Sarara Camp
Set on the slopes of the Mathews Mountains, Sarara Camp offers a deep connection to remote wilderness and the wildlife and people that calls it home.
Overview Sarara Camp
Set on the slopes of the Mathews Mountain range, overlooking the sweeping wilderness of the Namunyak Community Conservancy, this intimate tented retreat blends raw wilderness with refined design and deep cultural connection. Spacious en-suite tents and the exclusive two-bedroom Sarara House offer panoramic views, outdoor showers and effortless comfort, while thoughtful interiors showcase earthy textures, handcrafted details and classic safari romance. Surrounded by prolific wildlife, from elephant herds to rare northern species, and enriched by ancient traditions, Sarara Camp delivers an immersive safari defined by space, serenity and a powerful sense of place.
Sarara Camp features 6 spacious and beautifully appointed ensuite tents – each with uninterrupted views. All of the suites feature solar-heated outdoor showers with magnificent views, as well as indoor changing areas and multiple hand basins and loos. Beautiful wooden butler boxes allow for the discreet delivery of early morning tea, coffee and cookies. Two of the tents are located close together connected by an outdoor path, making this an ideal family unit and both suites can be set up as either double or twin rooms.
Sarara Camp also offers the exclusive two-bedroom Sarara House, which is perfect for families or friends and includes a spectacular plunge pool, private dining, and a spacious lounge area with panoramic views.
The main area at Sarara Camp is open-sided and seamlessly integrated into the surrounding wilderness, positioned to capture sweeping views across Namunyak Conservancy and the dramatic Mathews Mountain Range. Designed with earthy textures, woven Samburu craftsmanship and warm natural tones, the space feels both refined and deeply rooted in place.
A spacious sitting area flows into the dining space, where long, relaxed meals are enjoyed against an endless horizon. Just beyond, the iconic natural rock infinity pool overlooks the waterhole in the valley below - often with wildlife moving through the landscape - offering a striking place to cool off between activities.
Game Drives
Visits to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
Guided Hikes to ancient forests and cycads
Fly Camp
Meet a Samburu Blacksmith
Beading with Samburu Women
Guided walks
Sundowners
Bush Dinners
Horse Riding at Sarara
Nomadic Montessori School Visit
Nomadic Healthcare Program Visit
Milk to Market Program Visit
Witness a Ngoma
Helicopter Safaris
Visit the Singing Wells
Sarara Camp is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever stayed. The camp has an incredible connection to the local community, which makes the experience feel so meaningful and special. The rooms are absolutely stunning, with views so breathtaking they honestly make you want to cry with happiness. The team at Sarara are beyond lovely, warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they do. The food was delicious throughout our stay, with every meal thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. The wildlife experiences are simply incredible. There is a watering hole right next to the camp, and we even had a giraffe wander right up to us while we were eating, a moment I will never forget. Visiting Reteti Elephant Sanctuary was another highlight. Seeing baby elephants being given a second chance at life is an unforgettable and deeply moving experience. Sarara is truly magical in every sense, and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough for your next safari. It’s a place that stays with you long after you leave.
At Sarara Camp, you’re welcomed by Michael and Ann, a couple whose warmth and deep connection to this landscape make guests feel instantly at home. Having previously managed Reteti House, they brought their energy and experience to Sarara Camp in 2024, where they continue to shape thoughtful, personalised stays rooted in authenticity.
Michael’s natural gift for hospitality ensures every detail is seamlessly taken care of, while Ann, Sarara’s first female Samburu guide, brings insight, organisation, and a profound understanding of the land and its stories. Together, they strike that perfect balance between adventure and ease, tailoring each day to the rhythm of the wilderness and the wishes of their guests.
Sarara’s camps are proudly owned, driven, and managed by the local Samburu community and under Michael and Ann’s guidance, that spirit of community, culture, and genuine connection shines through in every stay.
Katie Rowe
Born in Sri Lanka and raised in Kenya, Katie trained at Prue Leith’s Cookery School in London, shaping the fresh, vibrant cuisine across Sarara’s camps. Her passion extends far beyond the kitchen – she has been instrumental in community initiatives including Milk to Market, Eco Ranger and Beading Mama, and is a co-founder of the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. Deeply committed to Samburu women, wildlife and authentic hospitality, Katie’s warmth and sense of family lie at the heart of the Sarara experience.
Robert Lemaiyan
Robert has been part of Sarara since 2014 and now leads as General Manager, spending most of his time between Sarara Wilderness and Sarara Camp. Deeply rooted in Namunyak, his knowledge of the land, wildlife and community is matched only by his quick wit and natural warmth. Respected by the Samburu community, valued by his team, and adored by guests, Robert embodies the spirit, authenticity and generous hospitality that define the Sarara experience.
