A quiet, harshly beautiful part of Kenya, off the tourist trail.
Ross and Caro Withey took on this family property in 2000 and, having been brought up here herself, Caro is now rearing her only family on the island. Together, the couple have invested a great deal of time and energy into re-inventing this lovely island retreat, painstakingly adding and renovating rooms and building a lovely pool. This last was no small feet as it entailed a caste-iron cement mixer being ferried across to the island on fishing boat...a precarious endeavour to say the least. Their commitment has paid off though, and they now have a truly beautiful and unique lodge and home in one of the most stark and intriguing areas of Kenya.
Baringo's silty waters and surrounding rocky escarpments differ sharply from the other Rift Valley Lakes and, long neglected, the area has suffered under a withering climate and over-grazing. The island is a calm vantage point which affords guests ever-changing views of the lake and mountains behind.Each room is open-fronted but entirely private. Aside from a good deal of relaxation and view-watching, there are a number of activities on offer here.
For those interested in a bit of culture, there are visits to see the very different Pokot and Njemps tribes. The Pokot remain one of the few Kenyan tribes largely unaffected by western influence and the Njemps, cousins of the Maasai, have adapted to their watery home by making flimsy balsa-wood boats.
There are over 450 species of birds including some peculiar to this area and there are some varied and interesting walks and jogging trails on the islands and the mainland. Samatian certainly fall into the 'off the beaten track' category and the personal attention of Ross and Caro makes a stay here very homely and relaxing.
A quiet, harshly beautiful part of Kenya, off the tourist trail.
Incl. FB, boat transfers, drinks, activities.
Baringo is a fresh water lake in a harsh dry rock strewn landscape where it's hard to say what the inhabitants of this area manage to survive on. Much of the ground vegetation has been decimated by the herds of goats, leaving it bare and vulnerable to erosion. 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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Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
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.
