Location
Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Northern Kenya

In the remote wilderness of northern Kenya’s 850,000-acre Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Nat Hab’s Elephant Conservation Camp enjoys a striking cliffside setting with dramatic views. A mere 10-minute walk from Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, this stunning private accommodation, for our exclusive use, offers a front-row view on the impressive conservation efforts of the first community-owned and run elephant sanctuary in Africa. Nat Hab guests have access to exclusive feeding times at the sanctuary, as well as behind-the-scenes interactions at the heart of this acclaimed program that rehabilitates orphaned and abandoned elephant calves to ultimately return them to the wild.

Sustainably constructed from locally sourced materials, the camp is set into the cliffside, designed to merge with its wild setting while opening onto a panorama of savanna, riverine forest and mountains beyond. Featuring a restful palette of neutral shades evoking the natural landscape, the private retreat offers the utmost in style and seclusion. Four standalone suites built of wood and canvas have a large outdoor shower and private terrace with uninterrupted views. King-size beds have wood headboards and canopy frames with mosquito nets, plus bedside tables and reading lights.

A spectacular communal lounge furnished with cushioned rattan chairs, settees, coffee tables and jute rugs offers a spacious gathering space, with Starlink Wi-Fi for staying in touch. Entirely off-grid, the eco-friendly camp relies on solar power. Water is gravity-fed by fresh, clean mountain springs and purified through a UV filter. Outdoor dining, illuminated by candlelight and lanterns, offers a magnificent view of the Mathews Range across the plains. Meals prepared by the camp’s private chef are a highlight, sourced from a network of nearby small-scale producers. Staff come from neighboring Samburu communities, and proceeds from the camp contribute directly to conservation and education projects across the region.

The Namunyak Conservancy, established in 1995, is home to Kenya’s second-largest elephant population, and the free-form infinity pool at the camp overlooks a busy elephant waterhole below. It is also frequented by the Reteti orphans, making for joyful sightings during your stay. The cliffs that frame the lodge are frequented by Egyptian vultures, klipspringers and resident leopards. Other wildlife in the region, on view during game drives, includes the endangered reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, wild dog, kudu, hyena and more. The area is a birdlover’s paradise, with a tremendous number of endemic and migratory birds.