Imagine being privy to a tradition that has remained unchanged and unspoiled for centuries. An experience as unique as the Wildebeest Migration, yet not as widely known and forbidden to be photographed. Now imagine a scene where chorales of semi-nomadic Samburu tribes bring their livestock to dry waterholes each morning to dig for precious, life-giving water during the July-to-October dry season. Welcome to the fabled Samburu ‘singing wells’.

Here at Sarara Camp, you can witness this important ritual during which the Samburu people take their herds to special wells where they sing ceremonially while digging for water. Every animal recognizes their family song and comes to drink when their troughs are full. Each family owns a well and amid all the singing, dust, bells, color, and light, the different families from the area get together to exchange stories and pass on messages. After a day of singing, a fascinating evening changing-of-the-guard occurs as wildlife like elephants and the famous Sarara leopard come to drink from the same water sources – a humbling example of wild animals co-existing alongside humans and their cattle. No photographs are allowed at the singing wells but guests at Sarara are given the rare opportunity and special privilege to get a glimpse of this remarkably unique Samburu way of life.

Sarara Camp is nestled within the Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust of northern Kenya, a pristine wilderness in the famed Matthews Range, also known as the Lenkiyio Hills. Not only is this remote and dramatic landscape home to the Samburu pastoralists but also animals like elephants, leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, buffalo, and reticulated giraffes – most of which can be seen without even leaving the camp as they come to drink at Sarara’s resident waterhole.

This is your chance to get whisked away to an ancient land slightly bigger than the State of New Jersey, where no other safari camp or tourist can be seen for 850,000 acres.

Highlights

• Visiting the fabled Samburu singing wells during the annual dry season
• Game drives and guided walks in an untouched conservation area
• Hiking through the forested hills of the Matthews Range
• Fly-camping with camels along seasonal riverbanks
• Traditional beading workshops with Samburu women
• Watch animals drink at a waterhole, a stone's throw from the camp's mess and pool

Activities

• GAME DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKS
• HIKING
• BIRD WATCHING
• BUSH DINING
• FLY CAMPING
• SCENIC FLIGHTS

'Set on the edge of the magnificent Samburu wilderness, Sarara Camp is stunning and is tucked away into the lower slopes of Wamba Mountain. The vista over the distant mountains offers ideal views of the surrounding wilderness and, with easy access to nature walks and mountain hikes, this camp is a playground for adventurous safari goers.'

Rooms

En-Suite Tent

Sarara's spacious and delightfully appointed tents are set on a hillside offering uninterrupted views over dramatic landscapes. Each tent is en-suite with solar-heated outdoor showers. A butler box allows for the discreet delivery of early-morning tea, coffee, and cookies.

Sarara House

For family or friends traveling together who would like to remain close, Sarara Camp has a two-bedroom family unit called Sarara House. Enjoy the refreshment of its private plunge pool, private dining, and lounge area where you can enjoy a morning coffee or serene sundowners together.

Facilities

The camp consists of a large main sitting and dining area. There is also a gift shop and Wi-Fi access. Sarara’s natural rock swimming pool overlooks a resident waterhole where animals like elephants, kudu, impala, warthog, and wild dogs come to drink.

Dining

Wake up each morning to tea, coffee, or juice served at your tent. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the camp’s main dining area at any time, ideal for those returning from an early morning game drive.

Buffet lunches are usually set up under a tree or in the main dining area. Afternoon tea is served with freshly baked cake and biscuits before your evening game drive.

Dinners can be enjoyed on Sarara’s terrace overlooking the waterhole, or in a romantically wild setting in a dry riverbed beside a roaring campfire under the stars.

Most of the fruit and vegetables served are grown in the camp’s gardens.