Sasaab Camp

Sasaab Camp's Location in the Samburu Ecosystem

The semi-arid terrain of northern Kenya is defined by rugged hills and acacia-dotted plains, bisected by the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River. Sasaab Camp occupies a high bank above a natural curve of this river within the Westgate Community Conservancy. This position gives the camp a commanding perspective over the primary water source for the region's diverse wildlife.

Architectural Style and Camp Design at Sasaab

Sasaab is a permanent tented camp built with distinct Moroccan and Swahili architectural influences. Each of the nine guest suites features expansive canvas walls and roofing set upon a raised, solid plinth of local stone and polished concrete. The main lodge area is an open-sided building constructed from the same materials. Its high-pitched ceilings and grand archways facilitate natural airflow, a critical design feature in this warm climate. The camp's layout prioritises privacy and space, with each suite positioned a considerable distance from its neighbours along the riverbank.

Accessing Sasaab Camp and its Conservancy Location

Sasaab Camp is located within the private Westgate Community Conservancy, which borders the Samburu National Reserve to the west. This positioning allows for exclusive safari activities within the conservancy and provides direct access to the national reserve. Access is by light aircraft to local airstrips like Samburu or Buffalo Springs, with a flight time from Nairobi's Wilson Airport of approximately 80 minutes. The final road transfer to the camp is a 45 to 60-minute introductory game drive, with the duration dependent on wildlife sightings along the way.

Private Tented Suites at Sasaab Camp

The accommodation at Sasaab Camp is a defining element of its experience, focusing on exceptional space, privacy, and connection to the environment. The camp consists of eight individual suites and one two-bedroom family suite, each designed as a private retreat. Their strategic placement along the escarpment ensures that every guest enjoys solitude and unobstructed views of the Ewaso Nyiro River and the wilderness beyond.

Open-Plan Suite Layout and Interior Design

Each suite functions as a self-contained residence, offering over 100 square metres of floor space in an open-plan design. This area incorporates a large bedroom, an adjoining lounge, and a substantial, well-appointed en-suite bathroom with both an indoor and outdoor shower. The interior aesthetic is clean and minimalist, using white plaster walls, dark wood furniture, and subtle cultural artefacts to create a cooling and uncluttered atmosphere.

Verandahs, Plunge Pools, and In-Suite Facilities

An extensive private verandah is a key feature of each suite, designed for private relaxation and wildlife observation from shaded daybeds. Each suite has its own private plunge pool, strategically positioned at the edge of the verandah for uninterrupted river views. These plunge pools are not heated; their temperature is dictated by the ambient environment, offering a cool respite during the heat of the day but remaining cool in the mornings and evenings.

• Private, unheated plunge pool
• Spacious, shaded verandah with daybeds
• En-suite bathroom with twin vanities
• Separate indoor and outdoor showers
• 24-hour solar power
• In-room Wi-Fi connectivity

Daily Safari Activities and Reserve Access from Sasaab

Travel to the core game viewing areas of the adjacent Samburu National Reserve involves a drive of approximately 30 to 40 minutes to the main gate. Guests should factor this transit time into planning for full-day excursions. The private Westgate Conservancy itself offers high-quality wildlife viewing with greater exclusivity, including opportunities to see the Samburu Special Five: the Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and gerenuk. Sasaab Camp offers a robust activities programme directly from the property. Activities include guided walking safaris along the riverbanks with experienced Samburu guides and culturally immersive visits to a local Samburu village. These options provide an authentic engagement with the community that owns the conservancy land and do not require a transfer to the national reserve.

Camp Infrastructure and Wilderness Protocols

Sasaab Camp is engineered to provide a high level of comfort and service in a remote wilderness setting. The infrastructure is designed to be self-sufficient and environmentally sensitive, while operational protocols ensure guest safety within a completely wild and unfenced environment. This balance allows for an immersive safari experience without compromising on modern conveniences or security.

Power Supply and Internet Connectivity

Sasaab Camp operates on a comprehensive solar power system that provides 24-hour electricity to all suites and common areas. This system is supported by a silent, encased generator for backup during periods of extended cloud cover. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and is generally reliable, allowing guests to stay connected if they choose.

Unfenced Camp and Guest Safety

The camp is entirely unfenced, an intentional design choice that provides a genuine wilderness experience. Wildlife, including elephants and leopards, can and does move freely through the camp grounds, particularly at night. For their safety, guests are required to be escorted to and from their suites after dark by trained Samburu askaris (guards) who are constantly on patrol.

Sasaab Camp's Suitability for Couples and Families

Sasaab Camp is optimally suited for honeymooners, couples, and small groups seeking a high degree of privacy, exclusivity, and a blend of wildlife and cultural experiences. The expansive, self-contained nature of each tented suite, complete with private plunge pools, ensures minimal interaction with other guests unless desired. The camp's unfenced setting and emphasis on walking safaris also appeal to the more adventurous traveller. Due to the unfenced environment and quiet atmosphere, the camp is more appropriate for families with older children or teenagers, rather than those with toddlers or very young children.