Wildlife & City Sophistication

It is located at Langata, approximately 3 kilometers from House of Waine. It is the creation of a Kenyan
conservation organization, the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW). It was established in order to protect the endangered Rothschild giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi, that is found only in the grasslands of East Africa.

The main attraction for visitors is feeding giraffes from a raised observation platform. The centre is also
home to several warthogs which freely roam the area along with the giraffes.

They have three types of Giraffes: Reticulated Giraffe, Masai Giraffe and the Rothschild Giraffe.

Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm 7 days a week.

Sheldrick is a Kenyan wildlife conservation charity founded in 1977 in memory of David Sheldrick by his widow Daphne Sheldrick. It assists and advises the Kenya Wildlife Service and manages an orphanage for elephants and rhinos.

One can also adopt an Elephant at a cost of USD 50 per year upon prior booking.

It is located approximately 20 minutes from House of Waine and is open daily from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. At this time you watch them being fed with the normal human children formulae milk.

Charges are Kshs. 500 per person both local and international.

Kazuri Bead Factory is situated 1 km and is approximately a 15 minutes walk from House of Waine – “a stones-throw away” from Karen Blixen Museum.

Originally founded by the late Lady Susan Wood in 1975, she created employment for struggling single mothers in the community. Kazuri is still located in its’ original setting in Karen, so far the workshop has now employed over 300 local women. Kazuri Beads specialize on Hand Made Ceramic Beads, Pottery and Genuine Leather Bags.

Kazuri Beads Shop opening hours are as follows: Sundays 9:00am to 4:00pm, Mondays to Saturdays from 8:30am am to 6:00pm. Karen Workshop closes Mon to Sat at 6.00pm and Sundays at 5.00pm.

Utamaduni Crafts Centre is located on Bogani East Road between Ostrich Park and Giraffe Centre in Langata open from 10am to 6pm daily. Utamaduni Crafts Centre is situated 5 Minutes from House of Waine. There are about eighteen individual Craft Shops in one large house offering a wealth of Kenyan Culture.

The centre offers antiques, wood carvings, bronze items, and jewellery of the highest quality. Utamaduni means “cultural heritage” and is a converted house containing (about 18) arts and crafts shops including:
cKisii Soapstone
- African Fabrics
- Men's Boutique
- Beaded Glassware
- An African coffee table book shop
- Antique African silver & gold jewelry
- Crafts made by ex-Nairobi street children
- A variety of beautiful Kenyan Kiondos (Baskets)

Utamaduni Craft Centre in Nairobi is the best place to buy souvenirs.

The museum is situated in the upscale Nairobi suburb of "Karen," a town that was created by the parceling out of the coffee farm's land after Blixen's return to Denmark. Itis also the former African home of Danish author Karen Blixen, famous for her book Out of Africa which chronicles life at the estate.

The Karen Blixen Museum is located 1km from House of Waine and is open every day between 9:30am and 6:00pm, including on weekends and public holidays.

Visitors have the opportunity to take part in continuously offered guided tours of the house, which features rooms designed in both the original decor and with props from the 1985 film. The grounds, which feature original equipment from the coffee farm, are also available for touring. There is also a gift shop. The grounds of the museum are available to rent for weddings, corporate functions, and other events.

Charges :100 Kshs per person-Residents & USD 10 Per Person Non-Residents.

The Museum is open from 9:30am to 6:00pm

Sasaab is located in an area of rich natural diversity with an astounding number of animals, from majestic elephant herds to predatory lion, leopard and cheetah. The bird life in Samburu is exceptional with high concentrations of different species. This area of Kenya is also home to the ‘Samburu Special Five’, a group of animals endemic to this area of northern Kenya and not found elsewhere. They are the Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Gerenuk antelope and Somali ostrich. There are two areas to explore whilst out on a game drive: Westgate Conservancy (which is where Sasaab is located) and the Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves which are a short drive away. Sasaab has a fleet of specially designed open-sided safari vehicles to ensure maximum game viewing and comfort. They are kitted out with suncream, a selection of hot and cold drinks, books and sweets - everything to keep you happy during a game drive! Our professionally trained guides are local Samburu people with an in-depth knowledge of the area, its wildlife and culture.

