Safari with Saba Douglas-Hamilton
Four nights at this wonderful luxury tented camp will allow you time to immerse yourself in all on offer here. You can visit Iain Douglas-Hamilton’s Save the Elephants research centre, enjoy an elephant safari and wildlife drives, bush picnics and sundowners, manyatta (homestead) and school visits.
If you’re feeling energetic you can hike up Ololokwe mountain, sacred to the local Samburu people or visit the famous Samburu singing wells. To complete an elephant safari inspired safari holiday we can easily include a visit to the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage in Nairobi where baby elephant Sokotei has been nursed back to health in the This Wild Life BBC documentary.
Game drive in Samburu
4 Nights Elephant Safari With Saba Douglas-Hamilton
Elephant Watch Camp is a privately owner run tented camp in the Samburu National Reserve in Northern Kenya. The camp sits on the bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River, beneath big acacia and kigelia trees.
This fantastic safari holiday includes:
• Saba Douglas Hamilton – the highly acclaimed elephant conservationist and wildlife TV presenter of This Wild Life and Big Cat Diaries – as your guide and host
• An exclusive afternoon with the researchers from Save The Elephants, tracking the elephants, collecting data and monitoring their behaviour
• The chance to experience first-hand the power and beauty of the Samburu elephants
• A private helicopter activity for three hours, visiting Mathews Range and Ol Lolokwe – the sacred Samburu mountain
• Unforgettable views of northern Kenya
• A safari off the beaten track, experiencing the fantastic wildlife in its natural habitat
• Return private flights from Nairobi to Samburu
• Five days with a maximum group size of ten guests
• Full board accommodation to include all meals and drinks
• Beginning and ending in Nairobi (we can arrange, or suggest, international flights)
Day 1
Meet Your Guide And Go On An Elephant Safari
You’ll fly north from Nairobi to the Samburu National Park, where you’ll be collected from the airstrip and driven to Elephant Watch Camp, home to the Douglas-Hamiltons and your base for the next four nights.
Elephant Watch Camp has just six individually styled tents with colourful cloth drapes and eclectic furniture. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom built around a tree with a flush loo and ‘safari shower’. Much of the furniture in the camp has been made from fallen trees, and locally woven mats provide comfort and colour on the floors. The camp has a good range of books, films and information about elephants, and the kitchen serves meals prepared with fresh ingredients from the owners’ farm.
Bedroom at Elephant Watch Camp
This afternoon after high tea you have the opportunity to go on the first elephant safari drive of your holiday and familiarise yourself with the surrounding area. Your guide is your eyes and ears while you are here, and all of the guides at Elephant Watch Camp have been trained by the researchers from Save The Elephants.
Elephant Watch Camp alfresco dinner
This evening you return to camp in time for dinner and your first night in Elephant Watch Camp.
Day 2
Volunteer With Save The Elephants Team
After a morning wildlife drive, you have lunch with the field staff from Save The Elephants. Over lunch the research team will provide a short synopsis of the work Save The Elephants is doing in the fight to protect these wonderful animals.
Iain, researcher and Saba with an elephant
After lunch you head out with the research team in vehicles to find the elephants, so that you can assist with monitoring their behaviour and collect data from the orphan group.
This evening you have a barbecue and drinks at the research centre with the field staff from Save The Elephants. You then have a night drive back to camp; your guide will be on the look out for any nocturnal animals.
Day 3
Helicopter Safari Tour Of The Esaso Nyiro River
With a bird’s eye view of the endless plains and wide skies, you land for a picnic breakfast on Mathews Range. Known as a ‘sky island’, the 150km long Mathews Range rises from the dry desolate country exposing lush forested hills and craggy peaks. Natural springs and rivers flow through the valleys, and sacred sites of the Samburu lay hidden for feasting and dancing ceremonies.
From Mathews Range you fly south east, over contrasting landscapes, quietly spotting wildlife, and on to Ol Lolokwe – northern Kenya’s most striking landmark.
