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Sasaab » Activities  
1. Game Drives -

a.National ReservesSasaab Activities: Lion in Samburu National Park
Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves are a short drive from the lodge. Elephants are probably the highlight of a game drive in the reserves. The Samburu elephants are generally comfortable with the presence of vehicles, and you can have a close encounter with the world's largest land mammal. The reserves are also a great place to see the Samburu Special Five - Grevy Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk and Somali Ostrich. Lions, Leopard and Cheetah can also be seen. To fully appreciate these reserves, it's best to spend some time there; either leaving early with a picnic breakfast or later with a picnic lunch.




b. Community Conservancy. A network of tracks allows us to game drive around the conservancy. We can take you through the core conservation area for the endangered Grevy Zebra as well as out onto the Naibelibeli plains where we have seen Bat Eared Fox, Hyena and Wild Dog. The conservancy is a great place to do night drives, departing after an early dinner looking out for Gennet, White-tailed Mongoose, Porcupine, Bushbabies and other nocturnal species.

2.Walks. Elephants having mud-bathingA breathtaking way to experience the vastness of Africa and the richness of the land. On foot, like the Samburu, you are an equal terms with the wildlife. You will find yourself alongside Dik Dik, Gerenuk, Waterbuck, Impala, Elephants, Warthogs and an abundance of bird life. Accompanied by an experienced guide you will learn how to identify and understand the behaviour of all the animals and insects you see. Discover fascinating plants and herbs and their traditional medicinal properties as you go. Look out for the signs of the wild, such as Dik Dik dung middens and scent marking, Leopard paw prints, and the passage of Elephants.

a. Morning Bird Walks. Enjoy an early morning tranquil walk along the edge of the Ewaso Nyiro River, which is teeming with bird and wildlife.

b. Afternoon Walks with Sundowners.Unidentified man having an aerial view from the top of the mountainA forty-five minute walk through the Samburu bush to a stunning kopje. A short climb will take you to an expansive view where you can relax and enjoy a traditional Kenyan Sundowner and watch the day draw to a close. (Walking Shoes recommended)

c. Half Day Walks. Longer walks along the river or towards the hills can be arranged for those with energy and an adventurous spirit. Setting off in the morning, some great views can be had from the tops of inselbergs and around the next bend in the river.





3. Camel Riding
.Camel ridding along the Samburu countrysideWhy walk when you can ride? Take the weight off your feet as you explore the Samburu countryside and ride a camel. We have 5 trained camels for your use, which are looked after by three men recruited from our local community. Children especially enjoy this experience.










4. Samburu Culture
.Samburu cultural way of killing a cow to be slaughteredConservative by nature the Samburu still cherish and retain the customs and ceremonies of their ancestors, unlike many other Kenyan tribes who have largely abandoned theirs. We are fortunate at Sasaab to be immersed in Samburu culture and traditions. It is not unusual to see a newly married couple walking to their new home with all their possessions loaded onto the back of a donkey, as they move to their new village to build their "white house". The groom's head will be covered in red ochre. During the rainy season the beautiful singing voices of the Samburu women can be heard from the lodge as they bless the river in a ceremony thanking God for the rain.

a. Manyatta Visit. It may be possible for you to visit one of our neighbouring villages to gain an insight into the fascinating culture of the Samburu people and how they survive in this harsh environment. The best time to visit is either in the early morning as the manyatta awakes and herds leave for the day to graze; or late afternoon as they return. The visit is dependent on the Samburu elders and each visit must be individually arranged.

b. Market Day. On a Wednesday or a Thursday morning there will be an opportunity for you to visit a traditional Samburu market, a place where men and women come from far and wide to gather together and buy or exchange wares and livestock. Every person dressed in their traditional finery. A wonderfully busy and colourful experience.

c. Bush Dinner and Dance. (This activity is not inclusive) Samburu dancers performance

The ultimate blend of wilderness and culture. In a natural rock amphitheatre a short drive from Sasaab we can arrange a spectacular Samburu dance ceremony. As the sun disappears, the echoes of the morani dancers singing, bounce of the rock walls and fill the night air. This is followed by a sumptuous starlit Bush BBQ dinner under the African night sky.

5. Community Project Visit.

a. Ngutuk Ongiron Primary School. This is a small Samburu School with a preschool and early primary.
You are welcome to visit the school and see what happens during a normal school day.
Sasaab is helping the community to develop the educational facilities on the group ranch through the generosity of our guests.

b. Women's Beading and Crafts. Local woman make Samburu bracelets and artifacts for us to sell in our shop. They are paid for their time and work, and any profit in sales goes towards community projects such as improving the school facilities. With prior arrangement it may be possible to arrange a meeting with one of the registered woman's groups to see how they work.

6. Kids Stuff. The child is shown on how to target using the bow and arrow by DaudiLet the children spend a few hours with Daudi on "The Nature Trail". They will learn to make a traditional Samburu bow and arrow. Daudi will also show you how to make a toothbrush from the Samburu toothbrush tree. (Don't throw your toothpaste and floss away too quickly). This is fun for big kids too!

You can cast a wild animal print in plaster of paris to take home with you as a reminder of your adventure in Samburu, provided you find the animal tracks of course!

Sundowners are a sticky treat for children. Marshmallows grilled on a small bush fire while you enjoy your sundowner and the view of the setting sun.

7. Air Safari. Tourists on top of Mount LolokweView the spectacular beauty of this breath taking area from the air for a truly unique experience. Tropic Air offers two amazing air safaris using their Aerospatial helicopters based in Nanyuki.

a. Mount Lolokwe is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Northern Kenya with its stunningly massive rock face. The mountain is immersed in Samburu folklore, with the Samburu god Nkai living in the high places and streams. A flying safari over the mountain promises to be an indelible memory.

Minimum Flight time: 2 hours.

b. Mount Kenya is an imposing extinct volcano dominating the landscape of the Kenyan Highlands. It is here, where the Kikuyu god Ngai resides. It is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa, with pristine glaciers, ice lakes, and two magnificent peaks it is an exceptionally inspiring sight from the air.

Minimum Flight time: 2 ½ hours

If you are interested in either of these excursions please speak to Tony or Ali and they can show you a promotional DVD, to wet your appetite for more, and make the arrangements for you with Tropic Air. There are two helicopters, a 5 seater and a 6 seater. The charter rates are US$ 1,800/hour per helicopter. Please note that the transit time from Nanyuki is 30 minutes each way, which will be included in your charter costs.

8. New Activities. We are currently planning to add:

- Trekking and overnight camping on Mount Lolokwe for 1 or 2 nights
- Camel trekking and camping for 1 or 2 nights in the conservancy
- Cave painting site visits

If you are interested in knowing more about any of these overnight activities please speak to Tony.


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