Visiting Namunyak Conservancy In Samburu
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
About Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy
“A Place of Peace “
Namunyak Conservancy is located in the heart of Kenya’s northern safari destination. Surrounding the magnificent Mathews Mountain Range, it is home to the indigenous Samburu people. As semi-nomadic pastoralists, they have for centuries reared their livestock while coexisting in harmony with the region’s incredible wildlife. Namunyak Community Conservancy was established in 1995 by the local Samburu community – and founded on the vision and insights of their Elders, who travelled far and wide to learn more about community-driven conservation that would safeguard both their natural legacy and people for generations to come. Committed to the future of Namunyak’s community, wildlife, and biodiversity, they made sure their plans benefitted the region as a whole.
Following two decades of poaching, Namunyak Community Conservancy was established in 1995 to promote wildlife conservation and allow the Samburu community to benefit from tourism, while protecting this wilderness and the many wildlife species living on their land.
A Kenya Safari Gem
The Animals & Wildlife In Namunyak Conservancy
Today, Namunyak Community Conservancy is a treasure of rare and often uncatalogued species. It is home to the rare and beautiful De Brazza colobus monkey and the IUCN red-listed sub species of the Cycad, Encephalartos tegulaneus.
Namunyak serves as a critical wildlife refuge for many species and holds important northern populations of reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, leopard, African wild dog, impala lion, greater kudu and many bird species.
The conservancy is particularly important for elephant as they move seasonally between the Mathews Range and the Mt. Kenya and Ngare Ndare Forest, a route they have been using for decades.
Best Safari Activities In Namunyak Conservancy
Enjoy a whole lot of safari activities and opportunities to go deep into the heart of the region, and alongside those who have loved this land for generations, its intricate layers will slowly unfold. From soul-restoring hikes to magical nights under the stars, to unscripted interactions with the Samburu while joining in their age-old traditions – explore through meaningful journeys of discovery, while inspiring a renewed love for the raw power of nature.
1. Private Wildlife Safaris at Namunyak Conservancy
Go on unlimited private guided game drives – including night safari drives in Namunyak Conservancy – make for unforgettable sightings while exploring Northern Kenya’s breathtaking wildlife and wilderness. Enjoy exceptional game-viewing opportunities – including Kenya’s second-largest elephant population, and up-close encounters – especially with big cats.
2. Fly Camping at Namunyak Conservancy
Get completely immersed in nature on an overnight Fly Camp experience in Namunyak which encompasses a specially set up outdoor experience for your group – complete with comfortably equipped tents, camping beds, wash basins and more. Typically located in a lugga (dry riverbed), it includes sharing fireside tales and being captivated by stories about the region’s fascinating history and culture, savouring a mouthwatering bush dinner – inspired by Indigenous flavours, stargazing, and being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the bush. With birdsong accompanying the smell of coffee come early morning, sunrise marks the start of another discovery-filled day.
3. Helicopter Safaris at Namunyak Conservancy
A helicopter safari in Kenya is an exhilarating way to explore northern Kenya’s vast and picturesque landscapes, and offers stunning aerial views of the Mathews Range. Each excursion is a unique experience – with highlights ranging from flying close to soaring peaks and extinct volcanoes, to marvelling at desert plains and the shimmering waters of Lake Turkana. This pre-booked adventure includes stopping for lunch in a magnificent and remote natural setting, and ultimately, it offers the chance to venture into hidden locations that are only accessible by helicopter.
3. Helicopter Safaris at Namunyak Conservancy
A helicopter safari in Kenya is an exhilarating way to explore northern Kenya’s vast and picturesque landscapes, and offers stunning aerial views of the Mathews Range. Each excursion is a unique experience – with highlights ranging from flying close to soaring peaks and extinct volcanoes, to marvelling at desert plains and the shimmering waters of Lake Turkana. This pre-booked adventure includes stopping for lunch in a magnificent and remote natural setting, and ultimately, it offers the chance to venture into hidden locations that are only accessible by helicopter.
4. Horseback Safaris at Namunyak Conservancy
Heading off the beaten track on a horseback safari is one of the most cherished outings – and with all your senses awakened, profound connections with nature and wildlife await. Our horseback encounters cater for absolute beginners to more experienced riders, and range from short to longer outings to suit each guest’s preferences and needs. Whether you set off early to catch the first rays of the sun (and the perfect bush breakfast spot); or chase the last light and top off the experience with a spectacular sunset, a horseback safari is a wonderfully tranquil way to explore Namunyak’s wide-open landscapes.
