Rajan Bhandari is the managing director at Ashnil Hotels, a chain of luxury establishments situated in some of the most iconic game reserves in Kenya. The group operates the Ashnil Samburu Camp, Ashnil Aruba Lodge, and Ashnil Mara Camp.
Mr. Bhandari, who holds BSc honors in Business Operation & Control from the University of Salford in the UK, boasts vast experience in the hospitality industry.
He has served as Ashnil Hotels managing director since 2008. Under his leadership, the franchise has achieved significant milestones, including the design and operation of 3 Ashnil Properties and the first of the high-end Luxury brand Surana and its new property, Surana Buffalo Springs.
Ashnil Samburu
Ashnil Samburu Camp, part of the Ashnil Hotels Group, is a luxury tented lodge set in the spectacular backdrop of the mighty Ol Olokwe mountain, fronting the Ewaso Nyiro River.
The 30 exclusive luxury tents are spread out along the shady banks of the river under a thick stand of doum palms. Each tent features a decked terrace with views of the Ewaso Nyiro River.
An outdoor swimming pool surrounded by sun lounges, a garden, and a lounge bar offering views of the African savannah.
The restaurant offers views of the river and serves a variety of menus comprising oriental, traditional, and international cuisines.
A range of activities are available on request and comprise game drives, nature walks, and a cultural visit to the Samburu Village, bush meals like bush lunch/dinner, and sundowners.
The camp is accessible by either road or air. Daily flights are available with Air Kenya and Safarilink airlines from Wilson Airport in Nairobi. Flights to Ashnil Samburu Camp land at Buffalo airstrip, which is about a 20-minute drive away from the camp. If travelling by road, the drive is approximately 6 hours from Nairobi.
Key features of the lodge include:
- Swimming Pool
- Spa and wellness centre
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Free WiFi
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Host your events and Weddings
- Bussiness facilities
- Room Service
- Airport Shuttle
Rooms & Tents
There are a total number of 30 deluxe en-suite tents, 14 with king or queen-sized beds, 10 with twin beds, and 6 with triple beds. Each of the exclusive, comfortable, deluxe tents gives a perfect view of the Ewaso Nyiro River, the surrounding beautiful landscape, and all the lives this brown river supports.
Every spacious tent consists of a dressing area, sitting area, luggage rack, and en-suite facilities to provide a memorable stay close to nature.
Restaurant & bar
The restaurant at Ashnil Samburu serves international, oriental and traditional African cuisines. The open-air bar offers a wide selection of beers, cocktails, and liquors. Bush dining and picnic lunches can be arranged on request. Nearby is our modern lounge, with its décor perfectly done to give it an African touch.
Ashnil Mara Camp
Ashnil Mara Camp, another franchise under the Ashnil Hotels, boasts one of the very best positions in the whole of the Maasai Mara for game viewing. The camp is the closest to the major crossing points for wildlife during the migration period.
The camp is a 4 – 5 hour drive from Nairobi or there are daily scheduled flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara which take just 45 mins. Guests may also fly from the Mombasa Coast to the luxury tented camp in just 2 hrs.
Key Features:
- Swimming Pool
- Spa and wellness centre
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Free WiFi
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Host your events and Weddings
- Bussiness facilities
- Room Service
- Airport Shuttle
Rooms & Luxury Tents
Ashnil Mara Camp comprises 50 luxury tents overlooking the plains of the Maasai Mara and includes luxury ensuite bathrooms, walk-in closets, and a sun deck for relaxation while watching game.
Restaurant & Bar
The restaurant at Ashnil Mara serves international, oriental, and traditional African cuisines. The open-air bar offers a wide selection of beers, cocktails, and liquors. Bush dining and picnic lunches can be arranged on request.
Ashnil Aruba Lodge
Nestled within the renowned Tsavo East National Park, Ashnil Aruba Lodge features 46 rooms and 6 tents. Its location is superb, just a couple of hours from the coast of Mombasa, a 5-hour leisurely drive from Nairobi, and is located on the banks of Aruba Dam which was built in 1952 as a sport fishing recreational point in the park.
Several watering holes nearby attract wildlife and spotting animals is easy because the park lies flat with savannah grassland.
Key Features:
- Swimming Pool
- Spa
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Free WiFi
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Host your events and Weddings
- Bussiness facilities
- Airport Shuttle
Rooms & luxury tents
All accommodation at Ashnil Aruba Lodge is African-inspired. Each room includes a seating area, a wardrobe, and an en suite bathroom with a bath, a shower, and free toiletries.
Restaurant & bar
The open-sitting restaurant located in the main building overlooks the dam at all angles and can sit a maximum of 150 guests. The wooden deck shaded by canvas umbrellas can be used as extra seating during meal times. The buffet platforms, both warm and cold, sit in the middle of the restaurant for easy access by all.
The restaurant serves set buffets featuring international, oriental, and traditional African cuisine.
