Beyond Laikipia: Discovering Northern Kenya's Untamed Community Conservancies

Northern Kenya conservancies offer a very different safari experience from the better known plains of Laikipia and the busier national parks. Travel farther north into the sun baked rangelands of Samburu, Isiolo and Marsabit counties and you enter a landscape shaped by community conservation, rare wildlife, dramatic wilderness and intimate safari stays.

These community owned areas connect tourism with local conservation and livelihoods. For a broader view of how community conservancies work in the region, you can read the Northern Rangelands Trust community conservation overview. You can also explore more Kenya conservancies already featured by Olengugih Safaris.

Northern Kenya conservancies at a glance

Sera Community Conservancy: The Radical Rhino Rebirth

Spanning over 840,000 acres of open plains and sandy luggas, Sera Wildlife Conservancy is famous for a major conservation achievement. It is home to the first and only community owned black rhino sanctuary in East Africa.

• The experience: Sera is one of the few places where travellers can track critically endangered black rhinos on foot with highly trained Samburu rangers.
• Where to stay, Saruni Rhino: This is an intimate, off grid luxury camp with stone bandas tucked among doum palms along a dry riverbed.
• Highlights: Starlit bush dinners on the sandy riverbed, a natural stone pool and immediate access to the tracking sanctuary.

For current information about the rhino sanctuary and its conservation work, visit the official Sera Rhino Sanctuary page.

Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy: The Heartbeat of the Mathews Range

Cradled by the dramatic forested peaks of the Mathews Mountain Range, Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy covers about 850,000 acres of ancient wilderness. The conservancy supports an important elephant landscape and is home to the community run Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.

• The experience: Beyond visiting orphaned elephant calves, travellers can take guided mountain walks or witness the Singing Wells, where Samburu pastoralists call their herds down to drink.
• Where to stay, Sarara Camp: Sophisticated tented accommodation looking toward the Mathews Range, with six spacious en suite safari tents and an infinity plunge pool above a wildlife watering hole.
• Where to stay, Sarara Treehouses: Luxury stilted tents set in the canopy of an ancient indigenous forest, with excellent bird watching and a strong sense of seclusion.

Learn more about elephant rescue, rehabilitation and release on the official Reteti Elephant Sanctuary website.

Kalama Community Conservancy: Panoramic Vistas of the Northern Frontier

Bordering the northern edge of Samburu National Reserve, the 240,000 acre Kalama Community Conservancy is an important migratory corridor for wildlife moving through the arid north.

• The experience: Kalama is prime territory for spotting the Samburu Special Five, the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and long necked gerenuk.
• Where to stay, Saruni Samburu: Large open front eco villas built into a volcanic rocky escarpment with panoramic views stretching toward Mount Kenya.
• Where to stay, Basecamp Samburu: Intimate canvas camping with elevated star beds where guests can sleep beneath the night sky.

Westgate Community Conservancy: Riverside Oasis

Following the life giving waters of the Ewaso Nyiro River, Westgate Community Conservancy brings together Samburu pastoral culture and wildlife protection.

• The experience: Watch elephants in the river shallows or take part in activities such as camel riding, quad biking across the rangeland or helicopter safaris.
• Where to stay, Sasaab: A spacious blend of Moroccan and Swahili design with nine permanent canvas suites overlooking a high river valley.
• Highlights: Each room has a private plunge pool facing the river, and the lodge is certified as a Global Ecosphere Retreat.

Pro tips for travelling to Kenya's far north

• Getting there: The guide notes that travellers can drive from Nairobi in about five to six hours for some northern routes, while scheduled flights to local airstrips or private runways can make access easier for remote locations.
• What to pack: Northern Kenya is hot and arid, so pack lightweight layers, high SPF sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat and sturdy walking or hiking boots.
• Booking: Many of these camps focus on low impact tourism and have limited capacity. Booking well in advance is sensible, especially for the dry seasons from July to October and January to March.

If you want to build these conservancies into a larger itinerary, browse our Kenya safari packages and use them as a starting point for a custom route. We can combine northern conservancies with other wildlife areas while keeping travel time and accommodation style in mind.

Northern Kenya conservancies FAQ

Which Northern Kenya conservancies are covered in this guide?

This guide focuses on Sera Wildlife Conservancy, Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Kalama Community Conservancy and Westgate Community Conservancy.

Where can travellers track black rhinos on foot in Northern Kenya?

Sera Wildlife Conservancy offers guided black rhino tracking on foot with trained Samburu rangers.

Where is Reteti Elephant Sanctuary?

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is located within Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in Northern Kenya.

What are the Samburu Special Five?

The Samburu Special Five are the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and long necked gerenuk. Kalama is highlighted in this guide as a strong area for looking for these species.

How can travellers plan a Northern Kenya conservancy safari?

Start by choosing the conservancies and experiences that matter most to you, then consider road and flight connections, accommodation capacity and travel season. You can contact Olengugih Safaris for a route built around your preferred wildlife experiences and style of stay.

Last reviewed by Olengugih Safaris: 28 September 2026.