Sabuk – closed 1 Sep 2022
Sabuk is set in a private conservancy on the edge of Kenya’s Northern Territories. The lodge is perched on the edge of a cliff, and overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro River and across the Laikipia plains towards Mount Kenya. Sabuk began as, and remains today, a family home.
Accommodation & Facilities
The camp is sympathetic to its surroundings with many beautiful personal touches. The en-suite stone and thatch cottages are all slightly different to each other and have solar power lighting and a spacious verandah with impressive views across the valley. There are several options for families. Eagle Cottage sleeps five and has two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, sitting room with a private dining area and a plunge pool. Bedroom one has a king sized bed and the second bedroom is configured as a triple. Eagle Cottage comes with a butler, room steward and maid and can be taken on an exclusive basis. The Family House sleeps up to six people. Upstairs there is a big double bedroom and a single room with shared en-suite bathroom facilities and a sitting area with fireplace. Downstairs there are two mattresses embedded in the rocks as well as a small separate bed for a child of about 5 years old. The Family House is conveniently situated near to the lodge swimming pool. In addition there is a family room which is situated next to the main mess and has one big double bed with three single bunk beds shaped as a triangle which is a big hit with children.
Eating & Sleeping
Children’s mealtimes can be arranged at a time to suit and children can choose from good, tasty home cooking such as pasta, chicken drumsticks, chips, fruit, cereal, chops, ice cream etc. A listening or babysitting service is offered at no extra cost (although a gratuity at the end of the visit is very much appreciated by the babysitter).
Wildlife & Activities
Whilst not traditionally associated with big wildlife, the area is home to leopard, buffalo and elephant. Activities at Sabuk include day and night drives, bush breakfasts and sundowners, guided walking safaris, multi-day walking safaris, and horse riding for experienced riders. All of these activities are a good way of seeing the area, and the animals which inhabit it. They can be as long or as short as you want, generally finishing around lunchtime, leaving the warm afternoons for line fishing, swimming in the river or relaxing by the pool. The longer treks are led by a local guide who is accompanied by a camp team of Laikipia Masai who know the area intimately. The equipment is carried by camels, which are traditionally used in this area as beasts of burden.
Specifically for children …
• All the lodge staff are incredibly good with children and are happy to play with them, teach them about tracks, spoor, medicinal plants and teach them traditional beading, bow & arrow / spear making.
• At the lodge there is a swimming pool, ping pong, soccer, board games, cards etc.
• Swimming & tubing in the river, fishing and mud fights.
• Fly camping is offered to families staying for a minimum of four nights.
• Riding – both camels and ponies.
