In the remote northern frontier of Kenya, where the Mathews Range pierces the sky and elephants roam across 850,000 acres of pristine wilderness, a different kind of safari experience awaits. Sarara Camp is not just a place to stay—it’s a pioneering conservation and ecotourism destination, owned and operated by the indigenous Samburu people . Here, luxury accommodation, wildlife adventure, and community-led conservation intertwine to create a travel experience that leaves a lasting impact on both visitors and the land.

Location and Wilderness

Sarara Camp is nestled deep within the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, a vast expanse of protected wilderness in Samburu County. The camp is perched on the slopes of the Mathews Range (also known as the Matthews Mountain Range), offering uninterrupted views across one of Kenya’s last great wilderness areas . Getting here takes effort—a light aircraft flight from Nairobi to the Namunyak airstrip followed by a scenic drive—but that remoteness is precisely the point. You’ll find no crowds here, just the sounds of the bush and the unparalleled hospitality of the Samburu people

The Sarara Camp Experience

Accommodation

Sarara Camp features six spacious en-suite tents, each designed to maximise the breathtaking views of the 850,000-acre wilderness and the majestic Mathews Mountain Range . Every tent offers a private terrace and a solar-heated outdoor shower, allowing you to shower while watching the sunrise over the mountains .

For families or groups of friends seeking total exclusivity, the two-bedroom Sarara House offers a private plunge pool, private dining, and a spacious lounge area with panoramic views . Two of the suites are interconnected with an outdoor path, making an ideal family unit .

The main lodge area features a natural rock swimming pool carved into the rock face, its infinity edge overlooking a busy waterhole below—the perfect spot to watch elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife come to drink while you cool off . The communal areas are constructed with beautiful, locally sourced materials, with twisted driftwood branches woven into the walls and ceilings, creating an earthy, authentic atmosphere that celebrates the surrounding landscape

Wildlife and the “Samburu Special Five”

Sarara Camp sits within a game-rich conservancy that is home to Kenya’s second-largest elephant population, thriving herds of endangered reticulated giraffe, and the critically endangered Grevy’s zebra . The conservancy is renowned for its leopard sightings, while other rare species such as wild dog, aardvark, aardwolf, honey badger, and caracal may also be spotted .

The Samburu ecosystem is famous for its own “Big Five”—the “Samburu Special Five”: the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich . Birders will be delighted by the approximately 500 species recorded in the area, including sunbirds, partridges, and a remarkable variety of raptors .

Game drives take place both by day and by night, offering different perspectives on the Conservancy’s abundant wildlife . The camp’s waterhole, just below the pool terrace, provides constant wildlife sightings right from camp—elephants, impala, kudu, warthogs, and more mingle at arm’s reach 

Unique Activities and Experiences

Singing Wells

One of the most extraordinary experiences at Sarara is a visit to the “Singing Wells,” where Samburu people gather at water sources and sing to summon their cattle as they draw water for the herds. This ancient ritual, passed down through generations, offers an intimate glimpse into the pastoralist traditions that have shaped this land for centuries .

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary

Just a short distance from Sarara Camp lies the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, the first community-owned and community-run elephant sanctuary in Africa . Founded in 2016 by the local Samburu community, Reteti rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and abandoned elephant calves from across northern Kenya . Visitors can watch the baby elephants being bottle-fed, spend time among the herd, and learn about the specialised care required for each stage of an elephant’s development .

The sanctuary’s origin story is as heartwarming as its mission. The Samburu people established Reteti to care for elephants orphaned by drought, human-wildlife conflict, and accidents at the Singing Wells—those very same water sources that have sustained their communities for generations . Today, the sanctuary employs 97 local elephant keepers and has rescued countless orphaned calves, releasing them back into their homeland as soon as they can support themselves .

Samburu Cultural Immersion

At Sarara, the Samburu people are not just your hosts—they are your guides, storytellers, and teachers. Your Samburu guides will lead you on nature walks, sharing their deep knowledge of the land, its flora and fauna, and the tracking skills passed down through generations . You’ll have the opportunity to visit local villages, learn the art of traditional beadwork from Samburu women, and hear riveting fireside stories about the land and its people .

Horseback Safaris and Mountain Hikes

For the adventurous, Sarara offers horseback safaris, guided mountain hikes, and pony trekking through the Mathews Range . Experienced riders can explore the wilderness from a different perspective, ascending to over 2,500 metres for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape .

Fly Camping and Star Beds

Guests staying for three nights or longer can experience the ultimate wilderness adventure with a fly camping night in a dry riverbed, or a night at Sarara’s star bed camp, where you’ll sleep under Africa’s spectacular starlit skies .

Helicopter Safaris

For a different perspective entirely, helicopter safaris above the Mathews Range reveal a scale and drama that ground-level exploration simply can’t match, with options to fly to Lake Turkana, the largest permanent desert lake in the world .

The Sarara Foundation: Conservation and Community Impact

What truly sets Sarara Camp apart is its deep-rooted commitment to conservation and community. Your stay at Sarara directly supports the Sarara Foundation’s work across northern Kenya, funding mobile health clinics that reach over 1,100 mothers and 3,000 children annually, as well as a first-of-its-kind nomadic Montessori education system built for the most remote communities .

Perhaps the most inspired initiative is the “Milk to Market” program, where Samburu women—known as “Milk Mamas”—earn independent incomes by selling surplus goat milk to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. The baby elephants receive superior nutrition in place of imported formulas, while the Milk Mamas sustain their families and communities .

The story of Sarara is one of remarkable transformation. Heavy poaching once decimated wildlife populations in this area, profoundly harming the ecosystem and the livelihoods of the Samburu people. Today, the Namunyak Conservancy is a thriving wilderness, protecting Kenya’s second-largest elephant population alongside a rich diversity of wildlife, all while ensuring a sustainable future for the Samburu people whose ancestral home this land is .

Who is Sarara Camp For?

Sarara Camp is for travellers who want to go deeper—not just into the wilderness, but into the culture and stories of the people who have shaped and protected it for generations . It’s for curious, conscious travellers who value authenticity, connection, and a genuine sense of place . Families will find genuine adventure and discovery here, while honeymooners will appreciate the seclusion: private dinners by firelight, nights under star-filled skies, and the romance of a truly remote wilderness experience .

In Brief

Sarara Camp offers something increasingly rare in the world of luxury travel: an experience that is as meaningful as it is luxurious. Here, in one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas, you’ll find more than just exceptional wildlife viewing and stunning landscapes—you’ll discover a place where conservation, community, and responsible luxury seamlessly intertwine . Every guest’s presence contributes directly to the preservation of this unique ecosystem and the communities who protect it, making your safari adventure an investment in a more sustainable future for both people and wildlife

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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 & 20th Dec – 4th Jan 2027
• Regular:7th Jan – 30th Jun 2026,1st Sept – 31st Oct & 1st – 19th Dec 2026

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$1000 for exclusive visits PLUS US$75 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.

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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.

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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.

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