Sarara Wilderness
An exclusive wilderness camp in Namunyak where adventure, solitude, and raw northern Kenya converge.
Overview Sarara Wilderness
Set within the wider Samburu ecosystem of Kenya’s northern frontier, Sarara Wilderness offers an exclusive-use, adventure-led safari shaped by the Samburu community’s deep connection to their land. With the Ewaso Nyiro River sustaining this vast and wildlife-rich landscape, days unfold on foot or by camel, guided by hosts who bring culture and wilderness seamlessly together. Evenings are spent beneath extraordinary star-filled skies, where understated comforts and old-world safari charm create an experience that feels raw, intimate, and profoundly untamed.
Sarara Wilderness is an exclusive-use, fully hosted mobile camp designed to evoke the romance of classic safari while ensuring complete comfort. Custom-made canvas tents are thoughtfully positioned for each stay, creating an intimate and private setting tailored to each group. The tents are furnished with soft, generous bedding, en-suite facilities, and heated bucket showers, blending authenticity with ease. Carefully considered yet intentionally simple, the accommodation allows guests to feel fully immersed in the landscape while enjoying the quiet comforts that make time in the wild both restorative and unforgettable.
Game drives
Bush Dinners
Beading with Samburu Women
Sundowners
Witness a Ngoma
Helicopter Safaris
Visit the Singing Wells
One can’t anticipate the surprise and delight at arriving to discover you really are going to be sleeping in a treehouse! The setting is beautiful; relaxing in the open air common areas under the spacious thatched roof; watching elephants and giraffes come to the water hole just steps below you from the terrace. The attention we received from our host, Philip, who was always available and ready to tend to our every need. Our guide/driver, Ian, was fantastic! And so knowledgeable! Our visit to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary was amazing to see the care provided to orphaned elephants! Couldn’t ask for better hospitality
Starting in the hospitality industry 15 years ago as a waiter, Sammy moved up the ranks to become a guide, a camp manager, and then a cluster manager for three camps in Northern Kenya. Joining Sarara in June 2025 as Manager of Sarara Wilderness, he says this campʼs privacy is a highlight: “Guests have a home away from home – a luxury tented experience, without any other guests around.”
As an avid birdwatcher, Sammy has an astounding knowledge of the regionʼs diversity of birdlife, including the much-touted mega eagles.
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.
"The campʼs location provides the opportunity to experience the best of Samburu as well as Buffalo Springs Game Reserve, which opens the door for exceptional game viewing, cultural experiences and guided bush walks with Samburu guides."
Why Sarara Wilderness?
Property Highlights
- Up to six spacious en-suite tents with indoor heated bucket showers – set up exclusively in the heart of the wider Samburu Ecosystem.
- Classic tented safari experience with modern comforts in one of Kenya’s last truly wild landscapes
- Exceptional guiding with deep regional knowledge
- Access to uncrowded wilderness areas with very low vehicle density
- Ideal for walking safaris and immersive cultural experiences
- The area is known for epic wildlife sightings as it attracts iconic species like lions, cheetahs, leopards, hippos, and buffalo.
- The camp’s refreshing mobile swimming pool and cold plunge machines are just the ticket in the heat of the day
- Beautifully appointed medial and wellness tent include a specially curated library and relaxing wellness treatments
Positive Impact
- Operates in partnership with the local Samburu community
- Community Heritage Fee supports Samburu- led conservation, and community projects
- Sarara Wilderness is off the grid, providing 24-hour solar-powered electricity
- All the water in the camp is from mountain springs
- Sarara has eliminated all single-use plastic from the camps
- All fresh produce comes from small scale farmers in Kenya – supporting the local economy
What to expect at Sarara Wilderness
Accommodation
- Up to six spacious en-suite tented suites
- Flush toilets and solar-heated bucket showers
- Private verandas overlooking remote wilderness
- Classic safari styling with natural materials and understated comfort
- Classic safari styling with natural materials and understated comfort
- Charging points in rooms and main areas
- Starlink WiFi available
- 2026: Sarara Wilderness remains exclusive use only
- From 2027: The camp transitions to a per-person rate structure and can take up to four groups at a time
- The experience remains intimate, with guiding structured to maintain low vehicle density and wilderness integrity
Experiences Included (Safari Package)
- Exclusive guided day and night game drives
- Bush meals and sundowners in remote settings
- Private Samburu guide and spotter
- Cultural and community immersions
- Visits to Save The Elephants research camp
- Stargazing
- Full board accommodation
- Soft drinks, local beers and non-premium wines and spirits
- Daily laundry service
- Transfers between all Sarara properties
- Local airstrip transfers (Buffalo Springs & Kalama)
- Community Heritage Fees are not included in the accommodation rate and will be quoted separately
Enhance Your Stay (Payable Extra)
- Champagne, premium spirits and cellar wines
- Beading with Samburu women
- Samburu Blacksmith experience
- Massage treatments
- Helicopter excursions
- Reteti Elephant Sanctuary visit (day trip by private charter or helicopter)
Getting There
By Air
- Scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Buffalo Springs or Kalama Airstrip
- Private charters to Buffalo Springs or Kalama
- Helicopter transfers available directly into camp
- Scenic Wilderness Shared Charter to Kalama or Buffalo Springs
By Road
- Transfer time to other Sarara properties is 2.5 hours
Additional Information
Property Details
- Maximum 12 guests
- 2026: Exclusive-use only
- From 2027: Per-person rate structure (up to four groups at a time)
- Closed in November
- Altitude: approx. 800m above sea level
- Check-in: 11:00AM
- Check-out: 10:00AM
Power and Connectivity
- Solar power (220V), 24-hour supply
- Charging points in tents and main area (plug type G)
- No adapters provided
- Starlink WiFi
- Intermittent Safaricom mobile signal
- Electronic devices can be charged (not suitable for hairdryers)
- Generally flay terrain. Wheel chairs can be accommodated with assistance. No disabled facilities
Facilities
- Mobile swimming pool and cold plunge
- Media and wellness tent
- Massage available (payable direct)
- No gift shop
Child Policy
- Children of all ages welcome
- More suitable for children over 5 years
Vehicles
- Toyota Land Cruisers with roof hatches or open Land Rovers
- Driver guide and Spotter in every vehicle
- Exclusive vehicle policy
- Bean bags provided
- Reference books available
- No charging points
