Community lodge with walks, game drives & cultural visits
Guide Price: From: $400 To: $400
Tassia is one of a number of initiatives in the Laikipia area to involve communities in conservation and tourism in order to give them an alternative income and encourage them to care for their environment.
Located in on of the driest parts of the country, constantly overshadowed by the prospect of losing their valuable livestock to drought or wild animals, the people of this area have embraced this new business and are now the proud owners of a small popular lodge. Perched on the edge of an escarpment overlooking the desolate beauty of northern Kenya, the lodge consists of a series of open-fronted bandas that look as though they have just sprouted from a termite mound. Plastered with the red earth of the area and with a skeleton of twisted deadwood, the lodge is an enchanting place. A small pool moulded into the rocks is a god-send in this parched place and the shady, informal lounge provides the perfect escape for afternoon siestas.
There is not much game in the area as yet but it is on the rise and it is possible to see elephant and some of the smaller mammals whilst out on a walk with a Samburu guide. There is an interesting cultural aspect too, as all of the staff are Samburu from the local area and proud of their heritage and to be hosting guests in their own lodge. Due to its remoteness and the fact that the community have limited resources, the lodge is normally taken on a self-catered basis but it is possible for Borana, a nearby lodge, to organise a fully-catered stay at Tassia which means that you can rely on tasty, home-cooked food. The Samburu staff are very helpful and eager, and now that they have a few years of the hospitality business under their belt, are well-versed in looking after guests. This is not a 5 star luxury lodge though so provided your attitude is relaxed and you don't mind the odd oversight, you will enjoy the experience.
6 rooms and a lovely dining / sitting room overlooking a small pool
From: 400 To: 400
Community lodge with walks, game drives & cultural visits
Incl. FB
Laikipia is a vast expanse of wild country in the central highlands of Kenya - it covers almost 2 million acres and runs from Mt Kenya in the East to the Rift Valley in the west. Laikipia lies outside the jurisdiction of National Parks, and is somewhere to get out of a vehicle and embrace the numerous safari activities that Kenya has to offer. Read more?
Kenya is the most established safari country, and consequently you have to step a little off the conventional route to find real wilderness, but it’s certainly there. Kenya also has much going for it as a family destination, and also a good number of very individual safari camps and lodges with a personal approach that makes your experience very special. Kenya also has a particularly diverse ecology which ranges from snowy mountains to true desert, rolling grassy plains filled with wildlife to craggy scrub intersected with dry riverbeds, sparkling beaches and volcanic ranges. Read more?
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At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.