Experience the ultimate freedom and explore northern Kenya's remote wilderness with your own set of propellers. Get ready for jaw-dropping views, awe-inspiring landscapes and an unforgettable adventure.

Through our partners at Tropic Air, a helicopter is based at Sasaab for several months of the year, ready to whizz guests off on a variety of excursions to the most remote destinations in Kenya. Heli adventures are tailor made to suit every guest's interests, whether it's once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities, discovering ancient rock art, fossil hunting or mountain top panoramas to feel like you're on top of the world.

Discover more details on at website at: thesafaricollection.com/helicopter/

For the adventurously-minded, we can arrange an incredible mobile camp experience for guests to sleep out under the stars and truly connect with the wild. Advanced notice and pre-booking is required for this activity.

Sasaab has five resident camels. Guests usually enjoy camel rides in the cooler late afternoon hours. A popular choice is to embark on a leisurely walk down by the river and end up at our sundowner spot in time for an evening drink, which is around a 45 minute ride.

Stretch your legs and take the time to appreciate the beautiful flora, smaller wildlife species and birdlife. It is possible to enjoy morning bird walks, late afternoon walks with sundowners or half day walks. If you are feeling energetic, one of our spotters will be happy to escort you on a riverside run!

Tucked away in the 4C Centre near the main lodge entrance, are two tranquil spa treatment rooms. Our skilled therapists offer a range of massage and beauty treatments designed to restore the body's natural equilibrium and melt away stress.

Sasaab draws its name from the Samburu word for frankincense, showcasing the deep connection between Samburu culture and nature. The aromatic resin, derived from local Boswellia trees, is renowned for its healing properties and infuses a soothing essence into our spa experiences.

We use luxurious Healing Earth oils and balms, an organic brand inspired by ancient African healing traditions, as well as locally made, all-natural products from Cinnabar Green. Adjacent to our lap pool, our spa boasts an outdoor shower with valley views, inviting guests to take a pre or post-treatment swim for a truly holistic rejuvenation.

In addition to the private plunge pools available in each room, the lodge boasts two swimming pools. The first is a stunning infinity pool on the edge of the cliff overlooking the river, whilst the second is a lap pool located next to our outdoor gym at the 4C centre which is perfect for swimming lengths.

Both pools are heavenly in the heat of the day and the main infinity pool is a great spot from which to watch the wildlife coming and going along the river below. The pools are always open, but please note that there is no lifeguard on duty at either one, so children must be supervised at all times.

Sasaab has a well-equipped outdoor gym with wonderful scenic views and a lap pool for swimming lengths, so you can really work up an appetite for the scrumptious cuisine. Our gym and lap pool are conveniently located within the 4C Centre, just a few steps away from the main lodge entrance.

Guests will also find a yoga mat and skipping rope in their tent, perfect for use on the private verandas whilst taking in the view.

It is also possible to go out jogging along the river; one of our spotters will accompany guests interested in doing this. This is best done very early in the morning to avoid the heat.

Sundowner Rock in Westgate Conservancy has become somewhat of a legendary spot due to its phenomenal panoramic views stretching as far as the eye can see. Scramble up the giant rock boulders to be blown away by the scenery. This is likely to be one sundowner which will leave a lasting memory.

For the adrenaline junkies we have four quad bikes available to use. Enjoy the freedom of exploring Westgate Conservancy at your own pace. We can even tailor a quad bike excursion complete with an overnight fly-camping expedition for the ultimate wild adventure (advance notice is required). Helmets and a guide are provided and there is a minimum age limit of eight years, depending on the child’s height and abilities. For children, we can take the bikes down to the beach by the river and set a course for them there. Quads can be enjoyed starting from US$ 35 per person per hour.

