Frequently Asked Questions
Travel to Kenya
Do I need any vaccinations to travel to Kenya?
If you are traveling between two countries within Africa you are required to have the Yellow Fever vaccine. Otherwise please check with your local physician and what vaccinations they advise.
Do I need a visa to travel to Kenya?
Most nationalities (except 43 exempt nationalities) require an electronic visa to enter Kenya. The good news is that the process of getting an e-visa is fairly quick and easy.
How do we get to Sarara from Nairobi?
There are scheduled flights that fly from Wilson, Nairobi to Kalama. From here we can transfer you to Sarara at the rate of $450 per transfer for the party. Alternatively, you can book a private charter from Nairobi directly to Sarara, please inquire upon booking for charter rates. Additionally, it is possible to drive to Sarara from Nairobi, it is around a 7 hour drive; mostly tarmac but a 4x4 is required for the last hour’s drive to Sarara.
Health Protocol
Is there Malaria?
Due to the high elevation and higher temperatures in the Sarara Valley there are very minimal cases of Malaria in the region.
What are your Covid-19 protocols?
Please see the link to our online covid protocols
Is the staff vaccinated?
All staff at Sarara Camps and Reteti are fully vaccinated
Families
Does Sarara have family rooms?
Yes we have the Sarara House located at the main Sarara camp that can accommodate a family of four. At Sarara Treehouse we have a family unit that also accommodates a family of four. This unit has two separate tents and their own ensuite bathrooms - sharing the same veranda.
Does Sarara cater for children? Can I bring my 1 year old? Is there a day care?
Sarara allows children of all ages and the entire team enjoy having kids at camp. Though we do recommend ages 6 and above at the Treehouse camp, due to its elevated rooms. We have a cot and baby high chairs in camp. We do not provide Day Care services. Children can go on game drives.
Weather & What to Pack
What is the best season to travel to Kenya?
November, April and May are usually our rainy season months. June and July tend to be the cooler months of the year. After the rainy season there are very lush and green lots of wild flowers and birdlife. Natural rock slides are flowing. Dryer hotter months you are more likely to see a higher concentration of wildlife around the water sources. The Samburu Singing wells will be deeper and more active during this time.
What's the climate like in Sarara?
Temperatures are warmer at Sarara, so light comfortable clothes are advised.
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
Emergency Cover
How do I go about booking activities at Sarara? And which activities are included in the rate?
Activities can be booked during your stay in camp with the camp managers, or you can prebook and pay for activities if you so wish when you are making your booking. Fly camping, Scenic Flight and Helicopter Safaris can be booked ahead of time, but it’s not a requirement.
Will I see elephants?
Yes! Namunyak Community Conservancy has one the biggest elephant populations in East Africa
Can I visit Reteti?
Yes, this can easily be booked during your stay at Sarara, or can be pre-booked. The cost pp to visit Reteti is $35. For a private viewing, the additional cost is $500 for the group, this will need to be pre-booked.
How far is Sarara Camps from Sarara Treehouses?
It’s a 20-25 minute drive between the two camps.
How far is Reteti from the Sarara?
Reteti is 20km away from both camps, and it’s a 45 - 60 minutes drive from both of the camps. It’s a beautiful game drive within Namunyak Conservancy.
Amenities & General
Can you cater for my dietary requirements?
Yes, our Sarara chef team is more than capable to accommodate any dietary requirements.
Is Sarara wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately not.
Is there WiFi and phone signal at Sarara?
Starlink WiFi is available in communal areas and we have intermittent Safaricom phone signal in Namunyak Conservancy.
Can I fly my drone?
On a special permitted basis only, as permits may be required as well as filming fees. Please ask for more information during the booking process.
What language does the staff speak?
The staff are predominantly Samburu from the local communities. They will speak Samburu and Swahili and our front-facing staff all speak English.
What currency does the lodge accept?
Kenya Shillings and US Dollars
How does tipping work in Kenya?
Tipping is at the discretion of the guest. Though, we recommend
$20 per day per room for general staff tip
$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.
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.