Naitodo rocks – Samburu helicopter tour of the Mathews ranges
The summit of Ol Lolokwe has a high altitude mist-forest with giant cycads and unusual birdlife; including Kenya’s largest nesting colony of Ruppell’s vultures. You land again to take in the vast panoramas, and explore the life up here.
You are back at Elephant Watch Camp for lunch and have a relaxed afternoon in camp.
After high tea you head out on an evening wildlife drive looking for familiar elephants and perhaps some hunting lions.
Day 4
Meet The Samburu For A Hosted Party
This morning you have a relaxed morning in camp and you have the opportunity to go on a wildlife drive to find some of the rarer species in northern Kenya such as the gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe.
You return to camp for lunch and have a relaxed afternoon at the river’s edge. After high tea you have an evening walk to a sundowner spot where you meet a host of warriors for a Samburu party, blessing and renyatta dance. You return to camp for dinner.
Samburu tribal dance
On their return from Elephant Watch Camp clients J.M California, USA said,
“An amazing eco-camp in the middle of elephant country! Everything about Elephant Watch is good, from the food to the service to the incredibly moving encounters with elephants. The Douglas-Hamiltons are my heroes. An extraordinary place”
Day 5
Nairobi And A Visit To The Elephant Orphanage
This morning you go on an early morning wildlife drive and take in your last sights of the Samburu. You have a bush brunch in the heart of the Samburu National Reserve before your guide returns you to the airstrip in time to meet your private light aircraft flight to Wilson, Nairobi’s domestic airport.
On arrival into Wilson, you are met by a driver and taken to boutique luxury hotel House of Waine. Relax in a quiet day room and enjoy use of the facilities including the heated swimming pool, two bars for guests’ exclusive use for the afternoon.
Quiet and relaxed gardens at colonial style House of Waine with solar heated swimming pool
Each of the bedrooms at House of Waine has an animal name to reflect the style of the room, which ensures that no two rooms are the same. All rooms offer a large marble bathroom, television, telephone, complimentary mini bar, safe and complimentary daily pastries.
Tembo – ‘elephant’ bedroom suite House of Waine
Early this evening (depending on flight times) you are met by a driver and returned to Nairobi International Airport.
Visit Orphaned Elephants
To complete this elephant inspired itinerary we can easily include an optional visit to the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage in Nairobi. This wonderful sanctuary is open to the public for an hour every day between 11 am and noon during which time the orphans arrive for their midday mud bath and feeding.
Two orphaned elephants looked after by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi, Kenya
If you choose to foster an elephant you can also visit by appointment (must be booked in advance) at 5 pm when the elephants return to the stockades for the night. Orphaned elephants can be fostered for approx £33/$50 donation. We highly recommend the exclusive appointment for ‘elephant fosters’ for an intimate encounter.
Video Of Orphaned Elephant Sokotei
How Much Is This Elephant Safari?
This safari holiday, with Saba Douglas-Hamilton as your host, an exclusive afternoon with the Save The Elephants team and private helicopter excursion is a special experience and will come at a premium. Please get in touch with your dates to check Saba’s availability and for a personal itinerary and quote.
We’ve also designed a more traditional four night safari holiday at Elephant Watch Camp. While it doesn’t include the premium services mentioned above it allows a wonderful chance to enjoy this remote region of northern Kenya and get close to Samburu’s elephant population. Read our blog post for the full details, Elephant Watch Camp holiday itinerary.
Questions and Answers with Saba
Read our Q&A interview with Saba on life on a safari camp in Kenya.
What Next?
To check the availability of Saba Douglas-Hamilton as your guide, or for a full itinerary, a price and more details of this elephant safari holiday please call us or send an email
Hello saba I am writing from istanbul you are a very good person and you have lovely girls like you
Please supply details of a stay at Elephant watch and time at the coast with approximate cost for four adults and two boys 10 years and fifteen years old.