5. Cultural Photographic Safaris at Namunyak Conservancy
Witness the Samburu’s lifestyle which embodies a rich historical legacy. As one of the best-preserved cultures in Africa, it’s an honour to be welcomed into this age-old way of life, and each encounter leaves you enriched and transformed. Witness the impact of sustainable tourism up close by engaging with community members in and around their manyattas (homesteads). Typically, 5-10 families live in each manyatta, with surrounding man-made fences protecting them against wild animals. The huts – which are constructed from hide, mud, cow dung and grass – are arranged in a circular fashion, and can easily be identified when flying over this landscape. It’s an eye-opening experience to be included in the daily activities of a Samburu manyatta, where the spirit of community leaves you in awe of this culture that’s been preserved for centuries.
6. Visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
It’s impossible to not be moved by the bravery of Reteti’s orphans, and visiting this pioneering centre leaves you touched, hopeful, and inspired! Nothing compares to the excitement of being right there and witnessing the babies being bottle-fed, seeing them interact with their friends, and delight in their antics during mud baths – and it’s a highlight to meet the passionate carers who tend to these calves 24/7! Rescuing orphaned and abandoned elephant calves to ultimately release them back into the wild, Reteti is the world’s first community-owned African elephant sanctuary, and was also the first to employ female keepers.
7. Private Walking Safaris at Namunyak Conservancy
As nomadic pastoralists, the Samburu have the outlines of these landscapes imprinted deep into their minds, and hearts – and the most captivating and intimate way to experience Namunyak’s pristine beauty is to join them on foot. Moving quietly and slow, you’ll see so much more, and each of our guided hikes will leave you feeling restored and transformed. There are various options near our lodges, with some of the main ones listed below.
8. SPA Safari Experiences at Namunyak Conservancy
Close your eyes and imagine… A gentle breeze from the bush brushing your skin, elephants trumpeting at a wildlife waterhole metres away, the smell of herbal oils soothing your senses, and the healing touch of expert hands as you ease into a treatment that restores as much as it connects you with this breathtaking landscape. The Samburu therapists at the heart of the lodge massages personalise every session for an experience that pampers areas in need of extra. Whether enjoyed on your private veranda, inside your room, or alongside the pool of one of our lodges or camps, every treatment is tailormade for optimum relaxation.
9. Night Astronomy Safari at Namunyak Conservancy
This night stargazing tour allows time to stand still as you appreciate the immensity of the universe in full. Due to the remote location of the safari lodge and camps – far from urban lights and development – Africa’s famously clear night skies are even more amplified with breathtaking brightness and visibility. From experienced astronomy enthusiasts to those new to stargazing, our night-time experiences can be tailored to appeal to guest of any level.
10. Rock Climbing Safari In Namunyak Conservancy
This is a popular safari activity in Northern Kenya parks. Rock climbing literally takes enjoying Northern Kenya’s great outdoors to new heights! This activity is available at Sarara Treehouses and Reteti House – and the sites – featuring wonderful boulders with rope-climbing options – are a 30-minute walk from both.
Photography Safaris
Best Kenya Safari Packages
Find a trip to Kenya. Browse our recommended Kenya tour packages or simply get in touch with one of our Africa safari experts to help custom-make your Kenya safari itinerary that matches your travel wishes; from exciting wildlife encounters to out-of-this-world white sand beach holiday tours, it’s a journey designed to immerse you in the extraordinary.
9 Days | 8 Nights
Top Kenya Air Safaris
Tours & Tickets to Namunyak Conservancy
From up-close elephant encounters to unscripted connections with the richly layered culture and traditions of the region, these Northern Kenya safari itineraries provide a complete immersion in the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya.
Discover the top things to do; Explore the 850,000-acre conservancy and its wildlife on unrestricted guided game drives.
Meet the herd at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary and watch the keepers bottle-feed and interact with each of the elephants!
Honour an ancient Samburu tradition as you discover the Singing Wells
Welcome the sunrise on guided walking safaris with packed breakfasts in breathtaking settings
Enjoy outdoor bush meals and sundowners under Africa’s wide-open skies
Experience a thrilling horseback safari
Visit one of our Nomadic Montessori Schools and join the Nomadic Healthcare team to see their impact on the ground
Spend a morning beading with Samburu ladies and hear more about the cultural importance of their vivid jewellery
Learn about an age-old art in the company of a skilled Samburu blacksmith, while watching him fashion beautiful items over a fire
Book African Safari Packages
Does African safari tours feature on your bucket list? It should! Africa has so much to offer, from spectacular scenery, friendly people and cultural treasures to blissful beaches. Vulture African Safaris is an African safari expert who for years have been crafting and delivering personalised, Africa-based safaris, shaped by their first-hand knowledge and deep local connections. They have invaluable expertise about every safari destination, every lodge, every experience, and use their first-hand experience to create personalised itineraries for over 1,000 guests annually. But above all else, it is the wildlife and safari lifestyle that will draw you back, again and again. Once you go on your first Kenya safari tours, Africa gets into your blood.