Sasaab Lodge — Samburu's Crown Jewel
Sasaab Lodge is the undisputed crown jewel of Kenya's Samburu region, perched on a dramatic ridge overlooking the Kalama Conservancy and the distant peaks of the Matthews Range. Owned and operated by Cheli & Peacock Safaris as part of the distinguished Safari Collection, Sasaab has redefined luxury safari accommodation in northern Kenya.
The name "Sasaab" comes from the local Samburu word for "big sky," and from the moment you arrive, the scale of the landscape—and the design ambition—makes perfect sense. This is a property that marries Moroccan architectural grandeur with the raw, untamed beauty of northern Kenya's semi-arid wilderness.
Setting & Location
Sasaab sits on a 200,000-acre private conservancy—the Kalama Conservancy—home to some of Kenya's most endangered and endemic wildlife species. Unlike the well-trodden circuits of the Masai Mara or Serengeti, Samburu offers a wilder, less-crowded safari experience with species found nowhere else on Earth.
The lodge's elevated position provides commanding 180-degree views: north to the Matthews Range, south across acacia-studded plains dotted with doum palms, and east toward the Ewaso Ng'iro River—the lifeline for Samburu's wildlife.
Architecture & Design — Moroccan Opulence Meets African Wilderness
Sasaab's design is a bold departure from traditional East African safari lodges. Inspired by the kasbah fortresses of Morocco's Atlas Mountains, the property features whitewashed walls, hand-carved Moroccan doors, latticed screens, arched doorways, and intricately tiled mosaics.
The main pavilion—open-sided with soaring thatched roofs—flows seamlessly between lounge, bar, library, and dining areas. Rich textiles, hand-beaten copper lamps, and low-slung seating create an atmosphere more akin to Marrakech than the Kenyan bush. Yet the design never feels misplaced; instead, it provides a striking visual contrast to the wild, ochre-hued landscape beyond.
Accommodation — Tented Suites with Private Plunge Pools
Sasaab offers nine spacious tented suites and a private two-bedroom villa, each a self-contained sanctuary with its own plunge pool and sun deck. The tents are far from rustic: think four-poster beds draped in billowing mosquito nets, freestanding copper bathtubs, rain showers, and floor-to-ceiling glass panels that frame the wilderness beyond.
Interiors blend Moroccan opulence with African warmth—richly embroidered cushions, carved wooden furniture, hand-woven rugs, and locally sourced artwork. Every suite faces north, ensuring uninterrupted views of the Matthews Range and the conservancy below.
The Infinity Pool — Sasaab's Signature
If there is one image that defines Sasaab, it is the infinity pool. Cantilevered off the ridge, the 25-meter pool appears to spill directly into the landscape below. Lounge on a daybed with a sundowner in hand as elephants amble across the plains below, or watch the sun dip behind the mountains while the water glows in shades of gold and copper.
It is, without exaggeration, one of the most spectacular pools in Africa—and possibly the world.
Wildlife & Safari Experiences — The Samburu Special Five
Samburu is home to the "Special Five"—species adapted to the arid conditions of northern Kenya and found nowhere else:
- Grevy's zebra — the world's largest and most endangered zebra species, with narrower stripes and rounded ears
- Reticulated giraffe — taller and more boldly patterned than their southern cousins
- Gerenuk — the "giraffe-necked antelope," standing on its hind legs to browse acacia
- Beisa oryx — with rapier-like horns, perfectly adapted to desert survival
- Somali ostrich — distinguished by its blue-grey neck and legs
In addition to the Special Five, Sasaab's game drives reveal healthy populations of elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The Ewaso Ng'iro River attracts immense concentrations of wildlife during the dry season, creating dramatic predator-prey interactions.
Unique Experiences
Rooftop Star Beds
Sasaab's most iconic offering is the rooftop star bed—a raised platform with a four-poster bed under the stars. Fall asleep to the sounds of the African night, watch shooting stars streak across the Milky Way, and wake to sunrise over the Matthews Range. It's one of the most romantic and memorable experiences in Kenya.
Camel Safaris
Explore the conservancy on camelback, led by Samburu guides. Camels are the traditional transport of the region, and riding them offers a slower, more intimate connection to the landscape and local culture.
Samburu Cultural Visits
Visit nearby Samburu villages to learn about the semi-nomadic pastoralist way of life, beadwork traditions, warrior culture, and the challenges of coexistence with wildlife.
Fly Camping
For the truly adventurous, Sasaab offers fly camping—lightweight mobile camps set up deep in the conservancy under canvas and stars, with a small crew and gourmet bush meals.
