Conservation of land and wildlife, partnership with the local communities to ensure they benefit from it, safari tourism as a tool for protecting the web of life in Kenya and in Africa, changing the life of our guests making them actors of change, not only witnesses.
These are the ideas that have brought together Saruni Basecamp. Originally two separate safari companies founded in 1998 (Basecamp) and 2003 (Saruni), we merged in 2021 with Basecamp Explorer’s acquisition of Saruni. Since our early days, we have been pioneers and catalysts of Kenya’s emerging safari industry focused on community and conservation. In fact, we are proud of being part of a national transformation: Kenya is the country where the commercial safari was born more than a century ago and now is considered the one of most advanced frontiers of innovation for the African tourism industry.
Our Purpose: Conservation Through Tourism
At its core, Saruni Basecamp exists to support conservation tourism in Africa by aligning ecological protection with economic value. Land is preserved because it holds meaning, and that meaning is sustained through responsible tourism.
This approach is rooted in long-term partnerships with local communities, where conservation is not imposed from the outside but built from within. The Masai and Samburu people are not adjacent to the experience—they are central to it.
Guests are not positioned as observers. They are brought into a system where their presence contributes to the protection of wildlife and the continuity of culture.
Our Story: From Vision to Impact
The company was formed through the merger of Basecamp, established in 1998, and Saruni, founded in 2003. When Basecamp Explorer acquired Saruni in 2021, it unified two parallel philosophies into a single, more focused direction.
From the beginning, both entities operated with a similar conviction: that a safari in Kenya should evolve beyond spectacle into something that sustains the land it depends on. Over time, this philosophy has positioned Saruni Basecamp within a broader shift in the African tourism industry, where sustainability is no longer optional but expected.
Our Presence in Kenya
Today, Saruni Basecamp operates a portfolio of safari lodges in Kenya across the Masai Mara and Samburu regions, two ecosystems known for both biodiversity and cultural depth.
With more than 400 employees, most of whom come from surrounding communities, the company’s presence extends beyond hospitality into local economic participation. Its Nairobi-based headquarters anchors operations while field teams maintain close relationships with conservancies on the ground.
Those exploring the brand can move from understanding to action by discovering the range of safari camps available across Kenya, exploring Samburu safari experiences shaped by arid landscapes and unique wildlife, or engaging with Masai Mara lodges situated within one of Africa’s most recognised ecosystems.
Leadership & Vision
Saruni Basecamp is chaired by Svein Wilhelmsen, a Norwegian conservationist whose experience across Africa informs the company’s strategic direction.
The organisation is supported by international investors aligned with impact investment principles. This backing allows for a model that does not prioritise short-term gain, but instead focuses on longevity, conservation outcomes, and measurable social contribution.
Experiences That Go Beyond Safari
The experiences offered are intentionally designed to sit close to the land. They are not engineered for excess, but for immersion.
Guests encounter wildlife within ecosystems that remain largely undisturbed, while cultural interactions are approached with respect rather than performance. This balance allows Saruni Basecamp to position itself within the luxury safari Kenya space without compromising its conservation mandate.
Those interested in the deeper layer of the brand can explore its conservation initiatives, where on-the-ground efforts translate philosophy into measurable outcomes, or navigate through the full range of safari experiences to understand how each journey is structured.
A Journey That Changes You
There is a subtle shift that happens when travel moves beyond consumption. At Saruni Basecamp, a safari becomes something participatory, something that leaves an imprint not only on the guest, but on the environment they pass through.
For those ready to take the next step, the journey does not end on this page. It continues through planning, through exploration, and ultimately through presence in the landscapes that define Kenya’s safari experience.
