Introduction: Where Wilderness Meets Adrenaline

For travelers who crave more than serene game drives and sunset cocktails, Kenya offers something truly special—adventure woven into the raw beauty of the African landscape. While many camps across the country deliver luxury and comfort, a few go above and beyond to ignite the spirit of exploration. For those drawn to untamed experiences, the perfect camp must offer immersive encounters, thrilling activities, and the sense that you’re truly part of the wild. In Kenya, one such standout is Sarara Camp, tucked away in the remote Matthews Range of northern Kenya—a place where adventure seekers find both challenge and magic in equal measure.

Sarara Camp: A Remote Outpost for the Wild at Heart

Located in the heart of the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Sarara Camp is not your typical safari destination. It’s a place where the rugged terrain, dramatic mountain backdrops, and deep cultural heritage converge to create a thrilling, deeply authentic adventure. Set against the backdrop of the Matthews Mountains, this camp is far removed from the tourist trail, offering rare access to a wilderness still largely untouched.

Guests at Sarara trade traditional game drives for more engaging, physically active, and culturally rich activities. Guided walking safaris take you deep into the bush, where you follow ancient elephant trails, identify wildlife tracks, and learn bushcraft from local Samburu guides. You’re not just observing the wilderness—you’re part of it. Wildlife here is wild and free-ranging, and encounters are often intimate and unexpected, especially as you hike through valleys and over ridges rather than from a vehicle.

Activities for the True Explorer

For the adventure-driven traveler, Sarara’s offerings are as varied as they are exhilarating. A highlight is visiting the singing wells, where Samburu warriors chant rhythmic songs to their livestock as they draw water from deep, hand-dug wells—an ancient tradition not performed for show but as part of daily life. Witnessing this spectacle is like stepping into a living, breathing ethnographic film.

The camp also offers horseback safaris for riders eager to gallop alongside giraffes and zebra across the plains, and fly-camping excursions that take you even deeper into the bush. Nights under the stars, sleeping with only a mosquito net between you and the African sky, elevate the adventure to something primal and unforgettable.

Guests can also enjoy mountain hikes through the cool forested slopes of the Matthews Range, home to rare species and medicinal plants. These treks offer breathtaking views and a chance to see the region from a bird’s-eye perspective—literally, as raptors glide on thermals below.

A Camp That Fuses Purpose With Passion

Sarara is more than an adventure hub—it’s a pioneering example of community-led conservation. The camp is entirely owned and operated in partnership with the local Samburu community, meaning your stay directly supports the protection of wildlife and the empowerment of indigenous people. There’s also the nearby Sarara Tree, an elevated, open-air lodge nestled into the forest canopy, and Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, where orphaned elephants are rehabilitated and released back into the wild—an ideal visit for those who combine adrenaline with heart.

The architecture of the camp itself is inspired by the land, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Open-fronted tents overlook a natural waterhole frequented by elephants and leopards, and the infinity pool offers sweeping views of the bush. At night, you fall asleep to the sounds of nature undisturbed by crowds or modern interference.