Frequently Asked Questions
Travel to Kenya
Do I need a visa to travel to Kenya?
Most visitors to Kenya require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before traveling. Some nationalities and categories of travelers are exempt. The process of obtaining an eTA is quick and straightforward.
Check your eligibility and apply online at the official Kenya eTA website.
How do we get from Nairobi to Sarara?
Flight options to Sarara’s three ecolodges in Namunyak Community Conservancy include:
Private charters into Namunyak airstrip
Scheduled flights with Safarilink/Air Kenya to Kalama airstrip (transfer to Sarara at an extra fee (max 4 passengers) approx. 1.5h drive)
Scheduled flights: Safarilink/Air Kenya to Lewa airstrip (transfer to Sarara at an extra fee (max 4 passengers) approx. 3.5h drive)
Self-drive: 4X4 vehicles only; Sarara is +- 8hr drive from Nairobi
Sarara Wilderness, our tented camp situated in the wider Samburu ecosystem, is within reach of both Kalama and Buffalo Springs airstrips. Guests can opt for scheduled flights with Safarilink or Air Kenya – or make use of private charters. Travel time from Sarara Camp, Reteti House, and Sarara Treehouses is 2.5 hours.
Health
Is there malaria in this area?
Due to Sarara’s high elevation, there is a relatively low risk of malaria in the region. Please consult with your healthcare provider before traveling.
Do I need any vaccinations to travel to Kenya?
If you’re traveling between Africa countries, you may be required to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Please check with your GP which vaccinations may be recommended for your destination before traveling.
Families
Does Sarara have family rooms?
Yes. Sarara offers several family-friendly accommodation options:
At Sarara Camp, Sarara House is an exclusive-use home accommodating up to four guests. It features two en-suite bedrooms, a dining room, lounge and private plunge pool.
At Sarara Treehouses, our family unit accommodates up to four guests in two separate tents, each with its own en-suite bathroom, sharing a private veranda.
Reteti House offers an open-plan family room with an indoor shower, as well as a brand-new family suite with two bedrooms connected by a shared living space.
Does Sarara cater for children?
Sarara welcomes children of all ages, and our team loves hosting young guests and giving them the opportunity to experience the wilderness. Sarara Wilderness is best suited to children aged five years and older, while we recommend that children staying at Sarara Treehouses be aged six and above due to the elevated rooms.
We do not offer childcare services, but there are a variety of immersive activities for children, and they are also welcome on game drives. At camp, we provide everything from cots to high chairs.
Weather & What to Pack
What is the best season to travel to Kenya?
November, April and May are usually our rainy-season months, while June and July tend to be the cooler months of the year.
Following the rains, the landscape is lush and green, with an abundance of wildflowers and birdlife, and the natural rock pools and waterfalls are flowing. During the drier, hotter months, wildlife is more likely to congregate around water sources, while the Samburu Singing Wells are deeper and more active.
What's the climate like in Sarara?
Sarara enjoys warm days throughout the year, with cooler temperatures in the evenings and during the winter months. Light, comfortable clothing is recommended, along with a warm layer for early mornings and evenings.
How much luggage can I bring to Sarara?
Although international flights allow up to 2 x 25kg pieces of luggage, the charter flights into Sarara can only carry 15kg of luggage per person. Soft sided bags recommended.
Activities at Sarara
How do I book activities at Sarara, and which are included in the rate?
Your stay at Sarara includes unrestricted game drives, guided walks, visits to the Singing Wells and local communities, one horseback safari per person, and one standard visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. Additional experiences that can be arranged during your stay or pre-booked at an additional cost include massages, helicopter safaris, scenic flights and fly camping. For more, see all Sarara activities.
Can I visit Reteti more than once?
Yes, this can easily be booked during your stay at Sarara, or it can arranged on bookings. The minimum donation pp to visit Reteti is US$ 75 for international guests and 2,000 Ksh for Kenyan residents. For a private viewing, contact bookings@reteti.org for more information.
How far are Sarara’s lodges and camps from each other?
Sarara Camp and Sarara Treehouses are a scenic 20-25-minute game drive apart. Reteti House is a 50-minute drive away.
How far is Reteti Elephant Sanctuary from Sarara’s ecolodges?
Reteti is a 20km/45-minute drive from both Sarara Camp and Sarara Treehouses, through Namunyak Community Conservancy’s pristine wilderness. It’s a 10-minute walk from Reteti House, or a 15-minute drive.
Amenities & General
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes, Sarara’s chefs and kitchen teams are more than capable to accommodate any dietary requirements. We’re happy to accommodate dietary requirements and preferences, including vegetarian, gluten-free and other special diets. Please let us know in advance so our teams can prepare accordingly.
Is Sarara wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately not.
Is there WiFi and phone signal at Sarara?
Starlink WiFi is available at Sarara, while Safaricom mobile phone signal is intermittent in Namunyak Conservancy.
May I fly my drone?
Drone flights are permitted on a special-request basis only and may require permits and filming fees. Please ask for more information during the booking process
What language is spoken at the lodges?
Sarara’s employees are predominantly Samburu, from the local communities. They speak Samburu and Swahili, while all front-facing staff speak English.
Which currencies do the lodges accept?
Kenya Shillings and US Dollars
How does tipping work in Kenya?
Tipping is at the discretion of guests. Though, we recommend:
US$ 20 per day per room for general staff tip
US$ 20 per day per vehicle for your guide
Check-in & Check-out Times
Check-in is at 11:00am
Check-out is at 10:00am
No late departure check-out during premium season months.
Emergency Cover
Sarara works with dedicated suppliers to ensure our guests enjoy seamless journeys. AMREF’s extensive Maisha silver package across Eastern Africa (including Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar) provides comprehensive cover for emergency evacuation and flying doctors for up to a month.
We encourage guests to make use of this service which allows for an extended safari with complete peace of mind.
Contact reservations@sarara.co for more on this service.