Sasaab | Samburu National Reserve
Overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro river in the heart of Samburu land, Sasaab is a spectacular lodge which blends wildlife, adventure, relaxation and culture for the ultimate safari experience in northern Kenya. The lodge commands breathtaking views across the arid landscape towards the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya. Sasaab’s design is Moroccan in style – each room boasts enormous open air bathrooms, expansive views and private plunge pools.
An exceptional safari experience is offered with sightings of the ‘Samburu Special Five’ (Grevy’s zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and beisa oryx), as well as authentic experiences with the fiercely proud and colourful Samburu people.
- Information
- Rooms
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
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Your Stay
4 Nights
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
The luxury suites are incredibly spacious and designed to act as a private sanctuary. Each has a private plunge pool, a chill out space (either a veranda or mini-garden), and a large open-fronted bathroom. Seclusion, tranquility and spectacular wild views characterise every room. Rooms 1 to 4 have rooftop stargazing beds (and all other rooms will do soon).
The lodge is situated on quite a steep bank, so it is recommended that anyone with less mobility requests a room nearest to the main reception area which is more easily accessible.
Tents 8 and 9 provide the ultimate Samburu family suite. Perched a few metres above the Ewaso Nyiro River, they are the lowest tents and command sweeping riverside views. The accommodation is more than spacious, with large double and twin ensuite bedrooms connected by a breezy open sided lounge area in the middle and an expansive wooden deck out to the front. There are ample seating areas for relaxing and a delightful plunge pool looking out over the river.
The front of each tent can be completely opened up so you can gaze out onto nature whilst enjoying a morning tea or coffee in bed. Enjoy high levels of seclusion and a feeling of being totally immersed in the wilderness in your own private villa. The large deck is perfect for private dining if this is required and there is also a separate drive-in entrance to this tent complex should groups wish to avoid walking down the winding gravel pathway from the main dining area.
Our family suite is also suited to groups of friends who want to be together. The central deck, plunge pool and lounge are beautiful spaces for socialising and relaxing with loved ones.
Exclusive use of game drive vehicle is included for all guests staying in the Samburu Family Suite.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Eco Friendly, Gym, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Spa
Room Facilities
Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Plunge Pool, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
Credit Card
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.
Dining options
The finest Kenyan produce is combined with the Moroccan twist that runs throughout Sasaab, to create a thrilling fusion of flavours. Meals are offered on the open plan dining area and deck overlooking the river and private dining on guests’ verandas or by the pool are available upon request. Breakfast, lunch and a three-course dinner are included, as well as afternoon tea, evening nibbles, teas, coffees and excellent house wine.
Guests can enjoy fabulous bush breakfasts cooked to order whilst out on morning game drives, as well as sundowner excursions and picnic lunches for longer days out.
