“The idea of Elephant Watch Safaris came to me as I was sitting on the roof of my Landrover, watching elephants. A young female walked towards me and lifted her trunk. I held out my hand to the tip of her long nose and murmured a low rumble-call while her warm breath flowed over my fingers. For a while she remained by the car, flapping her ears, ripping grass and twirling her trunk. As I looked at her closely I felt a silent new friendship was developing.”

Oria Douglas-Hamilton

The rationale behind “Elephant Watch Safaris” is borrowed from whale watching; that there is more value in the live animal from people watching it, than there is from killing it for its products of meat, skin and ivory. Elephant Watch Safaris is a first in Africa and I am delighted to be able to offer visitors this new and wonderful experience in the Samburu National Reserve in Northern Kenya. While venturing into the secret world of elephants, our guests are also looked after in great style.

The exotic Camp is perched on the sand banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, beneath big Kigelia trees and Acacia Elatiors. It is home to some of the largest bulls in Samburu who can often be spotted resting under an acacia tree or picking pods beside the tents. The trees are filled with a multitude of birds and monkeys. At dawn a gentle chorus echoes overhead announcing the new day in the wild.

Everything about Elephant Watch Camp is a feast for the senses, with bright swathes of cotton fanning in the breeze, huge cushioned sofas, woven local mats and special beds and furniture made from fallen trees. Menus are a fusion of bush gourmet, fresh from our farm, with tropical fruit and drinks and a selection of good wine. Books, films and information on elephants are provided for guests. At night, flame torches and lanterns light up the camp along the river. Baboons call out as leopards stalk, while lions and elephants are always nearby. It is the only camp of its kind in Samburu.

Africa : Kenya

The Samburu Reserve is about an hour's flight from Naivasha by charter, or via Air Kenya from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, with two flights a day. One flight also continues on to the Maasai Mara. Private charters to and from Samburu can also be arranged.

Elephant Watching begins on arrival. Our Elephant Watch guides meet their guests at either of the two airfields and drive them gently through the Reserve spending time with many of our well known elephant families as well as introducing them to some of the particular Northern inhabitants - the slim necked Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy Zebras and over 400 species of birds. A special visit to Save the Elephant Research Centre can also be organised.

Each day opens with a new adventure. Early morning or evening bush walks along well-travelled elephant paths or collecting medicinal plants and honey and always accompanied by our Samburu Warriors. At times one can witness the great river crossings of camels and cattle, fire making and Samburu ceremonies.

Elephant Watching:
You will be looked after by our elephant guides and taken right into the midst of the elephant world where you will meet some of the great matriarchs and their families, follow the known bulls and share their secret places. The longer you spend with them the more involved you become with these extraordinary animals. To be accepted by the elephants is something you will never forget.

Game Drives:
Samburu National reserve is home to reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, Grevy zebra, and vulturine guinea fowl, which are all unique to the arid North of Kenya. Samburu National Reserve also offers spectacular game viewing. With the Ewaso River and plenty of trees providing shade, the wildlife are attracted to this idyllic refuge and plenty of fabulous photo opportunities will abound!

Rafting:
When the river is full and flowing, a favorite activity at EWS is rafting down the Uaso. Starting at the Cattle Corridor, guests raft past EWS camp (where this photo was taken), and then on to the Save the Elephants Research Center, where you can stop for a break and a talk about the research currently underway. When you reboard the raft, you continue along until you reach the Wire Bridge, the location of elephant crossing.

Sundowners:
A tradition at Elephant Watch Camp, our Sundowners are a great way to conclude your day. Our Sundowners are located at our "top of the world" spot, with a breathtaking vista to observe the sunset. Enjoy a refreshing drink while you watch the Samburu warriors dance in the glow of a fire they created using their "firesticks."

Bird Watching & Hiking:
Samburu National Reserve is a bird-watcher's paradise. There are over 400 varieties of birds, including the Bristle-crowned Starling, Vereaux's Eagle-owl, Night Heron, Palm-Nut Vulture (sometimes called the South African Fish-Eagle), and Pygmy Falcon. You may even be lucky enough to glimpse the somewhat uncommon Red-headed Weaver.

For those who enjoy hiking, numerous walking trails surround the camp.

Excursions:
Personalized excursions can also be arranged. You may chose to visit a Samburu Village, the Save the Elephants Research Centre, Mount Kenya, or other nearby attractions. A day trip to Shaba national Reserve can be organised. Famed for its large lion prides and huge bull elephants, a day trip to Shaba is an ideal excursion. A climbing trip, day trips, and overnight trips to Ol Lolokwe, the Samburu sacred mountain, may also be arranged.