Dining — Gourmet Under the Stars
Sasaab's culinary team delivers exceptional bush dining. Meals are served in various settings: candlelit dinners on the pool deck, lantern-lit bush dinners beneath acacia trees, intimate breakfasts overlooking the conservancy, or sundowner picnics on remote hilltops.
The cuisine is a blend of Italian-inspired dishes (a nod to Cheli & Peacock's Italian roots) and locally sourced ingredients, with herbs grown in the lodge garden. Expect fresh pastas, grilled meats, artisan breads, and decadent desserts—all paired with South African and European wines.
Wellness & Relaxation
Beyond game drives, Sasaab offers a full-service spa with massage therapies, a well-equipped gym, yoga decks overlooking the valley, and endless lounging opportunities by the pool. This is a lodge where doing nothing feels as rewarding as the safari itself.
Conservation & Community
Sasaab operates on the Kalama Conservancy, a community-owned conservation area that generates income for local Samburu families through tourism revenue-sharing and employment. The lodge supports anti-poaching patrols, wildlife monitoring, education programs, and livelihood projects, ensuring that conservation benefits both people and wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Sasaab
- Dry Season (June–October, January–March): Wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources, making sightings more predictable. This is peak season, with warm days and cool nights.
- Green Season (November–May): The landscape transforms into lush green, birdlife explodes (over 450 species recorded), and Samburu's endemic species are still abundant. Fewer crowds and lower rates.
What Makes Sasaab Exceptional
- Design Excellence: The Moroccan-meets-Samburu aesthetic is bold, beautiful, and utterly unique
- Infinity Pool Views: Among the world's most spectacular lodge pools
- Rooftop Star Beds: An unforgettable, romantic under-the-stars experience
- Special Five Wildlife: Species you won't see in southern Kenya or Tanzania
- Private Conservancy: Exclusive access, no crowds, responsible tourism
- Cheli & Peacock Pedigree: Decades of safari excellence and family-run hospitality
Sasaab Lodge Comparison — At a Glance
| Feature | Sasaab | Saruni Samburu | Elephant Bedroom Camp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 9 suites + 1 villa | 6 villas | 12 tents |
| Pool | Infinity pool ★★★★★ | Plunge pools (private) | No pool |
| Setting | Kalama Conservancy (private) | Kalama Conservancy (private) | Samburu National Reserve |
| Design Style | Moroccan opulence | Italian-Samburu fusion | Classic tented safari |
| Star Beds | Yes (rooftop platform) | No | No |
| Price Range | $$$$ (Ultra-luxury) | $$$ (Luxury) | $$ (Mid-luxury) |
Sasaab Suite Categories & Seasonal Rates (2026)
| Suite Type | Low Season (Apr–May, Nov) |
Shoulder Season (Jun, Dec–Mar) |
Peak Season (Jul–Oct) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Suite | $1,050 per person/night | $1,250 per person/night | $1,450 per person/night |
| Family Villa (2BR) | $3,800 per night (total) | $4,200 per night (total) | $4,800 per night (total) |
|
Rates include: all meals, drinks, laundry, game drives, guided walks, conservancy fees. Excludes: flights, gratuities, rooftop star beds ($450/night extra) |
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Sasaab vs. Other Samburu Lodges — Which to Choose?
| Lodge | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Sasaab | Honeymooners, design lovers, luxury seekers | Infinity pool & rooftop star beds |
| Saruni Samburu | Intimate luxury, Italian hospitality | Private villas with plunge pools |
| Elephant Bedroom Camp | Classic tented safari, great value | Riverside location, elephant sightings |
| Samburu Intrepids | Families, mid-range comfort | Pool, family tents, national reserve access |
Final Verdict — Is Sasaab Worth It?
Yes—if you seek design excellence, unparalleled pool views, and a safari experience that feels like nowhere else in Africa.
Sasaab is not for purists seeking an "Out of Africa" canvas-and-khaki aesthetic. This is opulent, statement-making luxury that divides opinion. But for those who appreciate bold design, world-class hospitality, and the chance to sleep under the Milky Way on a rooftop star bed while elephants trumpet in the valley below, Sasaab is simply extraordinary.
It is, without question, one of Kenya's finest lodges—and the undisputed king of Samburu.
Ready to experience Sasaab? Contact Beyond Africa Safaris to design your private Samburu safari, combining Sasaab with Kenya's other iconic destinations—Masai Mara, Laikipia, Amboseli, or the Indian Ocean coast.
