Elephant Watch Camp is a luxury eco-camp located in the heart of Samburu National Reserve, Kenya, offering an intimate and conservation-focused safari experience. As the name suggests, the camp is famous for its close encounters with elephants, particularly the well known families studied by the Save the Elephants organization, which was founded by Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton. Guests at Elephant Watch Camp have the rare privilege of observing and learning about individual elephants, their behaviors, and their family dynamics, making it an ideal destination for wildlife lovers, researchers, and conservationists.
Unlike the traditional tented camps of the Masai Mara, Elephant Watch Camp blends sustainable luxury with a rustic, bohemian charm. The camp features handcrafted furniture, vibrant fabrics, and open-sided designs, allowing guests to feel completely immersed in nature. The emphasis here is on eco-conscious living, with the camp running on solar power, using only locally sourced organic food, and maintaining low environmental impact tourism.
Apart from elephants, Samburu National Reserve is home to rare and endemic species such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk (collectively known as the Samburu Special Five). The reserve also has a healthy predator population, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards. With expert local guides and close collaboration with conservationists, Elephant Watch Camp offers a transformative safari experience that goes beyond just game drives it’s about understanding, protecting, and appreciating wildlife in a deeply personal way.
Best Time to Visit
June to October (Dry Season & Best Wildlife Viewing) – Animals gather around the Ewaso Nyiro River, making them easier to spot, and the weather is warm and dry.
November to March (Good Wildlife & Fewer Tourists) – The short rains bring lush greenery, newborn animals, and fantastic birdwatching opportunities.
April & May (Low Season, Heavy Rains Possible) – The landscape is at its most vibrant, but the roads may be muddy, and wildlife can disperse due to abundant water sources.
How to Get There
By Air
Daily flights from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to Samburu’s Kalama or Buffalo Springs airstrips take about 1 hour. From the airstrip, the camp provides a scenic game drive transfer (30 to 40 minutes) through Samburu National Reserve.
By Road
A 5 to 6 hour drive from Nairobi via Nanyuki, passing through picturesque highlands before descending into the arid Samburu landscape. A 4×4 vehicle is necessary, especially in the rainy season.