Having served in Kenya as Missions to Seafarers Chaplain in Mombasa we would love to come back and enjoy this unique experience next year. Which Hotel is used on the coast?
Looking forward to your reply.
Dear Revd. Colin,
Your enquiry has been passed to one of the sales team that will be in touch, Best regards Renate
Hi Saba would it be possible to get a price for a 3 day stay ?
Kind regards
Mr & Mrs Dennard
Dear Jackie & Mick,
Your enquiry has been passed to one of the sales team that will be in touch, Best regards Renate
Please send price for safari at Saba’s thank you
Dear Linda,
Your enquiry has been passed to one of the sales team that will be in touch, Best regards Renate
Hi, have loved watching the programme… Please send details of a 4 night stay at the elephant watch camp.., thanks Denise
Dear Denise,
We loved watching This Wild Life too! Your enquiry has been passed on to the one of our safari experts.
Best regards
Renate
Dear Denise,
We loved watching This Wild Life too! Your enquiry has been passed on to one of our safari experts.
Best regards
Renate
Hello Saba can you give me some idea of your price for 2 adults I would like to see the elephants obviously but the warriors and all animals I think are magical, bit like your family x
Dear Lynn,
Your enquiry has been passed on to one of our safari experts who will be in touch shortly.
Best regards
Renate
Can you please give me a quote for a 5 day safari for 2 such as that indicated in this blog. I long to return to Samburu, having spent some time there on safari back in 1987. It’s been too long…
Dear Mrs Skliros,
Samburu is an absolutely stunning destination. Your enquiry has been passed on to one of our safari experts.
Best regards
Renate
Loved the programme. Can you give me a price for a 4-day safari for 2 adults and a 14 year old please.
Dear Dawn, Your enquiry has been passed to a safari expert who will be in touch. Best regards, Renate
Can you please give me a quote for a four night safari for two, we live in Sri Lanka and would have to fly to Nairobi from Colombo. We are 65 and 68 years old but would love to experience this wonderful part of Africa.
Dear Nedra,
Your enquiry has been passed to a safari expert who will be in touch. Best regards, Renate
Could you please give me a rough idea on costs to stay at your camp for 4/5 days. It wouldn’t be until 2019.
Dear Denise,
Your enquiry has been passed to a safari expert who will be in touch. Best regards, Renate
Hello
Can you give me a price for a 8 days safari for 2 adults please.
I am from Paris
Thanks
Dear Jacques,
Your details have been passed on to one of our safari experts who will be in touch.
Best wishes Renate
can you give me a price for a 7 day safari in september 2018 flying from the uk
Dear Beverley,
Your details have been passed on to a safari expert who will be in touch. Best Wishes Renate
Hi everyone
I Love the program and the care that you take for the Elephants
Would like to know what the price for the safari for each person is coming from Uk
Many thanks
Sabrina
Dear Sabrina,
Your enquiry has been passed on to a safari expert, who will be in touch shortly, Best Regards, Renate
Bonjour,je viens de voir une émission sur vous ce jour 22 11 2017, magnifique.quel est la meilleure période pour venir et quel sont vos tarifs.Philippe Serenne. France.Amicalement.
Dear Philippe,
Your enquiry has been passed on to a safari expert, who will be in touch shortly, Best Regards, Renate
Could i have some idea of the cost for the safari , 5 days for one
Dear David, Your enquiry has been passed on to a safari expert, who will be in touch shortly, Best Regards, Renate
Dear Saba could I have a price for a four day stay at your camp please for 2 adults
Dear Jo, Your enquiry has been passed on to a sales expert who will be in touch, Best regards Renate
Hi please could you tell me the best time of year to visit ?
And also the price roughly for two adults ?
