<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/306321173_5780364755317543_812469940628040294_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=a26aad&amp;_nc_ohc=tFkp-jsPDHQAX8mwAfI&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfDRgHxTTBK22V5PmM0Czg7jvUa20xDT2WLbJWdVfDDmRA&amp;oe=63F8AEEC" alt="Sarara Camp" width="1440" height="963" />
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Community tourism is an integral responsible tourism facet because community support is vital for sustainable tourism. Thanks to its community-centric culture, Kenya is among the global travel destinations spearheading community tourism via community-run stays. Below is an overview of the country&rsquo;s top community-owned and run luxury stays, creating a visible impact among host communities.
<h2>Sarara Camp (Samburu)</h2>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/293570298_5517882991565722_7996983802790783072_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=a26aad&amp;_nc_ohc=jCqEdzsOwu8AX86bJuw&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfBx4w73mPr7pfsOH0_UmcIM--3O-TrmYUoEkV3EyxVgDw&amp;oe=63F80117" alt="Sarara Camp. " width="1440" height="959" />
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Sarara Camp is a paradise-like wilderness nestled among the Lenkiyio Hills (Matthews Mountains) in Northern Kenya, home to the Namunyak Samburu People. The camp is a conservation initiative under the stewardship of Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy Trust, a conservation initiative set up in 1995.
Although the Namunyak Trust commenced operations in 1995, Sarara Camp became operational in 1997 after successful negotiations with Namunyak&rsquo;s Samburu elders. The community-owned and run eco-camp provides a steady income for the Samburu of Namunyak, who volunteered 850000 acres of their community land for this worthy conservation cause. Proceeds from the Camp provide the resources for approximately 1000 Samburu school-going children to receive an education.
Sarara is a place of co-existence and tolerance, whereby the Samburu and the abundant wildlife live harmoniously. The camp sits on a rocky outcrop, utilizing the mesmerizing landscape to deliver breathtaking, uninterrupted views. It includes six en-suite tented camps, an infinity plunge pool, and a two-bedroom family house for multi-generational travelers.&nbsp;
The Namunyak conservancy is home to abundant wildlife, including rehabilitated populations of endangered species like the reticulated giraffe, the Grevy zebra, and the fabled Generuk. Therefore, Sarara Camp offers visitors unlimited game drives.
Other activities include horseback and walking safaris, cultural excursions like the singing wells, bush meals and sundowners, and hands-on Samburu beading. You can participate in this wildly successful conservation and community empowerment program by planning a trip to the Sarara camp getaway.
<h2>Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp (Laikipia)</h2>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/283889046_3358103887806875_2017392027875413546_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=9267fe&amp;_nc_ohc=D2I1OM0slrYAX9ZIViq&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfC1fkWLa5jdBjd3vC3EtiJpKdJ2g8e2aNyocl3bN4cOJA&amp;oe=63F84FA1" alt="Loisaba" width="2048" height="1052" />
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The Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp is a stunning getaway perched on the edge of an escarpment, giving unobstructed views of the infinitely beautiful landscape. The community-owned luxe getaway is part of the Loisaba community trust, a program executing wildlife and ecological conservation to enhance diversity and abundance. Loisaba Conservancy Trust engages the Maasai and Samburu community members around the conservancy in their conservation projects.&nbsp;
Besides the stunning landscapes, the tented camps at Elewana Loisaba are exquisite. The camp features 12 en-suite tastefully decorated tented camps featuring African-inspired furnishings balanced by European-style accents and tones. Amenities at the tents include a wide private veranda and airy floor-to-ceiling doors to take in the panoramic views. Moreover, the camp features three family combinations for multi-generational travel groups.&nbsp;
Besides the amenities and furnishings in the tent, the camp has shared amenities, including the main dining area, a lounge, a bar, a wooden deck, and an infinity pool.
Enjoy action-packed activities at Loisaba camp, including guide-led bush walks, game drives, camel, horseback, and mountain-biking safaris. Your stay at Elewana Loisaba funds the education (including adult literacy programs), health, and community-driven enterprises for the Maasa and Samburu people of Loisaba.
