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Sandai
Sandai
Sandai

About Sandai

Sandai is a German-owned farm stay guest house on the plains between the Aberdare mountains and Mount Kenya.

There are two rooms in the main house and four further rooms in two separate cottages. Meals are hosted by the owner and her family.

We loved this farm stay when we last visited for lunch and a look around several years ago. The effervescent owner defines the atmosphere here, which is laid-back and rather artistic. Although we haven’t yet done a full site visit or stayed the night, we believe this is a good option for excursions to neighbouring Solio Ranch and up to the Aberdare National Park.

Our view

We loved this farm stay when we last visited for lunch and a look around several years ago. The effervescent owner defines the atmosphere here, which is laid-back and rather artistic. Although we haven’t yet done a full site visit or stayed the night, we believe this is a good option for excursions to neighbouring Solio Ranch and up to the Aberdare National Park.

Richard Trillo

Richard Trillo

Kenya expert

Accommodation

6 rooms

Children

Fine for all ages.

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Horse-riding

Horse-riding

Night drive

Night drive

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Sandai

1 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


100%
1 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
1
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs BfromDevon

Arrived 6 Feb 2014, 3 nights

"Down to earth Sandai"

"In contrast to Offbeat there were quite a few guests at Sandai, a mix of indepen …" Read Mr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Sandai reviews

Sandai: Our full report

Sandai is a German-owned farm stay guest house on the plains between the Aberdare mountains and Mount Kenya.

There are two rooms in the main house and four further rooms in two separate cottages. Meals are hosted by the owner and her family.

When we last visited, we thought the setup here was comfortable and welcoming – the perfect place to relax on a relatively modest budget, and particularly suitable for outdoors-loving people, riders (they have stables), and artists (a well-equipped studio is available and workshops and painting weekends are organised.

You are well placed here to take their full-day 4x4 excursions (extra cost) into nearby, wildlife-rich areas, including some of the most impressive rhino-viewing anywhere in Kenya at Solio Ranch and the stunning landscapes of the Aberdare National Park, including bamboo groves, mountain rainforests, waterfalls and high moorlands.

Geographics

Location
Laikipia, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
3 days-plus
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included
Most drinks are extra, but reasonably priced.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome.

Sustainability

Sandai sustainability

Powered by the sun

An intimate guest house traditionally crafted out of mud bricks, Sandai offers guests traditional African accommodation with a special flare of personalized service. The German-owned lodge has a strong connection with the local community, always coming up with initiatives that would bring together locals and tourists in creative mutual exchange of benefits. One example is the lodge’s support for local entrepreneurs through ‘painting weekends’, where guests can learn how to paint from a local Kenyan teacher.

Furthermore, Sandai is an example of how solar energy is transforming the access of remote lodges to electricity. Powered by a photovoltaic solar system, Sandai is forward thinking in adopting technology to minimise their impacts on the environment to allow for it to flourish. Sandai’s solar power is also transforming water consumption. Instead of using local wella and therefore put even more pressure on the scarce water resources for the local community, Sandai uses windmills to transport rainwater through reservoirs. The solar system then regulates the water’s temperature, ensuring guests’ showers are always warm.

Sandai is therefore a leading example that tourists can experience the real Africa in a sustainable way, supporting the local people without taking away their scarce resources, and for this it has been awarded with TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence.

See more great sustainability projects in Kenya

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Fire safety

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Horse-riding

    Horse-riding

  • Night drive

    Night drive

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request

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Sandai's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Sandai.


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When to go to Laikipia

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Sandai in Laikipia


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Laikipia in January

Clear, warm days and mild nights make this a popular time for safaris in Laikipia. It's excellent for game viewing in all the conservancies, where water sources attract diverse wildlife. The dry conditions make it easier to spot black rhinos, lions and leopards. Star bed sleep-out options at a number of lodges are particularly magical under the clear night skies.

After the New Year period, many camps and lodges treat January as mid-season, offering good value. The landscape retains some greenery, enhancing photography.

  • Clear days ideal for safaris
  • Excellent visibility for wildlife viewing
  • Dry riverbeds attract wildlife to water sources
  • Calving season for wildebeest and antelopes
  • Palearctic migrant birds abundant

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

Laikipia in February

With the short dry season well established in Laikipia, wildlife gathers close to water points, making it an excellent time for safaris. Ol Pejeta and Lewa Wildlife Conservancies offer prime viewing opportunities for endangered species like black rhinos and Grevy's zebras. Solio Rhino Conservancy provides exceptional black rhino sightings during this period. The grass is grazed down, improving visibility across the region.

February is ideal for walking safaris, where you can appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem. The clear skies make stargazing from star beds an unforgettable experience. Cultural visits to local communities are particularly rewarding, as the pleasant weather encourages outdoor activities and interactions.

  • Prime time for wildlife gathering near water
  • Ideal conditions for walking safaris
  • Palearctic migrant birds still present
  • Low rainfall makes game drives rewarding

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Laikipia in March

As March progresses in Laikipia, the weather becomes increasingly hot and humid with more rain likely later in the month. Through most of the month, conditions are still good for game drives in most districts. As the month advances, the buildup to the rainy season becomes apparent.

This period can offer unique photographic opportunities as animals congregate around diminishing water sources. Accommodation costs decrease as the low season approaches.

