In July of 2021, we visited one of the best places in the world to learn about elephants. Elephant Watch Camp is located in Samburu National Reserve in Kenya. The camp was created by the Douglas-Hamilton family, founders of Save the Elephants and the world’s premier elephant conservationists. Save the Elephants works closely with Elephant Watch Camp, and proceeds from the camp benefit elephant conservation efforts. During our stay at Elephant Watch Camp, we visited Save the Elephants and learned all about their pioneering work to combat elephant poaching and loss of habitat all over Africa. Their work has paid off! In the recently published 2021 Kenya wildlife census, Kenya’s elephant population has increased 12% since 2014!

All guides at Elephant Watch Camp are from the local Samburu tribe. They are trained trackers and they know all of the elephant families in Samburu by name. The guides work closely with Save the Elephants before becoming guides and have a deep understanding of elephant behavior and wildlife in general. In addition to their wildlife knowledge, they will share their culture with you. Each evening, on our way back to camp, we listened to our group of guides sing traditional Samburu songs. It was a magical experience and one I will never forget!

A stay at Elephant Watch Camp is a truly unique experience. Having been on at least 100 safaris all over Africa, I can say I have never had an experience quite like the one at Elephant Watch Camp. It is highly recommended for anyone with a deep interest in conservation, elephants, wildlife behavior, and Samburu culture. As the camp was originally built to accommodate visiting researchers, you will often find your fellow camp guests have many stories to share about Africa. The film crew of Big Cat Diary was staying at the camp while we were there - working on their next project! Contact us for more information about a visit to Kenya, Samburu National Reserve and Elephant Watch Camp!