Wild Northern Kenya & Rare Species Adventure
Overview
The 3 Days 2 Nights Samburu Safari takes you into the rugged and less-travelled landscapes of northern Kenya to explore the wildlife-rich Samburu National Reserve. This unique safari offers sightings of rare northern species, dramatic semi-arid scenery, and authentic wilderness experiences along the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River.
Located approximately 350 km north of Nairobi, Samburu is famed for its distinctive wildlife species often referred to as the “Samburu Special Five” and for its uncrowded game viewing environment.
Trip Highlights
- Scenic drive through central Kenya highlands
- Game drives in Samburu National Reserve
- Spot the Samburu Special Five
- Wildlife viewing along the Ewaso Nyiro River
- Opportunities to see elephants, lions and leopards
- Optional visit to a Samburu cultural village
Itinerary
Venture into the untamed beauty of northern Kenya for an exclusive wildlife experience in Samburu National Reserve. Discover rare species found nowhere else in the country while enjoying scenic landscapes, riverine forests and comfortable lodge stays.
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Pickup from Nairobi
Pick up from your Nairobi hotel, residence, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Depart northwards via Thika and Nanyuki, travelling through the lush central highlands with views of tea, coffee and pineapple plantations before the landscape gradually transforms into the dramatic semi-arid scenery of northern Kenya.
Distance: Approx. 350 km
Drive Time: 6–7 hours
Arrive at Samburu National Reserve around midday.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Check in at your selected lodge or camp and enjoy lunch followed by a short rest overlooking the surrounding wilderness and riverine forest.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Begin your first exploration of Samburu National Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary renowned for its distinctive northern species and excellent predator activity. The reserve is home to the famous Samburu Special Five - Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx and gerenuk - species uniquely adapted to the dry northern environment and regularly encountered across the plains and acacia woodland.
Along the Ewaso Nyiro River, large herds of elephants gather to drink and bathe, creating remarkable photographic moments. The riverine forests also support strong populations of lions and elusive leopards, while cheetahs patrol the open grasslands. As with all safaris, wildlife movements follow natural patterns, making every game drive a unique and authentic wilderness experience.
Return to your lodge or camp before sunset.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight stay at your chosen accommodation within or near the reserve.
Accommodation Options:
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 |
06:30 a.m. - 04:00 p.m. | