Samatian Island
Samatian Island P. O. Box 3041 Nanyuki, 10400 Kenya
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About
#4 of 8 lodges in Baringo District
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Samatian Island Lodge is situated on a beautiful island in Lake Baringo which is in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. With dramatic surroundings all around, and a feeling of raw wilderness, Samatian is an oasis of calm and luxury amidst the harsh beauty of Africa. Activities in the area include exceptional bird watching, walks, cultural visits, boat rides, canoeing, visits to Giraffe island to meet the endangered Rothschild giraffe and other animals, sundowners on neighbouring beaches & fishing.
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Property amenities
Hot bath
Bar / lounge
Location
13Reviews1Q+A6Room tips
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Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
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Such a beautiful place in Lake Baringo, only 4 hours from Nairobi and on the way to Laikipia. Fun boat trips to giraffes, and hot springs, we saw hippos and crocodiles, relaxed and ate good food. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
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Room Tip: Great value if you book all 4 rooms.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Amazing stay at this island in the middle of Lake Baringo. we were looked after royally by Richard, Sylvester & all the staff. Daily boat trips to the other islands and a nearby reserve were included, during which we saw loads of different birds. You can also canoe & swim (apparently the crocodiles aren't dangerous - though we didn't put that to the test!)
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Date of stay: September 2022
Value
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Sleep Quality
Room Tip: You'll have the place to yourself & the different rooms have the same views
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Samatian Island. Beautiful privately owned island in the middle of Lake Baringo. Currently consists of 4 Banda huts (2 family huts, 2x doubles), all east facing (so great for sunrise). It also has a Mess tent to relax in with sun loungers outside. Having read reviews, some spoke of a steep climb to the accommodation. That’s not currently the case due to flooding of Lake Baringo - its apparently risen 4-5 meters over the past few years. For Samatian, it sadly means the pool is no more and they have had to relocate the kitchen and mess tent to higher ground. The only hut you have to make a short climb to is the second family hut and that has views looking both east and west (it’s also the only hut with a bath and that looks west so great for sunset). During your stay you can take a boat out with Richard and see the island and others nearby. Great for bird watching. (4,000ksh per hr - well worth doing). The Ruku conservancy Rothschild giraffes have now been relocated from one of the islands, back onto the mainland (done in Feb 21). You can take a kayak around the island (takes 15-20mins) - a pretty journey. You have to pay a Ruku Conservancy fee for your stay, 500bob per person. The whole experience is very peaceful, we spent 3 nights and that was just right. Richard looked after us really well - his English is excellent. Jackson cooked all the food we brought; each morning I’d write our meal plan ingredients on the kitchen white board and he cooked it brilliantly. Esther the housekeeper was great too. The towels were really good quality and we didn’t run out of hot water for showers. There is a Verreaux Eagle Owl living on the island, he’s very friendly and interesting to watch. The site is free from modern hassles so no WiFi but has some intermittent mobile data reception if you really need external communication. For the journey there, the drawn map we were sent wasn’t very good. I would suggest you download MapsMe and follow the B4 (road running N-S on the West of the Lake). Turn east off it onto Roberts Camp Road (heading NE) and travel approx 1500m. Just after a Department of tourism and Snake Park on your left, you’ll see a white written sign on the right which says Welcome Samatian Island. It’s a gated compound. Drive in and out through it towards the waters edge where you can unload. Park car back in gated compound after having unloaded (note that they charge 500 bob a day for your car to be left there - we weren’t warned about this beforehand). Also if you’re coming from the north, be aware the b4 road north of the Roberts Camp Road turning is flooded approx 14km north (you have to divert west through a field, there’s no signs but you’ll eventually pick up a track that will lead you back to the b4 - when the matatus don’t even take the flooded road, you know you shouldn’t!). A great stay and experience and we would definitely recommend. The ultimate spot to relax.…
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We has such a lovely 2 night stay at this island resort. Despite being far from amenities, it is well maintained, functional and sustainably built. The views of the sunrise, sunset and moon rise were spectacular. We enjoyed sleeping in the open rooms and waking up to birds chirping. The tour to Ruko Conservancy and the hot water spring was awesome despite a scary rough lake ride on our way back (this turned out to be quite the adventure for all of us). The staff at Samatian led by Richard were very accommodating and responsive. I sure hope the rising water levels at the lake will not ruin this island because we plan on coming back. It was also an important lesson on why we need to take care of climate change, as the evidence is clear that all is not well.
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
The long drive of almost 300 km from Nairobi to Lake Baringo is well worth the effort. The simple but very comfortable Lodge with various choices of housing is well maintained and the care takers are extremely friendly and helpful. Self contained means, bring all your food and drinks with you, for the rest the staff is in charge. A qualified Chef assist or does all your cooking. There are various options for excursions with their boats to neighboring islands.
