Positive Impact collection

Samburu, Kenya

Sarara Camp

A wonderful community-run camp in the Mathews Range

Enjoy the scenic wonders of northern Kenya

Sitting right across from the Mathews Mountain Range amidst the pristine 850,000 acres put aside for the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy Trust Land, Sarara is a down-to-earth safari camp that is all about showing you the treasures of northern Kenya and the Samburu. What makes Sarara extra special is that it is 100% owned by the community it serves.

The camp runs itself almost entirely self-sufficiently on solar power and with fresh water from mountain springs. Their trademark activity is the walking safari and walking with camels, alongside game drives, fly camping and visiting the famous Sarara ‘singing wells’. The camp is also well known for overlooking a nearby watering hole where many animals (buffalo, African wild dog, cheetah, lion, leopard, giraffe, elephant and antelope) flock to in the dry season as one of their only sources of water, thus bringing some of the best game observation right to the camp’s front door.

Its six comfortable and spacious tented rooms command drop-dead views of the Mathews Range and come with flushing toilets, a hot and cold open air showers, and electric lighting. A family cottage is available also, and the main camp area consists of an inviting lounge, dining area and a natural rock infinity pool to cool off in between your daily outings.

Sarara is a unique and friendly experience of the Samburu that is not just about the wildlife, but the cultural and scenic wonders of northern Kenya, this pristine wilderness and its people.

Highlights

Walking safaris and walking with camels

Enthralling activities such as game drives, fly camping and sleep outs

Take part in bush dinners, night game drives, and visit the local communities

There is the possibility of chartering the camp plane to explore the remote regions north towards Lake Turkana

Six spacious en-suite tents

Property includes the two-bedroom Sarara House, perfect for families or friends

Natural rock swimming pool

The impact of your stay:

  • In collaboration with the Samburu community, Sarara is a vital component of the Namunyak Conservancy, founded in 1995. The conservancy aims to safeguard the region’s wildlife and wilderness while generating economic opportunities for local residents. Over the years, it has evolved into a crucial sanctuary for various species, including reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, leopard, African wild dog, impala, lion, greater kudu, and numerous bird species.
  • The Sarara Foundation aids the local community through healthcare, education, and enterprise funding. The Nomadic Healthcare Programme, prioritising paediatric and maternal health, has treated over 7000 children under five and more than 2000 mothers. In 2019, the foundation established the world’s first Nomadic Montessori PreSchool, designed to travel with the nomadic Samburu to ensure consistent education for children. Currently, they operate four preschools across Namunyak, with over 700 children having graduated.
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Plan your trip to Kenya

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Places to combine Sarara Camp with

Nairobi

Eden Hotel
A nine-bedroom former family home, Eden is set on a four-acre property in the quiet suburb of Langata on the outskirts of Nairobi. The hotel borders the Giraffe Sanctuary forest, and the building has been transformed into a living museum and gallery space. Wander through the rooms and public spaces and you’ll find the original designers and builders Tonio and Anna Trzebinski’s own artworks and creations, as well as artefacts that they have collected from all over the continent over the years. Eden lends itself to longer stays, and there is even an artists residence that can be booked for seven nights. Time spent at Eden is all about enjoying a fully immersive cultural experience and it gives guests the opportunity to experience the modern side of Nairobi in a memorable way. Children under 12 are only allowed when making exclusive use of the main house or Tonio’s Studio Annex. The interiors in the eight rooms and cottage have all be carefully styled by renowned fashion designer Anna. The entire property is a journey of Kenyan art, style, culture and fashion. Exposed wood is complimented by bold, expressive colours and textiles. Dappled sunlight spills through windows onto inviting furniture, perfect for curling up with a boom from the owners’ collection. Enjoy lunch and dinner in the hotel’s stunning restaurant and bar area which overlooks the garden and pond. And spend time exploring the four acres of gardens which lead into a 100-acre forest which is perfect for guided nature walks. Eden is just a short drive from Giraffe Sanctuary and Giraffe Manor.