Set in one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas, Sarara Wilderness is an exclusive-use mobile camp that immerses guests in a tailormade adventure in the heart of the bush. Located in the wider Samburu Ecosystem, the setting is informed by the Samburu’s deep knowledge of their land. With the mighty Ewaso Nyiro River flowing through this magnificent landscape, the area teems with some of the continent’s most iconic wildlife species.
The warmth of Sarara’s highly personalized hospitality forms the foundation of Sarara Wilderness – and your dedicated Samburu hosts will welcome you into this ancient land’s wonders through riveting fireside stories, guided explorations, mouthwatering food inspired by the season’s abundance, and more.
You’ll spend your evenings mesmerized by Africa’s starlit skies, before being lulled to sleep by the gentle sounds of the bush. While featuring a range of modern comforts – from soft bedding to hot outdoor showers – an old-world charm weaves through this carefully considered tented experience. (B&B)
Up to six spacious en-suite tents with outdoor showers – set up exclusively in the heart of the wider Samburu Ecosystem. Evoking the nostalgic romance of an idyllic adventure in a raw and remote natural setting, Sarara Wilderness is an exclusive-use offering reminiscent of the idyllic mobile camps of yesteryear. Featuring custom-made canvas tents – complete with every modern comfort – the camp is set up with each group’s personal preferences and requirements in mind, as well as the movements of the area’s extraordinary concentration of iconic species and sought-after wildlife.
Sarara Wilderness offers a front-row seat to an exceptionally dense concentration of wildlife in a coveted setting. It’s the perfect springboard for discovery and epic sightings – as well as inimitable photographic opportunities.
From exploring ancient elephant corridors from this exclusive base camp with your Samburu host and guide, to sharing fireside stories and stargazing with the nocturnal sounds of the bush all around.
Community & Conservation
Showing what is possible when a community stands united for conservation – and highlighting the power of a grassroot movement that’s become a blueprint in the region as well as worldwide – Namunyak’s story of wildlife restoration is one of overcoming hardships to protect a rare and remote natural legacy.
A few decades ago, the Mathews Mountain Range was renowned for its wealth of elephants and rhino, before numbers started dwindling dramatically. And increasing international demand for ivory and rhino horn and external poaching posed a tremendous threat country-wide, and without protection, the populations of many species plummeted within 20 years. This included 15,000 elephants that used to roam the area freely dropping to only around 400.
As a knock-on effect, the area’s ecosystem suffered significant damage. With no keystone species to bulk browse the vegetation, rolling grasslands soon turned into woodlands. The lack of grass left the area devoid of wildlife – and also made the land less productive for the indigenous Samburu and their livestock.
A critical juncture was reached by the 90s, with many species at the brink. Fortuitously, the community conservation movement was gaining significant momentum at the same time – with a growing awareness of conservation’s immense potential to improve livelihoods as well as the land.
Namunyak Community Conservancy was established in 1995 by the local Samburu community – and founded on the vision and insights of their Elders, who travelled far and wide to learn more about community-driven conservation that would safeguard both their natural legacy and people for generations to come. Committed to the future of Namunyak’s community, wildlife, and biodiversity, they made sure their plans benefitted the region as a whole.
On the Go!
Stay 5 nights / Pay 4
* Valid now-May 31, 2026. Book by Apr 30, 2026. Can combine with select lodgings