On August 26, 2024, we gathered in the Kalama Conservancy for a pivotal moment—the ground-breaking of Basecamp Samburu. This was more than a ceremony; it marked the fulfilment of our commitment to conservation and community; a bold step forward, expanding our vision and solidifying our promise to make a lasting impact on this land and its people.
We at Saruni Basecamp have always believed in the power of keeping promises. Our mission is clear: to conserve nature, livelihoods, and landscapes. Over the years, we’ve done this through fair employment, supporting local communities, reducing emissions, and nurturing a profound belief in tourism and conservation as inseparable allies. Today, by breaking ground for our newest property, Basecamp Samburu, we are not just expanding our footprint; we are expanding our impact in ways that matter most to us.
As the Saruni Basecamp Chair and Founder, Svein Wilhelmsen, the CEO of the Basecamp Explorer Foundation Kenya, Nick Trent and the Saruni Basecamp team settled in, the atmosphere was already lively and filled with excitement. We were honoured to be joined by Samburu County CEC for Tourism and Trade Raphael Lenayiarra, representatives from the Northern Rangelands Trust, and, most importantly, members of the Kalama community. Together, we were not just stakeholders but co-creators of a shared future.
The Samburu ladies, adorned in vibrant beaded attire, moved gracefully in harmony, their voices creating a rhythmic celebration of the day. Proud warriors joined in, performing traditional dances that honoured their heritage and marked this significant moment. The ground we were breaking wasn’t just earthed soil; it was sacred, a living testament to the generations of Samburu who have called this land home.
Svein, with a gleam of nostalgia in his eyes, spoke about his journey to Kenya and the ethos that has driven Saruni Basecamp from the very beginning. “When I came to Kenya, I knew from the start that collaboration with the local community was the only path to a sustainable business. We hired from within, respected traditions, and ensured our staff could proudly wear their cultural regalia. At Basecamp Samburu, we will uphold these values, honouring the land, the people, and their rich heritage.”
CEC Raphael Lenayiarra welcomed Saruni Basecamp’s expansion with warmth, emphasizing the crucial role tourism plays in supporting the economic wellbeing of the Samburu people beyond pastoralism. “Saruni Basecamp has been a major collaborator in making Samburu a sought-after safari destination, one of Kenya’s best-kept secrets. We, at the county level, are committed to supporting these initiatives, and I urge the community to continue to embrace and support these efforts that uplift us all.”
As the last words were spoken, the first shovel pierced the earth—a simple act, but one filled with symbolism. Together, with the community, we turned over the soil, marking the beginning of Basecamp Samburu. There was laughter, there was hope, and there was a shared belief that this was more than just the launch of a new property. It was the continuation of a journey that places conservation, community, and commitment at its heart.