Little Governors’ Camp

Sitting right across from the Mathews Mountain Range amidst the pristine 850,000 acres put aside for the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy Trust Land, Sarara is a down-to-earth safari camp that is all about showing you the treasures of northern Kenya and the Samburu. What makes Sarara extra special is that it is 100% owned by the community it serves.

Situated on the northern edge of the Laikipia plateau, the family-owned Ol Malo House is built on the edge of a rugged escarpment looking out across the timeless lands of Kenya’s Northern Frontier District. Ideal for exclusive groups or families Ol Malo House has three double bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms well as a large sitting and dining room with fireplace. Three further bedrooms can be found in two separate cottages, meaning that the whole property can comfortably cater for 12 guests, with plenty more room for young ones. Decor is inspired by the area’s wild landscape, local flora and the life and culture of the Samburu people. Lighting handmade by the Samburu women creates a warm ambience and welcoming atmosphere and a flagstone path leads to a large open area overlooking the infinity pool, fringed by palms and this incredible land’s wide-open vistas. A barbecue area creates a wonderful place in which to end the day under a star-studded sky. On offer whilst staying are walking safaris, camel and horse rides, mountain biking, picnics by the river, game drives, plenty of chances to meet the the local Samburu tribe and sleep outs in the Look Out by a waterhole which is visited by a variety of wildlife.

Experience exclusively, off the grid in the 85,000 hectare Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy while staying at the stunning Reteti house. Designed to be a platform for conservation, Reteti House has been cleverly designed to work for private groups; families, friends and even research groups. Its elevated location gives guests truly epic views over the conservancy and of the Matthews mountain range in the distance. There are four extremely spacious en suite rooms, hot water is drawn for solar powered reserves and rooms are open on at least one side. Mosquito nets are fitted on the open doorways, or around the beds. Outside terrace areas merge into the indoor space, totally immersing guests in the spectacular natural world around them. The rooms can accommodate up to 10 people. The sustainable construction of the camp celebrates local expertise and traditions – created using natural materials from the area. Neutral tones create a cool and relaxing atmosphere inside and outside. The house features a spectacular central lounge and infinity pool overlooking the elephant waterhole. There are plenty of excursions available at Reteti, led by a host of experienced local guides. Just a ten minute walk away Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, showcasing extraordinary conservation work of Reteti.   

Lengishu is an exclusive safari house, ideal for families or a group of friends, with a superb hillside setting in northern Kenya, and wonderful views to the north over the Borana Conservancy to Northern Frontier District and the Mathews Ranges in the far distance. Borana Conservancy has excellent wildlife sighting opportunities, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, a healthy number of black and white rhino, and a number of species unique to northern Kenya such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich. With rammed earth walls, and sustainably sourced timbers in its roof and floors, Lengishu has a very small environmental footprint. The house has six bedrooms split between four cottages, all with their own private en-suite bathrooms, and designed to make the best of the views. The bathrooms have walk-in showers and big roll top baths, and the bedrooms have wood stoves or fireplaces for cool nights. There is a sitting room between the rooms in two of the cottages, making them ideal for a family with younger children. The master bedroom is a standalone cottage and the main house has a spacious dining room, lounge, and a study. The large pool has wonderful westerly views, and there is also a games room, a petanque pitch as well as a gym.