| Camps in Northern Kenya | | | | Larsen's is a small, luxurious, tented camp set in |
| Northern Kenya is a vast expanse of scrub | | | | lush lawns at the edge of the muddy river. |
| desert extending north from the foothills of Mt. | | | | Everything is green canvas: tents, reception, bar, |
| Kenya to the emerald waters of Lake Turkana. It | | | | dining-room. However, the grounds give a sense |
| is also a magnificent wilderness with dramatic rock | | | | of permanence and order; clipped and watered |
| formations, towering mesas, and surprising green | | | | lawns stretch between the tents and down to the |
| slashes of riverine forest to break the rolling flow | | | | river; well-kept paths meander among the tall |
| of endless sun-scorched plains. This area begins at | | | | trees; and spacious tents sit on raised wooden |
| Isiolo where the tarmac ends: the paved road | | | | decks. |
| goes from Nairobi to Nanyuki at the foot of Mt. | | | | Larsen's was named in honor of Eric Larsen, a |
| Kenya. From there it climbs through the mountain | | | | pioneer of camping safaris and founder of the |
| ranch lands of Timau, then across the northern | | | | United Touring Company. The present Larsen's |
| shoulders of Mt. Kenya to plunge 900 meters in | | | | was rebuilt in 1988 by the camp staff. The first |
| the 40-kilometeredescent to the desert and Isiolo, | | | | was washed away during severe floods only |
| where the unpaved highway north begins. Unlike | | | | moths after its initial construction. Those difficult |
| the more-traveled Samburu area, the rest of | | | | days forged a strong bond among the staff. |
| northern Kenya is seldom included on safari | | | | Together they provide efficient, personal, and |
| itineraries. The distances are great, the roads are | | | | friendly service. On arrival, you are greeted with |
| rugged and there are few places to stay. | | | | cold drink under the trees while the manager |
| Traveling in this area requires a major time | | | | briefs you on meal times, hot water times, and |
| commitment and serious preparation. The stunning | | | | game -drives. |
| scenery is worth the effort. | | | | Staying at the Larsen's is a relaxing and private |
| Samburu National Reserve | | | | experience. With only 17 tents, there are no |
| About 65 kilometers beyond Isiolo on the eroded | | | | crowds, and children under 10 years are not |
| dirt surface of the northern highway to Marsabit | | | | allowed. There is a feeling of peace and |
| are the Samburu, buffalo springs, and Shaba | | | | tranquility-the main sounds are birdsong and the |
| national reserves. As these reserves are | | | | flowing f the river. |
| essentially one area, you can make game drives | | | | This is camping in high style, a casual colonial |
| in all three no matter where you stay. However, | | | | elegance. Toweling gowns are in your tent, the |
| each has separate park fees. | | | | safari chairs have maroon leather seats and |
| Samburu National Reserve extends for an area of | | | | complimentary sherry is served from a decanter |
| 105 kilometers north of the meandering Ewaso | | | | at dinner. Brass mugs gleam above the bar, Eric |
| Nyiro or "brown" river. It is part of a lava plain | | | | Larsen's old cabin trunks and pith helmet add |
| that includes a varied landscape or red dirt, thorn | | | | authenticity, and there are stacks of games and |
| scrub, broken volcanic rock, dried river beds, | | | | wildlife books. At night you can sit companionably |
| steep hills, and rocky outcroppings, some large | | | | around the campfire listening to the sounds of the |
| enough to be called mesas. Following the river | | | | night bush, gazing at the Milky Way. In the heat |
| curves, a riverine forest of doum palms, acacia, | | | | of the day you can relax on your private deck |
| and tamarind is a magical contrast of cool green. | | | | looking towards the river-monkeys play in the |
| It is attractive to the region's wildlife and visitors | | | | trees around you, and you might see animals |
| alike. There are elephant, hippos, crocodiles, and | | | | drinking on the opposite banks. |
| leopards, as well as plains game, other small | | | | The mess tent, open on three sides, faces the |
| mammals and birdlife. The region is home to the | | | | river. Larsen's takes pride in its high quality cuisine. |
| rare grevys zebra with large ears, gerenuk | | | | Dinner is served by candle light. Tables are set |
| antelope standing on hind legs to feed, Somali | | | | with silver and Larsen's china. The food is good |
| ostriches with their distinctive blue legs, and the | | | | and elegantly presented. Breakfast and a |
| shy oryx beisa. Most of these can be seen near | | | | barbeque lunch are buffet style, dinner a set |
| tourist lodges and camps that have been built | | | | menu with choice of entrée. Lunches are |
| close to the river. | | | | packed on request; dinner can be served in your |
| Larsen's tented Camp-Samburu | | | | tent. |