by I’ve dreamed of going on safari since I was a child. But as I got older, I realized, Africa is a BIG continent, and I had no clue where to even begin. So, when planning our trip, I turned to my friend Violet, who’s from Kenya to guide us. As travelers, we’re drawn to places that are off the beaten path, where the experience feels more personal and less touristy. She recommended Nashipa Eco Camp, a rustic, off-the-beaten-path alternative to the more typical, luxury safari lodges.
Just 50 meters from the entrance of Samburu National Reserve, Nashipa sits quietly beside the Ewaso Niro River. This small, community-run camp is built entirely from local materials and operated by members of the Samburu tribe, often called the Butterfly People for their colorful, intricate bead-work. Unlike polished safari lodges, Nashipa Eco Camp offers something raw and elemental: outfitter tents with thatched roofs, simple furnishings, and the rhythm of wildlife all around. Walks by the river were always guided, wildlife is very real here and there was always the possibility of coming across a crocodile, baboon or an elephant!
The food? Amazing! Chef Philip prepared delicious meals each day. We also enjoyed bush dinners under the stars with bonfires, and coffee outside our tent at sunrise. The entire staff, all from the Samburu community, delivered heartfelt hospitality in that special space where the bush meets your doorstep. This was the “Out of Africa” safari dream—untamed, immersive, and deeply personal.
Did I mention this camp is more affordable than the high-end tourist lodges I’d researched? We’re budget travelers and usually travel in the shoulder season, which often works in our favor. In this case, it meant we had the entire camp to ourselves. Private safari? Yes, please! Our guide James, who belongs to the Samburu tribe, is both the founder and operator of the camp. He was patient, knowledgeable, and you could tell the tribe is uniquely connected to the land and wildlife. We took a ridiculous number of photos, and he never rushed us once.
From Nashipa, we explored both Buffalo Springs National Game Reserve, and Samburu National Reserve, located on opposite sides of the river. Though they sit side by side, each park offers distinct landscapes, wildlife patterns, and energy. The terrain of Buffalo Springs was drier and more open, while Samburu had a richer diversity of animals and vegetation. Both were breathtaking, but together they made the experience complete.
If you’re dreaming of a safari that goes beyond the typical, Nashipa Eco Camp is where magic happens. It’s not just a place to sleep, it’s a window into Samburu culture, community, and connection to the land. By staying here, you’re not only surrounded by the wild, but actively supporting local families, artisans, and guides. This is where you truly sleep to the sounds of Africa and wake with the spirit of the land—immersed, grounded, and forever changed. Let your travel leave ripples, let it lift others. Let it mean something!
✨ Travel Tips for Nashipa Eco Camp
- Embrace the rustic charm.
Nashipa Eco Camp is intentionally simple. There’s no Wi-Fi or luxury spa—just birdsong, open skies, and honest hospitality. Bring a headlamp, warm layers for chilly nights, and a sense of adventure. They do have electricity for charging but occasionally have power outages. I highly recommend bringing a battery pack, you’ll want your devices charged and ready to capture all the wildlife! - Bring a journal.
You’ll want to capture more than photos. The sights, sounds, and connections here are deeply personal. I would also record the sounds of birds and animals on my phone to relive my experience later back home. - Book with intention
Reach out directly or through Eco-Conscious operators who partner with community-run camps. Ask where your money goes. If staying at Nashipa, bring plenty of money to cover costs at camp. They do not accept credit cards. If you have access to Sendwave and Safari Comm, those tools are helpful when paying for expenses.
