STUNNING SASAAB.

STUNNING SASAAB. There are so many lodges and camps these days; finding that lodge or camp with that extra something is sometimes hard to do. On my last trip I saw about forty properties; and I want to give airtime to stunning Sasaab.

Situated in a conservancy just outside Samburu, Sasaab is a nice complement to a traditional safari camp in the more commonly visited Masai Mara. It’s managers and team are truly wonderful and go above and beyond expectations. Ali is the type of manager who knows what you need or want before you do; a quality that is hard to find in people in general. The lodge itself is stunning. Their work in making Sasaab sustainable is commendable.  And their involvement in conservation and with the local community is well noted. Most of all, their flexibility and skill in balancing their guest’s activities and relaxation is astounding. Here's an exerpt from my notes on Sasaab.

Wake up overlooking the river with coffee delivered to my room at 6AM. Join Ali for her morning run, while one of the guides drives ahead of us to clear any eles, etc. Shower and then enjoy a delicious breakfast with good company. Get on my laptop for a bit and I’m ‘interrupted’ with a report of wild dogs from a local researcher. Asked if I want to go see if we can find them with two of their guides. Consider my options for negative two seconds and jump in a Landcruiser. See a pack of 14 wild dogs within 20 minutes. Watch them running along the kopjes and finally hunker down for the heat of the day. Return to camp and visit the spa overlooking the river. Enjoy a pedicure while watching eles across the river and philosophizing about life with the esthetician. Lunch with everyone. Tour the rest of the property that I’ve yet to see including their family room situated lower down in the river. Join some people at the pool and continue to hear about the amazing lives everyone has lived. Decide not to join the walk going out but rather have a bit of downtime to catch up and sort my bags. Sit around my plunge pool and get organized for my next move to Lake Naivasha while enjoying a beer and watching rock hyrax scurry around. Meet up for cocktails before dinner under the stars. Joined by one of the resident civets. Go to bed, happy and in heaven.

For 11.7 clients, I try to keep in mind that it’s more about the experience rather than the nice duvet or décor. Everyone has a nice duvet and most have incredible décor. And while it is impossible to convey the feeling of a place, I can tell you that they have something truly special at Sasaab. I would go as far as ranking it as one of the best lodges or camps in Africa.

- 11.7 can arrange customized trips to Kenya and of course would love to include stunning Sasaab.