I have watched Saba for many years on her different wildlife programs and would love to experience her wonderful life
Thanks
Dear Lesley, Your enquiry has been passed on to a sales expert who will be in touch, Best regards Renate
Hi there. Please can you give me an estimated cost of coming to stay at the lodge. Looking for 2018/2019 sometime and will be for 2 adults. Many thanks
Dear Clare, Your enquiry has been passed on to a sales expert who will be in touch, Best regards Renate
Hi saba please can you give me a rough idea on prices coming around seotember please for 2 adults 4 or 5 night stay. Kind regards
Dear Linda, Your enquiry has been passed on to a sales expert who will be in touch, Best regards Renate
Dear Saba and Frank,
What an amazing programme on BBCTV, I was spellbound.
You, your husband, father, children and the whole workforce engaged in the camp, saving the Elephants, all the way through are doing an amazing job highlighting the plight of such beautifully intelligent animals.
Can you please email me prices for a stay at your wonderful camp.
Kindest Regards and Best Wishes
Janis Trehearn, UK
Dear Janis, Your enquiry has been passed on to a sales expert who will be in touch, Best regards Renate
Hello
Can I have a price for two adults and an 8 year old for the premium trip for 5 days please
Dear Yasmin, your enquiry has been passed on to a sales expert who will be in touch, Best regards Renate
Hello Saba
I am planning a trip to your camp in January 2019 on my own and would be grateful if you could let me know the costs.
Thanks
Irene, U.K
Dear Irene, your enquiry has been passed on to a sales expert who will be in touch, Best regards Renate
Hello,
Please tell how much it is per person?
The premium and also the standard.
Thanks!
Love the show!
Dear Anca, your enquiry has been passed on to a sales expert who will be in touch, Best regards Renate
Please let me have approx cost for a four day stay at Samburu many. thanks Fred
Please pop an email to mail@aardvarksafaris.com with your preferred dates and one of our destination experts will reply immediately. Many thanks.
How much does it cost of 7 days two person? We will visit from B Angkor to Kenya.
How can we book the elephant camp?
Please pop an email to mail@aardvarksafaris.com with your preferred dates and one of our destination experts will reply immediately. Many thanks.
Hola,escribo desde España. Me gustaría saber el precio de la estancia de cuatro noches y la de cinco noches para dos adultos y dos niñas de once y seis años. También si trabajan con algún touroperador de España. He conocido el campamento a través de unos documentales de la televisión. Muchas gracias.
Estimada Mª Sánchez, su consulta ha sido transmitida a un experto en viajes que se pondrá en contacto. Saludos cordiales Renate
Dear Mª Sánchez, your enquiry has been passed on to a travel expert who will be in touch. Best regards Renate
Hi, just had a mind blowing trip to elephant watch camp,
We were made to feel part of the “family “ each trip out we saw all the animals and fantastic birds. Simoen and Litus were great at teaching us the tracks and habits of the animals, Bernard and Rosie were magnificent at helping with any questions
The food oh it was delicious 5star, fresh flavoursome and plenty.
The home made bread and cakes were so light and delicious
We hope to go back next year .
Hi, how much is this trip?
Morning – sorry for the slight delay in our response. I’ll get one of the team to reply by email as the cost varies throughout the year.
I am interested in visiting your camp. Please send some details for 2020. Thank you
I’ll ask one of the team to reply by email with the best times of year and the costs for 2020.
Hi and congratulations for your movement…. it’s awesome to know people like you…..
Could you please send me the terms and prices for a normal 4 days stance.
Very king regards
Thanks for getting in touch. One of our team will reply today – sorry for the delay over the Easter weekend.
Hi, wondering if you’re still doing bookings in 2022? Looking to do a 5 night stay and safari. Thanks!
Thanks for the question. I’ve asked one of the team that knows Kenya and Saba’s family’s Elephant Watch Camp to get in touch and make a plan for a 2022 trip.
Hi
Just been watching the series on tv and would love to visit your organisation for either a 4 or 5 night stay and safari for next year 2024 could you please send me the details and costs for one adult.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Mr s oseman
Hi Stephen, It’s a fantastic series and I am glad to hear it has offered some inspiration. One of our team will be in touch via e-mail soon. All the best, Katy