Reteti House

Reteti House is an exclusive private safari house set within Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in the Matthews Range of northern Kenya. Designed for families or private groups, the house offers complete privacy while giving guests access to one of Kenya’s most remote and conservation-driven safari regions.

The experience here is not about scale or formality. It is about staying in a beautiful private house within a remarkable landscape where community, wildlife, and conservation are closely linked. With the forests of the Matthews Range nearby and the conservancy stretching across vast wilderness, Reteti House offers a deeply personal way to experience northern Kenya.

For travellers seeking privacy, flexibility, and meaningful conservation experiences, Reteti House is one of the most distinctive private stays in the country.

Location & Landscape

Reteti House lies within Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, a Samburu-led conservation landscape in the Matthews Range.

This region is defined by forested mountains, hidden valleys, open plains, and natural springs. It feels markedly different from Kenya’s better-known safari areas, with a stronger sense of remoteness and a deeper connection to local culture.

The conservancy is also home to the remarkable Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, one of the most inspiring community-led conservation initiatives in Africa.

Accommodation & Design

Reteti House is designed as an exclusive-use residence for private stays.

The house offers a calm and welcoming atmosphere with space for families or small groups to enjoy the wilderness at their own pace.

Accommodation features include:

• private-use house accommodation
• spacious bedrooms and living areas
• open terraces with views over the landscape
• warm interiors reflecting northern Kenya’s style and materials
• flexible hosting and safari arrangements for private groups

The house works particularly well for families or friends travelling together who want their own guide, vehicle, and rhythm.

Safari Experience

Stays at Reteti House are tailored privately around the group.

Experiences may include:

• private game drives across Namunyak Conservancy
• walking safaris with Samburu guides
• camel safaris
• visits to the Singing Wells
• cultural encounters with the Samburu community
• visits to the nearby elephant sanctuary

Because the house is private-use, the pace of each day can be shaped entirely around the guests.

Wildlife

Wildlife in the conservancy includes many of northern Kenya’s distinctive species.

Animals frequently encountered include:

• elephant
• leopard
• lion
• reticulated giraffe
• greater kudu
• gerenuk and other dry-country species

Birdlife is also excellent because of the variety of habitats across the range.

When to Visit

Reteti House can be enjoyed throughout the year.

June to October
Dry season with excellent wildlife viewing.

December to March
Warm weather and clear mountain views.

April to May and November
Greener landscapes and fewer visitors.

The region remains peaceful in all seasons due to its low visitor numbers.

Insider Tips

• Reteti House is best for travellers who value privacy and flexibility more than conventional lodge structure.
• It is particularly strong for families or small groups who want their own pace and private guiding.
• The surrounding conservancy offers experiences that feel very different from mainstream safari Kenya.
• This is one of the best places in the country to combine wildlife, Samburu culture, and conservation in one stay.

Oloi Shorua Must-Do

Visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary and then return to the house for a private evening in the wilderness.

Arrange a private early-morning visit to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary before it opens to other visitors.

Watching the Samburu keepers feed and care for rescued elephant calves at close range is one of the most moving conservation experiences in Kenya. Returning afterwards to the privacy of Reteti House, with the Matthews Range rising around you and the conservancy quiet again, captures the true spirit of this part of northern Kenya.

That combination of meaningful conservation and complete privacy is what makes Reteti House so special.

Oloi Shorua Recommendation

Plan your stay so you can combine the Reteti sanctuary visit with a camel safari to the Singing Wells the following day. Experiencing both the conservation work with elephants and the traditional Samburu water-drawing ritual offers one of the most authentic insights into life in the Matthews Range.

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.