Sasaab
Overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro river in the heart of Samburu land, Sasaab Lodge is one of the most stylish and luxurious game lodges in Northern Kenya. The lodge commands breathtaking views across the arid landscape towards the jagged peak of Mt. Kenya. Sasaab’s design is Moroccan in style – each room is luxurious and boasts enormous open air bathrooms, expansive views and private plunge pools. An exceptional safari experience is offered with sightings of the ‘Samburu Special Five’ (Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk and Beisa Oryx), as well as interaction with the fiercely proud Samburu people. Sasaab is an incredible location, surrounded by amazing landscapes and endemic wildlife. It represents one of the ultimate stays in all of Africa, let alone Kenya, so if a Safari holiday has always been on your wish list, Sasaab is the place to come.
Westgate, Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
Sasaab is located on the Samburu National Reserve in central Kenya, a large reserve 350 kilometres north-east of the capital of Nairobi. The reserve home to a wide variety of African wildlife, including the ‘Samburu Special Five’, a group of animals endemic to this area and not found elsewhere: the beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk antelope and Somali ostrich.
- 7 double tents, 2 family-size tents
- Al-fresco dining under the stars
- Opportunity to see the unique Samburu Special Five
- Relax at the incredible Spasaab and stay fit at the onsite gym
The seven double tents each provide ample accommodation in Samburu. Dotted across a rocky ridge that looks over the Ewaso Nyiro River, each one has spectacular panoramic views of the the Samburu landscape and distant hills beyond. Spacious, immersive and serene, a feeling of true seclusion permeates each tent. With wide open vistas, cool polished floors and private verandas with plunge pools and sun loungers, the tents have no shortage of ways to help you relax. That’s not to mention the enormous bathrooms, four poster king-sized beds and ample lounging space that come as standard in every tent.
Each tent is subtly different in design, but they share the same amenities and glorious views. Tent 1 is furthest from the main dining area, at the end of a winding gravel pathway. Tent 2 is slightly closer and features its own rooftop terrace. Tent 3 is a little closer still to the dining tent. At the other end, Tents 6 and 7 are the furthest from the central area, also along winding gravel pathways like Tent 1, followed by Tent 5.
Tent 4 is the closest room to the dining area and is therefore ideal for guests with lower mobility. Like Tent 2, Tent 4 has a beautiful rooftop terrace area. Additionally, Tents 4 and 6 can be made into twin rooms instead of doubles. Every tent is spacious enough to accommodate a baby cot or an additional third bed for a child if required, but be mindful that this must be prearranged when booking your stay.
Room Specifications:
- Stunning views from every room
- Each tent over 100m²
- Rain showers
- Verandas with private plunge pools
- Maximum capacity: 2 people (extra child upon prior arrangement)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Mosquito nets over the beds
- Hairdryer
- In-room safe
- Handmade Kenyan toiletries
- Swimming towels
- Laundry is included
- Skipping rope and yoga mat
- Free standing fan
- Cotton dressing gowns and slippers
- Torch
- Insect repellant
- Cooler with a selection of drinks
- Two-way radios in case of emergency
Tents 8 and 9 at Sasaab provide families with the ultimate Samburu experience. Placed a few metres above the gorgeous Ewaso Nyiro River, they are lower than the standard tents and the resulting riverside views stretch out into the wilderness. The tents are more than large enough, with spacious double and twin ensuite bedrooms connected by a light, open-sided lounge area in the centre and an expansive wooden deck at the front. There is ample seating for a calm evening in and an inviting plunge pool with views of the river.
Staying here gives you the opportunity to wake up to the sights and sounds of nature, right from your bed. The front of the tents can be totally opened so you can stare at and listen to nature whilst enjoying your morning tea or coffee in your bed. Enjoy high levels of privacy and immersion in the wilderness in your own private tent. The deck is perfect for an evening of private dining and there is a separate drive-in entrance to this tent complex, should groups or families want to avoid the lengthy winding gravel pathway from the main dining area.
The family suite is also ideal for groups of friends who want to stay together. The central deck, plunge pool and lounge are all great spaces for socialising with your friends and loved ones.
Room Specifications:
- Riverside views from both tents
- Each tent over 100m²
- Private wooden deck with plunge pool
- Rain showers
- Maximum capacity: 6 people
- From US$ 825 per adult sharing per night
- Free Wi-Fi
- Mosquito nets over the beds
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe
- Handmade Kenyan toiletries
- Swimming towels
- Laundry is included
- Skipping rope and yoga mat
- Free standing fan
- Cotton dressing gowns and slippers
- Torch
- Insect repellent for room and body
- Cooler with selection of drinks
- Two-way radios for emergency
Set off at first light to experience the rugged terrain of northern Kenya coming to life. This is often the best time for spotting predators and other interesting wildlife encounters. Enjoy the flexibility of deciding when to have breakfast and your guide will find the perfect spot under the canopy of a tree. The vehicles are specially designed with pull out stoves so that guests can have eggs, omelettes and pancakes cooked to order together with an array of other delicious goodies.
The area that Sasaab is situated in is full of a diverse number of animals from powerful elephant herds, to impressive lions, leopards, and cheetahs. For bird watchers out there, the concentration of bird species is exceptionally high in Samburu. The area is also known for the ‘Samburu Special Five’, a group of animals endemic to northern Kenya – the beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk antelope and Somali ostrich.
At Sasaab, there is a fleet of open-doored safari vehicles especially designed for maximum comfort and game viewing. The vehicles are packed with everything you need for the drive – a selection of drinks and wildlife books. The professionally trained guides are local Samburu people and have an in-depth knowledge of the area, wildlife and culture. Enjoy a cook-out bush breakfast in the wild as part of your adventure.
