences
Camel Trekking & Fly-Camping
Explore the rugged landscape on camelback with experienced guides, or enjoy a "fly-camping" experience, sleeping under the stars with mosquito nets, accompanied by camels.
Cultural Interaction
Engage with the Samburu community, including visiting local villages, observing traditional dancing, and learning about their unique way of life.
Natural Rock Slide (Lugga)
Visit the natural water slide nestled in the hilly terrain, which is a popular spot for cooling off and picnics.
Hiking and Wildlife
Take guided nature walks through the surrounding cedar forests of Mount Nyiro, looking for wildlife such as baboons, kudus, and even elephants.
Scenic Helicopter Flights
Take a helicopter tour to see the dramatic, volcanic landscapes of the Suguta Valley and Lake Logipi.
Lake Turkana Excursions
Charter a plane or take a 4x4 drive to visit Lake Turkana, with options for fishing and boating.
Relaxation at the Lodge
Relax by the swimming pool, enjoy panoramic views from the open-air, hand-crafted cedar and stone rooms, or enjoy a game of cricket on the lawn.