Perched dramatically on a rocky escarpment overlooking the vast plains of northern Kenya, Reteti House offers something truly rare in the world of luxury safari travel: an exclusive-use private lodge situated just a ten-minute walk from one of Africa’s most extraordinary conservation projects . This cliffside eco-lodge combines complete privacy, exceptional wildlife viewing, and unprecedented access to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary—the world’s first indigenous community-owned and community-led elephant rescue centre .

Location and Wilderness Setting

Reteti House is set high on a rocky escarpment within the 850,000-acre Namunyak Community Conservancy in Samburuland, Northern Kenya . The lodge commands sweeping views over a permanent wildlife waterhole, with the dramatic peaks of the Mathews Range rising beyond the valley below .

The location is extraordinary for its proximity to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary—just a short walk around the bluff or a brief drive from the house . This closeness allows guests to experience the sanctuary’s feeding times and conservation activities with unparalleled ease and intimacy.

The Reteti House Experience

Exclusive-Use Accommodation

Reteti House is booked exclusively for one group at a time, accommodating up to 16 guests across elegantly appointed standalone suites and family spaces . The property features:

• Four standalone suites with private balconies, en-suite bathrooms, and outdoor solar-heated showers offering uninterrupted views across the conservancy 
• An open-plan family room sleeping up to four guests with a double bed and two singles, ideal for families with younger children 
• A family suite with two rooms connected by a shared verandah and living space 
• Two guide rooms styled for accompanying guides or pilots 

Design and Architecture

Built from rock, timber, and thatch, Reteti House feels moulded into the cliff itself . A circular design theme runs throughout, inspired by traditional Samburu bomas, with oversized lampshades shaped like goat bells and weaver bird nests creating a strong visual identity . The cliff itself forms the backdrop to the bar, anchoring the space in its surroundings .

Infinity Pool and Waterhole Views

The central lounge, dining area, and infinity pool overlook a permanent wildlife waterhole regularly visited by elephants and other wildlife, creating exceptional wildlife viewing directly from camp . Sun loungers under parasols flank the pool, perfect for relaxing between activities while watching the parade of wildlife below .

The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Connection

Exclusive Access to One of Africa’s Most Inspiring Projects

The defining experience of any stay at Reteti House is access to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary . Since 2016, this remarkable sanctuary—owned and operated by the local Samburu people—has rescued over 150 orphaned elephant calves, with dozens successfully returned to the wild .

Guests at Reteti House enjoy exclusive, behind-the-scenes access including:

• Private feeding visits during the most atmospheric feeding times, including early morning and evening feeds reserved for Reteti guests 
• The exclusive Reteti Sanctuary Experience, where guests follow elephants into the bush after feeding, accompanied by a keeper and guide, with a bush meal set up in a secluded area to observe the herd in their natural surroundings 
• Learning about the rehabilitation process and the remarkable stories of individual elephants like Long’uro, a calf rescued after losing part of his trunk to a hyena who now thrives under the care of keepers like Mary Lengees 

Guests are reminded that touching the elephants remains prohibited .

Stories of Resilience

The sanctuary’s work embodies the deep connection between the Samburu people and the elephants they protect. Keepers sing softly to the calves during daily care—a long-held Samburu tradition of singing to livestock that helps calm the elephants and strengthen the bond between calves and caregivers . Stories like Long’uro, the elephant with the short trunk who has become an inspiration for resilience, show the dedication of the people who care for these animals .

Wildlife Viewing in Namunyak Conservancy

The Namunyak Conservancy is home to Kenya’s second-largest elephant population—nearly 6,000 elephants—alongside a rich diversity of wildlife including leopard, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, kudu, wild dog, hyena, and abundant birdlife .

Activities available to guests include:

• Expertly guided day and night game drives across 850,000 acres of protected wilderness with Samburu guides 
• Guided bush walks and nature hikes exploring the montane forests of the Mathews Range, learning about local plants, insects, and birdlife 
• Mountain hiking ascending to over 2,500 metres for breathtaking views 
• Horseback safaris for experienced riders (weight limit 85kg) 
• Fly camping in a dry river bed for adventurous guests (advance booking required) 

Samburu Cultural Experiences

Singing Wells and Village Visits

Guests have opportunities to visit the ancient Samburu tradition of the “Singing Wells,” where Samburu warriors dig wells along dry riverbeds to reach water for their cattle, forming a human chain to pass water up while singing in unison .

Beading and Blacksmithing

Those seeking deeper cultural connection can try beading with Samburu women or observe blacksmithing with local ironmongers .

Conservation and Community Impact

The Landscape Recovered

The Namunyak Conservancy has not always been the thriving place it is today . The ivory poaching crisis of the 1970s, combined with instability during the Somali civil war, decimated wildlife populations . The conservancy was founded in 1995, and today, several thousand elephants are once again living and breeding here—a remarkable recovery in just two decades .

Community-Led Conservation

Reteti House and the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary are owned and operated in partnership with the local Samburu community . The sanctuary was created from a powerful idea: protecting wildlife and protecting pastoralist livelihoods go hand in hand . Your stay directly supports this model of community-led conservation.

Sustainability in Practice

Reteti House has been designed to operate with minimal environmental impact :

• Fully solar-powered
• Water is gravity-fed from mountain springs and purified through UV filtration
• No plastic bottles or straws
• Recycling practices in place
• Traditional charcoal ‘bush fridges’ chilled with water twice daily 

Community Initiatives

Guests can learn about the Sarara Foundation’s work supporting local communities, including the Milk to Market Program, nomadic Montessori schools, and mobile healthcare .

Practical Information

Getting There

Guests typically arrive by private charter from Nairobi to the Namunyak airstrip, with transfers included . Alternatively, scheduled flights arrive at Kalama airstrip, followed by a 1.5-hour drive .

What’s Included

Rates include full board accommodation, Nairobi Airport transfers, private charter Wilson-Namunyak-Wilson, soft drinks and local beers, non-premium wines and spirits, local airstrip transfers (Namunyak airstrip), exclusive use of vehicles, community heritage fees, emergency medical evacuation cover, laundry, day and night shared game drives, exclusive visits to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, hiking, one horse ride, guided walks, and village visits .

What’s Excluded

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary compulsory fees US$ 550 (payable once per group), Kalama/Sarara airstrip transfers, visas, travel insurance, and personal items .

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 , 1st Sept – 31st Oct 2025, 1st – 19th Dec 2026
• Premium Season:- 1st Jul – 31st Aug , 20th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2027
• 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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🐘 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.

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Pair With:

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• 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.

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🏔 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.

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🦁 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.

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✨ 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

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