Rare northern species, untamed wilderness and the spirit of classic Kenya.
Overview
This distinctive 5-day safari ventures north into Kenya’s rugged and less-travelled frontier – the semi-arid landscapes of Samburu National Reserve and the lush, wild beauty of Meru National Park.
Samburu is famed for its unique northern species known as the Samburu Special Five, while Meru offers a dramatic mix of rivers, doum palms and open plains rich in wildlife and history. Together, these parks deliver a raw, authentic safari experience away from the busier southern circuit.
Ideal for returning visitors or travellers seeking something different, this itinerary offers superb wildlife viewing, striking scenery and fewer crowds.
Trip Highlights
- Home of the Samburu Special Five (Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich & Gerenuk)
- Excellent elephant sightings
- Remote and uncrowded game drives
- Lush riverine landscapes in Meru
- Strong lion and leopard presence
- Authentic northern Kenya safari experience
Itinerary
Two nights in Samburu National Reserve followed by two nights in Meru National Park, offering rare wildlife encounters and scenic diversity before returning to Nairobi.
Distance: 350 km
Drive time: Approx. 6 - 7 hours (excluding stops)
07:30 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Pick-up in Nairobi
Your safari begins with collection from your Nairobi hotel or from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After a short briefing, depart north through Kenya’s central highlands, passing coffee plantations and small rural towns.
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Comfort Stop
Pause for refreshments before continuing towards the drier northern frontier.
11:00 a.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Scenic Drive to Samburu
The landscape gradually shifts from lush highlands to open, semi-arid plains dotted with acacia and doum palms.
02:00 p.m. - 03:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp within Samburu National Reserve in time for lunch and relaxation.
04:00 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Embark on your first game drive across Samburu’s rugged terrain. The reserve is home to the Samburu Special Five - Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk - species rarely seen elsewhere in Kenya. Elephants, lions and leopards are also commonly sighted along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for dinner and overnight at the accommodation options below.
Option 1: Budget Umoja Campsite | Samburu Riverside Tented Camps
Option 2: Standard Sopa Lodge | Ashnil Samburu Camp | Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp
Option 3: Luxury Elephant Bedroom Camp | Shaba Lodge |
Option 4: Above Luxury Sasaab | Saruni Samburu | Simba Lodge | Soroi Larsens Camp |
06:15 a.m. - 09:00 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive
Depart early when wildlife is most active. Lions may still be on the move, and elephants gather along the riverbanks in the cool morning air.
09:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Camp
Return for breakfast and a short rest.
10:30 a.m. - 01:00 p.m. | Mid-Morning Game Viewing
Explore different sectors of the reserve, tracking the Special Five and scanning rocky outcrops for leopards.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch at Lodge
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation during the warmest hours.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring Samburu’s diverse habitats. Large elephant herds, graceful reticulated giraffes and the long-necked gerenuk standing upright to feed are highlights of the reserve.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for dinner under the northern skies at the accommodation options below.
Option 1: Budget Umoja Campsite | Samburu Riverside Tented Camps
Option 2: Standard Sopa Lodge | Ashnil Samburu Camp | Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp
Option 3: Luxury Elephant Bedroom Camp | Shaba Lodge |
Option 4: Above Luxury Sasaab | Saruni Samburu | Simba Lodge | Soroi Larsens Camp |
Optional activity at additional cost: visit to a local Samburu village for cultural interaction.
Distance: 170 km
Drive time: Approx. 4 - 5 hours
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Camp
Enjoy breakfast before departure.
08:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Drive to Meru
Travel south-east towards Meru, with landscapes transitioning back to greener terrain and riverine forests.
12:30 p.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge within Meru National Park in time for lunch and relaxation.
04:00 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Meru National Park offers a striking contrast to Samburu, with lush vegetation, numerous rivers and doum palm-lined landscapes. Wildlife includes elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and abundant birdlife. The park is also historically linked to conservationist George Adamson and the story of Elsa the lioness.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to lodge for dinner and overnight at the accommodation options below.
Option 1: Budget Meru Slopes Hotel | Royal Prince Hotel | Three Steers Hotel
Option 2: Standard Murera Springs Eco Lodge | Ikweta Safari Camp
Option 3: Luxury Elsa's Kopje Lodge | Rhino River Camp
06:30 a.m. - 09:00 a.m. | Early Morning Game Drive
Explore Meru at sunrise when wildlife is most active. The park’s river systems attract a wide range of animals and birds.
09:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Lodge
Return for breakfast and relaxation.
10:30 a.m. - 01:00 p.m. | Extended Game Viewing
Visit different sections of the park, including open grasslands and wooded areas. Lions and leopards are present, though patience may be required.
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m. | Lunch at Lodge
Enjoy lunch and time to unwind.
03:30 p.m. - 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring Meru’s diverse ecosystems. The park’s relative remoteness means fewer vehicles and a more exclusive safari atmosphere.
07:30 p.m. - 09:00 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to lodge for dinner and a relaxed final evening at the accommodation options below.
Option 1: Budget Meru Slopes Hotel | Royal Prince Hotel | Three Steers Hotel
Option 2: Standard Murera Springs Eco Lodge | Ikweta Safari Camp
Option 3: Luxury Elsa's Kopje Lodge | Rhino River Camp
Distance: 350 km
Drive time: 6 - 7 hours
06:30 a.m. - 08:30 a.m. | Final Morning Game Drive
Enjoy a last sunrise safari in Meru, capturing final photographs and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
08:30 a.m. - 09:30 a.m. | Breakfast at Lodge
Return for breakfast before departure.
10:00 a.m. - 03:00 p.m. | Drive Back to Nairobi
Begin the return journey south towards Nairobi, passing through changing landscapes from wild savannah to cultivated highlands.
03:00 p.m. - 04:30 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Drop-off at your hotel or airport, marking the end of your Samburu and Meru safari adventure.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- Four nights’ accommodation
- All meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
Frequently Asked Questions
In Samburu, you can expect sightings of the Samburu Special Five along with elephants, lions and leopards. Meru offers elephants, buffalo, giraffes, antelope species and strong predator presence, though with fewer vehicles around sightings feel more exclusive.
Yes, though it is especially appealing to those who appreciate quieter parks and unique northern species rarely seen elsewhere in Kenya.
Yes. Samburu and Meru provide a more remote and less crowded experience compared to the southern parks, making it ideal for travellers seeking something different.
The safari operates year-round, though wildlife tends to concentrate around rivers during the drier months, offering particularly rewarding viewing.
Pack neutral-coloured clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, comfortable closed shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a good camera. Soft-sided luggage is recommended.
