Sarara Wilderness Lodge is a breathtaking, community-owned safari retreat set in the remote Matthews Mountain Range of northern Kenya — one of the country’s last true wilderness frontiers. Nestled in the heart of the Namunyak Conservancy, a 340,000-hectare expanse of pristine forested hills and rolling savannah, Sarara offers a deeply authentic and soulful safari experience. The lodge is built around a partnership with the local Samburu community, with a strong focus on wildlife conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism.
Meaning “meeting place” in the Samburu language, Sarara lives up to its name — where people, wildlife, and nature coexist in harmony. Here, luxury meets purpose: elegant, eco-conscious design, personalized service, and unforgettable experiences come together in one of the most magical settings in Africa.
Access & Location
Sarara Wilderness Lodge is located within the Namunyak Conservancy in northern Kenya, approximately 290 km north of Nairobi. Guests can reach the lodge by a scenic 1-hour flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Sarara Airstrip, followed by a short 15-minute transfer to the property. For those traveling by road, it’s an adventurous 6–7 hour drive via Nanyuki and Isiolo, offering glimpses of rugged, untouched Kenya along the way.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Matthews Range, the lodge overlooks vast wilderness dotted with acacia trees, forested valleys, and seasonal rivers — home to elephants, leopards, reticulated giraffes, and countless bird species.
Accommodation & Facilities
Sarara Wilderness Lodge features six luxurious tented suites and a family house, each carefully positioned to maximize privacy and panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below. The design harmoniously blends traditional Samburu architecture with contemporary elegance — open-fronted tents, natural stone, and thatched roofs create a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape.
Room features include:
- Spacious open-plan layouts with sweeping views of the wilderness
- En-suite bathrooms with solar-heated showers and twin basins
- Private verandas or decks with seating areas
- Locally crafted furniture and textiles reflecting Samburu culture
- 24-hour solar power and charging points
- Laundry service included
Lodge facilities include:
- An infinity pool built into natural rock formations, frequented by elephants that come to drink at dusk
- A communal dining area and bar with open-air terraces overlooking the waterhole
- A cozy lounge area with a small library and fireplace
- A curio shop featuring locally made crafts and jewelry
- Wi-Fi available in select areas (though many guests relish the digital detox)
Each detail at Sarara reflects an ethos of sustainability — from solar power and eco-friendly materials to the lodge’s partnership with the Samburu community that owns and manages the conservancy.
Activities
Sarara Wilderness Lodge offers a truly unique safari experience that combines wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and conservation insight. Activities are guided by local Samburu experts who share their deep knowledge and stories of the land:
- Game Drives: Explore Namunyak Conservancy’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, leopards, reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, and wild dogs. The absence of crowds ensures an intimate and exclusive safari experience.
- Walking Safaris: Guided nature walks allow guests to appreciate the finer details of the bush — tracking wildlife, identifying plants, and learning about Samburu traditions.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit nearby Samburu villages to learn about their way of life, beadwork traditions, and herding culture. The Samburu people are renowned for their colorful attire and warm hospitality.
- Sarara Singing Wells: A signature experience — watch Samburu herdsmen form human chains and sing to their livestock as they draw water from hand-dug wells, a timeless and deeply moving ritual unique to this region.
- Horseback Safaris: Ride across the plains alongside giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, guided by experienced horsemen.
- Scenic Flights & Helicopter Excursions: Explore the untouched beauty of the Northern Frontier, including Mount Ololokwe, the Ndoto Mountains, and the Suguta Valley.
- Birdwatching: The Matthews Range is home to over 350 bird species, making it a haven for bird lovers.
- Sundowners & Bush Dinners: Toast to the African sunset from a scenic ridge or enjoy a lantern-lit dinner under the stars.
At Sarara, every moment is meaningful — whether you’re tracking elephants through the bush, sharing stories with Samburu elders, or relaxing by the pool as the wilderness unfolds before you.
Conservation & Community
Sarara Wilderness Lodge is a model of community-led conservation. All revenue generated supports the Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust, which funds education, healthcare, and wildlife protection initiatives for the local Samburu community. The lodge also supports the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Kenya’s first community-run elephant rescue and rehabilitation center.
This deep integration between tourism and community development ensures that every stay contributes directly to preserving both nature and culture for generations to come.
