Matthews Range Safari Lodges

The Matthews Range is one of the most remote and beautiful safari landscapes in Kenya. Rising dramatically from the arid plains of northern Kenya, the range forms a lush mountain wilderness covered with ancient forests, dramatic valleys, and permanent springs.

This region lies within the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, a vast protected landscape managed in partnership with the Samburu community. The conservancy protects extraordinary wildlife and supports pioneering conservation projects, including the renowned Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.

Unlike the open plains of the Maasai Mara or Laikipia, the Matthews Range offers a safari defined by wilderness, culture, and conservation. Travellers who visit this region experience a quieter and more intimate safari far from the busier wildlife destinations of Kenya.

At Oloi Shorua we recommend a carefully curated selection of lodges that allow travellers to explore this extraordinary landscape while supporting conservation initiatives that protect both wildlife and local communities.

What Makes the Matthews Range Unique

The Matthews Range offers a very different safari experience compared with other regions of Kenya.

Highlights include:

• Remote mountain landscapes rarely visited by tourists
• Ancient forests and natural springs supporting unique wildlife habitats
• Strong partnerships with the Samburu community
• Cultural encounters that are authentic and meaningful
• Access to the pioneering Reteti Elephant Sanctuary

This combination of wilderness and conservation makes the Matthews Range one of the most rewarding safari destinations in northern Kenya.

Luxury Safari Lodges in the Matthews Range

The lodges in this region are few in number but offer some of the most authentic safari experiences in Kenya.

Sarara Camp

Sarara Camp is the flagship lodge of Namunyak Conservancy and one of Kenya’s most distinctive safari properties. The camp overlooks a natural waterhole at the base of the Matthews Range where elephants regularly gather.

The design of the camp blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape, creating an intimate safari environment with exceptional guiding and deep connections to the Samburu community.

Sarara Treehouses

Sarara Treehouses offer a remarkable elevated safari experience within the forested slopes of the Matthews Range. Built into the hillside and overlooking the surrounding wilderness, the treehouses combine adventurous design with beautiful comfort.

Guests staying here enjoy extraordinary privacy, dramatic views, and immersive encounters with the wildlife and landscapes of northern Kenya.

Reteti House

Reteti House is an exclusive private residence located within Namunyak Conservancy. Designed for families or small groups, the house offers complete privacy while providing access to the wildlife and conservation experiences of the Matthews Range.

Guests staying at Reteti House can visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, one of Africa’s most inspiring community-led wildlife conservation projects.

Kitich Forest Camp

Tucked deep within the forested valleys of the Matthews Range, Kitich Forest Camp offers one of the most unusual safari experiences in Kenya. Set beside the Ngeng River in Namunyak Conservancy, the camp is best known for its exceptional guided walks through mountain forest and along shaded riverbanks. For travellers seeking a quieter and more immersive wilderness experience, Kitich adds an old-school exploratory dimension to the Matthews Range.

Wildlife in the Matthews Range

The Matthews Range supports a surprising diversity of wildlife thanks to its forests and permanent water sources.

Animals commonly encountered include:

• Elephant herds moving through the valleys
• Leopard in the forested hills
• Lion across the surrounding plains
• Reticulated giraffe
• Greater kudu and other northern species

The region is also exceptional for birdlife due to its varied habitats.

When to Visit the Matthews Range

The Matthews Range can be visited throughout the year.

June – October
Dry season with excellent wildlife viewing.

December – March
Warm and clear weather with beautiful mountain views.

April – May / November
Greener landscapes and fewer visitors.

Because tourism numbers remain low, the region offers a peaceful safari experience in all seasons.

Oloi Shorua Must-Do

When visiting the Matthews Range, one experience stands out.

Visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.

This remarkable conservation project rescues orphaned elephant calves and returns them to the wild. Watching the young elephants being cared for by Samburu keepers is one of the most moving wildlife experiences in Kenya.

Plan Your Safari

Many journeys combine Mathews Range with:

You can also explore:

At Oloi Shorua we design bespoke safari journeys that combine the finest lodges across Africa’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes. Speak with us to begin planning your safari.