Sasaab with Mara Triangle Safaris

Sasaab – A Private Plunge Pool Above the Elephants’ River

Perched high on a rocky ridge overlooking a sweeping bend of the Ewaso Nyiro River, where large herds of elephants bathe in the afternoon light, Sasaab is widely considered one of the most architecturally striking and design‑led safari lodges in northern Kenya. Set within the Westgate Community Conservancy on the western boundary of the Samburu National Reserve, this spectacular property blends Moroccan and Swahili influences with contemporary eco‑luxury, creating an intimate sanctuary where the wild northern frontier meets sophisticated comfort.

Sasaab is the flagship property of The Safari Collection – the acclaimed owners of Giraffe Manor. Opened in 2007 and receiving a Gold Eco‑Rating from Ecotourism Kenya, the lodge is a multi‑award‑winning pioneer in community‑based conservation. It was also granted Global Ecosphere Retreat (GER) status in 2022 by The Long Run for its outstanding impact on the environment and local communities. The name “Sasaab” derives from the Samburu language and reflects a deep connection to the land. Here, you are surrounded by vast, unspoiled wilderness that feels profoundly remote, with breathtaking panoramic views across the Laikipia Plateau towards the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya, often visible in the crisp morning light.

The camp is located on a 35,000‑hectare conservancy that was initiated by the local land owners of Ngutuk Ongiron Group Ranch in 2004 as a tourism and conservation enterprise to diversify income for the community. Today, Samburu community members make up 75% of Sasaab’s employees, and the lodge funds dental and eye clinics, supports The Grevy’s Zebra Trust, and runs a School Lunch Programme. A visit to the on‑site 4C Centre (Conservation, Community, Commerce, Culture) provides fascinating insight into these initiatives.

Prime Location – A Wildlife Corridor Like No Other
The lodge sits on the edge of the Westgate Community Conservancy, which borders three major protected areas: Samburu National Reserve to the south, Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy to the east, and Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust to the north. The southern and western boundary is the Ewaso Nyiro River, the largest river in northern Kenya and a vital lifeline for wildlife. This location serves as a critical wildlife corridor, particularly for the endangered Grevy’s zebra and large herds of elephants that cross the river directly below the camp.

Sasaab is accessible by road – approximately a 6‑hour drive (341 km) from Nairobi, crossing the equator and passing Mount Kenya – or by a 1.5‑hour charter flight from Wilson Airport to the lodge’s own private airstrip, followed by a 10‑minute transfer.

Accommodation – Nine Enormous Tented Suites with Private Plunge Pools
Sasaab features nine individually positioned, tented suites, each exceeding 100 square metres in size, offering remarkable privacy and some of the most spectacular views in all of Samburu. The accommodation is a fusion of canvas, high thatched roofs, polished concrete floors, and traditional Swahili‑style wooden entrances with Moroccan‑style structural design.

Luxury Double Tents (7 Units):

• Four‑poster king‑sized bed with Egyptian cotton linens

• Enormous open‑air bathroom with a rain shower, soaking tub, twin vanities, and handmade Kenyan toiletries

• Private veranda with a plunge pool and sun loungers – perfect for watching elephants cross the river from your deck

• Dedicated lounge area with comfortable seating

• Rooftop stargazing bed – a raised platform with a mattress and mosquito netting, allowing you to sleep under the African sky

• Mini‑bar fridge, tea/coffee making facilities, in‑room safe, free‑standing fan, yoga mat, skipping rope

• 24‑hour solar power, complimentary Wi‑Fi, and daily housekeeping

Riverside Family Suite (Tents 8 & 9):

• Two interconnected en‑suite bedrooms (one double, one twin)

• Expansive wooden deck with a private plunge pool

• Separate drive‑in entrance for added privacy

• Sweeping riverside views close to the river’s sandy banks

• Includes exclusive use of a dedicated 4×4 safari vehicle

Poolside Family Suite (Tents 10 & 11):

• Two en‑suite bedrooms connected by a central island with a generously sized plunge pool

• Perched on the cliff near the main infinity pool

• Features one double and one twin bedroom

• Accessed via a winding stairway (not suitable for guests with mobility challenges)

• Includes exclusive use of a dedicated 4×4 safari vehicle

Dining – Fresh, Sustainable Cuisine from the Kitchen Garden
Dining at Sasaab is an experience to savour. The open‑air restaurant and bar are set around a sunken courtyard with swinging daybeds and Moroccan‑style décor. The menu takes inspiration from local Samburu specialities, blended with North African and international influences.

All ingredients are sourced as locally as possible, with much of the fresh produce grown in Sasaab’s own shamba (kitchen garden), supplemented by eggs from the resident hens. The result is an exceptionally fresh, seasonal, and sustainable culinary experience.

