Our take
Sarara Camp sits beneath the Mathews Mountains in Namunyak, combining a small tented camp with walking, wildlife and Samburu-led experiences. Its remote northern setting and rock swimming pool overlooking a waterhole give the stay a distinctive rhythm.
Sarara is part of a community conservation landscape in northern Kenya, with the Mathews Mountains rising behind camp. Its appeal reaches beyond conventional game drives: local guides bring Samburu knowledge and daily life into the experience, while the surrounding country offers space for walking and exploration. Shared living and dining areas overlook the waterhole, and the pool is formed around natural rock. This is a remote camp with close connections to its landscape and neighbouring community.
Gallery
A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
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01
Accommodation
Six en-suite tents stand apart with views into the surrounding country. Their bathrooms combine an outdoor, solar-heated shower with an indoor toilet. Two tents are linked by an external path, useful for families wanting to stay close. Separate Sarara House has two bedrooms for four guests, its own living and dining space and a private plunge pool overlooking the waterhole. The main camp's natural rock pool is a shared facility.
02
Food & drink
Meals draw on fresh regional produce, with ingredients sourced from small local farmers and coastal and Samburu influences in the cooking. Dining can take place in camp or as part of a bush outing. Dietary requirements are catered for with advance notice, and the daily programme allows meals to sit naturally around activities.
03
What to do
Guided drives, walks and mountain hikes reveal different aspects of Namunyak, while riding offers another way to explore where appropriate. A visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary introduces local conservation work. Community-led experiences can include beading, homestead visits and the Singing Wells, where photography is not permitted. Fly camping and helicopter excursions add scope for more adventurous itineraries. Activities depend on guide advice, local conditions and the interests of the group.
Planning your stay
Sarara House keeps a family of four together with private living space and a plunge pool. Two camp tents can also be linked by an outside path. Children are welcomed, although the experience is generally more comfortable from around age six.
The combination of Mathews Mountain scenery, Samburu-guided experiences and Reteti adds depth to the wildlife stay. Sarara House offers a private alternative to the main tents, while the shared rock pool overlooks an active waterhole.
Solar power provides electricity around the clock, with charging available and Wi-Fi in communal areas. High-consumption appliances are unsuitable. This is a remote location, so flight and ground-transfer choices have a substantial effect on the travel day.
Compare the alternatives
Explore the accommodation and setting of each property before choosing your combination.
Samburu
Saruni Samburu has six stone-and-canvas villas built into rocky terrain above Kalama Conservancy. Two swimming pools, open views and access to conservancy and reserve safaris create a striking northern Kenya stay, with several configurations for families and couples.
Explore the property
Samburu
Sasaab overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu’s Westgate Community Conservancy. Moroccan-inspired architecture, private plunge pools and two family arrangements create a comfortable northern Kenya base, with drives, walking, camel outings and community experiences offering variety beyond the lodge.
Explore the propertyMake it part of a journey
Give Sarara several nights so it can include walking, conservation and cultural experiences without becoming a sequence of rushed excursions. It combines well with Laikipia for a northern itinerary, or the Mara for contrasting wildlife country. Choose camp tents or Sarara House around your preferred level of privacy.
These journeys are starting points. We adapt the route, accommodation and length of stay around your plans.
Explore Samburu or read our Kenya seasonal guide.
Your questions
Six en-suite tents stand apart with views into the surrounding country. Their bathrooms combine an outdoor, solar-heated shower with an indoor toilet. Two tents are linked by an external path, useful for families wanting to stay close. Separate Sarara House has two bedrooms for four guests, its own living and dining space and a private plunge pool overlooking the waterhole. The main camp's natural rock pool is a shared facility.
Guided drives, walks and mountain hikes reveal different aspects of Namunyak, while riding offers another way to explore where appropriate. A visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary introduces local conservation work. Community-led experiences can include beading, homestead visits and the Singing Wells, where photography is not permitted. Fly camping and helicopter excursions add scope for more adventurous itineraries. Activities depend on guide advice, local conditions and the interests of the group.
Sarara House keeps a family of four together with private living space and a plunge pool. Two camp tents can also be linked by an outside path. Children are welcomed, although the experience is generally more comfortable from around age six.
Give Sarara several nights so it can include walking, conservation and cultural experiences without becoming a sequence of rushed excursions. It combines well with Laikipia for a northern itinerary, or the Mara for contrasting wildlife country. Choose camp tents or Sarara House around your preferred level of privacy.
Tailor-made Kenya
We will explain how it compares with the alternatives and whether it fits your preferred dates, route and pace.
Start planning