Sasaab Lodge
premier Camp | Samburu Nat'l Reserve, Kenya
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Combining the height of comfort and luxury with an epic African wilderness experience, it’s no wonder Sasaab is one of Kenya’s most acclaimed safari camps. The tranquil yet stylish lodge is set in an evocative, wild landscape that’s home to the culturally proud Samburu tribe. Perched on a half-mile-long hillside, Sasaab overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro River in a region replete with rare and endangered wildlife.
Our Expert Says
The vast and unspoiled setting at Sasaab Samburu reminds me of my visits to the area as a child when my family lived in Nairobi and visited Samburu on several occasions. The Samburu culture is fascinating. Sasaab overlooks the rugged wilderness bordering Samburu National Reserve, as well as the scenic Ewaso Nyiro River. Many activities are available, but Sasaab is also a great place to relax and take in the serenity of nature.
– Sarah Knight
The Camp
Location: Samburu, Kenya
Number of Tents: 9
Sasaab is located on a private conservancy in the Northern Frontier District of Kenya, bordering three major wildlife reserves. The Samburu wilderness is vast and unspoiled, and the camp’s sense of remoteness is profound. Yet its luxurious comforts and attention to detail are second to none. With a fusion of Moroccan and Swahili grandeur, its spacious tented rooms embody complete serenity. Four-poster beds are dressed with crisp white Egyptian cotton sheets, while the en suite bathrooms feature vigorous showers and stylish contemporary washbasins. Each room extends out to a veranda and private plunge pool with views over the river and wildlife beyond. Relax with a book on the cushions in the “souk”-style lounge, or take a swim in the main pool as elephants amble below. The riverbank spa offers fabulous pampering treatments in full view of nature. Meals are served al fresco beneath the African sky and include fresh ingredients from the lodge’s own garden.
Facilities & Amenities
- En suite, open-air bathroom with shower
- 220v charging outlets in room
- In-room safe
- Private plunge pool
- Central pool
- Spa (extra cost)
- Wi-Fi in room
- Laundry included
- Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
Wildlife Viewing & Activities
Sasaab holds a prime location for wildlife viewing. Located within the Westgate Community Conservancy, it borders Samburu National Reserve, Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy and Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust. The area is crucial habitat for the endangered Grevy’s zebra, as well as an important wildlife corridor utilized by lions, elephant and leopard. On wildlife drives, scout for the Samburu “Special Five” (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich). The wildlife highlight of Samburu is its large herds of elephants. Explore the landscape atop a camel, or take a guided nature walk to discover fascinating plants and herbs and their uses in Samburu culture. A village or market visit offers a glimpse into Samburu customs and traditions. For those who want to immerse themselves fully in the African wilderness, guided “fly camping,” or sleeping out under the stars beneath only a mosquito net, is an option. A full program of children’s activities is also available.
The below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced in Samburu National Reserve. Other typical sightings may include unique subspecies, such as reticulated giraffe, endangered Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich and gerenuk as well as jackals, warthogs and a number of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Exact sightings will depend on seasonality and wildlife movements.
Country | Park/Reserve |
Buffalo
|
Cheetah
|
Eland
|
Elephant
|
Gemsbok / Oryx
|
Giraffe
|
Greater Kudu
|
Hyena
|
Leopard
|
Lion
|
Zebra
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kenya | Samburu Nat'l Reserve |
Usually viewed | Frequently viewed | Occasionally viewed | Sporadically viewed | Rarely to never viewed |
Climate
Month | Max | Min | Rainfall |
---|---|---|---|
January | 86° F | 75° F | 1.06 in |
30° C | 23° C | 27 mm | |
February | 88° F | 75° F | 0.59 in |
31° C | 23° C | 15 mm | |
March | 88° F | 77° F | 2.32 in |
31° C | 25° C | 59 mm | |
April | 86° F | 77° F | 6.97 in |
30° C | 25° C | 177 mm | |
May | 82° F | 73° F | 10.39 in |
27° C | 22° C | 264 mm | |
June | 81° F | 72° F | 3.9 in |
27° C | 22° C | 99 mm | |
July | 79° F | 70° F | 3.11 in |
26° C | 21° C | 79 mm | |
August | 81° F | 70° F | 2.52 in |
27° C | 21° C | 64 mm | |
September | 81° F | 70° F | 2.52 in |
27° C | 21° C | 64 mm | |
October | 82° F | 72° F | 3.5 in |
27° C | 22° C | 89 mm | |
November | 84° F | 73° F | 3.7 in |
28° C | 22° C | 94 mm | |
December | 86° F | 75° F | 2.44 in |
30° C | 23° C | 62 mm |
Conservation
Sasaab’s owners are committed to increasing the positive impact of tourism on the social and physical environment. Projects they support cover three areas: community, environment and wildlife conservation. The Sasaab Community and Education Project focuses on improving the quality of life for the local people. The project is involved with two schools, helping with building construction needs and support programs. Sasaab also works with community healthcare workers to plan and implement health programs while supporting two local clinics and raising funds for equipment. In the environmental arena, Sasaab utilizes mostly solar and inverter systems to produce energy. The camp provides refillable stainless-steel bottles for guests instead of disposable plastic water bottles. Wildlife conservation efforts focus on lion and Grevy zebra projects, and work with local communities to resolve wildlife/human conflicts. Sasaab’s owners also sponsor ranger training to monitor rhino in South Africa.