Sabuk Lodge is a discrete hilltop lodge situated in a remote corner of the Laikipia Plateau, overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River and Samburu land.
This is a small, privately-managed lodge, with a personable atmosphere and very comfortable accommodation. It is managed by Verity Williams, who has been resident in the area for many years, and does a wonderful job of making Sabuk a welcoming place to stay.
It's perhaps best not to think of Sabuk as a safari lodge. Though much of the Laikipia Plateau is rich in game, the area immediately around Sabuk offers comparatively little. Game drives are offered, but do not expect a rich game-viewing experience. Much of the terrain is stunning, however, and exploring it on guided walks led by the local Samburu guides is a joy.
While it's not particularly good as a game-viewing lodge, Sabuk is a wonderful place to come to relax after a hot and dusty safari in the Mara. Located high in Laikipia, it enjoys a relatively temperate climate. The lodge is beautifully appointed and just invites you to relax. Constructed largely of local materials, incorporating stone boulders and wood into its design, it has a wonderfully rustic feel. The guest cottages, of which there are just eight, are positioned overlooking the river gorge directly below.
Sabuk Lodge also operates a private fly camp, where guests can spend a few days in the bush accompanied by Samburu warriors and a camel train.
Accommodation
Sabuk's guest rooms are traditional thatched rondavels, or cottages, positioned on the high Ewaso Nyiro riverbank. They open at the front in order to make the most of the spectacular views.
The rooms are all unique in layout and decor, but share a similarly rustic design, with lots of natural stone, olivewood and ancient cedar incorporated into the design. The en-suite bathrooms are large and spacious and feature beautiful open-air showers.
Two of the rooms at Sabuk are larger units suitable for families, and there's also a private cottage, consisting of two bedrooms, private lounge and pool.
Sabuk Fly Camp offers five tents, which can be made up as doubles or twins.
Dining
There's a lovely, shaded dining area, which, like the rooms, is open at the front to make the most of the views. The menus are fixed and the food and presentation superb. The manager and host Verity Williams will usually join guests for meals.
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Lounge
- Deck
- Dining area & bar
Activities
- Day and night game drives
- Guided walking safaris
- Camel assisted walking safaris (anything from 1 morning up to 2 weeks)
- River line fishing
- Fly camping
Child Policy
Sabuk Lodge accommodates children aged five years and over. A number of the rooms can be converted into family units. There's a private cottage accommodating as many as six.