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Date of stay: October 2019
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: The Staff will show you all Cabins and you choose the best suitable of the free rooms.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
It is very rare to find quiet beautiful island, views to die for, and wonderful staff to unobtrusively care for you. The main open plan lake side room is wonderfully comfortable, big flopping chairs and sun beds. After severe lake flooding, the pool is not really useable. Take all your own food and the wonderful cook will prepare everything. The island has canoes and boat big enough for 6; we had a wonderful 2 hour adventure around many of the local islands, driven by one of the staff who was extremely knowledgable about the area and the bird life. There are several cool and airy cottages, all side to sizes to cater for couples or families, all lakeside , with stunning views over the water, but be aware, they are up a fairly steep climb. Mature trees cover the small centre of the island, with a resident rescued owl. The whole area is a birders paradise. Only just over 2 hours from Nakuru, It is a world away in every way. Baringo is extremely hot, so light clothes, sun cream & anti insect spray essential. A return visit to be booked very soon!…
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Date of stay: October 2016Trip type: Travelled with friends
Cleanliness
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Room Tip: Any, as all with lake views. If you don't want a climb, particularly ask for cottage nearest...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
This is a very delayed review as we stayed more than a year ago but one which can't be missed- Samatian Island cannot be put into words, it is so special , homely, beautiful, unique and such fun! One arrives by a little boat and then you have your own island- the rooms are perfect, the food was made beautifully, the staff are amazing and the fishing is brilliant. The perfect spot to escape from the real word. We will be back again soon. Thank you so much.
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Date of stay: October 2015Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Roberts Camp M, Owner at Samatian Island
Responded 14 Sept 2016
Hello, we are delighted you enjoyed your stay with us. Samatian is our family home where i spent much of my childhood and its a huge pleasure to share it with people who enjoy its uniqueness like we do. Thanks for coming and for taking the time to review us. We hope to have you back some day!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We stayed two nights at Samatian island lodge.Very good place for enjoying weekends.The rooms are very spacious and comfortable.Bathrooms are clean.All staffs are very friendly and helpful.Super lake view from all rooms.I enjoyed a lot.
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Date of stay: April 2016Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from 5yswm, Owner at Samatian Island
Responded 14 Sept 2016
Hello We are so happy you enjoyed your stay with us. Thanks for taking the time for giving us a review. We hope to see you back some day.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
A very quiet Lodge on it's own island - surrounded by Lake Baringo - was great as our group of around 12 were the only ones there. Need to be taken by boat across the Lake and when you arrive you can appreciate the solitude. Rooms are large and comfortable, but very open which is great in good weather - blinds that can be lowered if the weather is not good. Plenty of netting to cover the beds and the bathroom was large and clean. Unfortunately the pool was unable to be used due to recent flooding - and there was a very large tame owl that allowed photos close up when fed. Unfortunately the infinity pool was out of action due to recent high flooding but we still had plenty of photographic things to do. Food was great and laundry services were available.
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Date of stay: January 2016Trip type: Travelled with friends
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: All rooms are good
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from 5yswm, Owner at Samatian Island
Responded 14 Sept 2016
Hello We are delighted you enjoyed your time at Samatian. Unfortunately our lovely horizon swimming pool will have to be used as a plunge pool until the lake level recedes. We shall keep our guests updated with our developments & progress via our website & facebook page. Thanks for taking the time to give us a review and we do hope to have you back on the island some day!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This out-of-this-world property in a private island, in the middle of a lake, without any other trace of civilization, has been something worth to write about. I simply could not get enough of it in 3 days, believe me. If you are looking to spend some days for yourself, with your partner, or with your friends, this is definitely the best option. Only 4 hours drive from Nairobi, you park your car in a safe place where the owner of the island lives, and take a small boat to the island. You must carry food and beverages, but once you reach the island, you will not have to worry about preparing your food, since there will be plenty of staff ready to assist you in all you wish! The pet of the island is an incredibly friendly owl who even accompanies you while you play cards or have dinner at the common area, which includes a deliciously fresh infinite pool. The rooms are super spacious, rustique but decorated with a perfect taste, each detail es very well taken care of. The rooms are opened, without windows, so those who are scared of spiders or funny bugs must stay away from here, although mosquito nets are present in all rooms. You may take showers or even a bath outdoors with no one but the lake as witness...There is an observatory in one of the chalets where you can see the stars or get a massage, as you wish. Kayaks are available and even a tumbling over the water. Birdwatchers would consider this lake Baringo as a treasure, and tours are also available. If you come to KEnya you should not forget to visit this amazing place!!…
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Date of stay: February 2012Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
LOCATION
KenyaRift Valley ProvinceBaringo District
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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Guests can enjoy a lounge during their stay.