Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, has long been a bucket-list destination for intrepid travellers. Now, a new luxury camp is set to elevate the experience, with plans to open in late 2027.
Samkani Camp, from A&K Sanctuary, will feature five architect-designed Airstream suites and a sixth Airstream dedicated to dining. The camp is designed to offer a high-end stay while minimising its environmental footprint, drawing on the company's experience with mobile camps in Africa.
A dreamlike setting
The name Samkani means “the one who dreams” in Aymara, the indigenous language of Bolivia's Altiplano. It's a fitting moniker for a place where the horizon dissolves into a mirror during the wet season, from December to April, when a thin layer of water transforms the salt crust into a giant reflective surface. Even in the dry months, the geometric salt patterns offer a surreal landscape.
Nighttime is expected to be a highlight, with minimal light pollution providing exceptional stargazing opportunities. Guests can lie back and watch the Milky Way stretch across the sky, a rare sight in an increasingly illuminated world.
Getting there
For European travellers, the journey to Salar de Uyuni requires some planning. The only direct flights from Europe to Bolivia operate from Madrid, with Air Europa and Boliviana de Aviación serving Santa Cruz de la Sierra. From there, you'll need to fly to La Paz, the capital, and then catch a connecting flight to Uyuni.
Alternatively, consider a multi-country itinerary, a trend some call “trip-maxxing.” You could fly to Bogotá from London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Barcelona, explore Colombia's capital, and then continue to La Paz and Uyuni. This approach breaks up the journey and adds another destination to your travels.
While the camp is still a few years away, it's worth noting that Bolivia has faced challenges recently, including explosions at an army base near La Paz that killed two and injured dozens. Travellers should stay informed about safety conditions, but the Salar de Uyuni remains a top attraction.
For those who prefer to stay closer to home, Europe offers its own unique landscapes, from the Canary Islands' volcanic terrain to the revived historic hotels on Venice's Lido. But for a truly otherworldly experience, Samkani Camp promises to be a standout addition to the luxury travel scene.