Dining options include:

• Alfresco breakfasts and starlit dinners served on the wooden deck off the dining room

• Bush breakfasts cooked to order in the wilderness using pull‑out stoves

• Wood‑fired pizzas from the poolside pizza oven

• Private dining on your tent’s private deck for a romantic evening

• Sundowner cocktails with canapés on “Sundowner Rock,” a 40‑minute walk or short camel ride away

• Special dietary requirements catered for with advance notice

Facilities & Amenities – Designed for Relaxation and Adventure
Sasaab offers an exceptional range of facilities for a camp of its size, all designed to enhance your stay:

• Main Infinity Pool: A stunning cliff‑edge pool overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River and the Laikipia Plateau – arguably one of the most beautiful pool settings in Kenya

• Second Lap Pool: Located adjacent to the gym for those who wish to keep up with their fitness routine

• SpaSaab: A wellness retreat offering massages and treatments using Healing Earth natural products

• Fully Equipped Gym: With a lap pool and stunning views

• 4C Centre: An on‑site cultural learning hub showcasing Conservation, Community, Commerce, and Culture; includes a boutique shop selling local crafts

• Library & Lounge: A comfortable, open‑plan space with Moroccan‑style swinging daybeds and a fireplace

• Complimentary Wi‑Fi: Available in all tents and public areas

• Laundry Service: Included

• Boutique Shop: Selling Samburu handicrafts, beadwork, clothing, and safari essentials

Wildlife & Activities – The Samburu Special Five and Beyond
Sasaab’s location within a private conservancy, bordering the Samburu National Reserve, provides access to some of the richest and most unique wildlife viewing in Kenya. The area is famous for the “Samburu Special Five” – rare endemic species found almost nowhere else on earth:

• Grevy’s zebra (endangered, with one of the largest remaining populations here)

• Reticulated giraffe

• Gerenuk (the “giraffe‑necked antelope”)

• Beisa oryx

• Somali ostrich

Beyond these, the river system supports large herds of elephants (often seen crossing the river below the camp), lion, leopard, cheetah, African wild dog, hippopotamus, crocodile, buffalo, Grant’s gazelle, hyena, jackal, and over 395 recorded bird species.

Activities (Included in most packages):

• Twice‑daily game drives into Westgate Conservancy and Samburu National Reserve, led by expert Samburu guides

• Guided bush walks to learn about medicinal plants, animal tracks, and smaller wildlife

• Camel riding – a traditional and peaceful way to explore the landscape

• Sundowners on Sundowner Rock or at scenic spots in the conservancy

• Cultural visits to a local Samburu manyatta (village) to learn about traditions, beadwork, and daily life

• The 4C Centre experience – an educational and inspiring visit

Extra‑cost activities (arranged on request):

• Quad biking – thrilling rides along dry riverbeds (adults and children 12+)

• Helicopter excursions – scenic flights to Mount Kenya or remote desert pools

• Fly camping – a unique overnight expedition sleeping under mosquito nets in the wilderness

• Market day visits – vibrant local markets (Wednesdays/Thursdays)

Pricing Information (Sample Rates – Confirm at Booking)
Sasaab is an ultra‑luxury property offering exceptional value for the level of exclusivity and service. The following are all‑inclusive nightly rates for non‑residents (2026):

Family Suite Rates (up to 2 adults + 2 children):

• Low Season: $4,100 per night

• High Season: $5,800 per night

Inclusions: All meals, house wines, house beers, house spirits, soft drinks, laundry, airstrip transfers, game drives, guided bush walks, camel walks, sundowners, cultural visits, market visits (where applicable).

Exclusions: Park and conservancy fees, champagne, premium spirits, selected wines, quad biking, helicopter excursions, fly camping (additional vehicle hire may apply), gratuities, personal items.

Why Choose Sasaab?

• Architectural Masterpiece – A stunning fusion of Moroccan and Swahili design, offering one of the most beautiful safari settings in Kenya

• Private Plunge Pools in Every Tent – Over 100m² of space with a private veranda and plunge pool overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River

• Rooftop Stargazing Beds – Fall asleep under a blanket of stars on a raised platform above your tent

• Prime Location for the Samburu Special Five – Unrivalled access to Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich

• Spectacular Elephant Viewing – Watch large herds of elephants bathe and cross the river directly below the camp

• Gold Eco‑Rated & Community‑Focused – A multi‑award‑winning leader in sustainable tourism, with 75% local staff and significant community investment

• Dining from the Kitchen Garden – Fresh, seasonal, and sustainable cuisine grown in the lodge’s own shamba