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Sanctuary Tambarare
Sanctuary Tambarare: Where Rhino Conservation Meets Golden Age Luxury
Stay at Sanctuary Tambarare, Ol Pejeta’s most exclusive luxury safari camp. Ten tented suites, Big Five encounters, and the last two northern white rhinos. Book with AK African Tours.
Picture this: You’re sipping Kenyan coffee on your private veranda as a herd of elephants ambles past, Mount Kenya towering behind them. This isn’t a dream, it’s a typical morning at Sanctuary Tambarare, Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s most exclusive luxury safari camp.
Opened in June 2022, Sanctuary Tambarare has quickly become the gold standard for travelers seeking intimate wildlife encounters without sacrificing comfort. With just 10 spacious tented suites (and one show-stopping Private Villa), this is where the romance of classic African safaris collides with 21st-century indulgence.
Sanctuary Tambarare is best experienced as part of a custom Ol Pejeta or Laikipia safari itinerary. Book a Safari to Ol Pejeta Conservancy with AK African Tours and Safaris to stay at Sanctuary Tambarare or view all Ol Pejeta Conservancy lodges here.
Sanctuary Tambarare Location
Sanctuary Tambarare is located within the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, on the Laikipia Plateau in central Kenya. The camp sits on open grasslands dotted with acacia trees, with uninterrupted views toward Mount Kenya on clear days. Its position inside a private conservancy allows for exclusive wildlife experiences that are not restricted by national park driving schedules.
Ol Pejeta is globally renowned for its conservation impact, most notably as the home of the last two Northern White Rhinos. The conservancy also supports large populations of black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and plains game, making Sanctuary Tambarare one of the most wildlife-rich luxury safari locations in Kenya.
Getting There: Easier Than You Think
Sanctuary Tambarare sits roughly 220 km north of Nairobi. You have two options:
- By Air: Fly from Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip (45 minutes), then a 1-hour road transfer. Or fly to Kamok Airstrip (30 minutes), then a 30-minute drive. Light aircraft luggage limit: 15 kg per person in soft bags.
- By Road: A scenic 4-5 hour drive through Kenya’s lush Central Highlands. It’s longer but rewards you with views of tea plantations and the Aberdare Range.
AK African Tours Pro Tip: Book the morning flight to Nanyuki. You’ll arrive at Tambarare by lunch and squeeze in an afternoon game drive.
When to Visit: Every Season Has Its Magic
- June-October (Dry Season): Optimal game viewing. Animals cluster around permanent water sources, making sightings easy. This is also peak season, so book early.
- November-March: Fewer crowds, dramatic afternoon thunderstorms, lush green landscapes. The conservancy feels alive. Pack a light rain jacket.
- December-February: Mild weather, excellent for families with young kids.
That said, Ol Pejeta delivers year-round Big Five action. Unlike the Mara (which quiets after the migration), Tambarare’s wildlife doesn’t migrate. The rhinos, elephants, and lions are always home.
Activities That Go Beyond Game Drives
Morning and evening game drives are non-negotiable (your expert guide will find lions, elephants, and those elusive leopards). But Sanctuary Tambarare’s activity roster reads like an adventure menu:
- Lion Tracking with Conservationists: Join Ol Pejeta’s research team as they monitor the pride via radio collar. You’ll learn about predator-prey dynamics while contributing to real science.
- Anti-Poaching Dog Unit Tours: Meet the bloodhounds protecting rhinos from poaching syndicates. It’s as inspiring as it sounds.
- Horseback Safaris: Ride through the conservancy at sunrise. Zebras are unbothered by horses, so you’ll get closer than any vehicle allows.
- Bush Walks: Feel the crunch of grass underfoot as your guide decodes animal tracks and bird calls.
- “Run the Wild” Fitness Sessions: A 3-4 mile trail run across the plains. Because why hit the hotel gym when you can sprint past giraffes?
- Night Drives: Watch aardvarks, bat-eared foxes, and zorillas emerge after dark. The nocturnal world is a whole different show.
Rooms & Accommodations at Sanctuary Tambarare
Sanctuary Tambarare is an intimate, boutique tented camp with a strong focus on privacy, space, and understated luxury. The camp features 10 canvas tents, including standard luxury tents and an exclusive private villa.
Luxury Tented Suites
Each luxury tent is designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape while offering refined comfort.
Key features include:
Spacious en-suite canvas tents set on raised platforms
Super-king or twin beds dressed in crisp linens and mosquito netting
Elegant teak floors and soft neutral interiors inspired by classic safari style
En-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers, flush toilets, and double vanities
A private veranda overlooking the plains, ideal for quiet “armchair safaris”
Subtle lighting, charging points, and thoughtful in-room details
The tents are positioned to ensure privacy, with wildlife often visible directly from the veranda.
Sanctuary Tambarare Private Villa
The Private Villa is ideal for families or small groups seeking exclusivity without sacrificing safari immersion.
Villa highlights:
Two separate en-suite bedrooms
A spacious private lounge and dining area
Indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces
Dedicated private chef and host
Private safari vehicle and guide for fully customized game drives
Personal butler service on request
The villa offers the highest level of privacy at camp while maintaining direct access to Ol Pejeta’s wildlife experiences.
Who Sanctuary Tambarare Is Best For
Couples seeking a romantic, low-density luxury safari
Families wanting space, safety, and flexibility
Travelers interested in conservation-focused experiences
Guests who value privacy, personalized service, and authentic safari design
The Food (Yes, It’s a Thing)
Safari cuisine has come a long way from canned beans over a campfire. At Sanctuary Tambarare, Chef Joseph has earned a cult following for his freshly baked breads and creative vegetarian menus.
Guests rave about three-course dinners featuring locally sourced ingredients (think Tuscan bean stews, chermoula-spiced githeri, and dairy-free pastries for those with dietary needs). Meals are served in the open-air dining tent, with elephants often grazing yards away as you eat. One reviewer called the food “the highlight of the experience.” High praise on a trip centered around wildlife!
Accreditations And Partners
AK African Tours And Safaris is fully licensed as a tour operator in Kenya by the Kenya Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA). We operate under the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and ethical tourism.
AK African Tours
Experience the real East Africa! AK African Tours and Safaris is Kenya's best tour company, offering personalized, affordable safaris to showcase the region's unmatched wildlife, beauty, and culture. Book your unforgettable adventure today!
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info@akafricantoursandsafari.com
Phone: +254701415125
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