Elephant Watch Camp is a rustic, 6 tent camp on the banks of the seasonal Ewaso Nyiro River in the Samburu Reserve. The camp has excellent eco credentials and has been built using local natural materials. As the name suggests, elephant watching is the main focus here and the camp is owned by Oria and Iain Douglas-Hamilton who run the Save the Elephants charity and monitoring project.
The tents are simply furnished with bright textiles, cushions and Kanga robes and wooden furniture made from recyled trees and logs. All have ensuite facilities and an open air bucket shower using sun-heated water from the camp's own well. The main lodge houses a large common room with comfy sofas and chairs created using elephant-felled wood. Guests are welcome to browse through the collection of books. There is also a bar serving wines, spirits and soft drinks.
Food is delicious, using organically grown fruit, vegetables and herbs from the Douglas-Hamilton's farm near Lake Naivasha. Meat is also from their own stock. Jams, honey, relishes, fruit juice and ice cream are all home-made while bread, scones and pasta are baked daily. Guest are welcome to visit the kitchen and chat to the chef. Meals are usually served in the open air, lit by lamps, lanterns and the camp fire at night.
Game viewing including elephant tracking is offered each day at timings of the guests' choice. Guided walks and bird watching are led by local Samburu who are eager and happy to share their knowledge and expertise of the environment, its plant and wildlife. Hikes into the hills around the camp are also popular. Guests are encouraged to visit local villages and learn about the Samburu way of life.
