Samburu and Sasaab

By sheer coincidence, we saved the best safari experience for last. Although we were there during the “cold” season, it was considerably hotter in the Samburu area than Michigan in summer, but the desert landscape was absolutely worth it. I often wondered how anything could possibly survive there, but somehow it was teaming with a diverse cross-section of life.

We also had a fantastic time as tourists at Sasaab Camp. The property is absolutely gorgeous; the architecture is Moroccan inspired and the spaces are large, airy, and open. We participated in a number of fun activities, including camel rides, a hike to a sunset rock, and a bush dinner.

One of my favorite activities that we did while staying at Sasaab was to visit a nearby Samburu village. Generally they are a nomadic group ethnically related to the Maasai and sharing the Maa language. The men and boys take the livestock to the river to drink and graze during the day, and upon returning the women and older children milk the animals, which provides both nutrition and hydration, as there is no water - neither piped or natural - inside the village area.