Satao Camp

Spread out among tamarind and acacia trees near the seasonal Voi River, Satao Camp is the only camp in this area of Tsavo East National Park. Fairly large by safari standards, it is regularly visited by baboons, impalas, giraffes and hippos, while the central area is an oasis for birdlife and various nocturnal creatures, including genets.

The permanent structures of Satao’s main central area are ranged out behind the sandy drop-off area where guests arrive. Beyond the simple, open-sided reception building, spacious and shady dining and lounge terraces under high-pitched makuti-tile roofs are set on either side of a raised central bar area, with a campfire directly in front. Open plan and essentially open-air, these main areas are low-key and welcoming. Away to the south is a fully open-air lunch area that has good views of the plains and a large waterhole that provides an excellent viewing point for the guests.

Satao Camp has 20 tents, all en-suite, thoughtfully positioned to ensure a full view of the camps “own” watering hole.

The fifteen twin, double or triple standard tents are well-designed, traditional green-canvas safari tents – airy, light and simply constructed. They’re mounted on raised platforms and each has a veranda with two canvas chairs and a low table. Inside, the tents are floored with soft rush matting and rugs, with a simple writing table and chair, a rustic shelf unit and a basic clothes cupboard. The beds are comfortable and attractively covered, with reading lights on each bedside table.

The five suite tents are similar to the standard tents but built on a grander scale and with extra furnishings.