”Nicole Nanetoi embodies a remarkable fusion of tradition and progress. Her journey from a high school graduate joining Saruni Samburu's housekeeping team to becoming Cluster Manager of Saruni Basecamp's Samburu properties illustrates more than personal achievement – it represents a vision of how tourism can preserve heritage while creating opportunities.
The evening rays reflect off the sacred Ololokwe mountain as Nicole settles into one of the comfortable seats in the lounge area at Basecamp Samburu, the newest addition to the Saruni Basecamp portfolio. Between meetings with the new team, she takes a moment to chat. Her traditional beadwork catches the light, the intricate patterns of her necklace and the bright colours of her traditional dress reflecting her deep pride in her Samburu heritage. It’s a fitting image of someone who has made her mark within her Samburu community not just through professional excellence, but through deep connections with both people and place.
“This is where mother nature lives,” Nicole says with evident pride when asked about her homeland. “Here, the landscape remains untamed and pure, where Samburu communities still live as our ancestors did, keeping alive the rich traditions, ceremonies, and ways of life that have defined our people for generations”.
Her face brightens as she speaks of Samburu, a true gem of northern Kenya, where dramatic landscapes and centuries-old traditions create something truly special. The sacred Ololokwe mountain stands sentinel over a land where the Samburu people continue to practice age-old traditions, their vibrant culture as much a part of the landscape as the diverse wildlife that roams these untouched territories.
Born and raised in Samburu to a teacher and a soldier, Nicole’s connection to this land runs deep. Now a mother herself to a son in junior high school, she understands the importance of education and mentorship in shaping future generations, making her current role as Cluster Manager for Saruni Basecamp’s Samburu properties feel like a natural culmination of her journey.
But that journey began with a much humbler step. In November 2010, fresh out of high school, Nicole joined Saruni Samburu, eager to contribute to her community’s growing conservation efforts. “I’ve always felt drawn to protecting our heritage,” she recalls, reminiscing about her days in wildlife clubs and a pivotal school trip to Samburu National Reserve. “During that visit, I saw how tourism could create opportunities for our people while preserving our land and traditions.”
That vision, combined with an unwavering work ethic, would prove transformative. Starting in housekeeping, Nicole steadily took on increasing responsibilities—from managing the gift shop’s cultural artifacts to serving as a stock keeping reliever, from handling administrative duties to eventually overseeing entire properties. Each role brought her closer to both guests and community members, deepening her understanding of how tourism could serve as a bridge between cultures while uplifting her community.
“Being a team player is essential,” Nicole shares, explaining her leadership philosophy. “I don’t want people to just view me as a boss. I involve myself in my team’s duties, give constructive feedback, and address issues as they arise.” This approach has earned her respect not just from her staff, but from the local community as well.
Community relations, which Nicole admits can be one of the most challenging aspects of her role, showcase her diplomatic skills. “Honesty and patience are crucial,” she explains. “These communities are the custodians of the conservancy. We need to listen to them and seek their guidance.” Her recent recruitment drive for our newest addition, Basecamp Samburu, exemplifies this approach—she personally interviewed 116 community members from 8 AM to 10:30 PM, earning praise for the fairness and thoroughness of the process.
Perhaps most notably, Nicole is breaking ground for women in the industry. Basecamp Samburu recently became the first property in the region to hire 11 women at once out of a total of 22 new positions. “My dream is to have over 50% representation of female staff across departments within this industry,” she declares. She is proud of Saruni Basecamp’s groundbreaking initiatives like an on-site creche at Saruni Samburu with a trained nanny to support working mothers.
“For a long time, women weren’t confident of their strengths across various fields,” Nicole reflects. “But women are smart. They can do it.” She’s leading by example, not just in her professional role but through initiatives like Edu-Care, a staff-led program providing reusable sanitary towels and school supplies to young girls in the community.
As she walks through the community and properties under her care, Nicole’s satisfaction is evident. “Seeing how our work creates real change in people’s lives—that’s incredibly fulfilling,” she says. “When I see young women from our community growing in confidence, taking on new roles, and supporting their families, it validates everything we’re doing here. And when guests leave with a deeper appreciation for our culture and way of life, it shows we’re succeeding in sharing our heritage while creating sustainable opportunities for our people.”
The talented women of Saruni Basecamp fill various important roles, each contributing to the success of our efforts to protect and conserve wildlife and to assist communities to thrive socially and economically. Many of the women working at our lodges were born and raised in the surrounding villages, and their success at Saruni Basecamp has had a direct and positive impact on the health and happiness of their families, and in turn their broader communities. This ripple effect of empowerment is exactly what Nicole envisions for the future.
Her advice to young women in her community is refreshingly practical: “There are many paths to making a difference. Don’t limit yourself to traditional roles. Working in tourism and conservation can open doors you never imagined.” Her own journey from a young community member to a respected leader stands as powerful testimony to these words.
As the sun sets over the Samburu landscape, Nicole pauses to take in the view of the sacred mountain of Ololokwe. The day’s last light bathes the landscape in gold, while the evening air resonates with the melodic calls of sunbirds and starlings. “There’s something magical about this place,” she reflects. As if on cue, her walkie-talkie crackles with another call from her team. She responds with the same dedication she’s shown since her first day, proving that while roles may change, her commitment remains unwavering.
Listen as our Samburu Cluster Manager, Nicole Nanetoi, offers a glimpse into why Basecamp Samburu should be your next unforgettable destination.
Saruni Basecamp operates within six community-owned wildlife conservancies across Kenya, offering pioneering, ethical safari experiences deeply rooted in community-based conservation. Our business model demonstrates how tourism can directly empower environmental protection rather than simply coexist with it. As The Long Run’s first Group Member, all 13 of our properties now meet rigorous standards across Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce.
