A wonderful place for anybody with an interest in elephants, Elephant Watch Camp bursts with character and colour. It reflects the passion of its owner, Saba Douglas-Hamilton, the daughter of Iain – one of Africa’s foremost elephant conservationists and founder of Save the Elephants.
Saba calls the camp home and, although her presence is never guaranteed, she acts as host whilst she is there. The camp sits just upstream from Iain Douglas-Hamilton’s original elephant research camp. As such, its relationship with elephant conservation is deeply ingrained. The Save the Elephants research centre is only a short drive away, allowing for an insight into conservation in action.
Thanks to this unique relationship with Save the Elephants, the guides at Elephant Watch Camp are especially well trained. Able to recognise more than 900 elephants on sight, they are well versed on the complicated family structure of Samburu’s elephants.
Each of the six spacious, open tents, has a thatched roof and natural wood supports, with rugs and cushions scattered across the floors. Colourful cotton drapes down from the ceiling to form light, airy walls. These remarkable structures have all been cleverly designed from trees and logs knocked down by elephants.
Bathrooms have environmentally friendly long-drop toilets and solar-heated showers, built around gnarled acacia trees. Above, they are open to the brilliantly clear African sky.
The main areas include a bar, small library, dining area and lounge. The camp has a very bohemian feel, with natural designs and colourful fabrics draped amongst the thatched building.
The focus is very much on elephants, with guided game drives, visits to the research centre and elephant watching. However, there are a number of other activities. These include:
Situated in a stand of riverine forest on the northern bank of the Ewaso Ngiro River, Elephant Watch Camp sits at the heart of Samburu National Park. The tents sit only a short distance from the river, where elephants can often be seen cooling off during the day.
Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.
Saruni Rhino offers an on-foot rhino tracking experience in the remote Sera Conservancy. Located in northern Samburu, this community conservancy has set aside a large swathe of territory that is dedicated to rhino conservation. A small group of relocated northern black rhinos survive here, roaming this arid landscape that is punctuated with dry riverbeds and vast granite extrusions. Tracked using traditional Samburu methods, these endangered animals are closely monitored to ensure their protection.
Perched on the crest of a burnt-red ridge of solid rock, Saruni Samburu is a uniquely designed lodge that makes the most of its location. The villas are uncluttered, but luxurious, with the open-fronted bedrooms and cool stone walls, furnished with ochre rugs and cushions reflecting the earthy tones outside. The views are spectacular, but it is the traditions and semi-nomadic heritage of the local Samburu people give the camp its personality. Led by professional Samburu guides, benefit from a feeling of space and exclusivity when out on the walks under a seemingly endless sky.
Sasaab is perched above the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, capturing panoramic views across Samburu land, the Laikipia plateau and the Matthews Range. This beautiful camp, with its North-African-inspired decor, is hidden within an exclusive community conservancy.
Elsa’s Kopje is a stylish wilderness retreat, offering breath-taking panoramic views of the surrounding plains and wetlands below. The lodge is named after Elsa, the orphaned lioness reared by George and Joy Adamson and on whom the film “Born Free” was based. The lodge’s beautiful stone cottages are built into Mughwango Hill, looking out over Meru National Park.
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