Experience a colourful assault on all the senses at an authentic Samburu market. From bleating livestock to household goods and beaded jewellery, local Samburu people meet here to trade, sell and buy all sorts of goods. Market days usually happen on Wednesdays and Thursdays but can vary, please check with our team if you’re interested in doing this.

A ‘manyatta’ is a Samburu (or Maasai) settlement, formed by a group of huts within a fenced compound. For interested guests, we can arrange a visit to one of our neighbouring villages to gain an insight into the fascinating culture of the Samburu people and how they survive in this harsh, arid environment. This excursion is dependent on the Samburu elders and each visit must be individually arranged with the lodge during each stay.

During each stay, it may be possible for us to organise a special cultural experience with the local community for guests to watch and even participate in.

The Samburu have a way of life and elaborate traditions that follow the pattern of the rains; such celebrations have remained unchanged for the last two centuries. During the dry season, specially elected women pray for rain to bless the scorched earth. When the rain finally arrives, and with it their warriors bringing home herds of cattle, the colourfully adorned moran (warriors) and some of the women engage in spectacular celebratory dances and parties. At Sasaab we respect and follow this natural rhythm and guests staying at the lodge can sometimes be part of these activities. Being witness to a traditional dance is a real assault on all the senses and an unforgettable experience that many guests say is a highlight of their stay.

Due to the organic nature of the experience, this activity is subject to availability and must be booked prior to arrival at Sasaab as we need at least 24 hours to organise the dance with the warriors.

Sasaab is involved in a diverse variety of health and education projects in the local Samburu communities, from kitting out school libraries to supporting clean water boreholes and building classrooms. Guests are welcome to visit one of the local primary schools that we support near to the lodge to meet the children and teachers. (Not available on weekends or during school holidays.) Visit The Safari Collection's Footprint page to find out more about the initiatives we support at Sasaab and how just by staying with us, every guest makes a positive impact on the people and wildlife.

Explore the 4C Centre at Sasaab, a hub for cultural discovery and sustainability. The 4Cs—Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce—form the foundation for our Global Ecosphere Retreat® (GER®) accreditation. Through our exhibition rooms, guests can immerse themselves in Samburu culture, the region's geology and our harmonious coexistence with communities, wildlife and landscapes.

As well as engaging exhibits, the 4C Centre houses our two spa treatment rooms, a lap pool, an outdoor gym and a boutique shop. Learn more about the 4C Centre's story during your stay.

In addition to exiting game drives, camel adventures, quad bikes and time spent splashing around in the pool, there is lots at Sasaab to delight younger guests. Children often love to spend a few hours with one of our friendly Samburu warriors who will guide them on a nature trail specially designed for little ones. They can learn to make a traditional Samburu bow and arrow and also how to make a toothbrush from the Samburu toothbrush tree (don’t throw your toothpaste and floss away too quickly!)

If there are a group of children, our guides can organise a mini ‘Samburu Olympics’ for them to show off their warrior skills against one another. Sundowners are a sticky treat: marshmallows grilled on a small bush fire whilst adults enjoy a grown-up drink and take in the spectacle of the setting sun over the vast African plains.

Each room has a watercolour set and artist pad for guests to use during their stay. Get creative in Sasaab’s idyllic, artistic surroundings and paint the unique scenery and wildlife.

Sala’s is the first camp in the Mara to witness the phenomenal movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra and other antelope, which move year round on a circular migratory route in the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Guests staying between July and October might be lucky enough to catch the animals thundering by. Watching a river crossing is a tense and thrilling spectacle and will bring you face to face with the brutal reality of mother nature. Do check dates before travelling if you don’t want to miss this, as timings vary each year depending on when the rains begin.

