Nestled amongst fever trees in the shadow of Mount Kenya, Sanctuary Tambarare delivers the perfect balance of adventure and serenity. Sanctuary Tambarare looks out across the grassy plateau of the award-winning Ol Pejeta Conservancy. 90,000 acres of unspoiled African landscape; where the Big Five roam. Home to the two last northern white rhinos on earth. As well as over 150 critically endangered black rhinos. Ol Pejeta Conservancy prides itself on being at the cutting edge of conservation innovation. Guests can enjoy unique, once in a lifetime experiences with the wildlife adventures available at this stunning retreat. With attentive five star service.
Sanctuary Tambarare is in the county of Laikipia, Kenya. Easily accessed with a number of daily scheduled flights between Wilson Airport, Nairobi, and Nanyuki Airstrip or Kamok Airstrip. It is a 4 – 5 hour drive from Nairobi.
Inside the spacious and beautifully appointed main tent, inviting sofas and chairs encourage guests to linger. The camp’s colors are inspired by nature. From ‘sun-bleached’ wood and wicker lampshades. To intense bursts of color in the exuberant fabrics, like wildflowers dotted around the landscape. The tented ceiling and soft lighting create a sophisticated ambiance. The lounge looks out onto the boma. Where guests can gather to hear thrilling tales and local legends shared by the camp’s safari guides.
With just 10 x luxurious guest tents, Sanctuary Tambarare is a peaceful haven that reflects its surroundings. With a generous helping of indulgence.
The individually decorated canvas tents have a boutique meets bush style that harks back to the golden age. Updated with contemporary style, from teak floors to unique touches that reflect the local culture. Each luxury guest tent is large and airy (57 m2), with a private veranda overlooking the grassy plains. Often frequented by buffalo and elephants. Gently billowing white curtains add to the romance, with Masai inspired art in traditional blue; representing the sky and precious rainwater. Enjoy floor to ceiling cinematic views of the landscape from the super king beds. The en suite boasts a walk-in shower, double basin, and sumptuous towels.
Luxury Tent
Private Villa
Discover privacy in the heart of the bush at Sanctuary Tambarare’s private villa. The sophisticated free flowing space contains two bedrooms. Each fully en suite and decorated in a boutique meets bush design. Updated with contemporary style, from teak floors to unique touches that reflect the local culture. Enjoy floor to ceiling cinematic views of the landscape from the super king beds. Inside; the spacious and beautifully appointed private lounge, and dining area, inviting sofas and chairs encourage you to relax.
The villa’s colors are inspired by nature. From sun bleached wood and wicker lampshades to intense bursts of color in the exuberant fabrics. Like wildflowers dotted around the landscape. After adventurous days on safari from your private game drive vehicle, retire to the villa to enjoy sundowners. Straight from your personal, fully stocked bar.
Private Villa
Outside is an outdoor lounge and dining area, private deck and boma. Meals are prepared by a private chef and can be served in the tented dining area. Or al fresco under the vast African sky.
Dining and boma
Kenya Family Safari
Children of all ages are welcome at Sanctuary Tambarare. Children of 15 years and younger are required to share with an adult. A private vehicle must be booked for game drives by families with children aged 5 and under.
Children aged 6 years and younger stay free of charge. One child (7 – 15) staying with two adults pays 50% of the adult sharing rate. When two children are staying with one adult, one child pays the standard adult sharing rate. The second pays 50% of the adult sharing rate.
Sanctuary Tambarare Activities ↓
Game Drives
At Sanctuary Tambarare, guests can explore Ol Pejeta Conservancy with daily game drives. Where expert guides enrich the experience. In addition to the Big Five, the conservancy is also home to over 130 black rhinos. Plus many other animals. From cheetahs and jackals to hippos and hyenas.
Coffee stop on morning game drive
Activities at an additional cost
Night Game Drives
The plains come alive at night. With nocturnal animals such as aardvark, white-tailed mongoose, zorilla (a striped polecat), bat-eared fox. And, perhaps even lions and leopards. This nighttime adventure is very special as it’s not possible in most of Kenya’s national parks and reserves.
Rhino Encounter
At the Rhino Sanctuary, you have the opportunity to get face-to-face with these prehistoric-looking creatures. It is also home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos, mother (Najin) and daughter (Fatu). Sadly this means they are unable to reproduce. See this article for an interesting insight into the plight of the northern white rhino. And if anything can be done to save the species. Guests can witness first hand the work being done to safeguard these rhinos and contribute to their conservation.
White Rhino Encounter
Lion Tracking
Guests can accompany a ranger and actively help protect these big cats. They’ll take notes on specific lions spotted. Then report to the Ol Pejeta Ecological Monitoring Department.
