A Journey of Transformation: One Guest’s Story from Sarara Treehouses
“I arrived at Sarara as a Ugandan woman. I left as a Samburu woman…”
A guest blog by Peace Nganwa
“That place captured my heart and has stayed with me ever since. For a long time, even writing to you or looking at photographs felt too emotional, because it meant reliving the moment and feeling the ache of not being there.
“From the very beginning, the journey itself felt special. Being picked up in the smaller plane and avoiding the long two-hour drive was such a thoughtful touch. When we landed at the airstrip, the welcome was already warm and genuine. Kalamon was wonderful, friendly, calm, explaining everything, and somehow making me feel immediately at home, like I belonged.
“Arriving at Sarara Treehouses only deepened that feeling. The welcome was exceptional. I felt comfortable straight away, as though I had known James, Philip, Sonia, Grace and everyone else before, even those whose names I still struggle to pronounce. I met Peter, Joseph the chef, and Jackson. Jackson was incredible. Everyone was. I genuinely felt at home.
“Sarara Treehouses itself is beautiful. Homely yet luxurious, comfortable yet deeply respectful of its environment. It fits so naturally into the landscape that you don’t feel separate from it. I didn’t disappear into it, but I didn’t stand out either.
“I felt part of the habitat which is rare and special.”
“That first afternoon, I went on a three-kilometre walk. By then Daniel had arrived, and walking with him and James was such a gift. Daniel was warm and generous with his stories about his life, the culture, and the land. Meeting them was deeply grounding. Seeing giraffes, and standing face-to-face with the Mathews Range, was humbling. I love mountains, and each one has its own spirit, but these mountains are truly special. Sacred in a way that is hard to explain.
Mount Ololokwe was another highlight altogether. I surprised myself by being ready before 4.30 am, standing by the vehicle and eager to go. The drive was lovely, the hike enjoyable, and meeting Lakopanye with his quiet presence and shy smile added something very special to the experience.
“And then the breakfast… I still don’t have words for it. The muesli with fruit and yoghurt? Who expects that on a hike? The boiled eggs, sausages, bacon, pancakes, tea and coffee… Every single item was thoughtful and beautifully prepared. I was genuinely close to tears. It was surprising, generous and deeply caring.
“Coming back down, I had my sandwich, which was delicious like something you would expect in a gourmet restaurant. And then, the mother of all surprises was to be welcomed with my favourite bottle of wine, perfectly chilled, after the hike… Honestly, I nearly cried. That level of thoughtfulness stays with a person.
“Back at camp, I freshened up and went out again for sundowners on a nearby rock, elephants in the distance. Pure magic.
“The following day’s walk was hard. Eleven kilometres under a burning sun. Not hot, but burning, and it took everything out of me. James lent me his kikoi to protect my hands, which was such a small but powerful act of care. Even in exhaustion, I felt held.
As Wanderlust’s fourth annual celebration of sustainability in travel, the list showcases 101 destinations, initiatives, and places to stay that demonstrate how travel can be a force for good. Featuring exceptional locations and projects that actively protect ecosystems and empower local communities, it highlights sustainability pioneers from across the globe – from Indigenous-led tourism ventures to regenerative travel hubs.
By recognising the wider ecosystem that underpins the success of Sarara and Reteti, Namunyak’s inclusion in 2026 affirms the conservancy as a leading example of grassroots conservation and regenerative tourism on the global stage.
“Leaving was just as special as arriving. Transport waiting, the flight ready, everything seamless and intentional.
“Sarara Treehouses and that whole area offered something I have never experienced before. I have travelled widely across Southern and Eastern Africa, but I have never felt at home the way I did at Treehouses.
“I came looking for a break. What I received was transformation”
“Something shifted in me. I feel more humble, more alive, more present. Even on the ‘rest day’ I didn’t rest as planned – I walked, I pushed myself, I broke open in ways I didn’t expect. The final evening sundowners by the fire were unforgettable.
“I know I’ll be back, and have a feeling December may become a tradition…”
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