Suyian Lodge

Rising from the plains of Suyian Conservancy, Suyian Lodge is located in the heart of Kenya‘s Laikipia Plateau. The conservancy, which covers 44,000 hectares of unfenced grassland, great granite boulders, savanna and acacia woodland, creates a vital wildlife movement corridor between Laikipia and the northern conservancies.

Wildlife you’ll come across include elephants, lions, reticulated giraffes and the African wild dog — Suyian’s namesake, derived from the Maa language. You’ll also have the chance to see species unique to Laikipia, including the Laikipia hartebeest and striped hyena. On bush walks, you can glimpse various birdlife, like Verreaux eagles and paradise flycatchers. Other activities include experiences with pastoral tribes, having picnics on the banks of the Ewaso Narok River and guiding cattle alongside local herders during ranching excursions.

Suyian Lodge’s rounded roofs bring to mind the ancient granite kopjes (rocky outcrops) ahead. Their curved lines blend into walls clad in natural stone, seamlessly uniting with the escarpment underneath. The interiors’ earthy tones bring the landscape in, as do their tall windows with views that pan out to the Ewaso Narok River and the silhouette of Mount Kenya. Kenyan craftsmanship and décor that celebrates the Samburu tribe also capture the essence of the region’s communities.

Like Suyian’s communal areas, which span a rim-flow swimming pool, library and map room, its suites emerge discreetly from their perch. They flow out to panoramic terraces with plunge pools and sunken daybeds, where you can watch the sunrise before your morning game drive. It’s hard to imagine a better spot to drink in the scenery.

As with its design, the gastronomy here takes pride in its Kenyan spirit, with ingredients grown in the garden on-site or locally sourced. You can pluck the day’s harvest before savouring a freshly prepared dinner on your suite’s deck. You can also enjoy an immersive experience at the courtyard’s open fire with Samburu-style grills. Gather around the lodge’s firepit for pre-dinner drinks, which is perfectly positioned to offer a sweeping vista of the surrounding plains.