The small and exclusive 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 recognised internationally as a vitally important wetland.

Caroline (nee Roberts), together with her husband Ross Withey, own and operate this 12-bed lodge. 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 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.

We 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.