Sarara Camp,Samburu
The morning sun filters through juniper and acacia, painting shy beams of gold on the slopes of the Mathews Mountains. A herd of elephants moves slowly toward the waterhole just below camp, their great forms reflected in still pools. Nearby, the singing wells echo with ancient melodies, and a Samburu elder tunes a story of land, survival, and harmony between people and wildlife. Here, at Sarara Camp, every moment is a doorway: into the wild, into culture, into a suspended reality where time slows and every detail — the scent of dew, the call of a bird, the rustle of wind — matters.
Location & Setting
- Sarara Camp is located in Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Northern Kenya, in the rugged Mathews Range.
- The Conservancy covers about 850,000 acres of pristine wilderness, with mixed terrain: dry plains, forest slopes, riverine habitat.
Accommodation & Design
- Six luxury en-suite tents with private terraces, indoor flush toilets, and solar-heated outdoor showers.
- Each tent offers sweeping views over the Mathews Mountains and a frequently used waterhole.
- Natural rock swimming pool overlooks the waterhole; lounge, dining area, deck are designed to maximize views and comfort.
Wildlife & Conservation
- Resident wildlife includes elephants (one of Kenya’s largest herds), reticulated giraffe, the endangered Grevy’s zebra, wild dog, leopard, kudu, African wild dog, and a variety of plains game.
- Birdlife is abundant: endemic, migratory species and birds of prey thrive here.
- Operated as a community-conservation entity: the Namunyak Trust, in partnership with Samburu indigenous communities, runs the camp and protects wildlife, culture, and biodiversity.
Immersive & authentic activities at Sarara Camp
Safari Experiences

Activities & Experiences
- Game drives in the Conservancy (morning, evening).
- Walking safaris & hikes in the Mathews Range foothills.
- Visiting Samburu villages; singing wells & cultural encounters.
- Nature photography; hides at the waterhole; star gazing and bush dinners.
Sarara Camp Rates
To ensure your space at this exclusive destination, please review our detailed rate structure and consider booking well in advance for the best availability.
Rates in US$ per Person Per night
| Luxury Suites | Regular | Premium |
| Adult Sharing | 985 | 1,440 |
| Single | 985 | 1,690 |
| Child | 640 | 930 |
| Sarara House- | 5,500 | 6,785 |
| Extra Child | 640 | 830 |
Notes:
- Child:- (5-15 Years)
- Sarara House Capacity:- 4 Guests (MAX 5*) *5th Pax a Must be Child(5-15)
- Conservancy Fee (Per Adult) $160 & Conservancy Fee (Per Child) $90
Seasons:
- Closed Season: November
- Premium:1st Jul – 31st Aug 2024 & 20th Dec 2024 – 4th Jan 2026
- Regular:7th Jan – 30th Jun 2024,1st Sept – 31st Oct 2024 & 1st – 19th Dec
Included/Excluded
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.WiFi Intermittent, in main areas
Activities Included: Day and night shared game drives, guided walks, hiking in the montane forest of the Mathews mountains, trips to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary (entrance fees extra), De Brazza monkey hike and village visits.
Excluded: Champagne, premium spirits, cellar wines, flycamping mobilisation fee – US$300, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary entrance fees – US$35 per person payable direct (US$550 for exclusive visits PLUS US$35 per person in exclusive group), horse riding – US$60 per person per ride (weight limit 85kgs – experienced riders only), Samburu dancers (US$500 for 25 dancers), Ololokwe day trip (US$350 per vehicle), beading with Samburu women (US$25 per person), Blacksmithing with Samburu Ironmongers (US$2
Child policy:-Children of any age are welcome but more suitable for 5 years and over.
Notes
- Hairdryers No hairdryers provided
- Phone signal Intermittent and unreliable
- Power – solar 24 hours
- Charging points in tent (3 pin square) at floor level and in the main area. No adapters provided
- Altitude:-The camp is approx. 800 metres above sea level
- Temperature:-The Mathews Range has a warm climate all year round. Nightly lows of 20-25°C and daily highs of 30-35 °C
Rates include accommodation, all meals, game drives, cultural visits, park fees (unless otherwise stated). Not included: flights to/from Kenya, domestic transfers, gratuities, personal items.
4-Day Sample Itinerary
Here’s an itinerary that balances wildlife, culture, and relaxation at Sarara Camp. Can be adjusted for arrival/departure logistics (e.g. flying into Nairobi + connecting flights).
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Nairobi, internal flight / road transfer to Namunyak Conservancy. Welcome lunch at Sarara Camp. Orientation walk. | Late afternoon game drive; waterhole viewing just before dusk. | Sundowner on deck; dinner under the stars. |
| Day 2 | Early morning game drive to spot elephant, giraffe, Grevy’s zebra; return for brunch. | Visit to local Samburu village & singing wells; cultural insight. R&R at camp (pool, deck). | Night game drive / bush dinner. |
| Day 3 | Hike into the foothills of the Mathews Range; birdwatching & scenic views. | Lunch at camp; afternoon game drive; hide viewing at waterhole. | Traditional Samburu dance performance; dinner. |
| Day 4 | Dawn game drive; wildlife sightings at first light. Pack tea/coffee in the bush. | Depart Sarara Camp after lunch; transfer back to Nairobi or onward to Masai Mara. | — |
Why Sarara Camp Stands Out
- Unmatched remoteness paired with luxury: few lodges offer the balance of dramatic landscapes + high-end comfort in this region.
