Sasaab

Sasaab is a luxurious, very intimate safari lodge in Samburu with dramatic river views, Moroccan-Swahili design, and a strong focus on privacy and personalized experiences. It is one of the most distinctive high-end stays in northern Kenya, especially for travelers who want style, space, and strong guiding in a remote wilderness setting.

Location & Setting

Sasaab sits above the Ewaso Nyiro River in the Samburu region, close to Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves, with wide views toward the Laikipia Plateau and Mount Kenya. Some descriptions place it in Westgate Conservancy, just beyond the Samburu National Reserve boundary, which reinforces its private, low-crowd feel. The lodge’s elevated position and desert-like surroundings give it a striking sense of isolation and grandeur.

Accommodation & Style

The lodge has nine spacious tented suites, plus a family suite, and the design blends Moroccan and Swahili influences with northern Kenya textures. The tents are large, airy, and highly private, with open sides, four-poster beds, open-air bathrooms, and private plunge pools. The architecture is one of Sasaab’s biggest signatures, making the stay feel more like a design-forward sanctuary than a traditional safari camp.

Rooms & Comfort

Each suite is over 100 square meters and includes a plunge pool, generous living space, and a luxurious bathroom setup, often with a deep bath and open-air elements. The family suite is designed for guests traveling together, with connected rooms and a shared living area. Comfort levels are very high, but the experience still feels close to nature thanks to the open, breezy layout.

Facilities & Dining

Sasaab features a pool, spa, lounge bar, dining room, viewing deck, yoga space, and a boma for evenings by the fire. Meals are full-board and often served outdoors, with local ingredients and options for private dining or bush picnics. The lodge is also known for a cliff-side pool with spectacular views, which adds a memorable visual element to the stay.

Safari Experience

Activities at Sasaab include game drives, guided walks, camel rides, birdwatching, sleep-outs, fly-camping, and cultural visits with Samburu hosts. Wildlife viewing can include elephants, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and big cats, and the lodge’s position gives it excellent access to the Samburu ecosystem. For travelers who like variety, it offers a richer mix of safari styles than a lodge focused only on vehicle-based drives.

Atmosphere & Service

The atmosphere is exclusive, romantic, and deeply personal, with a small number of guests at any time and a strong emphasis on service. Reviews and lodge descriptions highlight personal attention, privacy, and a polished but warm style of hosting. It feels like a retreat for travelers who want a safari with strong design, wellness, and cultural depth.

Ideal For

Sasaab is ideal for honeymooners, couples, families, photographers, and luxury safari travelers who want a refined Samburu experience. It is especially well suited to guests who appreciate design, private plunge pools, spa time, and activities beyond game drives. For an elegant and deeply atmospheric northern Kenya stay, it is one of the standout choices.