ABOUT SASAAB

LUXURY SAFARI

Sasaab’s story begins in 2007, when this luxury safari lodge first opened its stunning Swahili-style wooden entrance to safari-goers. Actually, the story goes a little further back. For some time, Mikey and Tanya Carr-Hartley had been eager to create a community tourism project that would help protect and preserve this remote wilderness area in Kenya’s arid north for future generations. By creating a Samburu luxury safari destination within Westgate Conservancy, the vision was to bring the benefits of high-end tourism to local communities, igniting a natural vested interest in protecting the surrounding environment and wildlife.

Sasaab enjoys a positive partnership with the local Samburu communities who reside in Westgate Community. Conservancy fees paid by guests go towards roads, security, schools, clinics and general management. Most of the lodge team are employed directly from the local community and through The Safari Collection’s Footprint, Sasaab supports a myriad of health and education projects in the nearby area.

SAMBURU LUXURY SAFARI

The design of this luxury safari lodge was born out of a need to protect it from the seasonal flooding of the mighty Ewaso Nyiro River, the lifeline of Samburu and much of Kenya’s north which flows right below the lodge. As such, Sasaab was built high above the water on a rocky ridgeline, also enabling it to take advantage of the spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Tanya and Mikey designed the lodge in a Moroccan style to embrace the African heat and the expansive surrounding landscape; open archways allow for a cooling breeze to flow through, as well as stunning vistas out onto the savannah and mountains beyond. The design compliments Sasaab’s open tent design, thatched roofs and private plunge pools, all of which enable guests to stay comfortable and cool. It provides the ultimate Samburu luxury safari accommodation.

DID YOU KNOW

‘Sasaab’ is the Samburu name of a local white flowering shrub (a sub-species of Ipomoea) that grows in this area. When the seasonal rains quench the thirsty earth of this semi-arid region, beautiful bursts of colourful flowers dot the scrubland and the landscape awakens with new life.

OUR SERVICES

All guests enjoy full-board accommodation during their stay, which includes all meals, drinks and alcohol, excluding champagne and premium wines/spirits. Game drives, bush breakfasts and sundowners are all included, as are nature walks and camel rides. Guests have use of an infinity pool and gym as well as their private plunge pool. A range of spa treatments are on offer at SpaSaab. Children are welcome and under threes stay free. A ‘baby-listening’ service is available and special meals are by prior arrangement.

AT A GLANCE

  • CHILDREN ARE WELCOME
  • 9 LUXURY TENTS WITH PRIVATE POOLS / 18 GUESTS
  • FREE WIFI
  • PERFECT FOR INTIMATE WEDDINGS OF UP TO 24 GUESTS
  • KNOWLEDGEABLE LOCAL GUIDES
  • RELAXING SPA

WHEN TO GO

The temperature in Kenya remains fairly consistent throughout the year, because of its location spanning the equator. Sasaab is in the Northern Frontier District, which extends from Samburu right up to Kenya’s northern-most borders. This interior region experiences slightly higher temperatures than the rest of the country, so you can expect hot sunny days and cooler evenings, consistent with a desert climate. It is a great year-round destination. Sasaab is closed for two weeks in November for maintenance.

MEET OUR TEAM

Meet a few members of our fabulous team that will be looking after you on your Samburu luxury safari. Many of Sasaab’s team are from the local Samburu community in Westgate Conservancy and are passionate about sharing their insights and knowledge about the landscape in which they’ve grown up.

Daniel Kasoo
Daniel KasooHead Guide, Sasaab
Daniel has been showing guests the wonders of Samburu and Westgate for over ten years. His passion and enthusiasm for what he does is infectious. He also gives Chef Peter a run for his money with his impressive bush breakfasts.
Gabriel Salaton
Gabriel SalatonGuide, Sasaab
Gabriel has been a guide with us for over ten years and loves what he does. He can always be found with a smile on his face and is never happier than when out in our open-sided vehicles enlightening guests on the diversity of wildlife found here.
Sammy Lekiluai
Sammy LekiluaiGuide, Sasaab
Sammy is a Samburu warrior who grew up immersed in the natural world and wildlife of the area. His talent for spotting animals in the bush earned him a job as a spotter at Sasaab, where his skills and passion quickly saw him become an excellent guide.
Caroline Imbayi
Caroline ImbayiSpaSaab Therapist
Caroline is our resident expert in all things zen. She loves creating the perfect atmosphere for guests to unwind and relax into the safari pace of life. One treatment is never enough with Caroline.
Peter Kariuki
Peter KariukiFOH Supervisor, Sasaab
Peter has been with us since the beginning. Having been our Head Chef for many years, he has always provided guidance to the team at large. Now Front of House Supervisor, he is a natural at leading the team and ensuring guest experience is second to none.

A have to visit

‘Most favorite place in the world! Truly sunning overlooking the river .Each accommodation tent has all amenities and beautiful deck with plunge pool. Also main pool with sun lounger with the most amazing view ! Eat up in main area, semi outdoors. Great view, super staff and nothing too much trouble’

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Murphy, Ireland

Amazing stay

‘I highly recommend Sasaab lodge! The accommodation was beautiful and serene. The food was delicious at every meal and they are very accommodating for individuals with dietary restrictions. The guides were very knowledgeable as well. We saw all the big cats during a 3 night stay and came away with amazing photos and an experience to remember. I would love to go back!’ 

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Kristina_Peti_V

FREEDOM TO EXPLORE

Due to being located just outside of Samburu National Reserve, Sasaab guests enjoy greater levels of freedom to explore the wilderness and abundant wildlife, without the restrictions of being inside a national park. Head out on an exciting night-time game drive with your guide and a spotlight to discover some of the nocturnal creatures that live close to the lodge. Explore Westgate Conservancy by foot on a guided nature walk, enabling you to get closer to some of the smaller creatures. Camels and quadbikes are also a fun way to see the wilderness. Of course, epic game drives into Samburu National Reserve are still part of the experience, but with Westgate Conservancy to explore too, guests of Sasaab enjoy the best of both worlds on their Samburu luxury safari.

SHOP OUR COLLECTION

At home or in the bush, we’ve lovingly chosen our favourite Giraffe Manor items.