Samatian Island Lodge

Lake Baringo - Kenya Safari

(Samatian Island Lodge is set on a small private island on Lake Baringo in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Samatian Island Lodge is about a 4-hour drive from Nairobi through The Great Rift Valley followed by a 20 Minute boat ride to the island. By Air: A nearby airstrip on the mainland is used for charter flights.)

Samatian Island Lodge - Baringo Island

Samatian Island Lodge, Lake Baringo

Samatian Island Lodge View Rates, Discounted Prices - Book & Save Now!

Samatian Island Lodge; Samatian Island Lodge is set on a small private island on Lake Baringo in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. With its breath-taking views across the bronze waters of the lake to the imposing backdrop of the Laikipia Escarpment, the lodge offers the perfect mid-safari break.

The beauty of Baringo is legendary, with its spectacular sunsets, dazzling array of bird life, and the Njemps fishermen continuing a lifestyle little changed for over 200 years. Lake Baringo is also a Ramsar site, having been recognized internationally as a vitally important wetland.

Caroline (nee Roberts), together with her husband Ross Withey, own and operate Samatian Island Lodge which has 12-beds. Samatian has 4 double cottages and 1 family cottage with 2 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and 1 family cottage with 2 bedrooms and a shared bathroom.

The Roberts’ family first settled at Baringo in the 1950’s, and Caroline’s grandmother still lives beside the lake, while the rest of the large and locally well-known Roberts family have all kept Kenya as their homes.

Caroline and Ross are both Kenya citizens and traditional Kenyan hospitality is part of the Samatian experience. Samatian Island Lodge offers guests the ultimate in relaxation in magical surroundings.

Your hosts are always on hand to tailor your days to be as active or relaxed as you wish. For the active, there’s canoeing, jogging or walking along the lakeside to view the prolific bird life.

You can also take advantage of boat rides to explore the lake and view the resident hippo, crocodile, giant monitor lizards, as well as over 450 species of birds: You can feed and photograph the fish eagles, explore this fascinating lake and visit Baringo’s hot springs.

Samatian Island Lodge guides can also take you on day-trips to neighbouring Lake Bogoria, with its vast numbers of flamingo and the possibility of seeing rarer animals including the Greater Kudu; the forests and prehistoric site in the Tugen Hills, Kidepo springs with their extraordinary hot waterfalls; tours of the Rugus Wildlife conservancy, as well as visiting and learning about local tribes.

Finally there’s the chance to enjoy fine food or drinks al fresco, if you venture out for our bush breakfast, or sundowner trips.

Samatian Island Lodge - Baringo Island

Samatian Island Lodge Non-Residents Accommodation Prices

Non-Residents Accommodation Rates Per Night Include: Self Catering (Bring your own food and drink) + Team of Staff including Chef + Charcoal and Wood for Heating Cooking + Local Airstrips Transfers and Boat Transfers to the Island + Swimming Pool + Canoeing and Island Walks

Notes

* Helicopter flights quotation on request

* Cultural Visits 20 US Dollars per head

* Christmas supplement 50 US Dollars per head

* Children under five years of age are free of charge

* Late Departure will be charged at the whole day rate

* Council fees of 200 Kenya Shillings per person payable at Barrier on arrival

Samatian Island Lodge Non-Residents Accommodation Rates Include:

* Canoeing

* Island Walks

* Swimming pool

* Boat transfers from the mainland

* Team of Staff including Chef + Charcoal

* Self Catering (Bring your own food and drink)
* Local Airstrips Transfers and Boat Transfers to the Island

Samatian Island Lodge Non-Residents Accommodation Rates Exclude:

* Champagne
* Pokot visits
* Cellar Wines

* Premium Spirits

* Helicopter Excursions

* Lake Bogoria excursions

* Gratuities & anything of a personal nature

* Christmas supplement (23 Dec to 02 Jan)

* Masseuse treatments Available on request

* Bush Breakfast setup 10 US Dollars per person

* Lake Bogoria vehicle hire 250 US Dollars per vehicle

* Professional caterers, guides, hosts Available on request

* Boat excursions 50 US Dollars per hour (Maximum 7 Guests per boat)

* Lake Bogoria park fees 30 US Dollars per adult 15 US Dollars per child

* Professional Bird Guide for mainland walks 6 US Dollars per head per walk
* Guides (Local & Non resident) 80 US Dollars /120 US Dollars per person per day
* Check out time on day of departure is 9:45 unless no other guests are due in that day
* Conservation Fees: 60 US Dollars per adult per night & 30 US Dollars per child (Below 12 Years) per night

Samatian Island Lodge Residents Accommodation Prices

Residents Accommodation Rates Per Night Include: Self Catering (Bring your own food and drink) + Team of Staff including Chef + Charcoal and Wood for Heating Cooking + Local Airstrips Transfers and Boat Transfers to the Island + Swimming Pool + Canoeing and Island Walks

Notes

* Children under the age of 5 stay free of charge

Samatian Island Lodge Residents Accommodation Rates Include:

