Reteti House, Samburu

An Exclusive-Use Safari Sanctuary in Northern Kenya

Reteti House stands as one of Kenya’s most compelling safari accommodations—a private, exclusive-use retreat where conservation, Samburu culture, and understated luxury converge in the wild heart of Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy. Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop overlooking a busy elephant waterhole, this intimate safari home offers families and private groups an experience that few lodges in Africa can match: direct walking access to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, the continent’s first community-owned and community-run elephant rescue centre.

A Private Safari Home in the Mathews Range

Reteti House is not a traditional safari lodge. It is an exclusive-use property, meaning one group at a time enjoys complete privacy across the entire house and its surroundings. Located in the 850,000-acre Namunyak Community Conservancy at the foot of the Mathews Range, the house accommodates up to 16 guests across four standalone suites, an open-plan family room, and a two-room family suite with shared living space.

The architecture blends seamlessly into the dramatic landscape. Built from natural stone and timber, with locally crafted furnishings and soft neutral textiles, each suite features a private terrace and solar-heated outdoor shower with sweeping views across the conservancy. The centrepiece of the property is a spectacular open-air lounge and infinity pool that gazes down upon a permanent waterhole—elephants, baboons, and antelope regularly gather below, creating a constantly shifting theatre of wildlife from the comfort of your sun lounger.

The house is 100% solar-powered, with Tesla Powerwall battery storage providing 24-hour electricity, and mountain spring water supplying the property. It represents a model of sustainable, low-impact luxury in one of Kenya’s most remote wilderness areas.

The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Connection

The defining feature of Reteti House is its proximity to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, located just a 10-minute walk from the property. No other accommodation in northern Kenya offers such intimate access to Africa’s first Indigenous community-owned elephant orphanage.

Guests enjoy exclusive morning access to the sanctuary’s feeding sessions, when orphaned elephant calves receive their milk and interact with their keepers. This is not a passive viewing experience—it is an opportunity to witness conservation in action, to learn the stories of individual elephants, and to understand the complex work of rescue, rehabilitation, and eventual rewilding. The sanctuary has rescued over 150 orphaned elephants since opening in 2016, with dozens successfully returned to the wild.

The Reteti Sanctuary Experience available exclusively to guests of Reteti House and sister Sarara properties extends beyond the morning feeding. Guests can follow the elephants into the bush after their feed, accompanied by a Reteti keeper and guide, observing the herd in their natural surroundings while learning about the rehabilitation process. A bush meal is arranged in a secluded area, creating a deeply immersive and respectful encounter with these remarkable animals.

Wildlife and Safari Experiences

Namunyak Conservancy is a private community conservancy, not a national park, which means guests enjoy freedoms rarely available elsewhere: night game drives, guided walking safaris, off-road driving, and horseback safaris are all permitted.

The conservancy supports Kenya’s second-largest elephant population, along with significant populations of reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich—the iconic “Samburu Special Five”. Predators including leopard, lion, cheetah, and wild dog roam the landscape, and the dramatic cliffs behind Reteti House are home to Egyptian vultures and klipspringers, with resident leopards occasionally sighted.

Activities Available:

• Day and night game drives
• Guided walking safaris
• Hiking in the montane forest of the Mathews Mountains
• Exclusive visits to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
• De Brazza monkey hike
• Village visits and cultural experiences
• Horseback safaris (advance booking required)

Samburu Culture and Community

Samburu culture is not an add-on at Reteti House—it is woven into the fabric of the experience. The lodge is Samburu-owned and operated, with guides and hosts who share their deep knowledge of the land, wildlife, and traditions with genuine warmth.

Guests are welcomed as friends, invited to visit homesteads, learn traditional skills, and hear stories around the evening fire. The Singing Wells—where Samburu warriors perform ritual songs passed down through generations—offer a glimpse into living traditions that have shaped this landscape for centuries.

Your stay directly supports the Sarara Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Sarara properties, which funds healthcare, education, and conservation initiatives across the conservancy. This is tourism that gives back, where every night’s stay contributes to community livelihoods and wildlife protection.

Reteti House Rates Per Night

Minimum Stay 3 Nights

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

Practical Information

Getting There

Fly from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Namunyak Airstrip via private charter or scheduled flight (approximately 1 hour), followed by a short road transfer. Alternatively, scheduled flights connect via Kalama or Lewa Downs airstrips.

Accessibility

The property offers accessible facilities, though guests with specific mobility requirements should discuss their needs at the time of booking.

Sister Properties in the Sarara Collection

Reteti House is part of the Sarara collection, a family of eco-lodges in Namunyak Conservancy, each offering a distinct experience of Northern Kenya:

Sarara Camp:
The flagship property, nestled in the forested foothills of the Mathews Mountains. Six canvas tented suites overlook an active waterhole, with an infinity pool carved into the rock face. Sarara Camp offers a classic safari atmosphere with exceptional guiding and access to the same conservancy and cultural experiences as Reteti House.

