Michael & Ann – weaving soul into the heart of Sarara Camp
Meeting Michael Mukutu and Ann Naipiman doesn’t seem like an introduction – it’s more like a joyful reunion with old friends. From the moment you arrive at Sarara’s original camp, they welcome you into the heart of Samburu with such sincerity that you feel like part of the family.
Their deep love for this land, its people, and its wildlife shines through in every story they share, and their intuitive ability to personalise each day with the perfect selection of activities makes every moment truly unforgettable.
After Michael spent three years managing Reteti House and Ann made a name for herself as Sarara’s first female guide, the couple – who met at Sarara and tied the knot in 2023 – moved to Sarara Camp in December 2024 as Manager and Front of House Host. With his passion for hospitality and her knack as the ultimate organiser, they hit the ground running!
We caught up with this inspiring duo in-between them welcoming guests, and saying goodbye to new friends of Sarara…
Q Highlights at Reteti House?
Michael As a new – and the youngest – camp manager at Sarara, it felt like I’d just been handed a jet engine: fuelled up and ready for take-off! One of the most unforgettable moments during my three years at Reteti House was witnessing Reteti Elephant Sanctuary’s 2024 Release Herd meeting a wild elephant herd at the lodge’s waterhole. It started like a standoff, but ended like a heartwarming family reunion.
Q Biggest adjustment taking over at Sarara Camp?
Michael and Ann The biggest shift was in the guest dynamics. Sarara Camp often hosts several families or groups at once, while Reteti House hosts just one group at a time. We had to adjust our approach to accommodate multiple guest experiences simultaneously.
Q What do you enjoy most about hosting guests at Sarara?
Michael and Ann The deep, personal conversations – sharing stories with guests. It brings us closer to people and gives us a richer understanding of the world, and the traditions that tie us to this land.
Q What makes each of these camps special from a guest perspective?
Michael and Ann Both offer unique views of the Mathews Mountain Range as well as Namunyak Conservancy’s landscapes. Reteti House brings you right up to the doorstep of Reteti Elephant Sanctuary – which is perfect for those wanting to maximise their time with the elephants. Meanwhile, Sarara Camp gives you a front-row seat to the oldest waterhole in the valley – with a constant parade of wildlife, especially elephants and giraffes!
Q What surprises guests most about Sarara Camp?
Michael The contrast, and deep connection, between Samburu culture and the modern world. It’s eye-opening and humbling at the same time.
Q Ideal itinerary to be immersed in the magic of Sarara Camp and its sister properties?
Michael and Ann For a first-time safari in Kenya, we recommend:
2 days at Sarara Wilderness for a remarkable game-viewing adventure in the heart of the wild (with thrilling sights of big cats)
2 days at Reteti House for deeply moving and close-up experiences with Namunyak’s elephants; and profound relaxation (including spa treatments and pampering)
2 days at Sarara Treehouses for enchanting hikes on the forested slopes of the Mathews Range (marvelling at birds, primates, ‘herbal encounters’ and more)
2 days at Sarara Camp for an immersion in Samburu culture and locally-led conservation (as well as watching wildlife at the iconic waterhole)
Q Most popular guest activities at Sarara Camp – and how to pace them?
Michael and Ann It completely depends on guests’ interests, but hiking and visiting a traditional manyatta (homestead) are both very popular. We suggest doing a walk on your arrival day – it’s a beautiful way to immerse yourself in Samburuland and its traditions, especially through learning more about Indigenous herbal medicine. Save the manyatta visit for your last day – it’s the perfect cultural farewell.
Q How do you complement each other – at work and as a couple?
Michael Ann is a master at planning and organising things to perfection, while I’m more hands-on – running around (literally!), handling behind-the-scenes operations, and being the family’s resident computer nerd. Together, we make a pretty great team!
Q How many languages do you speak?
Ann We both speak English, Swahili, and our native language. Michael can stretch that to about seven languages when needed!
FULL CIRCLE
As young children, Michael (who grew up near Nairobi), and Ann (who is from Wamba in Samburu) both dreamed of spreading their wings in the wilderness one day… Michael remembers how he always dreamed of becoming a pilot, and Ann dreamed of being a safari tour guide.