Jeremy Bastard
A fourth-generation Kenyan, Jeremy grew up between the Maasai Mara and Samburu, developing a lifelong connection to Kenya’s wildlife and Indigenous communities. With a degree in Environmental Science and Social Anthropology from the University of Cape Town, and over a decade guiding across East Africa, he now leads Sarara as CEO alongside Katie. A co-founder of Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Jeremy is deeply committed to community-led conservation. Katie and Jeremy were married at Sarara in 2015 and call it home, along with their three children.
“Hidden in the mountains and the deserts of northern Kenya, lies a place of coexistence, community and wildlife. A place that heals the soul and breaths creativity whilst giving back to the land and to the people who live here. Sarara is a place of peace.”
Why Sarara Camp?
Property Highlights
- Community-owned and managed within Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy
- Set within 850,000 acres of private conservancy with no other operators
- Located in the remote Namunyak Conservancy at the foot of the Mathews Range, Northern Kenya
- Six luxury tents plus exclusive-use Sarara House (2-bedroom private unit)
- Natural rock pool overlooking a permanent waterhole
- Access to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
- Seasonal access to the Singing Wells cultural experience
- Fly camping available
- Horse riding with Samburu guides
- Exceptional Northern species including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and kudu
- Deep Samburu cultural immersion
Positive Impact
- Owned and managed in partnership with the local Samburu community
- Supports the Sarara Foundation (education, healthcare, conservation and enterprise initiatives)
- Founding supporter of Reteti Elephant Sanctuary (Africa’s first community-owned elephant sanctuary)
- Supports Nomadic Montessori education programme
- Supports Nomadic Healthcare outreach services
- Supports Milk to Market programme empowering Samburu women through dairy goat enterprise supplying milk to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
- Eliminated single-use plastics across camp operations
What to expect at Sarara Camp
Accommodation
- Six luxury tents, all ensuite
- Outdoor plumbed shower with ensuite toilet and basin
- Sarara House (2-bedroom exclusive-use private unit with its own pool)
- Pure cotton linen, dressing gowns and lock box
- Private verandas with expansive conservancy views
- Central dining and sitting area
- Natural rock pool overlooking waterhole
- Starlink WiFi in rooms
Experiences Included (Safari Package)
- Shared day and night game drives
- Guided walks and Mathews Range forest hikes
- Visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary (entrance fee payable direct)
- De Brazza monkey hike
- One horse ride per person
- Village visits
- Conservancy fees included
- Full board accommodation
- Soft drinks, local beers and non-premium wines and spirits
- Daily laundry service
- Namunyak airstrip transfers
- Community Heritage Fees are not included
Enhance Your Stay (Additional Cost)
- Reteti Elephant Sanctuary entrance fees
- Fly camping mobilisation fee
- Additional horse riding
- Ololokwe day trip
- Beading with Samburu women
- Samburu Blacksmith experience
- Exclusive use of vehicle (restricted to Sarara Basin)
- Champagne, premium spirits and cellar wines
- Helicopter trips
Getting There
By Air
- Private charters to Namunyak Airstrip
- Scheduled flights to Kalama (road transfer payable extra)
- Scheduled flights to Lewa (road transfer payable extra)
- Daily shared Scenic Wilderness charter from the Mara, Lewa and Wilson
- By Helicopter
By Road
- Road transfer from Kalama- 1.5 hours payable extra
- Road transfer from Lewa- 3.5 hours payable extra
- Direct transfer from Namunyak Airstrip (20–30 minutes)
- GPS Coordinates: 1°00’33.9”N 37°23’08.2”E
Additional Information
Property Details
- Maximum 16 guests
- Guide accommodation: 2 ensuite tents
- Closed in November
- Altitude: approx. 930m above sea level
- Check-in: 11:00AM
- Check-out: 10:00AM
- Climate: Warm year round. Nightly lows of 20-25°C and daily highs of 30-35 °C
- Due to terrain not suitable for guests with limited mobility. Tent 1 and Sarara House most suitable. No disabled facilities
Power and Connectivity
- Solar power (220V), 24-hour supply
- Charging points in rooms and main areas (3-pin square)
- No adapters provided
- CPAP supported
- Reliable Starlink WiFi
- Intermittent mobile reception (Telkom)
Facilities
- Natural rock pool
- Yoga mats available
- Massage available (payable direct)
- Gift shop
- Payment accepted: Visa & Mastercard
- Tipping: cash only
- Communal dining (private dining available on request)
Child Policy
- Children of all ages welcome (more suitable for 5+)
- Child minding available on request (advance notice required)
Vehicles
- Closed Toyota Land Cruisers with rooftop seats and open Landrovers
- Shared vehicle policy
- Bean bags provided
- Reference books available
- No charging points in vehicles
- Refreshements available: water and soft drinks