Horse Riding
Riding on horseback across the Ol Pejeta plains gives you a unique perspective of the landscape. Allowing you to get closer to wildlife. Another option is to horse ride with rhinos. Guests can take a morning or evening horse ride in the 600-acre endangered species enclosure. Alongside northern and southern white rhinos, Grevy’s zebra, and Jackson’s Hartebeest.
Guided Bush Walk
Interpretive bush walks with an experienced ranger bring you up close and personal. Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the African bush.
K9 Anti-poaching Unit dogs
Meet the incredible team of anti-poaching dogs. They can track the scent of a poacher and even detect ammunition. These animals are imperative in anti-poaching efforts.
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Enjoy a heartwarming opportunity to view and learn more about day-to-day care of the chimpanzees at Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Established with the aim of providing lifelong refuge to orphaned and abused chimpanzees from West and Central Africa. With 24-hour veterinary support and a stimulating quarantine enclosure, chimpanzees arriving at the Sanctuary are carefully nursed back to health. When they are ready, they are introduced into one of the two large groups at the Sanctuary. Who live in vast natural enclosures separated by the Ewaso Nyiro River. The chimps have set feeding times. And return to their indoor enclosures at night. But other than that they spend their days exploring, climbing, socializing. And learning to be chimpanzees all over again.
Hippo Hide Nature Trail
Guests walk along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River where hippos keep cool in the shallow water.
Visit the local communities
Ol Pejeta Conservancy aims to positively impact the surrounding communities. Through education, agriculture and livestock enterprise. Visit the local communities and see the work the Conservancy undertakes, first hand.
Exercise
For fitness and adventurers, there is no better run than a 5 to 7km route across the Ol Pejeta Plains. This is a rare activity in a wildlife conservancy, so make the most of it while you can.
Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy Projects
Sanctuary Retreats work closely with the local communities to determine their needs and improve their well-being. They are involved in a number of projects. If you would like any more information, please do let us know.
They believe creating access to clean drinking water is one vital resource for quality of life. Not only can it save communities from infectious disease, malnutrition and health complications. But improved water supply and sanitation can also boost economic growth and help to reduce poverty.
They are also currently supporting the construction of modern kitchens and the implementation of school feeding programs. Where children are provided with lunch at school. The schools that have these programs in place have seen a significant increase in the children’s ability to concentrate in the afternoon. The school’s performance in exams has moved up the ranking system. Fewer children have dropped out of school and they have seen an increase in enrollment. To date, over 700 students have benefited from this program.
Kenya Wining and Dining in the Bush
Breakfast, lunch, snacks during activities and dinners are all included in your stay. Breakfast is served before the morning game activity. Lunch is enjoyed back at the camp. After evening game drives, guests will return to the camp for pre-dinner drinks and dinner. Romantic private dinners on your room deck can also be arranged upon request.
Chefs impress by preparing delicious dishes, fresh salads, and freshly baked bread right here in the middle of the bush. The friendly team is happy to attend to guests’ wishes and any requirements. From vegetarian meals to a special anniversary dinner. There’s also a refined bar tent with an attractive deck and plenty of loungers overlooking the boma.
An explosion of flavors that will tantalize even the most discerning palates.
With prior notice, camps are able to arrange halaal meals. However, please note the kitchens aren’t strictly halaal. And chefs are not trained in food preparation. Unfortunately, they are unable to arrange kosher meals.
Best Time to Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy has excellent wildlife all year round so anytime is great to visit. Typically, Kenya’s long rains occur in April, May, and early June. Followed by a cooler dry season between July and October. The short rains fall for a few weeks in November. The hotter dry season is from December to March. The camp is at an elevation of 1800m which attributes to the mild climate.
January to March and June to October (Dry Season)
During this period, sparse vegetation makes it easier to spot animals. As they congregate around water sources. The cooler temperatures also provide a more comfortable environment for exploration.
April to May and November to December (Wet Season)
The landscape transforms into a lush green paradise, and the migratory bird populations increase. Creating a birdwatcher’s delight. The rainy season also brings out newborn wildlife. Adding a touch of innocence and wonder to the sanctuary.
Sanctuary Tambarare offers unforgettable experiences year-round. Whether you prefer the vibrant colors of the wet season or the excellent game viewing opportunities of the dry season.
How to get to Sanctuary Tambarare
Sanctuary Tambarare is set within the award-winning Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to 90,000 acres of unspoiled African landscape. You can either fly from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Nanyuki or Kamok Airstrip. The flight time for both is 30 – 40 minutes. From Nanyuki Airstrip to Sanctuary Tambarare is about a 45 minute transfer. From Kamok Airstrip to Sanctuary Tambarare, the transfer time is about 30 minutes. To drive from Nairobi to the lodge takes between 4 – 5 hours.
