Sarara Camp: The Icon of the North
The Sarara Camp experience begins with its breathtaking location. Perched on a ridge overlooking the Mathews Range, the camp offers sweeping views of the kalapo (seasonal river) and the dramatic peaks of the “Island Mountains.” Unlike the flat plains of the south, this terrain is rugged, ancient, and lush. The Mathews Range acts as a biological stronghold, home to species that have evolved in isolation for millennia.
Getting to Sarara Camp is an adventure in itself. Most guests arrive via a scheduled flight from Nairobi to the Kalepo airstrip, followed by a scenic drive through the conservancy. This remote setting ensures that guests rarely see another vehicle, offering a level of exclusivity that is increasingly hard to find in modern travel.
Quick Facts: Sarara Camp at a Glance
Category | Details |
Location | Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Northern Kenya |
Accommodation | 6 luxury ensuite tents and a private house |
Sustainability | 100% solar-powered, community-owned, plastic-free |
Primary Wildlife | Reticulated giraffe, leopard, Grevy’s zebra, elephant |
Unique Feature | The "Singing Wells" and the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary |
Activities | Bush walks, fly camping, helicopter safaris, cultural visits |
Accommodation: Where Luxury Meets the Wild
The design of Sarara Camp is a masterclass in “barefoot luxury.” The camp consists of six spacious, high-ceilinged tents designed to catch the breeze and maximize the views. Each tent features:
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Outdoor Showers: Bathe under the stars or the morning sun while looking out over the mountains.
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Private Verandas: Perfect for midday reading or watching elephants frequent the watering hole below.
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Sustainable Materials: The aesthetic uses local stone, canvas, and wood to blend seamlessly into the environment.
For families or small groups, the “Sarara House” offers a more private experience with its own pool and dedicated staff, ensuring that the Sarara Camp spirit of personalized service is maintained.
A Model for the Future: Sustainability and Community
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Sarara Camp is its ownership structure. The camp is owned by the Samburu community. Every dollar spent here contributes directly to the conservation of the land and the welfare of the people who live on it. This “triple bottom line” approach (People, Planet, Profit) has made Namunyak a global gold standard for conservation.
The camp operates entirely on solar power, utilizes organic waste systems, and sources many ingredients locally. By staying at Sarara Camp, travelers are active participants in protecting one of the last great wildernesses on earth.
Wildlife Encounters: Beyond the Big Five
While many flock to Kenya for the traditional “Big Five,” Sarara Camp offers a chance to see the “Northern Special Five.” The region is a sanctuary for the Reticulated Giraffe, the Somali Ostrich, the Beisa Oryx, the Gerenuk, and the endangered Grevy’s Zebra.
The leopard density in the Mathews Range is remarkably high, and it is not uncommon to hear their sawing call from your tent at night. However, the true stars of Sarara Camp are the elephants. The camp overlooks a watering hole that serves as a vital lifeline for hundreds of elephants, especially during the dry season.
The Singing Wells: A Unique Cultural Feature
One cannot mention Sarara Camp without discussing the Singing Wells. During the dry season, Samburu warriors bring their cattle to the dry riverbeds. They dig deep wells to reach the water and form human chains to bucket the water up. As they work, they sing unique family songs that their cattle recognize. This ancient ritual is a deeply moving experience for visitors, offering a glimpse into a culture that has lived in harmony with nature for centuries.
Activities: Immersive Wilderness Adventures
Adventure at Sarara Camp goes far beyond the standard game drive.
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Bush Walks: Led by Samburu guides, these walks reveal the “little things”—tracking footprints, identifying medicinal plants, and learning traditional bushcraft.
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Reteti Elephant Sanctuary: Located nearby, this community-run sanctuary rescues orphaned calves and rehabilitates them for release back into the wild.
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Fly Camping: For the brave of heart, the camp can arrange for you to sleep under a mosquito net in the middle of the bush, lulled to sleep by the sounds of the African night.
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Mountain Forest Hikes: Explore the high-altitude forests of the Mathews Range, which feel more like a tropical jungle than a typical savanna.
Why You Should Visit Sarara Camp
In a world that is increasingly crowded, Sarara Camp offers space—physical, mental, and spiritual. It is a place where the clocks are set by the movement of the sun and the arrival of the elephants. The hospitality is warm, the food is world-class, and the impact of your visit is profound.
Whether you are a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor to Kenya, Sarara Camp provides a perspective on the wild that is raw, honest, and undeniably beautiful. It is not just a destination; it is a testament to what is possible when humanity and nature work together.