* Canoeing

* Island Walks

* Swimming pool

* Boat transfers from the mainland

* Team of Staff including Chef + Charcoal

* Self Catering (Bring your own food and drink)
* Local Airstrips Transfers and Boat Transfers to the Island

Samatian Island Lodge Non-Residents Accommodation Rates Exclude:

* Champagne
* Cellar Wines

* Premium Spirits

* Helicopter Excursions

* Lake Bogoria excursions

* Gratuities & anything of a personal nature

* Masseuse treatments Available on request

* Pokot visits 1,500 Kenya Shillings Per Person

* Bush Breakfast setup 10 US Dollars per person

* Lake Bogoria vehicle hire 250 US Dollars per vehicle

* Professional caterers, guides, hosts Available on request

* Extra Boat Transfers 1,800 Kenya Shillings Per Boat One way

* Boat excursions 4,000 Kenya Shillings per hour (Maximum 7 Guests per boat)

* Professional Bird Guide for mainland walks 500 Kenya Shillings per head per walk
* Guides (Local & Non resident) 80 US Dollars /120 US Dollars per person per day
* Check out time on day of departure is 9:45 unless no other guests are due in that day
* Conservation Fees: 1,000 Kenya Shillings per adult per night & 500 Kenya Shillings per child (Below 12 Years) per night

Samatian Island Lodge, Lake Baringo Accommodation

Samatian Island Lodge accommodation is in five open-plan thatched cottages sleeping up to a total of 12 guests. Each room has a superb view of the lake and all bedrooms have adjacent bathrooms, each with its own unique style, and usually a view too.

The Samatian Island Lodge family chalet has a double and a twin bedroom as well as an open air deck upstairs for star-gazing and enjoying the breathtaking 360-degree view. These open rooms provide welcome breezes while mosquito nets provide protection at night. In the rare event of a storm, waterproof blinds are let down to shut out the rain.

Samatian Island Lodge dining and homely living areas are situated next to the large infinity pool, offering panoramic views of the lake with its backdrop of rugged hills of Kenya’s arid Northern Frontier District.

Samatian Island Lodge, Lake Baringo Activities

Samatian Island Lodge has mostly been considered to be a great “mid safari break” destination as it is the perfect place to wind down & relax in the middle or end of a trip.

As your host and guide we consider Samatian to be a wonderful base if guest's would like to spend a little longer to experience the large variety of excursions that can be undertaken from this exquisite Rift Valley Island.

There is so much on offer & all activities will be tailor made to suit the guest's desires, energies & also the number of days one stays at Samatian will determine if guests should participate in the full day excursions.

Samatian Boat Rides

Samatian Boat Trips

Samatian Boat Guide

Samatian Island Lodge Boat Trips

Boat rides are highly recommended in Samatian well-built Sesse Canoes. It is rewarding and memorable to cruise around rugged islands dotted with acacia and fig trees, enhanced by the unexpected pink blooms of the Desert Rose. These islands also host a multitude of birds, crocodiles, monitor lizards and hippos.

Close sightings of the majestic fish eagles swooping down to catch fish thrown by our boat driver, or visiting Baringo’s hot springs, make a boat ride an unforgettable experience. Ending a boat trip with sundowners on the beaches of neighbouring islands has become a popular

Samatian tradition. Guests never forget enjoying evening drinks while absorbing those beautiful sunsets at Baringo. You can take a minimum of 3 boat rides to the various and ecologically different areas of the lake.

 

African Fish Eagle

Yellow Crowned Bishop

Red Bishop

Samatian Island Lodge Bird Watching

Lake Baringo area boasts over 450 species of birds. Baringo is on the migratory route from Europe, so from October until May many migrant species can also be seen. A colony of Goliath Herons inhabits Samatian Island's southern point.

Unusual birds are often sighted, including the Purple Swamp Hen, Long-toed Lapwing, Spoonbills, Night Herons and Water Thick-knees. It is not unusual to come back to camp having sighted over 50 species of birds in an afternoon of bird watching around Baringo.

Samatian Island Lodge has various professional bird guides available to guests and a bird walk to the Cliffs is a must for keen birders. Bird lists of Samatian Island, Roberts Camp or Lake Baringo are available.

 

Njemps Tribe

Pokot Tribe

Pokot Traditional Singers

Samatian Island Lodge Pokot and Njemp Cultural Visits

The local Pokot people are one of the last remaining tribes in Kenya who have been relatively unaffected by Western influence. A visit to a Pokot homestead will give guests the opportunity to learn about these colourful people, their traditions and lifestyle.

Typically you will be shown around their hut, see how they milk their cows, light their fires by rubbing together two sticks and draw blood from the cow to drink, an important part of the Pokot diet. They may dance for you or invite you to fire their bows and arrows.

They usually have a variety of genuine artefacts including items made of leather, metal, wooden or beaded products for sale.

The Njemps people live on the eastern shores of Lake Baringo. They are cousins of the better-known Masai, and very different to the Pokot. You can walk around a local village to see how the people make balsa-wood boats, which they use for crossing the lake and fishing.

