Sabuk

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro river gorge on the edge of the Laikipia plateau in the Northern Frontier District, this entrancing lodge (a family home) is set in one of Africa’s last real wilderness areas where time stands still. Remote and stunning, this vast and varied region nurtures exceptional wildlife and cultural diversity – it is home to many communities including the Laikipiak Maasia and the Samburu tribes. Around Sabuk, the area is wild and hilly, with dense acacia bush and incredible scenery.

The lodge was fashioned out of the surrounding landscape using only local materials, twisted wood and stone boulders. Sabuk’s five beautifully furnished open-sided ensuite cottages each have their own verandah with breathtaking views over the river gorge. There is also one family room – children are very welcome.

Game drives through the hilly countryside are available – but this is a place to leave vehicles behind and get back to nature with walks along the river accompanied by local Maasai guides who are ever willing to share their knowledge. Horse riding is also available – but it is the camel assisted walking safaris led by Samburu guides which prove a real highlight at Sabuk. For those with 3 or more days, Sabuk’s ‘fly camping’ experience is also not to be missed – walk with a professional safari guide, a team of trained Laikipia Maasai warriors and a camel train into the deserted wilderness where there are no roads or vehicles, only wildlife and their tracks and the sounds of the bush – deep in Africa.

Sabuk is accessible by private charter to the neighbouring Loisaba airstrip or via scheduled flight from Nairobi to Nanyuki followed by a connecting scheduled or charter flight.

PRICES Prices from £240 per person per night twin share including all meals, local beverages, game activities, guided walks and camel assisted walking safaris. The private charter and scheduled flights are additional. Closed April, May and November.