Rhino tracking in Kenya - a different sort of safari

Experience the cutting edge of African conservation.

Riccardo
Riccardo
CEO & Founder, Saruni lodges & camps
Published on
03 Dec 2018
Updated on
25 Apr 2025
Rhino Tracking

This is a safari that has no comparison in the whole of East Africa. A unique experience at the cutting edge of African conservation located in Kenya. When Saruni was offered by Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) and Sera Community Conservancy to run this project, we all felt that it was a defining moment for us as a company dedicated to the protection of land and wildlife for the future generations. A couple of years later, its success is setting a new benchmark in community and wildlife management. And guests regularly call it the highlight of their African safari.

A Baby Rhino And His Carer
A rescued baby rhino with his carer
Looking For Rhinos
Go looking for rhinos with experienced guides

To track and find on foot black rhinos – one of the most endangered species on the planet – with the help of Samburu rangers and Samburu warriors in one of the most isolated and most beautiful un-spoilt areas of Africa, is truly a privilege that it is impossible to forget. For many of our guests, it is a life changing moment, not just the chapter of a holiday in Africa but a transformational one in a magical, remote paradise.

Rhino Tracking With Saruni In Sera Conservancy
A rhino tracking expedition

Our guests stay at Saruni Rhino, a small but remarkable lodge located in the 350,000 hectares Sera Community Conservancy, in the wild, undiscovered Northern frontier of Kenya. It’s Africa as it was, the magical Africa of the dreams of pure nature with very little human presence and intervention. Saruni Rhino offers the first rhino tracking experience in East Africa: an amazing walking safari that provides a uniquely thrilling adventure, but also allows our guests to actively contribute to the protection of this iconic species. Herds of elephants populate this vast landscape, and guests can also enjoy amazing birdwatching and cultural experiences at the ‘singing wells’.

Saruni Camp
Saruni Rhino Camp
Bedroom At Saruni Camp
One of the luxury wilderness bedrooms
Saruni Rhino Pool
Pool at Saruni Rhino

The reasons why this experience is unique are many: it is the first community conservancy in Africa to own and operate a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of the critically endangered black rhino; it is the first time the black rhino is back in Northern Kenya 30 years after they were poached and eradicated from this territory; it is the first time a black rhino tracking experience has been available in Kenya, and it is done with Samburu guides who share their local, authentic insight and culture; and finally it's a perfect oasis amidst the arid rangelands of the north, amongst doum palms dotted along a dry river bed.

Rhino Grazing
Grazing Black Rhino
Seras Loijupu Rhino Calf By Stuart Butler
You may be lucky enough to spot a baby rhino too

This community-based project works. In a time and era when rhino news is often negative – loss of rhinos, loss of territory, loss of hope – the Samburu of Northern Kenya are showing that things can be different. Since the initial rhinos were relocated into Sera Conservancy, there have been four births. Following your ‘up close and personal’ encounters with ‘the supreme rhino of Sera’, the conservancy provides further plentiful wildlife opportunities and experiences, including game drives to spot the Samburu specials (oryx, gerenuk, ostrich, Grevy’s Zebra, reticulated giraffe), buffalo, elephants, antelope and a plethora of birdlife.

Gorgeous Grevys Zebra
Grevy's Zebra
Gerenuk
Gerenuk
Dining At Saruni Rhino
Bush dining with distant elephants

Sera is also home to The Fifty Wells, ‘Kisima Hamsini’, a series of (50!) springs where local pastoralists take their livestock to drink, digging up water from the wells to fill up holders and troughs. The Singing Wells represent one of the most authentic cultural experiences available today in Africa. It is a rare treat to see the local community singing proprietary songs recognisable only by their own cattle, to encourage them to come to the wells to drink. A Biblical scene, as many of our guests describe it. There is no photography, there is no interference, there is no commercial transaction: it is an ancient, nomadic Africa that is as heart-beating as the rhino tracking.

Wells For Farmers
The fifty wells
Camels At A Well
Camels visiting a well

From Saruni Rhino we also visit the recently opened Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy located in the remote Mathews Range nearby. It provides protection for orphaned and abandoned elephant calves with an aim to release them back into the wild herds adjoining the Sanctuary. Another community-run project that allows us to be very close to baby elephants in their natural environment.

Elephants At Reteti With Keeper By Stuart Butler
Orphaned elephants at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary

When you join us on this adventure, you become one of us, a conservationist actively involved in saving the rhinos. We look forward to have you among our ranks.

If you'd like to see rhinos on your holiday, check out where to see rhinos in Africa.

For more holiday inspiration, take a look at our 26 favourite safari holidays, our best African honeymoon ideas or our top family safari holidays.

and start planning your tailor-made holiday

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Our Experts
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Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024