Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy is a remarkable conservation area in northern Kenya, offering an authentic and community-driven safari experience. Located just north of the Samburu National Reserve, Kalama spans approximately 95,000 acres of semi-arid savannah, acacia woodlands, and dramatic rocky outcrops. It serves as a vital corridor for wildlife movement between Samburu and Marsabit, making it a key ecological zone in the region.
🌍 Overview & History
Established in 2002 from the Gir Gir Group Ranch, Kalama Conservancy is managed by the local Samburu community and is a member of the Northern Rangelands Trust and Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association. The conservancy was created to enhance wildlife conservation and community development in the area. It is situated near Archer’s Post and is accessible via the Isiolo-Marsabit highway.
Contact: 0721463930
In the News:
- NRT Statement on Kalama Resource Centre Fire
- Images on Flikr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usaidkenya/albums/72157639490246324/
🐘 Wildlife & Biodiversity
Kalama is renowned for hosting the “Samburu Special Five”:
- Reticulated giraffe
- Grevy’s zebra
- Beisa oryx
- Gerenuk
- Somali ostrich
The conservancy is also home to elephants, leopards, lions, and a variety of bird species. Its role as a migratory corridor enhances the diversity and density of wildlife, especially during the dry season.
🛖 Community & Conservation Model
Kalama operates under a community-led conservation model, where tourism revenue directly benefits local Samburu communities. This approach has led to the development of infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, and water projects. The community’s involvement has also strengthened anti-poaching efforts and promoted sustainable land use practices.
🦓 Safari Activities
Visitors to Kalama Conservancy can engage in a variety of activities:
- Game Drives: Day and night safaris guided by experienced Samburu warriors.
- Walking Safaris: Explore the terrain on foot with local guides.
- Cultural Visits: Interact with Samburu communities to learn about their traditions and lifestyle.
- Bird Watching: Observe diverse bird species in their natural habitat.
- Bush Meals: Enjoy meals in scenic outdoor settings.
These activities offer a deeper understanding of the local ecology and culture.
🏨 Accommodation
Saruni Samburu is the primary lodge within Kalama Conservancy. Perched on a rocky outcrop, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The lodge features eco-friendly villas, an infinity pool, and is staffed by local Samburu guides, providing guests with an immersive experience.
📅 Best Time to Visit
- June to September: Ideal for wildlife viewing during the dry season.
- January to February: Another favorable period with pleasant weather conditions
These months offer optimal conditions for game drives and other outdoor activities.
🚗 Getting There
- By Road: Approximately a 6-hour drive from Nairobi via the A2 highway.
- By Air: Charter flights are available to the nearby Kalama Airstrip or Buffalo Springs Airstrip.
The conservancy’s proximity to Samburu National Reserve allows for combined itineraries as explained by Lonely Planet here.
🧭 Why Visit Kalama Conservancy?
- Exclusive Experience: Fewer tourists compared to other reserves, offering a serene environment.
- Community Engagement: Opportunities to interact with and support local Samburu communities.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to unique species and a critical wildlife corridor.
- Scenic Landscapes: Stunning vistas of northern Kenya’s rugged terrain
Kalama Conservancy provides a unique blend of wildlife conservation, cultural immersion, and community development, making it a compelling destination for eco-conscious travelers
🧭 Kalama Conservancy vs Neighboring Areas: Expert Comparison
| Aspect | Kalama Conservancy | Samburu NR | Buffalo Springs NR | Westgate Conservancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management | Community-led (Gir Gir Group) | Kenya Wildlife Service | Kenya Wildlife Service | Community-led (Northern Rangelands Trust) |
| Crowding | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Wildlife Diversity | High (especially Samburu Special 5) | High | High | Medium |
| Activities | Game drives, walking safaris, cultural visits | Game drives only (no walking) | Game drives only | Rhino tracking, game drives |
| Lodge Options | Saruni Samburu (high-end, exclusive) | Ashnil Samburu, Sopa Lodges | Simba Lodge, Budget Camps | Reteti House, Kalepo Camp |
| Cultural Integration | Strong | Moderate | Low | Strong |
| Night Game Drives | Allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed | Allowed |
Camping in Kalama Conservancy:
As an avid camper inspired by camping I’ve done with Kambu Campers and Kenyan Campers, below is my advice and tips on how to go camping at this Conservancy;
📍 Overview of Camping in Kalama
- Location: Samburu County, approx. 1.3 km from the main Isiolo-Moyale highway.
- Accessibility: Exceptionally high—most sites are reachable with a 4×4 or motorbike, and some within walking distance from the tarmac.
- Network: Good Safaricom 3G coverage across the conservancy.
- Fees:
- Citizens: $20
- Residents: $20
- Non-Residents: $20
- Ranger/guide support: KES 1,000 per day
- Bookings: Via Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT Tourism) – 📞 +254721333524 | manager@kalamaconservancy.org
⚠️ No facilities (no water, toilets, or shelters): You must be 100% self-sufficient.
🏞️ Featured Campsites
🪨 Lgoita/Lgweita Campsite – Best for hikers and landscape photographers
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Setting | Nestled in a natural rocky amphitheater with expansive views eastward |
| Sunrise Views | Exceptional—ideal for early risers and photographers |
| Wildlife Activity | Signs of elephant presence; remote yet visited |
| Hiking Potential | Adjacent hill is climbable; nearby crags like “The Thumb” for climbers |
| Privacy | Medium to high; secluded yet not too far off the main access track |
| Ideal For | Solo campers, couples, small groups, landscape photographers |
💡 Bonus: A perfect base if you’re keen on scrambling, rock photography, or sunrise meditation.
🌳 Lbaa Campsite – Best for groups and shade lovers
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Setting | Riverine site with thick canopy and plenty of open space |
| Size | Spacious—suitable for large overlanding convoys or family groups |
| Shade & Comfort | Excellent tree cover makes for cooler daytime resting |
| Birdlife | Rich in birds and insects; ideal for quiet nature observation |
| Wildlife Proximity | Leopards occasionally heard nearby at night |
| Ideal For | Overlanders, bush school trips, expedition crews |
💬 Camper Quote: “I slept like a baby while leopards coughed nearby… apparently.”
🔐 Conservation Impact & Community Benefits
Kalama Conservancy’s model is internationally recognized for linking tourism to conservation success and social development. Visitors help fund:
- Education bursaries for local children
- Healthcare services in remote areas
- Water access through boreholes and pipelines
- Women’s empowerment initiatives
- Community ranger salaries and training
The presence of Saruni Samburu has been a game-changer, operating under a lease agreement that ensures a share of revenue is consistently reinvested in Kalama’s people and landscapes.
🌄 What Makes Kalama Unique?
- Dramatic landscapes: Towering rocky outcrops and open plains offer an unforgettable backdrop.
- Authentic experiences: Stay in a locally owned conservancy and interact directly with Samburu hosts.
- Exclusivity: With just one main lodge and limited visitor numbers, you often have sightings all to yourself.
- Access to Northern Kenya’s wild frontier: Kalama is a perfect launch point for journeys to Sera Conservancy (black rhino tracking), Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, or the Matthews Range.
More helpful resources to read: