20 Mar 2025

Saruni Basecamp Unveils a New Safari Haven in Kalama Community Conservancy

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Saruni Basecamp Unveils a New Safari Haven in Kalama Community Conservancy

Saruni Basecamp is pleased to announce the successful launch of Basecamp Samburu, an intimate tented camp that has been welcoming guests since January 2025. Located in the community-owned Kalama Conservancy, this exclusive retreat offers breathtaking views of the majestic Mt. Ololokwe while immersing visitors in the untamed beauty of Kenya's northern territory.

Designed by Norwegian architect Bull Arkitekter, Basecamp Samburu features five thoughtfully positioned elegant, tented suites, including a specially designed family tent with two spacious bedrooms connected by a central lounge. Each accommodation has been carefully positioned to maximize the sweeping views of the stunning landscapes, while maintaining the highest standards of comfort and privacy.

What truly sets this property apart are its two signature open-air Starbeds, offering an unforgettable experience under the African sky. Both feature private jacuzzis for romantic evenings beneath the stars, along with intimate dining arrangements and full bathroom facilities.

Embracing eco-conscious principles, Basecamp Samburu pays homage to the spirit of early explorers through its under-canvas design. The camp's construction utilized locally sourced materials, ensuring minimal impact on the pristine wilderness it calls home. Through its minimalist design, the camp provides an exceptional safari experience that honours the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Samburu region.

Jeremiah Mutisya, CEO of Saruni Basecamp, commented on the launch:

"Our long-term tourism goal for Kenya has been to support and expand the development of community conservancies. We believe this is the key to protecting both wildlife and communities living in rural Kenya side-by-side. Kalama Community Conservancy is a partnership between Saruni Basecamp and the Samburu tribal landowners in this region. The building of Basecamp Samburu is a continued effort to celebrate the spectacular ecosystems across Kenya and to diversify the tourist guest experience by broadening the destinations they can add or include on their Kenyan safari itinerary. We are very excited about the building of the Starbeds – a new addition to our portfolio. We hope this will bring a new category of traveler to Samburu – honeymooners, adventurers and lovers of skygazing and tranquility."

The camp offers an array of distinctive experiences, including late-night stargazing and dark-night scorpion safari, Samburu village visits, and Singing Wells dry season excursions, as well as daily safari game drives within either Kalama Community Conservancy or the iconic Samburu Game Reserve in search of the ‘Samburu Special Five’. Despite its remote location, the camp provides modern amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, solar electricity, private verandahs, and communal lounge and dining facilities.

About Saruni Basecamp

Saruni Basecamp has a portfolio of 13 pioneering, innovative and ethical safari lodges and camps rooted in community-based conservation and tourism, dedicated to protecting East Africa's most important wildlife ecosystems through community conservancies. Led by a fully local Kenyan management team at corporate headquarters, Saruni Basecamp maintains a steadfast commitment to community employment, with 90% of camp staff drawn from nearby rural tribal communities. This authentic approach creates immersive cultural experiences, allowing guests to explore the region through the eyes of Maasai and Samburu hosts while participating in traditional activities and excursions across the collection.

Through sustainable tourism, Saruni Basecamp drives lasting conservation impact and economic empowerment across its rural operating regions. Recognized for its commitment to responsible tourism, the company holds Gold and Silver ratings from Eco-Tourism Kenya and maintains prestigious memberships with The Long Run and the African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA), further validating its dedication to sustainable practices.

For more information or reservations, please contact:

Reservations: [email protected]

Sales: [email protected]

Marketing: [email protected]

Tel: +254 (0)796 222 555