Satao Camp is located in Tsavo East National Park, set among tamarisk and acacia groves, surrounding a watering hole that draws wildlife throughout the day. Twenty tents arranged in a semicircle, built from local materials and topped with makuti thatch: the architecture fades into the surrounding bush.

Why choose Satao Camp

• Secluded location in Tsavo East, with no other camps within a one-hour drive.
• Permanent watering hole visible from the tents, frequented by elephants, hippopotamuses, and birds.
• Nearly 300 bird species recorded on site.
• Traditional architecture using local materials, stone bathrooms, hand-carved furniture.
• Tents and safari vehicles adapted for guests with reduced mobility.

The atmosphere

The camp blends seamlessly into the vegetation. Tents are arranged in a semicircle around the watering hole, transforming every pause — breakfast, reading, an afternoon rest on the terrace — into passive wildlife observation. Lunches are served in the shade of the tamarisks; in the evening, the main building hosts dinner, followed by a campfire and a climb to the observation tower to spot nocturnal animals.

Sunset behind the Sagala hills marks the end of the day, often accompanied by an aperitif served in a secluded corner of the bush, chosen by the team.

Accommodations

The camp has 20 tents and suites in total, including 4 spacious suites. All are constructed with local materials and topped with makuti thatch. Inside: comfortable beds, hand-carved furniture, ceiling fan, minibar, lounge area, private veranda overlooking the watering hole, and a stone bathroom.

Suites

The 4 suites offer greater privacy, enlarged terraces, and bathrooms equipped with bathtubs.

Accessibility

Some tents are designed for guests with reduced mobility, and several of the camp's safari vehicles are also equipped to accommodate wheelchairs. Additional beds can be added as needed.

Services and activities

• 4x4 safaris with camp guides, in the lesser-visited areas of Tsavo East, in search of the Big Five.
• Birdwatching outings around nearly 300 recorded species: hornbills, barbets, guinea fowl, starlings, spotted owlet.
• Sunset aperitif in a secluded corner of the bush, facing the Sagala hills.
• Observation tower and campfire in the evening.
• Stocked bar, dining featuring Kenyan and international dishes, free Wi-Fi in common areas, laundry service, free parking.

Location and access

The camp is located in Tsavo East National Park, approximately 160 km from Mombasa and 326 km from Nairobi. Access is either by car (several hours' drive from the coast) or by flight to Voi airstrip (approximately 1 hour from Nairobi), followed by a short safari vehicle transfer.

Transfers are organized from Watamu, Malindi, Mombasa, and Voi station. The park's emblematic sites are accessible from the camp: Yatta plateau, Lugard Falls, Mudanda Rock, Voi River, and Aruba Dam.

What to see elsewhere in Kenya

To extend a safari circuit, several complementary camps exist in other Kenyan parks:

• Ngulia Lodge, in the neighboring Tsavo West.
• Samburu Riverside Camp and Samburu Simba Lodge, in the Samburu Reserve to the north.
• Mara Olapa Camp, in the heart of the Masai Mara.
• Hotel Papillon Lagoon Reef, for a beach stay on the south coast.

Plan your Kenya safari

Satao Camp fits naturally into an itinerary combining Tsavo, Amboseli, and the coast. To build a custom itinerary, explore our Kenya trips.