Samatian Island, Kenya © Samatian Island

Samatian Island

Baringo at its most solitary

Country

Kenya

Regions

Lac Baringo

To design your tailor-made journeyau Kenya, consultez-nous

Written request

01 77 37 03 10

À vivre

Set on the waters of Lake Baringo, at the heart of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, Samatian Island is a private island where time seems to stand still. Facing the slopes of the Laikipia escarpment, just three rooms share this confidential retreat, booked in its entirety for each stay.
Here, there is no rushed safari. You watch birds, glide across the lake, and watch the sun disappear behind the mountains. The Njemps fishermen carry on their way of life while nature sets the pace.
Samatian also maintains a close relationship with the Ruko Community Conservancy.
Conservation fees paid by travellers contribute to a project bringing together the Il Chamus and Pokot communities around the protection of natural resources and the Rothschild’s giraffe.
A rare stopover, intimate and deeply rooted in its territory.

Layout

Samatian deliberately keeps to an intimate scale. The island has three rooms open beneath high thatched roofs: two family units and one double room. It can ideally host three couples, or up to twelve people when the family rooms are shared.
The living areas naturally look out over the lake. A freshwater pool, also open to the landscapes of Baringo, invites guests to slow down between explorations. Samatian operates as a small private family house, available on a self-catering or full-board basis. In the latter case, meals are provided on site.

For your children

Samatian welcomes families, and some rooms are specifically set up for them. Fly Catcher in particular can accommodate extra beds for children.

Rooms

Only three rooms punctuate the island.
Fly Catcher, right by the water, has a double bed and can accommodate children’s beds.
King Fisher is a large family room with a double area, a triple area, a veranda and two bathrooms.
Higher up on the island, Fish Eagle offers greater privacy: a double bed, a twin area, a small additional bedroom, and a bathroom with shower and large bathtub.

Activities offered

At Samatian, exploration begins on the water. Boat outings bring you close to birds, crocodiles and hippos, while more than 470 species make Lake Baringo a remarkable birdwatching territory. Kayaking around the island, barbless-hook fishing and nature walks round out the experience.
A crossing leads to the Ruko Community Conservancy to walk with rangers in search of Rothschild’s giraffes.
Other visits offer insight into Njemps and Pokot cultures.
Ruko’s conservation fees are included in the prepaid rates; some boat outings remain payable separately.

Seasons

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Season not possible
Season to avoid
Good season
Very good season
Optimal season

Located in the Masai Mara, within the exclusive and private Olderkesi concession, and regularly awarded for its safaris, Cottar's 1920 Safari Camp revives the original spirit and essence of the “safari.” The Cottar family has been exploring this corner of Kenya for over 100 years, and is committed to offering travellers an authentic, personalised experience reminiscent of the golden age of ...

Mara Plains Camp

The essence of East Africa

Nestled in the lush vegetation of a meander of the Ntiakitiak River, at the heart of the 14,000-hectare Olare Motorogi Conservancy and bordered to the south by the Masai Mara National Reserve, Mara Plains is unquestionably one of the finest camps in the Masai Mara, offering a genuine Out of Africa experience and exceptional wildlife density. Olare Motorogi hosts only 5 camps, an ...

Hammerkop Migration Camp

A unique setting

Worthy of the great safaris of Hemingway's era, this very comfortable camp, set in a superb location, lets you fully appreciate the tranquillity and atmosphere of the savannah. Hammerkop Migration Camp is located in the heart of the world-renowned Masai Mara reserve. The Ol Orok River also runs close to the camp. It is an ideal spot for watching the Great Migration from ...

Journey ideas

See all journey ideas in Kenya