Northern Kenya’s Golden Glow
10 OF SARARA’S TOP SUNSET SPOTS
Writers worldwide have adored Africa’s sunsets for centuries, and all the odes to ‘horizons ablaze with fiery colours’ are well deserved! But there’s even more to these dramatic displays, as these breathtaking moments result from unique atmospheric conditions such as the continent’s exceptionally high concentration of dust. Contributing to the refraction of sunlight, they in turn paint the skies in spectacular tones of orange, red and yellow.
With no sunset in Northern Kenya ever being the same, every early evening at Sarara presents the opportunity to discover this breathtaking landscape anew. And in just the past few months, these were just some of our guests’ top sunset experiences – collected across our lodges, camps and activities around Namunyak Conservancy and the wider Samburu Ecosystem:
01 | FLY CAMPING IN KENYA’S WILDERNESS
Watching the sunset around a crackling campfire during an overnight Fly Camping experience is one of the highlights of a longer stay at Sarara. Set up especially in a remote lugga (dry riverbed), this outing includes customised tents (complete with comfy camping beds and washbasins), a delicious bush dinner prepared on-site, and being surrounded by nothing but wilderness.
02 | SUNDOWNERS ON MILLENNIUM HILL
It takes less than 20 minutes to walk to Millennium Hill from Sarara Camp to catch the last rays of the sun – and you’ll be rewarded with drinks and snacks on arrival, spectacular views, and most likely some curious visitors in the form of giraffes and zebras ambling past to say hello. Highly recommended on your first day!
03 | SARARA TREEHOUSES’ POOLSIDE BAR
There’s something so peaceful about sharing the day’s adventures at Sarara Treehouses’ bar and pool area with Philip Leeresh and his team that you’ll want to stretch sunset out to soak up more of the tranquillity! It’s also the perfect spot to sample Sarara’s signature cocktail menu – which features Samburu-inspired drinks, including highlights such as the Nalepo* Negroni and numerous non-alcoholic options.
* meaning infinite
04 | SAFARI SUNSET DRIVE
It’s not a universal safari highlight for nothing – sundowner stops on late afternoon game drives are not to be missed! At Sarara, the experience is amplified thanks to our remote location and no other game vehicles near – with picturesque surprise settings picked by your Samburu guide adding even more magic. Guests at Sarara Wilderness in the wider Samburu Ecosystem typically visit a coveted spot in Buffalo Springs National Reserve on their first evening – featuring spellbinding views of both Mount Ol Lolokwe and the Mathews Range.
05 | RETETI ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
Visiting Reteti Elephant Sanctuary for an early evening feed doubles up all the emotions of a breathtaking sunset! Being right there to experience the unfiltered joy among the orphans as they slurp every last drop from their milk bottles is the perfect way to end a day – and the sanctuary’s location in the heart of Namunyak Community Conservancy makes for a picture-perfect setting.
06 | SARARA HOUSE’S PRIVATE OUTDOOR LOUNGE
Ending the day with an intimate gathering between family or friends at Sarara House – an exclusive-use property that accommodates small groups in their own private home with its own lounge, dining area and pool – makes for inimitable sunsets. As the perfect vantage point to watch wildlife idly passing by, there’s also the occasional elephant looking in to ‘inspect’ your pool, long-necked giraffes towering over the treetops, and the animated chattering of monkeys in the forest nearby.
07 | SUNDOWNERS HIGH ABOVE RETETI HOUSE
There’s no shortage of panoramic vistas of the Sarara Valley and Mathews Mountains from the hilltop west of Reteti House, and this popular spot is one of the most photogenic locations in Namunyak Conservancy. After a short walk from camp, you’ll be met with unrivalled 360-degree views, refreshing drinks and snacks – as well as riveting stories about the history and rich cultural legacy of the Samburu.
08 | HORSEBACK SAFARI
Exploring the wide, open spaces of Namunyak Conservancy on a horseback safari in the late afternoon has the added benefit of seeing the landscape being transformed in a riot of colours as you ride. Before returning to camp, there's time for a refreshing sundowner stop – one of the best ways to celebrate the last light.
09 | ROCK-CLIMBING
Sarara’s rock-climbing excursions (available at Sarara Treehouses and Reteti House), offer a riveting way to end the day. Enjoying sundowners and snacks to conclude a great afternoon, you won’t just marvel at the brilliantly lit skies – but also be struck by the amplified colours of the magnificent boulders you’ve just climbed.
10 | HELI-CAMPING ON MOUNTAIN ORKA
Possibly one of the most exhilarating options to appreciate this landscape is set high on Mountain Orka – on a customised overnight heli-camping adventure overlooking Northern Kenya’s vast valleys and plains. Based on availability, this exclusive activity is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and comes with unrivalled sunsets!