Samatian is a small island with breath-taking views across the bronze waters of the Great Rift Valley's Lake Baringo. The beauty of the lake and her surrounds are legendary, with spectacular sunsets and a dazzling array of stunning birds while Njemps fishermen continue a lifestyle little changed for over 200 years.

Lake Baringo is a peaceful and beautiful freshwater lake covering about 168 sq km at an altitude of 1000m. It is a shallow lake (maximum depth is 12m) and, like Lake Naivasha, appears to have no outlet. The lake features small wooded creeks, little islands and white pebble beaches and is framed by mountains to the east and west. The Njemps fishermen can be seen on the lake, to which the Laikipia Escarpment creates a magnificent backdrop. The lake contains large schools of hippo and crocodile. There are several islands, Ol Kokwe being the largest. The lake’s greatest attraction is the variety of birds of which there are said to be 450 species. Mammals include Grant’s gazelle, waterbuck, mongoose and dik dik. 

Accommodation

The accommodation at Samatian is for a maximum of twelve guests in five comfortable and airy open plan cottages with superb views over the lake, each with its own bathroom and sitting area. One of these is a family cottage. The dining area has panoramic views of the lake and the rugged Rift Valley scenery and there is also a swimming pool. While here you will be hosted by third generation Kenyans Caro Roberts and Ross Withey.

Dining and bars

Central dining room overlooking the lake with international buffet selections. Rock bar, also with excellent views, immediately adjacent.

Child-friendly

The camp welcomes children.

What to see and do

Whilst at Samatian guests can take boat trips to explore Lake Baringo and its inhabitants including hippo and crocodile and over 450 species of birds; visit hot springs with steaming pools; lakeside walks, visits to the Njemps and Pokot people and do day trips to Lake Bogoria to see the thousands of flamingos feeding on this soda lake.

Location

Lake Baringo is 20 km north of Marigat and 30 km north of Nakuru.