A community-run camp beneath the Mathews Range, famous for its singing wells and elephant-frequented waterhole.
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Overview
Community-Owned, Wildlife-Rich
Sarara sits inside the Namunyak Conservancy, owned by the local Samburu community and home to the region's largest elephant population.
Sarara Camp is set at the base of the Mathews Range inside the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, a 850,000-acre community-owned reserve that shelters one of northern Kenya's largest elephant populations. The camp is best known for its natural swimming pool and waterhole, where elephant herds regularly come to drink within metres of guests, and for the nearby singing wells — hand-dug wells where Samburu herders lower cattle down narrow channels while singing traditional rhythms to calm the animals. Camp revenue supports the local community directly, tying tourism closely to conservation and cultural preservation in the region.
7
Tented Rooms
850,000ac
Namunyak Conservancy
1
Natural Swimming Pool
1
Elephant Sanctuary Nearby
Suites
Tents Beneath the Mathews Range
Spacious tents shaded by acacia woodland, with the Mathews Range rising behind camp.
Safari Tent — Sarara Camp
01
Natural Swimming PoolA rock pool where guests can swim, often with elephants visible at the nearby waterhole.
02
Elephant WaterholeElephant herds regularly visit the waterhole in full view of camp.
03
Community-Run CampOwned and staffed by the local Samburu community through the Namunyak Conservancy.
04
Private VerandasTents open onto verandas facing the Mathews Range and surrounding bush.
Experiences
Samburu Culture & Wildlife
Sarara pairs strong wildlife viewing with genuine cultural access rarely offered elsewhere.
Culture
Singing Wells
A visit to the Samburu's traditional hand-dug singing wells, a centuries-old herding practice.
Wildlife
Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
A nearby community-run orphan elephant sanctuary, one of the first of its kind in Africa.
Wildlife
Waterhole Viewing
Elephant sightings directly from camp at the adjacent natural waterhole.
Dining
Dining by the Waterhole
Meals are served with sightlines to the waterhole, often with elephants in view.
01The main dining deck overlooking the waterhole
02A campfire circle for evening stories
03Bush breakfasts and picnic lunches on request
04A small bar overlooking the pool
Waterhole Deck — Sarara Camp
Location
Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy
An 850,000-acre community-owned conservancy beneath the Mathews Range in northern Kenya.
Located within the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy at the base of the Mathews Range.
Home to one of northern Kenya's largest elephant populations.
Roughly a 90-minute charter flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport.
Often combined with Samburu National Reserve or Saruni Rhino on a northern circuit.
Fly
A roughly 90-minute charter flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport.
Drive
A long remote transfer of 7-8 hours; flying is strongly recommended.
Arrive
Check-in from 12:00 with lunch by the pool before an afternoon activity.
Community & Culture
Elephants, Song, and Community
A community-owned camp pairing rich Samburu culture with outstanding elephant sightings.