Why stay here
Sasaab stands in Westgate Community Conservancy, across the Ewaso Nyiro from Samburu National Reserve. That geography creates a useful two-part safari: conventional wildlife viewing in the Reserve can be combined with conservancy activities that are not normally available inside it.
The lodge is generous in scale and highly comfortable, yet its strongest advantage is range. Guests can drive for northern wildlife, walk with local guides, explore by camel where conditions allow and spend time understanding the Samburu community landscape rather than seeing culture as an added performance.
Setting and safari character
Westgate is a community conservancy of dry plains, riverine habitat and rugged northern hills. Wildlife moves between the conservancy and the Reserve, but density and daily sightings vary more than beside the main river circuits. The reward is space and a wider sense of the inhabited landscape.
Night drives and guided walks may be offered under conservancy rules. These experiences reveal smaller mammals, tracks, plants and the adaptations required to live in an arid environment. Reserve drives remain available when guests want more concentrated big-game viewing.
Rooms and lodge life
The suites use a distinctive Moroccan-influenced design, broad views and private plunge pools. The lodge has enough room for couples and families to spend a full afternoon in comfort rather than treating camp as somewhere used only for sleep.
A pool, spa treatments and flexible family arrangements make Sasaab particularly effective after a demanding travel day. The design is bold and intentionally different from a classic canvas camp, which is part of the reason to choose it.
Best for
Sasaab suits honeymooners, families, private groups and first-time safari travellers wanting comfort plus a varied programme. It is also a strong choice for guests interested in Samburu culture and active experiences. Travellers whose sole priority is to maximise every game-drive minute inside the Reserve may prefer an internal riverside camp or a split stay.
Getting there
Scheduled bush flights operate from Wilson Airport into the Samburu area, with a lodge vehicle completing the transfer to Westgate. The exact airstrip is selected according to the current airline and ground plan, and the road transfer should be viewed as the first look at the conservancy rather than empty travel time.
A private 4×4 from Nanyuki, Ol Pejeta or Lewa creates a coherent northern circuit. From Nairobi the road journey is long; flying is normally the better use of time for a short stay or for a direct connection to the Mara.
What to combine it with
Sasaab combines exceptionally well with a small camp inside Samburu National Reserve, giving guests both direct river game viewing and conservancy freedom. It also pairs with Sarara in Namunyak, Ol Pejeta or a Mara camp. Families often finish on the Kenyan coast after the heat and activity of the north.
Wilderness Alternative note
We use Sasaab when its breadth genuinely serves the guest. A good programme does not attempt a camel ride, walk, village visit and long game drive every day. We choose fewer experiences, give them time and plan community interaction through the lodge’s established relationships.