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The Express Gazette
Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Luxury Camp Set to Open on Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni in 2027

Samkani Camp will offer five architect-designed Airstream suites on the world's largest salt flat.

World 4 hours ago
Luxury Camp Set to Open on Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni in 2027

A new luxury camp, Samkani Camp, is scheduled to open in late 2027 directly on Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat. The remote retreat aims to provide guests with privacy and comfort in the expansive, silent landscape.

The camp will feature five architect-designed Airstream suites, custom-designed travel trailers offering a five-star experience surrounded by the salt flat's unique environment. These private suites will be complemented by a sixth, larger Airstream serving as a communal dining and lounge space with a bar. The design draws inspiration from A&K Sanctuary's experience with low-impact mobile camps in Africa, adapted for the exposed conditions of the Salar de Uyuni.

The Salar de Uyuni covers approximately 12,000 square kilometers in Bolivia's Altiplano region. Its appearance shifts with the seasons: from May to November, it presents a vast white desert with hexagonal salt patterns, while from December to April, a thin layer of rainwater transforms it into a natural mirror reflecting the sky. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, overnight accommodations directly on the salt flat are scarce.

Externally, the Airstreams' metallic finishes are designed to blend with the silvery-white salt and vast skies. Internally, the suites will be appointed with Bolivian blue marble and chrome detailing. The camp's name, 'Samkani,' translates to 'the one who dreams' in Aymara, an indigenous language of the region.

The remote location, with minimal light pollution, is expected to offer exceptional stargazing opportunities. Guests can anticipate unobstructed 360-degree views of the night sky.

With minimal light pollution for miles, guests can expect an uninterrupted 360-degree view of the night sky stretching all the way to the horizon from the Airstream trailers

During daylight hours, guests will have access to a private guide and driver for over 30 experiences across the salar. These include exploring hidden islands and volcanic caves. The excursions will be led by A&K's local team, who possess extensive experience in the region and will introduce visitors to the landscape and local culture.

Samkani Camp will be part of A&K Sanctuary's portfolio, which includes safari lodges in Africa and riverboats in Egypt and Peru. The camp is set to welcome its first guests in late 2027 and will be available through A&K Tailormade or Small Group Journeys in Bolivia. Specific sale dates have not yet been announced.


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