<h2>Il Ngwesi Eco-lodge (Laikipia)</h2>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/271846560_4612707298779103_4328851023915755925_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=730e14&amp;_nc_ohc=hevhqKNcnJ8AX_TSZXX&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfAIS9jc_3wFDWJ8Sw_P4LEOpCv8vMnTyV2bHL5YP2EmEw&amp;oe=63F789E8" alt="Ngwesi" width="1875" height="1250" />
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Il Ngwesi is a community-owned and runs eco-lodge offering exceptional hospitality. The picturesque eco-lodge sits on an 8675-acre piece of land; the land was previously grazing land that the Maasai elders of Il Ngwesi donated toward conservation.&nbsp;
Distinctive features around the Magnificent Il Ngwesi plains include the Mukogondo riverine forest and the Ngare Ndare river (the habitat&rsquo;s lifeline). Perched on a hilltop, Il Ngwesi eco-lodge is at a vantage point, displaying magnificence as far as the eye can see. Moreover, it features an animal waterhole yards away, allowing the residents to view the animals from the comfort of their accommodations.
The world-class stay features eco-lodges constructed exclusively using materials from the land. Moreover, you can have your bed assembled on the room&rsquo;s deck rather than inside, allowing you to sleep under the sun as the Maasai warriors of Il Ngwesi do.
Amenities at Il Ngwesi include an infinity pool, an in-house massage therapist, and the main lounging area. Besides the luxurious amenities, you can enjoy bush drives, bush breakfasts and sundowners along the river bank, and a visit to the conservancy&rsquo;s rhino sanctuary. Moreover, you can visit adjoining Maasa villages and explore the deep cultural heritage practised at Il Ngwesi for centuries.&nbsp;
The eco-lodge is the pride of the Maasai of Il Ngwesi. It benefits the community by driving women&rsquo;s economic empowerment, funding classrooms&rsquo; construction, and running the local health clinic.&nbsp;
<h2>Desert Rose Lodge (Turkana)</h2>
<img src="https://scontent.fnbo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/106506717_4623677864324718_7428266082568938027_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=8bfeb9&amp;_nc_ohc=ZSAx6JlBYeoAX-eP4Hn&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fnbo1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AfD5ddA8A3LMowKp6l2f3X-v4TxssmbXwMgIzvn6EQQM8g&amp;oe=641A949C" alt="Desert Rose Kenya" width="960" height="640" />
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Desert Rose is the pride of Kenya&rsquo;s rugged northern frontier, functioning as an oasis where visitors can indulge in deep relaxation while taking in the rugged terrain. The stay is an eco-lodge constructed using exclusively hand-made materials that blend into the environment. Moreover, all the furnishings and decor, including the eclectic bathtubs, are handmade.
Besides blending with nature, the lodge capitalizes on the landscape to deliver stunning views from every angle. The eco-lodge features multiple accommodation options, including five houses, two luxury tents, and a family house, all offering immersive vistas. Moreover, facilities at the main lodge include a fully-stocked bar, a sitting room, a fireplace, and a designated outdoor fire pit.
Although secluded, the quaint stay offers the most thrilling expeditions, including flying safaris over Kenya&rsquo;s northern frontier. While the views from your accommodation are fantastic, areal views of land formations, including the Chalbi desert, Lake Logipi, Nyiru and Ndoto Mountains, and Suguta Valley, are surreal.
Second, Desert Rose also offers boating safaris across Lake Turkana, the world&rsquo;s largest permanent desert lake with the largest Nile crocodile population. The boating safari includes a stop at unique land formations, including Central Island, which features three crater lakes.&nbsp;
Other activities include nature walks/ treks, 4x4 drives across Northern Kenya, and cultural excursions that include participation in Turkana and Samburu traditional ceremonies.&nbsp;
You can contribute to Kenya&rsquo;s thriving community tourism sector by contacting us for curated trips with itineraries featuring a stay at a community-owned lodge.
Header Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@hgudka97?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Harshil Gudka</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/bhsp1bn1_Uo?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>&nbsp;

Winda’s Top 4 Unique & Luxury Stays in Northern Kenya