CELEBRATING THE SAMBURU

What does the name ‘4C Centre’ mean?

The ‘4Cs’ stand for Conservation, Community, Commerce and Culture and are the sustainability framework used by The Long Run. These four key pillars must be woven together in a careful balance to protect wilderness in perpetuity (our ultimate goal). For example, our mutually beneficial partnership with the Samburu community is helping protect biodiversity. When tourism revenue brings tangible benefits, people become invested in protecting the wildlife and conservation becomes easier. Commerce plays a key role, as a sustainable flow of bed nights enables us to fund impactful projects. Alongside this is an overarching aim to safeguard the fragile culture of the Samburu people.

After a journey of many years, Sasaab has achieved a holistic balance of the 4Cs. Biodiversity conservation, community well-being, the promotion of cultural diversity, and the carrying out of enterprise all complement each other in a way that is mindful of our planet. As such, Sasaab has achieved Global Ecosphere Retreat® (GER®) status, one of the highest sustainability standards in the world as recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. As part of our GER® journey, our new cultural hub is a celebration of the 4Cs of Sasaab as well as the Samburu.

Why was the 4C Centre built?

It feels even more special to be in a place when you appreciate and understand the context of where you are. That’s why we built the 4C Centre. Sasaab is so much more than your average safari destination. Yes, the wildlife experience is awesome, but so is the story of Sasaab, its people and its geographic environment. It’s enlightening and enriching and we simply can’t let guests come and go without the opportunity for a deeper immersion. We also wanted a platform from which to promote Westgate Community Conservancy, the work of our conservation partners and share facts about the local geology.

The 4C Centre is the first of its kind in the northern corridor and has become a hub for guests gaining a deeper experience of Samburu culture and the formation of the Great Rift Valley. For the younger generation, it’s an opportunity to learn about their great grandparent’s culture such as the age set system.
~ Wanjohi, Project Manager.

What experience does the 4C Centre offer to guests?

The 4C Centre also houses a lap pool, a new outdoor gym, two spa treatment rooms and a boutique gift shop. It makes a lovely post-lunch activity to pop in and investigate the centre a relaxing massage, invigorating workout or swimming a few lengths.

Does the 4C Centre benefit the community? 

During the opening, some of the first visitors to the centre were regional leaders from the local Samburu community and their sense of pride was clear. They felt incredibly excited that their rich heritage, culture and traditions were being celebrated, shared and preserved.

In practical terms, the centre serves as a meeting space for community members, lodge members and our Footprint foundation team to come together, helping the partnership between local community and sustainable tourism be a successful one. Moreover, the new spa and gym area has enabled the old one to be upcycled into a brand-new family suite in the main lodge, increasing bed nights (each of which contributes financially to Westgate Community Conservancy).

Why is the 4C Centre so unique?

This dedicated space for learning about northern Kenya, the Samburu culture and the partnership between local community and sustainable tourism provides a special opportunity for visitors to this region. Many members of the Westgate community were directly involved in designing the centre and felt amazed and excited by the end result.

Because Sasaab is not your average game-drive destination, it was important for us to share with guests the wonderous nature of this region, as well as the concept of the 4Cs which shapes so much of the Sasaab experience. Some visitors to the centre have already commented that after gaining an understanding of how conservation, community, culture and commerce all interlink here to shape a more sustainable and holistic existence, they want to embrace a similar approach in their lives back home.

Where is the 4C Centre?

This brand-new, purpose-built building sits in a beautiful spot right beside the main lodge. It shares the same stunning views as Sasaab’s main area, looking out over the Ewaso Nyiro River and Westgate Community Conservancy towards Mount Kenya beyond. At its entrance, we planted a beautiful cycad garden in celebration of the ancient giant cycads endemic to the mountains of northern Kenya. They are one of the oldest and rarest plants on the planet. We can’t wait for you to visit!