The anticipation and excitement of setting off in a 4 x 4 to explore the African bush is what being on safari is all about. The area around Sala’s Camp is teeming with diverse wildlife and Sala's fleet of professional guides are eager to tell guests about the plants and animals they come across. Guests staying longer might wish to venture further into the Mara and head out for the day with a picnic lunch. Each game drive vehicle is specially designed to ensure maximum game viewing and comfort. Kitted out with Maasai blankets and ponchos to keep warm, sunscreen, fridges filled with cold drinks, hot drinks, books and sweets, there's everything to keep you happy during a game drive.

During the dry months, the sandy riverbed in front of Sala’s Camp turns into a perfect volleyball pitch as well as the ideal place for a game of boules. Sala’s Camp has everything you need for both games. There are no hippos or crocodiles to worry about in the area, so enjoy unleashing your competitive side.

Sala’s Camp has a small, but well-equipped gym for guests to use at their leisure and really work up an appetite for the scrumptious cuisine!

Each tent also has a ‘gym-in-a-bag’ for guests to use during their stay, containing a yoga mat, skipping rope and post safari stretch card with some simple exercises to relax the body.

Each tent has a paint set and sketch pad for guests to use during their stay. Get creative in the camp’s idyllic, artistic surroundings and paint the unique scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna.

Sundowners are an essential part of any safari experience and there really is nothing better than watching the African sun sink low on the horizon over the vast animal filled plains of the Masai Mara. The fabulous vintage mobile bar at Sala's (named Eleanor) adds a special touch to the sundowner experience here. Fully stocked with everything needed to make cocktails, mocktails or whatever the drink of choice, plus delicious canapes to nibble on, it makes for an unforgettable evening spent in nature.

From a secluded shady corner of camp, or from the comfort of your own room, indulge in one of our therapeutic treatments. We use spa products by Healing Earth, a premium organic brand inspired by ancient African healing traditions.

Soaring high over the savannah on a sunrise balloon safari is a truly unforgettable and magical experience. Glide silently above the plains and spot wildlife as you experience 360 degree views as far as the eye can see. Balloon rides are particularly magnificent during the migration, when you will witness millions of animals grazing on a green carpet below you. Please refer to our rates sheet for the latest ballooning costs which include a champagne bush breakfast.

Join your Masai Guide for an exploratory amble around the camp environment. This gentle stroll is a great way for both adults and children alike to stretch their legs in-between game drives. You’ll be surprised by just how many smaller creatures and birds there are to spot around camp. It’s also fascinating to learn about the traditional uses of some of the plants and trees you’ll come across. Children might like looking for wildlife tracks, finding feathers and learning to identify different types of animal dung! If you are staying with us for several days and would like to go on a longer walk outside of camp, there is an area in the reserve approximately an hour away where you can amble along a small gorge of the Sand River.

Our guides and spotters love taking younger guests under their wing, helping them become enthralled by the wild. They might enjoy spotting the ‘little five’ and the ‘ugly five’ on game drives or finding animal tracks with their guide on a nature walk around camp. The shallow sandy riverbed in front of camp is ideal for little ones to splash about in during the wet season or dig around and spot animal spoor when it’s dry. Budding warriors can learn how to make a Maasai bow and arrow or how to make a fire using traditional techniques. Evening activities might include roasting marshmallows and making popcorn around the fire or searching for glow worms and frogs by torchlight. The camp is well-stocked with a selection of board games, including Scrabble, Kumiliki (African Monopoly), Chess, Liar Dice, Backgammon, cards and Mancala.

Experience Cape Town’s highlights, from built landmarks to the city’s famous natural features (private and group tour).

•South African Museum and the Company Gardens
•Parliament buildings
•City Hall and Castle of Good Hope
•Malay Quarter/Bo-Kaap
•Green Market Square
•Signal Hill
•Camps Bay and Clifton
•Short diamond factory tour (optional)

Cycling through the vineyards or along the streets of Franschhoek to enjoy an afternoon coffee or wine tasting.