Sarara Treehouses: An Elevated Escape
The Sarara Treehouses are not just rooms; they are immersive viewing platforms. Unlike traditional ground-level camps, these eight tented suites are elevated into the indigenous trees, allowing wildlife—including elephants and buffalo—to roam freely on the forest floor beneath your balcony. The design focuses on a “minimal footprint” philosophy, using natural materials that blend seamlessly into the lush greenery of the Mathews Range foothills.
Quick Facts: Sarara Treehouses at a Glance
Category | Details |
Location | Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Northern Kenya |
Accommodation | 8 luxury tented suites raised on platforms within the forest canopy |
Sustainability | 100% off-grid, solar-powered (Tesla Powerwalls), zero single-use plastic |
Primary Wildlife | Reticulated giraffe, elephant, leopard, Grevy’s zebra, De Brazza’s colobus |
Unique Feature | The "Singing Wells" and proximity to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary |
Activities | Game drives, forest hikes, horse riding, and cultural Samburu visits |
Accommodation and Design
Each suite is an en-suite masterpiece featuring a private deck and a solar-heated outdoor shower. This “open-air” luxury ensures that you never lose your connection with the environment. For families, two of the tents are positioned close together and linked by a wooden walkway, providing a sense of togetherness while maintaining individual privacy. The central mess area, which includes an infinity pool overlooking a permanent waterhole, serves as the social heart of the camp.
Sustainability: A Model for the World
One of the most impressive Sarara Treehouses facts is its commitment to the planet. The camp operates entirely off-grid, utilizing state-of-the-art Tesla Powerwall technology to store solar energy. Water is sourced directly from mountain springs, and the lodge has a strict ban on all single-use plastics. Even the food reflects this ethos, with fresh produce sourced from local Kenyan small-scale farmers and honey gathered by the Samburu people from the mountainside.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
The Namunyak Conservancy is a stronghold for rare and endangered species. Visitors can expect to see:
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Reticulated Giraffe: Home to one of the largest populations in Africa.
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Elephants: Over 6,000 elephants now roam this landscape thanks to local protection.
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Grévy’s Zebra: A critically endangered species found in the arid north.
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De Brazza’s Colobus Monkey: Often spotted in the montane forests during guided hikes.
The Unique “Singing Wells”
Perhaps the most soul-stirring experience at Sarara is a visit to the Singing Wells. During the dry season, Samburu warriors dig deep wells into dry riverbeds to provide water for their livestock. As they haul water up by hand, they sing family-specific songs that their cattle recognize. This ancient ritual is a powerful testament to the bond between the people, their animals, and the land.
Unforgettable Activities
While the wildlife is a major draw, the range of activities at Sarara Treehouses caters to both the adventurous and those seeking relaxation:
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Reteti Elephant Sanctuary: Just a 45-minute drive away, guests can visit Africa’s first community-owned elephant sanctuary to see the incredible rehabilitation work being done for orphaned calves.
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Mountain Hiking: Explore the “Cloud Forests” of the Mathews Range to see ancient Cycads—living fossils that have existed for millions of years.
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Horseback Safaris: Ride across the plains with “Lenewalla,” the camp’s Samburu cowboy, for a silent and intimate way to view game.
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Cultural Immersion: Spend time beading with local Samburu women or learning the art of ironmongery from traditional blacksmiths.
Planning Your Visit
The camp is accessible via private charter into the Namunyak airstrip or scheduled flights to Kalama or Lewa, followed by a scenic transfer. Because the camp sits at approximately 800 meters above sea level, the climate remains warm year-round, though the lodge typically closes for a short period in November for maintenance.