See Kenya’s incredible landscape from a bird’s perspective by taking an enticing scenic helicopter excursions. Weave between the rocky snow-capped peaks of Africa’s second-highest mountain, get up close to stunning volcanic craters, glide carefully through dramatic gorges and soar in the sky alongside pink flamingos. A trip through the sky is the ultimate opportunity to discover Kenya’s most remote and otherwise inaccessible locations. From Sasaab, there is an array of impressive geographical wonders within easy reach from the air.
Adventurous guests can ask the people at Sasaab to set up a mobile expedition camp, where you can sleep under the stars in the Westgate Conservancy, giving you the chance to have a truly wild experience. Head off in late afternoon for a leisurely nature walk (or game drive), ready to arrive at your outdoor camp for the night. You’ll find mosquito dome tents ready for you, complete with comfy mattresses and bedlinen, bathroom and washing facilities. Relax around a soothing campfire as you patiently await your starlit alfresco dinner. The nocturnal bush will be your sleep soundtrack, with just a mosquito net between you and the ttwinkling stars above. In the morning, you will wake up to a spectacular sunrise and the beautifuldawn chorus.
Advance notice is required and this activity must be pre-booked.
Quad bikes offer guests a great way to explore the Conservancy and get access to some of the more scenic, off-piste locations. Drive along dry riverbeds and feel the freedom of exploring the wilds at your own pace. Sasaab has four quad bikes available for guests to use amd there are several different routes to discover, with ample time to whizz along each one of them if you wish. Bush breakfast rides and excursions to sunsets are both available to book.
Helmets and a guide are provided and there is a minimum age limit of eight years, depending on the height and abilities of individual children.
Walking is a bit slow, isn’t it? Well, not to worry, because Sasaab has four friendly resident camels that you can ride. Looked after and led by experienced Samburu herders, there is no shortage of advantages to exploring the area around the lodge from high up. The most popular time to enjoy camel rides is in the cooler late afternoon hours, when the temperature isn’t a distraction. Embark on a relaxed ride by the river and end up at a beautiful spot in time for an evening drink.
An age limit of eight years may apply depending on height and ability of individual children.
The purpose-built spa is a true haven of serenity and can be found below the main lodge’s infinity pool. An expert therapist offers a variety of massage and beauty treatments specifically designed to restore your body’s natural balance and relieve you of your stresses. All treatments at Sasaab use products by Healing Earth, a premium organic brand which takes inspiration from ancient African healing traditions.
Sasaab also has a small but well-equipped gym complete with free weights, an elliptical trainer, exercise bike and TRX, so you can work up an appetite. With an amazing view of the Ewaso Nyiro River, you may even be able to do some elephant watching during your workout. Additionally, you’ll find a yoga mat and skipping rope in your own tent, suitable for use on your veranda. The private plunge pool is perfect for a refreshing post-workout dip. If you’re into cardio would like to go for a run, you can request that one of our spotters accompany you. This is best done early in the morning to avoid the heat.
The Safari Collection is heavily focused on sustainability and giving back is at the heart and soul of everything they do. They aim to be low impact, community and conservation oriented and have a significant positive influence on everyone around them. When local communities receive direct benefits linked to tourism, they naturally become more invested in protecting the wilds around them.
A healthy community leads to a healthy environment. There are proven links between poor health, population growth, environmental degradation and wildlife conservation. In response to this, The Safari Collection strives to improve and positively impact the health and welfare of the communities that surround their properties.
The Safari Collection plays a part in eco-friendly and sustainable tourism by participating in a large number of projects and practices via their Footprint Foundation. These include:
- AFEW Giraffe Centre
- Giraffe Conservation
- Giraffe Sponsorship
- Mara Predators
- Rhino Conservation
- Grevy’s Zebra Trust
- The Pangolin Project
- Westgate Conservancy
- Medical Clinics
- C.H.A.T
- TEAM Talk
- SAFE Samburu
- Feeding Young Minds
- Conservation Scholars
Many guests ask if they can bring items with them to donate to schools or villages on their visit. The answer is yes, via a partnership with Pack for a Purpose. Here is a list of suggested items:
- General school supplies – exercise books, pencils, pens, chalk
- Story books for ages 3 to 18
- Reference books of East African animals and birds, dictionaries, encyclopaedias
- Wall charts and world maps
- Educational games and puzzles
- Arts and crafts materials
- Sanitary pads
- Sports/outdoor activity equipment – footballs, netballs, rugby balls, pumps, jump ropes, team kits
- Second-hand school shoes or sports shoes
Rather than bringing supplies with you, you are encouraged to make a donation instead. This helps to save on airline weight limits and it also contributes to the local economy and ensures that people receive exactly what they need.
If you would like to donate items to schools or villages, The Safari Collection will speak to the headteacher or administrator of a local school or village close to the property you will be visiting to see what their current needs are. TSC will purchase the items on your behalf in the local market, such as books on the Kenyan school curriculum or reusable sanitary pad kits. These items will be ready when you arrive at the property, so you will still be able to donate them in person.
Take a moment to absorb the wonders of the African landscape and use this moment to appreciate the fragility of these areas and understand the vital role you play in preserving the environment.
The Safari Collection’s deep commitment to the endemic African wildlife and landscapes forms the spine of their ethos. It is a fundamental part of who they are. By uniting tourism, community and conservation, they work towards their long-term vision of preserving this land for future generations. To achieve this, they support a wide range of carefully chosen conservation initiatives which empower local communities and cultivate a new generation of attitudes towards wildlife and its protection.