Sasaab Samburu

Sasaab is set high above the Ewaso Nyiro River on the edge of the Samburu ecosystem in northern Kenya. From its ridge-top position the lodge looks across a vast semi-desert valley framed by rocky hills and scattered doum palms.

The architecture is unusual for Kenya. Inspired by Swahili and Moroccan desert design, Sasaab is built around whitewashed domes, open courtyards and wide terraces that capture the breeze moving through the valley below.

Its location places guests close to Samburu National Reserve while still feeling removed from the busier safari circuits further south.

Landscape & Setting

The Samburu landscape is strikingly different from the Maasai Mara. Here the terrain is defined by dry riverbeds, acacia scrub, rocky ridges and wide open desert plains.

The Ewaso Nyiro River is the lifeline of the region. Even during the driest months wildlife gathers along its banks, creating a narrow ribbon of green through the otherwise arid terrain.

From Sasaab the views stretch for miles across this landscape, particularly beautiful in the early morning when the desert light turns the valley gold.

Accommodation

Sasaab has a small number of spacious suites built along the ridge to maximise privacy and uninterrupted views.

Each suite features:

Large open bedroom spaces
Expansive terraces overlooking the valley
Outdoor bathrooms
Private plunge pools
Canvas and stone construction that keeps interiors cool

The design is intentionally open and airy, allowing the landscape to become part of the living space. Even at full occupancy the lodge retains a strong sense of seclusion.

Safari Experience / Activities

Sasaab offers a varied safari programme that reflects the traditions and landscapes of northern Kenya.

Activities include:

Game drives in Samburu National Reserve
Guided bush walks
Camel walks with Samburu guides
Cultural visits to Samburu communities
ATV desert excursions
Scenic helicopter flights over northern Kenya
Spa treatments overlooking the valley

Camel trekking remains one of the most authentic ways to explore this region, long used by Samburu communities moving through the dry landscape.

Wildlife

Samburu is famous for several species unique to northern Kenya.

Wildlife commonly encountered includes:

Grevy’s zebra
Reticulated giraffe
Gerenuk
Beisa oryx
Somali ostrich

Elephants are frequently seen along the river valley, while lion and leopard are also present within the reserve.

Because the landscape is open and semi-arid, wildlife sightings often unfold dramatically against wide desert horizons.

When to Visit

Samburu is accessible year-round, though the climate differs from southern Kenya.

June – October offers cooler temperatures and excellent wildlife viewing as animals concentrate near the river.

January – March is another strong period with clear skies and warm days.

April – May brings the long rains and a greener landscape, though travel conditions can occasionally become unpredictable.

Temperatures in Samburu are typically warmer than in the Maasai Mara.

Insider Tips

Early morning game drives along the riverine forest in Samburu Reserve are particularly productive for leopard.

Suites positioned further along the ridge tend to offer the most expansive views and the greatest privacy.

Sunset at the lodge terrace is one of the highlights of staying here, when the entire valley turns deep amber under the northern Kenya light.

Oloi Shorua Must-Do

Take a helicopter flight from Sasaab deep into the northern Kenya desert, landing in remote landscapes of lava fields, sand rivers, and ancient mountains that few travellers ever see.

The aerial perspective reveals just how vast and wild this region remains.

Oloi Shorua Recommendation

We recommend a camel walk through the Samburu landscape, guided by local Samburu handlers who have used camels for generations.

It is one of the most authentic ways to experience this region and offers a completely different perspective from a vehicle safari.

Planning Your Safari

Many journeys combine Mathews Range with:

You can also explore:

At Oloi Shorua we design bespoke safari journeys that combine the finest lodges across Africa’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes. Speak with us to begin planning your safari.