Camps, Lodges, Ships & Innovations

Location
Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya

Tucked against a rocky bluff overlooking the plains and mountains beyond, this boutique camp is surrounded by 850,000 acres of protected wilderness, with Reteti Elephant Sanctuary just a 10-minute walk away. Soaring thatched roofs and tree branch columns frame stunning savanna views, including a lively elephant waterhole below. This private accommodation offers a front-row view of 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 opportunities to see behind the scenes of this acclaimed program, which rehabilitates orphaned and abandoned elephant calves to ultimately return them to the wild.

Four standalone suites are set into the cliffside, with private thatched-terraces overlooking the Sarara Valley. Decorated in a tranquil, earth-tone palette, suites feature vaulted timber-beamed ceilings, desks and queen or double beds draped in mosquito netting, plus bedside tables and reading lights. En suite facilities include a sink and toilet, while large outdoor showers built into the rocks overlook the valley. Showers are solar-heated and include locally produced toiletries.

The spectacular communal lounge is furnished with cushioned rattan chairs, settees, coffee tables and jute rugs, and Starlink Wi-Fi is available here in the lounge. Candles and lanterns illuminate the outdoor dining tables, which offer magnificent views of the Mathews Range across the savanna. A private chef prepares meals spotlighting Samburu culinary traditions.

On the cliffside terrace, a lagoon-like infinity pool is built into the rock above the busy elephant waterhole. Managed in partnership with the Samburu community, the camp supports education, health care and elephant rehabilitation. This eco-friendly camp is entirely off-grid and relies on solar power. Water is gravity-fed by fresh, clean mountain springs and purified through a UV filter.

The Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy is home to Kenya’s second-largest elephant population. The cliffs framing the camp are frequented by Egyptian vultures, klipspringers and resident leopards. The area is a birdlover’s paradise, with a tremendous number of endemic and migratory birds. Other wildlife in the region include the endangered reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, wild dog, kudu and hyena.