  • Early month offers great wildlife viewing
  • Hot weather transitions to occasional rains
  • Lower visitor numbers
  • Lush vegetation begins to appear

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Laikipia in April

April usually sees established, serious rainfall in much of Laikipia, transforming the landscape. The southeast monsoon wind brings cooler temperatures and frequent downpours. While game viewing can be challenging due to lush vegetation, the green season offers unique experiences, with new-born animals visible among the verdant scenery.

The landscape bursts into life with vibrant colours, ideal for photography. Birdwatching is excellent with many species breeding. This is a quieter time for tourism, with lower accommodation rates at many places allowing for a more exclusive safari experience for great levels of service.

  • Long rains begin, transforming landscapes
  • Green season offers unique photo opportunities
  • Lower rates at Laikipia's luxury lodges
  • Buffalo and zebra calving season commences
  • Birdwatching excellent

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Laikipia in May

May in Laikipia is characterised by ongoing rains and lush vegetation. While game viewing can be trickier, the vibrant landscapes offer spectacular photographic opportunities with very little dust. The landscapes are a sea of green, with diverse and thriving flora.

This is an excellent time for birdwatching across the region as breeding season continues. The Ewaso Nyiro river swells impressively. Despite potential challenges, patient visitors may witness dramatic scenes of predators hunting in the thick vegetation.

  • Lush vegetation makes wildlife spotting trickier
  • Great for landscape and nature photography
  • Rutting season for wildebeest and impalas
  • Frog breeding season in Laikipia's wetlands
  • Mount Kenya views improve with clearer air

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

Laikipia in June

As June progresses in Laikipia, the rains give way to slightly cooler, cloudy weather. This transition marks the beginning of a long, generally dry, high season for visitors. Game viewing improves as vegetation starts to thin, and conditions are comfortable.

The Ewaso Nyiro river, still full from the rains, attracts diverse wildlife. Accommodation rates begin to rise, reflecting the start of peak season.

  • Rains subside, ushering in cooler weather
  • High season begins with increased visitors
  • Comfortable conditions game viewing

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Laikipia in July

July in Laikipia brings cooler temperatures and ideal conditions for safaris. Animals concentrate around water sources on the conservancies, providing excellent game viewing opportunities.

July marks the peak of the high season, with higher accommodation rates and visitor numbers. The dry conditions make it easier to spot elusive species like leopards and black rhinos.

  • Cool weather perfect for walking and riding
  • Wildlife concentrates around water sources
  • Excellent conditions for photography tours

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

Laikipia in August

August in Laikipia offers mild, dry weather, perfect for safaris. The conservancies teem with wildlife, including endangered species like black rhinos and Grevy's zebras. The landscapes offer stunning vistas and excellent conditions for game drives and walking safaris. The dry conditions make it easier to spot big cats across the region. This is peak season, so expect higher visitor numbers and accommodation rates.

You might consider combining your Laikipia safari with a stay at the nearby Samburu National Reserve, known for its “northern five” species – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich.

  • Peak season for wildlife viewing in Laikipia
  • Mild weather ideal for outdoor activities
  • Busy period requires advance bookings

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

Laikipia in September

As September progresses in Laikipia, the weather typically remains dry with clearing skies, signalling excellent safari conditions. Early September can be busy, but visitor numbers decrease later in the month. In the conservancies, game viewing is exceptional as animals congregate around limited water sources.

September generally offers excellent conditions for photography.

  • Hot, dry weather with good visibility
  • Quieter period for more exclusive safaris
  • Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Laikipia in October

October in Laikipia brings generally hot and mostly dry conditions, ideal for safaris. It's a favourite month for many visitors due to the good weather and fewer visitors. The conservancies offer excellent game viewing, with animals concentrated around water sources. The Solio Rhino Conservancy provides exceptional rhino sightings in the dry conditions.

Birdwatching is rewarding as Palearctic migrants begin to arrive. Cultural visits to Maasai communities remain a highlight. Consider combining your Laikipia safari with a trip to the nearby Samburu National Reserve for a diverse wildlife experience.

  • Warm or hot and mostly dry conditions for safaris
  • Migratory birds start arriving
  • Perfect for photography

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Laikipia in November

November in Laikipia marks the beginning of the short rains, usually in the latter half of the month. This transition brings about dramatic changes in the landscape. Early November can still offer good game viewing before the rains intensify. Then the bush begins to green, creating beautiful scenery.

As the low season begins, accommodation rates decrease, and visitor numbers drop too, allowing for a more exclusive safari experience. Birdwatching becomes excellent with the arrival of many migratory species. November is ideal for photographers capturing the changing landscapes and dramatic skies, with low dust and clear air. Cultural visits to Maasai communities offer insights into how local life adapts to the changing seasons.

  • Short rains begin, transforming landscapes
  • Low season offers better rates and privacy
  • Excellent time for birdwatching in Laikipia
  • Lush scenery provides stunning backdrops

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Laikipia in December

In a typical December, Laikipia sees the short rains finish by mid-month, leaving the landscape at its most beautiful. Clear blue skies return, heralding the start of the second peak visitor season from around 20 December onwards. The conservancies offer excellent game viewing with lush backdrops.

Christmas can occasionally be wet, but most years see perfect safari conditions by the festive season. This is an ideal time to combine wildlife viewing with cultural experiences, such as visiting Maasai communities.

  • Rains typically end, leaving landscapes lush
  • Peak tourist season begins mid-month
  • Christmas safaris popular in conservancies
  • Night sky clarity ideal for stargazing

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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