KALEPO CAMP
Bedrooms:
6 (including 1 family tent)
Location:
Samburuland
Best for:
Groups or families
Price:
From $1,500 per person per night, plus fees
Stand out features:
A rare chance to experience the remote north and to be immersed in Samburu culture
Drop Faran a line on +44 (0) 20 3980 7558 or contact us now if you like the sound of a trip to Kenya including Kalepo Camp
Bio:
In the far north of Kenya, home to very few other camps and almost undiscovered by tourism until fairly recently you will find the unique Kalepo Camp. Located in the nearly half-million acre Kalepo Conservancy, that straddles the stunning Matthews Range, this is the home of the Samburu people. Wildlife isn't abundant here and the experience focusses on the landscape, walks along the river bed and most of all learning from the Samburu, living largely the same way as they have for generations.
Kalepo is a private camp that requires a minimum of four people to operate, but can accommodate up to 16 guests in six rooms. There are also two guide rooms for private guides or as overflow if needed.
We really enjoyed the style of the rooms, which are designed to be comfortable but not to separate you from the surrounding landscape. A solid base forms the platform for a custom designed canvas structure that creates a large bedroom. Five of the six rooms are located in the riverine shade facing the dry river that only flows during periods of high rainfall. The newest room (room six) is located on the other side of the main area and faces a lovely open area behind the camp's hide. Each room has an outside bathroom with a freestanding vanity station, toilet and shower just a few steps away from the bedroom area. One room is set up as a family unit, but would equally suit two couples as both bedroom units are ensuite and just share a central living room.
As the camp is booked on a private basis there are no set times for your activities or meals. Your experience is designed to fit your interests and the needs of your group. Wildlife is sparse, however elephants are common visitors to the waterholes in front of the camp during the dry season. Kalepo doesn't operate game drives as such but on our walks we did see the tracks of leopard, wild dogs and lions. There are many walking routes in the conservancy, lead by the fantastic resident Samburu guides who will not only identify plants, animals, birds and spoor, but discuss the Samburu culture and the significance of region as you go. For something a little more exhilarating mountain bikes are available and we'd wholeheartedly recommend a helicopter flight to explore even further afield.
Kalepo is a place that lingers with you long after you have left and that really defies description or classification. If you have a group or if you are looking for a unique experience for your family look no further than Kalepo Camp.
For an idea of an exclusive-use trip to Kenya have a look at our '8-night Exclusive Kenya, Masai Mara and Samburu' example itinerary. This 8-night itinerary is complete with private accommodation and private charters throughout. It combines Kalepo Camp with Hemingways Ol Seki Mara Private Villas in the Masai Mara Naboisho Conservancy.
Image credit to Kalepo Camp
Examples trips including Kalepo Camp
Every trip is completely tailor-made but we have put together some example itineraries to provide an idea of how the Kalepo Camp can slot into a safari itinerary and the other properties it fits well with.
8 nights
Start: Nairobi > Masai Mara > Samburu > Finish: Nairobi
Price... £13,300 to £20,100 per person, excluding international flights.
A completely private, once-in-a-lifetime experience of Kenya. Start with a private charter flight to an exclusive conservancy of the Masai Mara and to your own private villa for 4 nights of wildlife viewing in this the most iconic of all safari destinations. Enjoy a scenic private flight north and watch the landscape evolve beneath you as the head to Kenya's arid and wild north. Your trip finishes with one of the most incredible and immersive experiences available in Africa at Kalepo Camp.
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