Elephant Watch Camp

Samburu National Reserve, Kenya

1/5
2/5
3/5
4/5
5/5

Elephant Watch has done something a little different from all the other luxury tented bush camps in Kenya and decided that concentrating on one animal is not necessarily a bad thing, especially when you have a lot to say about it. At Elephant Watch the emphasis is on, well, elephants. Iain and Oria Douglas-Hamilton have been working with elephants for the last 30 years, have been responsible for several books, documentaries and bringing to the fore important conservation concerns relating to these gentle pachyderms. Their daughters, Saba and Dudu also grew up with elephants and Saba is now a documentary presenter for the BBC. Their picturesque camp in Samburu serves as a base for important research into the animal's behaviour, where young Kenyan observers record their movements and interaction. And better still, there is no need to rough it. As guests at the camp, you have the opportunity to stay in the large desert tents, furnished with billowing fabric and deep cushions and stamped with Oria's distinctive style, and accompany the guides into the park to watch and learn about these impressive animals. While you would normally get a veneer of information on a species from your normal bush guide, this camp gives you the opportunity to really tune in and immerse yourself in the elephant's world as well as enjoying the other animals that Samburu has to offer. The guides at Elephant Watch are passionate and knowledgeable and their love for their subjects is infectious...it is difficult not to become equally involved in the elephant's amazingly human ways. After a dusty afternoon out in the bush, you can return to a cold gin & tonic and a delicious gourmet feast round the communal dining table while the night creeps in and the sounds of the bush envelope you.

Accommodation:

Experience:

Inclusions / Exclusions:

Incl. FB, drinks, laundry, game drives, walks, airstrip transfers. Excl. Champagne, visits to the elephant research centre.

Electricity:
Solar and back-up generator.
Laundry:
Yes
Rooms:
3 doubles, 2 twins, 1 triple. Limited extra beds available for children sharing.
Bathroom:
En-suite with flush toilets and safari style bucket showers.
Open/Closed
April & November

About Samburu National Reserve and Kenya

See all areas & places to stay in Kenya
1/4
2/4
3/4
4/4

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve straddles the muddy Euaso Nyiro river and is one of the most picturesque parks of northern Kenya. Clusters of doum palms and acacia crowd the banks of the river and dry river beds that carve through the reserve. As the main source of sustenance, the river is a focal point for wildlife and birds, both of which are plentiful. A wonderful morning can be spent just sitting in your open vehicle watching a family of elephants drinking, bathing and being sociable in the river. The baboons in this park seem to be particularly precocious and so antics involving the hard doum palm nuts and adolescent baboons scampering around on the banks of the river can provide endless entertainment. The park is hot and so activities are normally concentrated in the early morning and late afternoon, returning to camp for a big breakfast or hearty dinner. The middle of the day is spent relaxing and birdwatching or snoozing in the shade. There are quite a few lodges here and so you will see minibuses around but your guide will know the main routes and it is possible to still enjoy a rewarding game experience without feeling part of a human migration. Buffalo Springs Reserve adjoins Samburu and a drive into this area can be a nice change of scene, focussing mainly around a series of fresh springs which act like a wildlife magnet in this arid territory. Read more?

1/6
2/6
3/6
4/6
5/6
6/6

Kenya

Kenya is the most established safari country, and consequently you have to step a little off the conventional route to find real wilderness, but it’s certainly there.  Kenya also has much going for it as a family destination, and also a good number of very individual safari camps and lodges with a personal approach that makes your experience very special.  Kenya also has a particularly diverse ecology which ranges from snowy mountains to true desert, rolling grassy plains filled with wildlife to craggy scrub intersected with dry riverbeds, sparkling beaches and volcanic ranges. Read more?

Can't find the camp you're looking for? Just let us know and we will be sure to help.

Who to talk to

Catherine Ronan

Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.

How we can help you

At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.

Contact Us