Sabache Eco Camp, the Magical Samburu Gem

By Wairimu Chege

Nestled in the heart of Samburu reserve is an unmatched and untouched gem with natural ecology, Sabache Camp. Only about 340 Kms from Nairobi which is about 5 to 6 hours drive, sitting on the foothills of the perhaps the most photographed landmark in Kenya, Mt Ololokwe is a site to behold.

It is agreed that with its untouched wilderness setting and magical mountain views, it is a camp to write home about. Sabache means a place of beauty and reverence. The drive from Nairobi is an amazing road trip that has beautiful scenery on the way through the coffee and pineapple plantations.

It however, beckons for stop overs and the highly recommended places would be Nanyuki, mostly for photographs and souvenir purchases at the equator crossing point, where you can also get the privilege to see snow on Mount Kenya on good weather, explanation of how the water moves north or south of the equator, and also breakfast at any restaurant at the solidly grown Nanyuki town, the home of Mount Kenya, famous for ranches, game parks and wildlife conservancies.

There is an option of taking a train ride from Nairobi to Nanyuki and proceeding to the camp via a hired car. This safari does not really require a 4*4 only a car with high ground clearance since it is all tarmac.

From the Archer’s post, you continue past Kalama conservancy and the Marsabit Wamba junction. The turn off into Sabache eco camp is about 4 KMs from the Wamba Junction and has a signpost on the left.

Travelling into Kalama conservancy, you can hardly fail to notice Mt. Ololokwe which is the massive rock that emerges out of nowhere from the desert plains. Mt. Ololokwe which in English means the sacred mountain can be used as our history mystery contest.

Climbing this beautiful mountain is part of the exclusive activities to undertake when camping at Sabache Camp. This camp is ideal for hikers, mountain climbers, sunrise and sunset chasers, bush walk lovers, camel riders, people who adore nature and people who are soaked into learning different cultures.

In addition, there is Camping, rhino watch and tracking lions as activities that can be arranged.

The camp organizes hikes with the help of very informative and well equipped armed with historical information of the area. The climb can start at varying times, depending on personal interests and time they have in the camp.

Despite the early wake-up call around 04.00AM, there is a “tough climb” warning that takes a lot of determination to climb it. Just an imagination of the views and sunrise gives you mojo to respond to the early wake up call.

For sunrise chasers, the climb starts at 4.00AM so as to make it on time for the sunrise viewing which is definitely magical! At this time, nature is at its best. The golden rays of the sun give a bright color to the clouds and meadows, mountains and valleys. This is the time when the day casts away the cloak of night.

Morning walk lovers could also wake up for bush walk and watch the sunrise. The first rays of the sun are cool and bracing to the eyes. There can be nothing more pleasant to the senses than the sunrise.

After the steep, twisted path from the trails which seem set up by elephant trails, well done through by cattle drives towards the permanent springs at the top, you will have an option of an arranged picnic breakfast.

Able to host up to fifty guests with options of bring own camping gear, it is a hotspot for budget travelers. They get the best from this set up because they have options f own tents while they also offer them at a fee.

If camping in groups, it is definitely an amazing experience to watch the stars and watch the night away. For campers, there is also available space to pitch tents, ample space for lighting fire and making barbeque.

There is also an available restaurant, there is also a luxury tented camp, free shuttle service, bar, garden, barbecue and terrace.

Besides this, there are options for bird watching and visits to the cultural villages which is well arranged as you do your bookings. The cultural village is an opening to the rich culture of the Samburu people and it is a gateway to learning more on their food and daily activities amongst other cultural practices.

Sabache fully defines peace and magic. From the views, to the rich Samburu culture and the beautiful view of Mount Ololkwe, Sabache camp is also community building hence benefits the Samburu people.

You leave the camp equipped with knowledge and peace and happiness. The costs are really friendly and can differ depending on the preferred itinerary and the season. Sabache camp is definitely an unexplored gem.

It is worth the long drive to Nairobi, and helps you soak in the moment to forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Samburu remains an unexplored destination and Sabache is definitely the place to be.