Sanctuary Tambarare Accommodation Rates
The longer you stay, the less you pay in 2024 Stay 4-6 nights & save up to 25% Stay 7+ nights & save up to 30%
Below are the game package rates in USD. The full board rates are available on request should you be driving to camp yourselves / with your own guide.
Sanctuary Tambarare Guest Tents Game Package Rates
Length of stay
1-3 Nights
4-6 Nights
7+ Nights
Per adult sharing
Per adult sharing
Per adult sharing
Medium Season: 3rd January until 31st March 2024
$800
$640
$600
Low Season: 1st April until 31st May 2024
$700
$525
$490
Medium Season: 1st until 30th June 2024
$800
$640
$600
High Season: 1st July until 31st October 2024
$950
$808
$760
Low Season: 1st November until 20th December 2024
$700
$525
$490
High Season: 21st December 2024 – 2nd January 2025
$950
$808
$760
There is no supplement for single occupancy of a maximum of 3 suites in low season. Further single occupancy bookings in low season are subject to a 50% single supplement. All other single occupancy bookings are charged with a 50% single supplement.
Sanctuary Tambarare Private Villa Rates (max 4 adults*)
Length of stay Per Villa
1-3 Nights
4-6 Nights
7+ Nights
Per Suite
Child Rate
Per Suite
Child Rate
Per Suite
Child Rate
Medium Season: 3rd January until 31st March 2024
$3 600
$450
$2 880
$360
$2 700
$338
Low Season: 1st April until 31st May 2024
$3 185
$398
$2 389
$299
$2 230
$279
Medium Season: 1st until 30th June 2024
$3 600
$450
$2 880
$360
$2 700
$338
High Season: 1st July until 31st October 2024
$4 275
$534
$3 420
$428
$3 206
$401
Low Season: 1st November until 20th December 2024
$3 185
$398
$2 389
$299
$2 230
$279
High Season: 21st December 2024 – 2nd January 2025
$4 275
$534
$3 420
$428
$3 206
$401
*The Villa can accommodate up to 6 guests (4 adults and 2 children under 18) maximum. Each of the two bedrooms can be converted to a Super King bed. In addition a roll away bed can be placed in the room for the child under 18. Guests staying in the Private Villa will benefit with their own private vehicle, chef and housekeeper. All meals will be enjoyed privately at the Villa.
Rates Include (Game Package):
Transfers from/to the nearest local airstrip, All meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and alcoholic beverages, Two daily shared game viewing activities, Emergency medical evacuation, Laundry services.
Rates Exclude Conservancy fees, Ol Pejeta activities at Sanctuary Tambarare, International and domestic flights, Road transfers to and from other camps and lodges, Travel insurance, boutique purchases, gratuities, and all other items of a personal nature.
Extra Adults in a Tent An adult sharing with two other adults pays 75% of the sharing rate during Low and Medium seasons. And 85% of the sharing rate during High seasons (subject to availability).
Sanctuary Tambarare Accommodation Special Offers
Ol Pejeta Honeymoon Offer
Book at least 2 nights and one partner gets 50% discount on accommodation. For a honeymoon safari like no other!
This special offer can be combined with our existing long stay discount for even greater savings. Extend your Kenya honeymoon by staying in other Sanctuary lodges in East or Southern Africa.
Valid for travel within 6 months of marriage certificate Offer does not apply to GK Suite at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp and Sanctuary Olonana. Or the Private Villa at Sanctuary Tambarare
Guests celebrating their honeymoon will receive special surprises during their stay. All attempts are made to keep honeymooners separate from other guests. Honeymoon services include: Special honeymooner welcome Fruit Basket in the room Private meals on deck A bottle of sparkling wine during dinner Traditional Maasai blessing ceremony Complimentary private vehicle (subject to availability)
Single Supplement Offer
We will be waiving the single supplement for all Sanctuary camps and lodges across East and Southern Africa in April 2024 and October 2024, as well as in all low season months. This is in addition to waiving of single supplements in low season.
Stay 3 Pay 2 in East Africa
Stay 3 nights and receive your 3rd night free.
Travel valid from 1st October 2024 – 21st December 2024
Can be combined with the long stay discount
Family / Group Travel Offer
Experience a family group safari like no other at our camps and lodges across Africa.
For groups of eight full paying guests, one guest travels free For groups of 12 full paying guests, two guests travel free with two private vehicles
Valid for travel from 1st February – 31st May, 1st October – 21st December 2024 and 3 January 2025 – 30 April 2025 Valid for travel to all Sanctuary camps and lodges across East and Southern Africa Groups with 6+ full paying adults. Children aged 6+ count towards the min pax Cannot be combined with any other offers Excludes Geoffrey Kent Suite at Sanctuary Olonana and Sanctuary Chief’s Camp. Or the Private Villa at Sanctuary Tambarare