They will also demonstrate how they smoke fish, construct their simple houses and keep their livestock. There is a small nursery school here, where guests can meet the children and enjoy a song or two.

Samatian Island Lodge Cycling Samatian Island Lodge has eight mountain bikes are available for our guests. A 2 hour early morning cycle through the conservancy or along the flamingo fringed waters of Lake Bogoria is a truly unique experience.

Samatian Island Lodge Walking & Jogging For the active, hiking around the neighbouring, larger island, Ol Kokwa is spectacular with the promise of incredible views and meeting the friendly Njemps people.   You can also walk around Samatian Island to see the Goliath Heron Colony, or venture further to the nearby Ruko Conservancy area. There are also running trails in Ruko conservancy for jogging enthusiasts. Ideally this must be done at first light or evening to avoid the heat of the day

Samatian Island Lodge Picnics & Bush Breakfasts After a morning walk or boat ride, instead of going back to the lodge, you will be welcomed by a stylish alfresco display of fresh fruits, yogurts, cereals & a full English Breakfast whilst enjoying the scenery from a desert island.

Samatian Island Lodge Wakeboarding Wakeboarding can be enjoyed from Samatian and although there are crocodiles, it is not in the nature of Lake Baringo crocodiles to attack people; guests can enjoy water sports having signed our indemnity form.   This is a lot of fun for the young and is a perfect activity for the middle of the day when waters are glassy calm.

Samatian Island Lodge Fishing Fishing for Tilapia and cat-fish on the shores around the island can be great fun especially for children who may have never fished before. Traditional Rods and someone to show you how it is done make it an easy and fun experience and your chances of catching are high! Fishing is best whilst waters are clam, usually during the middle of the day.

Samatian Island Lodge Massage We have a trained masseuse resident on Samatian Island who offers massage, pedicure or manicures. After the hustle and bustle of safari life it is a great way to wind down & truly relax.

Samatian Island Lodge Canoeing A fun and popular activity, whether you are keen for a good workout, or just a leisurely paddle to enjoy the scenery. Paddling around the island takes a leisurely 20- 30 minutes and is a great way to sneak up on birds or crocodiles.

Scenic Flights or Helicopter Charters to the northern Rift – Cradle of Mankind The great Rift Valley is perhaps one of the most dramatic features on Earth. For those who have the opportunity to do a scenic flight down the Great Rift you will be enchanted by its great arid plains, escarpments, rock formations, lakes, volcanoes and lava flows. Incorporating a scenic flight in your stay with us at Baringo is a privilege that few have the honor of experiencing. Tropic Air ltd has helicopters & small aircrafts with experienced pilot guides that make this a truly invigorating and exceptional experience. Bookings must be made in advance if possible.

Samatian Island Lodge Day Excursions/Day Trip

A variety of excursions can be undertaken from Samatian. Explore the neighbouring Rift Valley lakes, or venture into the lush Tugen Hills.

Lake Bogoria: This nearby soda-lake hosts thousands of flamingos as well as many species of birds, which flock around its sinister steam jets and bubbling hot springs. It is also possible to see a variety of wildlife, including the rare Greater Kudu, as well as the more common beautiful Impala, Zebra, Grants Gazelle and Warthog to name a few. It is also an important birding area.

Kapedo: Kapedo is a beautiful spring sixty kilometres north of Baringo. As well as offering stunning scenery Kapedo is home to some interesting local people – the Turkana tribe. Geologists have a theory Kadepo may be the outlet of lake Baringo.

Hot, crystal clear water gushes out of the ground and passes through a series of waterfalls to join the Suguta river, flows on towards Lake Turkana, its banks fringed with Doum palms. We would Picnic under the shade of the palms next to the Suguta River, full of crocodiles.

Fishing or bird watching whilst you eat your lunch. There is a Turkana settlement with a women’s group who design beautiful baskets from the Doom leaves. Karpedo is not for the faint hearted, being in the Suguta Valley it classed as one of the hottest places on earth!

Tugen Hills: A steep, winding tarmac-road takes you into the heartland of Kalenjin country, where the people are regarded as some of the best runners in the world. This cool and lush forested area provides a delightful contrast to the hot, rocky country you have left below.

The Tugen hills are also home to Orrorin Tugenensis, which is the second oldest hominoid skull in the world. It was discovered in 2003 and archaeologists have dated it back 6 million years.

There’s a museum, perched on the edge of the hills, which is very informative. Visits to local, rural schools and traditional African markets, as well as a picnic, make it a memorable day out.

Lake Nakuru Narional Park: (recommended for guests staying 4 or more nights) Only one & a half hours drive south of Lake Baringo lies Lake Nakuru Buffalo, leopard, Rothchilds Giraffe, This would be a day trip with a picnic lunch. Home to many large mammals and an enormous amount of wildlife.

Booking & Reservations for Samatian Island Lodge in a 30 acre private island situated on the northern side of Lake Baringo, in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, Kenya

Booking Office Tel: + 254 (0) 20 2437871
Mobile : + 254 - 721242711 (Safaricom) - Kenya

Email: [email protected]