An unusual, stylish lodge, well located to make the most of Samburu, without scrumming down with the masses.
Sasaab breaks the mould of traditional safari style for a more north African look. While this is refreshing, it may take a little getting used to. Located on a Samburu group ranch west of the main park, on the edge of the semi desert region of northern Kenya. Perched above the Ewaso Nyiro river it has long views south towards the Laikipia plateau and Mount Kenya in the distance.
A huge amount of thought has been put into the design which is original and colourful. There are nine spacious ensuite tents with very comfortable bedrooms and each with its own sitting room and private plunge pool. The open air dining area has fabulous long views from its rocky ridge, as has the swimming pool.
Large mosquito-net tents enclose a four poster bed and a sofa built into the white cement wall (which we think is a nice touch as it means you don't have to be in-bed to enjoy your book without putting up with the odd mosquito nuisance). On top of all this, each room has, peculiarly, its own wireless internet access, so make of that what you will.
Game drives within Samburu are certainly the main focus but there are also chances for walking safaris, night drives, mountain biking and short camel safaris.
Although we haven't had the chance to test-drive the food and service here, this area of Samburu is spectacular and hitherto under-utilised due to the lack of any really special lodges so for that fact alone we would certainly recommend it.
9 en-suite, open rooms with tented sleeping area
An unusual, stylish lodge, well located to make the most of Samburu, without scrumming down with the masses.
Incl. FB, soft drinks, beer, house wine & spirits, laundry, game drives, walks, cultural visits and camel walks, airstrip transfers, laundry. Excl. cellar wine & premium spirits, champagne, Spa treatments, Air excursions, Samburu NP park fees.
Samburu National Reserve straddles the muddy Euaso Nyiro river and is one of the most picturesque parks of northern Kenya. Clusters of doum palms and acacia crowd the banks of the river and dry river beds that carve through the reserve. As the main source of sustenance, the river is a focal point for wildlife and birds, both of which are plentiful. A wonderful morning can be spent just sitting in your open vehicle watching a family of elephants drinking, bathing and being sociable in the river. The baboons in this park seem to be particularly precocious and so antics involving the hard doum palm nuts and adolescent baboons scampering around on the banks of the river can provide endless entertainment. The park is hot and so activities are normally concentrated in the early morning and late afternoon, returning to camp for a big breakfast or hearty dinner. The middle of the day is spent relaxing and birdwatching or snoozing in the shade. There are quite a few lodges here and so you will see minibuses around but your guide will know the main routes and it is possible to still enjoy a rewarding game experience without feeling part of a human migration. Buffalo Springs Reserve adjoins Samburu and a drive into this area can be a nice change of scene, focussing mainly around a series of fresh springs which act like a wildlife magnet in this arid territory. 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.
