Reteti House – A Private Safari Retreat in the Heart of Samburu
Where Elephants and People Walk Side by Side
At first light, the air over the Mathews Range is still and golden. You step onto your veranda at Reteti House and watch elephants padding silently towards the waterhole below. This is not just a safari lodge—it is a story of people and wildlife thriving together, where your stay directly supports Africa’s first community-owned elephant sanctuary.
Tucked within the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in Northern Kenya, Reteti House is a rare find: an exclusive-use safari home that blends luxury, conservation, and authentic Samburu culture. It’s a place to slow down, reconnect, and witness one of the world’s most inspiring conservation success stories.
Why Choose Reteti House
- Exclusive-Use Safari House: Ideal for families and groups (up to 16 guests) with private suites, pool, and lounge spaces.
- Elephant Encounters: Walk to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, where orphaned calves are rescued and raised by the local community.
- Wild & Remote Location: Set in 850,000 acres of pristine wilderness with views of the Mathews Range.
- Community & Conservation: Your stay supports local livelihoods, Samburu traditions, and wildlife protection.
Accommodation & Facilities
- Suites & Family Rooms: Four spacious suites plus family options, each with a private deck and solar-heated outdoor showers.
- Design: Locally crafted, blending natural stone, wood, and soft fabrics with sweeping views of the conservancy.
- Infinity Pool: Overlooks a busy elephant waterhole, making wildlife viewing effortless.
- Sustainable Living: 100% solar powered, eco-friendly operations, community-sourced food.
Experiences at Reteti House
- Visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary: Exclusive access to feeding, rehabilitation stories, and behind-the-scenes conservation.
- Game Drives & Walks: Explore Namunyak Conservancy—home to elephants, wild dogs, leopards, and over 500 bird species.
- Cultural Immersion: Visit Samburu villages, discover the Singing Wells, and engage in local craft traditions.
- Adventure & Leisure: Hiking, fly-camping, or simply relaxing at the pool as elephants gather below.
Practical Details
- Location: Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Samburu, Northern Kenya.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; expect warm days and cooler nights.
- Access: By air via Kalama or Lewa Downs airstrips, followed by road transfer.
- Ideal For: Families, groups, and conservation-minded travellers seeking both luxury and purpose.
Reteti House at a Glance
- Style: Private, exclusive-use safari home
- Capacity: Up to 16 guests
- Price: From approx. US $1,500 per night (exclusive use)
- Special Highlight: Walk-in access to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
Why Book Reteti House with Beyond Kenya Safaris
When you stay at Reteti House, you’re not just booking a safari—you’re joining a movement that empowers communities and protects elephants. Our team at Beyond Kenya Safaris curates seamless journeys that combine luxury with purpose, ensuring your Northern Kenya adventure is both extraordinary and meaningful.
Find your Favourite Samburu Safari Package here Journey in Samburu and Maasai Mara
Reteti House Rates Per Night
Minimum Stay 2 Nights
| Regular Season | Premium Season | |
| Exclusive use for upto 6 Guests | $7,500 | $7,890 |
| Extra adult | $1,250 | $1,315 |
| Extra child(5-15Years) | $640 | $930 |
| Retete Compulsory Elephant Sanctuary Fee Per group | $550 | |
| Conservancy Fee: Adult US$160 and Child US$ 90 per night | ||
Seasons
- Regular Season: 5th Jan – 30th Jun 2025, 1st Sept – 31st Oct 2025, 1st – 19th Dec 2025
- Premium Season:- 1st Jul – 31st Aug 2025, 20th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026
- Closed: November
Included: Full board accommodation, soft drinks, local beers,non-premium wines and spirits, laundry, local airstrip transfers (Namunyak airstrip), activities as shown and statutory taxes.
Activities Included: Day and night game drives, guided walks,hiking in the montane forest of the Mathews mountains, ex- clusive visits to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, De Brazza monkey hike, and village visits.
Excluded: Champagne, premium spirits, cellar wines, fly camping mobilisation fee – US$300, Samburu dancers (US$ 500 for 25 dancers), beading with Samburu women (US$25 per person), Blacksmithing with Samburu Ironmongers (US$25 per person), massage treatments, Ololokwe day trip (US$350 per vehicle).
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Indulge in an unforgettable adventure with a sense of luxury and connection to the natural world at Reteti House.
🐘 Reteti House, Laikipia
A private-use safari villa near the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Reteti House offers exclusivity, comfort, and a deep conservation ethos. With panoramic Samburu landscapes, modern interiors, and close ties to the pioneering community-run elephant rescue center, it’s perfect for guests seeking both privacy and purpose-driven travel.
Pair With:
🌋 In Tsavo
- Finch Hattons Luxury Camp (Tsavo West) – Timeless safari elegance with natural springs, spa, and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Severin Safari Camp (Tsavo West) – High-end tented camp blending German precision with African wilderness charm.
- Campi ya Kanzi (Chyulu Hills, near Tsavo) – Eco-luxury lodge with sweeping Chyulu and Kilimanjaro views, deeply focused on Maasai partnerships and conservation.
🏔 In Amboseli
- Tawi Lodge – Luxury eco-lodge set on a private conservancy with unbeatable views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Ol Donyo Lodge (Chyulu Hills, Amboseli ecosystem) – Part of Great Plains Conservation, offering private villas, horseback safaris, and access to Amboseli’s elephants.
- Tortilis Camp – A classic, luxury tented camp with a strong reputation for guiding and eco-credentials.
🦁 In the Maasai Mara
- Angama Mara – Iconic lodge with dramatic cliff-top views overlooking the Mara Triangle.
- Mara Plains Camp – Ultra-luxury camp set in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, renowned for big cats.
- Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp – A Relais & Châteaux property with vintage glamour and world-class guiding.
- Mahali Mzuri – Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition camp in Olare Motorogi Conservancy, perfect for witnessing the Great Migration.
✨ Suggested Itinerary Flow:
- Start at Reteti House (Laikipia) for an intimate conservation-driven stay.
- Continue to Amboseli/Chyulu (Ol Donyo Lodge or Tawi Lodge) for elephants under Kilimanjaro.
- Add on Tsavo West (Finch Hattons) for timeless safari elegance and unique landscapes.
- Finish in the Maasai Mara (Angama, Mara Plains, or Cottar’s) for the ultimate big cat and migration experience.
See Full itinerary and cost here