- Strong conservation & community engagement: guests contribute to local livelihoods and wildlife protection.
- Exclusive wildlife encounters: the Conservancy’s recovery programmes (for elephants, Grevy’s zebra, etc.) mean more consistent sightings.
- Authentic cultural experience: Samburu traditions are alive here; interactions are respectful and immersive.
Compare Other Luxury Lodges in Samburu & Masai Mara
To help you plan a longer safari or compare options, here are some other highly-commended luxury lodges in Samburu and Masai Mara:
- Sasaab Lodge perched on the Ewaso Ngiro; suites with plunge pools; merges desert and riverine landscapes.
- Saruni Samburu Camp:-dramatic design, views, exclusive wildlife settings.
- Angama Mara:-overlooking the Great Rift Valley in Masai Mara; signature safaris, dramatic vistas, unforgettable migration-viewing.
- Kichwa Tembo Camp:-– located in Maasai Mara; offers classic safari luxury with close access to big cat activity.
You might combine Sarara with stays at Masai Mara lodges to get both Northern Kenya wilderness and the spectacular Mara ecosystem in one journey.
Practical Information & Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Dry seasons (roughly June-October & January-February) are optimal for wildlife visibility and access. Rainy seasons may restrict road access.
- How to Get There: Internal flights from Nairobi to airstrips near Namunyak, then road transfer to camp. Some guests plan multi-stop itineraries (e.g. via Samburu or Masai Mara).
- Packing Advice: Neutral colours, sturdy walking shoes, light layers, warm evenings. Binoculars, camera gear. Insect repellent, sun protection.
- Health & Safety: Vaccinations recommended; malaria prophylaxis advised. Wildlife encounters are guided and safe when following staff guidance.
Suggested itinerary Best of Kenya Safari
Latest Sarara Special Offers!!
- Sarara Camp Specials:Stay 5 Pay 4 Offer valid for a 5 night stay that includes 2 nights at Sarara Camp, 2 nights at Sarara Tree and 1 night on a fly camp sleep out (US$300 Fly camping mobilization fee payable extra + Conservation Fees for all 5 nights). Complimentary night is at Sarara Tree. Offer valid in March, April and May 2024.s
- For a limited time, international travelers visitng Sarara Camp, Sarara Treehouses, or Reteti House, may enjoy free roundtrip flights from select airstrips to Namunyak Airstrip.
Suggested Family Itinerary to Sarara :A Family Safari
Connect with Nature’s Symphony
As the sun retreats below the horizon, the true symphony of the wilderness comes to life. Sarara Camp doesn’t simply offer a safari; it provides a portal to the heartbeat of Africa. Watch the waterhole as wildlife converges for an evening drink, dine under the expansive sky as stars ignite the night, and listen to the tales of the Samburu people, sharing the ancient rhythms of Africa.
Plan Your Serene Safari Escapade
To reside in Sarara Camp is to step into a realm where luxury meets the wild — where each moment is etched with the grandeur of Kenya’s natural majesty. Embrace the call of the wild and immerse yourself in an experience that will echo through time.
For reservations and to discover more about Sarara Camp’s rates and special offers, contact us:
Call Now: +254 785 639 497
Email Us
Sarara Camp invites you to forge unforgettable memories in luxurious harmony with the boundless African wilderness.
Getting there
- Private charters into Namunyak airstrip
- Scheduled flight to Kalama – Transfer: Kalama airstrip (Northern Samburu) to Sarara US$450 (Max 4 passengers).
- Transfer: Lewa to Sarara US$550 (Max 4 passengers).
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<p> </p>Sample Safari Itineraries
Combine Elegance with Adventure:
Whether you choose the secluded plains of Samburu or the abundant Masai Mara, each camp offers a unique pathway to discovering the untamed landscapes of Kenya. Beyond luxurious accommodations and personalized service, these camps are dedicated to conservation efforts and community empowerment, ensuring your stay contributes to the region’s sustainable future.
Discover More:
Complement your Samburu and Masai Mara stays with a visit to complementary lodges like Saruni Samburu and Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, each with its own character and commitment to excellence. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, impeccable service, and an authentic African safari that will linger in your memories forever.
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Customer Reviews for Sarara Camp
A Breathtaking Escape into Nature
“Our stay at Sarara Camp was nothing short of magical. From the open-air dining with spectacular views to the exciting wildlife encounters at the waterhole, everything exceeded our expectations. The staff was incredibly hospitable, ensuring our comfort throughout our stay. The guided walks offered an intimate connection with the African bush, and the visit to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary was a profound experience. Sarara Camp isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a gateway to adventure and tranquility.“
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
– Jackson & Amelia, February 2024
“Sarara Camp defines luxury in the wild. The tented suites with their comfortable beds and ensuite bathrooms offered privacy and comfort, harmonizing with the surrounding wilderness. The food was exquisite, with flavors dancing on your tongue under the endless African sky. It was not just a holiday; it was an experience that enriched our souls, surrounded by the pure beauty of Kenya’s Northern Frontier.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
– The Harrison Family, May 2023
“The cultural visits to the Samburu villages arranged by Sarara Camp were eye-opening, allowing us a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the local people. The camp’s commitment to community conservation made our stay feel meaningful. The starlit fly camping experience will always hold a special place in our hearts—falling asleep under the stars and waking up to the sounds of the wild is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
– Maria and Thomas, July 2023

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