Samatian Island Lodge
Lake Baringo | Rift Valley
Samatian is set on a small island with fantastic views across the calm waters of Lake Baringo in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Lake Baringo is one of Kenya’s most scenically beautiful areas with romantic sunsets and a dazzling array of colourful bird life. Lake Baringo is a popular destination for many Honeymoon couples heading to Kenya on Safari as the landscape is truly breathtaking.
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Accommodation at Samatiam Island
Accommodation consists of five open-plan thatched cottages for up to 12 guests, with each room having a superb view of the lake. All chalets have adjacent bathrooms and the family chalet, with a double and a twin bedroom has an open air deck upstairs for stargazing and a wonderful 360-degree view. The open rooms provide a welcome breeze whilst mosquito nets provide protection during the night. In the event of a storm, waterproof blinds are let down to shut out the rain. The dining area, situated next to the large infinity pool, offers a panoramic view of the lake and the rugged Northern Frontier District.
Activities and Wildlife at Samatian
Guests can enjoy boat rides to explore the lake and her inhabitants—hippo, crocodile and over 450 species of birds including close sightings of the fish eagles swooping down for fish or visiting the Baringo hot springs make a boat ride an unforgettable experience. Evening drinks (Sundowners) on neighbouring beaches to watch the sunset are a tradition at Samatian. Guided Walks along the lakeside to view the prolific bird life are also recommended.
The Lake Baringo area boasts over 450 species of birds. Baringo is on the migratory route from Europe, so from October until May, guests get to see many migrants. A colony of Goliath Herons inhabits Samatian Island. Unusual birds such as the purple Swamp hen, Long toed Lapwing, Spoon bills, Night herons and Water Thicknees are often sighted as well as many specialized species. It is not unusual to come back to camp having sighted over 40 or 50 species of birds in an afternoon of bird watching in Baringo.
Cultural visits are also recommended at Samatian Island Lodge. A visit to a Pokot village will give guests the opportunity to learn about these colorful people, their traditions and their lifestyle. The Pokot people are one of the last remaining tribes in Kenya, little affected by Western influence
The Njemps people live on the Eastern shores of Lake Baringo. They are cousins of the Masai tribe and very different to the Pokot. Walks can be taken around the village to see how they make balsa wood boats, which are used for crossing the lake and for fishing. They will show you how they smoke the fish and how they construct the huts and keep their livestock. There is also a small nursery school here.