Sarara Treehouses:
Set in an ancient forest glade at the foot of Warges Peak, Sarara Treehouses raises eight tented suites into the tree canopy. Elephants roam beneath the stilted rooms, and the lodge offers a serene, bird-rich environment ideal for nature lovers. It is a 45-minute drive from Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.

Sarara Wilderness:
A seasonal mobile camp that draws guests deeper into the Mathews Range for tailor-made wilderness experiences, with up to six en-suite tents and a mobile swimming pool.

Similar Safari Camps in the Samburu Region

For travellers considering alternatives or combining properties, these camps offer comparable standards of luxury and wildlife experience in the broader Samburu ecosystem:

Sasaab Lodge:
Located in the Westgate Community Conservancy along the Ewaso Nyiro River, Sasaab blends Moroccan-inspired architecture with modern safari elegance. Nine spacious suites feature private plunge pools and expansive terraces. The lodge is known for exceptional service, camel rides, and sightings of the Samburu Special Five. It maintains strong community ties, donating to local families with each stay.

Saruni Samburu:
Perched on a rocky outcrop in the private Kalama Conservancy, Saruni Samburu offers panoramic views and eco-friendly villas designed to blend with the landscape. As the only lodge in the 200,000-acre conservancy, it provides a highly exclusive experience with private game drives, guided bush walks, and cultural visits.

Saruni Rhino:
A boutique camp in the Sera Community Conservancy, Saruni Rhino offers the unique experience of tracking black rhino on foot. The camp accommodates only eight to ten guests, making it one of Kenya’s most exclusive safari experiences. It is an excellent complement to a Samburu itinerary focused on conservation and rare species.

Why Book Reteti House with Beyond Kenya Safaris

When you book Reteti House through Beyond Kenya Safaris, you gain more than a reservation. We provide:

• Curated itineraries that combine Reteti House with sister properties, Samburu National Reserve, or Laikipia for a complete Northern Kenya journey
• Seamless logistics, including private charters, road transfers, and coordination with the Sarara reservations team
• Expert guidance on the best seasons, room configurations, and activities for your group
• Direct relationships with the Sarara team, ensuring your preferences are communicated and honoured

Our team has personally experienced the magic of Reteti House and the profound work of the sanctuary. We know how to position this property within a safari itinerary that balances wildlife, culture, conservation, and relaxation—and we are committed to ensuring your journey is as meaningful as it is memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Reteti House suitable for families?
Yes. The exclusive-use model, family rooms, and interconnected suites make it ideal for families with children aged 5 and older. The pool, the elephants, and the cultural activities are particularly engaging for younger travellers.

How do I get to Reteti House?
Fly from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Namunyak Airstrip via private charter or scheduled flight (approximately 1 hour), followed by a short road transfer. Alternatively, scheduled flights connect via Kalama or Lewa Downs airstrips.

Can I visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary without staying at Reteti House?
Guests of other Sarara properties can visit the sanctuary, but Reteti House is the only accommodation within walking distance, offering the most flexible and intimate access. Exclusive morning feeding sessions and behind-the-scenes experiences are a hallmark of staying at the house.

What is the minimum stay?
Two nights minimum.

Is the property eco-friendly?
Yes. Reteti House is 100% solar-powered with Tesla Powerwall storage, uses mountain spring water, and operates with a commitment to eliminating single-use plastics. It is part of a community conservancy model that directly benefits local livelihoods and wildlife protection.

Plan Your Exclusive Northern Kenya Safari

Ready to experience Reteti House? Contact Beyond Kenya Safaris to begin planning your exclusive Northern Kenya safari. Whether you’re seeking a private family retreat, a conservation-focused journey, or a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with elephants, Reteti House delivers an unforgettable experience.

Contact Beyond Kenya Safaris today to design your custom Samburu safari package.

Contact Information:
📞 +254 785 639 497
✉️ sales@beyondkenyasafaris.com

Pair With: Tsavo

Extend your Kenyan safari adventure with these exceptional properties in Tsavo:

Galdessa Camp or Ithumba Camp:
Experience the wild beauty of Tsavo East with these exclusive camps.

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.

Pair With: Amboseli

Complement your safari with these exceptional properties in the Amboseli ecosystem:

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.

Pair With: Maasai Mara

Complete your Kenyan safari with these iconic properties 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

1. Start at Reteti House (Samburu) for an intimate conservation-driven stay.
2. Continue to Amboseli/Chyulu (Ol Donyo Lodge or Tawi Lodge) for elephants under Kilimanjaro.
3. Add on Tsavo West (Finch Hattons) for timeless safari elegance and unique landscapes.
4. Finish in the Maasai Mara (Angama, Mara Plains, or Cottar’s) for the ultimate big cat and migration experience.

Gallery

Please enjoy a visual tour of Reteti House and its surroundings.

Sarara Collection

Join us at our other luxury camps within the Sarara Collection.

Sarara Camp – Namunyak Conservancy
Sarara Treehouses – Namunyak Conservancy
Sarara Wilderness – Mathews Range