Sarara Camp

Sarara Camp is located within the vast 850,000-acre Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, a protected area dedicated to conservation and community empowerment. The camp sits directly opposite the majestic Mathews Mountain Range, offering guests breathtaking views from every angle. The setting is remote, wild, and serene—ideal for travelers seeking to escape the crowds and explore a lesser-known side of Kenya.

What truly sets Sarara apart is its community-based ownership model. Unlike most safari camps, Sarara is fully owned and operated by the local Samburu people. This means every guest contributes directly to the local economy and conservation efforts. Staying here isn’t just a luxurious experience; it’s a meaningful one.

Sustainable Living in the Heart of the Bush

From the outset, Sarara Camp was designed to tread lightly on the environment. The entire camp is powered by solar energy, with panels strategically placed to maximize sun exposure while minimizing impact on the landscape. Water is sourced fresh from nearby mountain springs and carefully managed to ensure sustainability.

This commitment to eco-conscious living doesn’t mean compromising on comfort. The camp seamlessly blends sustainability with luxury, creating a space that is as indulgent as it is respectful of its surroundings.

Accommodation That Embraces Nature

Sarara offers six spacious and elegant tented rooms, each designed to immerse guests in the sights and sounds of the wild while maintaining a sense of privacy and comfort. Every tent comes equipped with en-suite flushing toilets, electric lighting, and hot and cold open-air showers—perfect for washing off the dust after a day of exploration. The views from each tent are simply unforgettable, overlooking the Mathews Range and often the nearby watering hole teeming with wildlife.

For families or groups, the camp also offers a beautiful family cottage that maintains the same design ethos and connection to nature as the tents, with additional space for everyone to unwind and reconnect.

At the heart of the camp is a cozy communal area that includes a lounge, an open-air dining room, and a natural rock infinity pool. Whether you’re swapping stories by the fire or watching elephants wander past as you sip a cold drink, every moment at Sarara feels cinematic.

Wildlife Encounters at Your Doorstep

One of the most remarkable features of Sarara Camp is its proximity to a seasonal watering hole, a lifeline for many animals during the dry season. From the comfort of the camp, guests often witness an astonishing variety of wildlife—elephants, buffalo, African wild dogs, cheetahs, lions, leopards, giraffes, antelopes, and more—all gathering in one place.

Because of this unique setup, game viewing at Sarara can begin before you’ve even left your tent. However, guided game drives are available for those who want to explore deeper into the conservancy. Experienced guides—often Samburu locals who know the land intimately—will take you to hidden corners of Namunyak for up-close encounters with wildlife and the land they inhabit.

Signature Experiences: Walking Safaris and Singing Wells

While game drives are a staple of any African safari, Sarara Camp offers a range of experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Walking safaris and camel treks are signature activities here, allowing guests to explore the bush at a slower pace. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, you’ll learn to read animal tracks, identify medicinal plants, and understand the delicate balance of this ecosystem.

Another unforgettable highlight is a visit to the Sarara Singing Wells, an ancient tradition unique to this part of the world. During the dry months, Samburu warriors dig deep wells into the sand to access water for their livestock. As they pass the water up from man to man in a rhythmic chain, they sing traditional chants—each family with its own song. Watching this ritual is a rare and intimate glimpse into Samburu life, and a deeply moving experience that stays with you long after your trip ends.

Immersive Cultural Encounters

At Sarara Camp, cultural interaction is not an add-on—it’s part of the experience. Many of the camp’s staff are from the local community, and they are eager to share their heritage, traditions, and stories. Guests can visit nearby villages, learn about Samburu beadwork, attend traditional ceremonies, or even join in dances under the stars.

These respectful exchanges provide context and depth to your visit. You’ll come away with a better understanding of the Samburu way of life and how conservation efforts are intrinsically linked to the well-being of the people who call this land home.

Fly Camping: A Night Under the Stars

For the adventurous traveler, Sarara Camp offers the opportunity to spend a night fly camping. This involves heading out into the bush with a light, mobile setup and spending the night under the open sky, with nothing but canvas (and the sounds of nature) between you and the wilderness. It’s a chance to experience the raw beauty of Kenya in a truly intimate way—and one of the best ways to feel the rhythm of the land.

Why Choose Sarara Camp?

There are many safari camps in Kenya, but few offer what Sarara Camp does—a blend of community, culture, conservation, and comfort in one of Africa’s last truly wild places. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Kenya or a seasoned safari-goer looking for something unique, Sarara delivers an unforgettable experience that connects you to nature and people alike.

Here, you’re not just a tourist—you’re part of a larger story, one that celebrates harmony between humans and wildlife in a fragile yet resilient ecosystem.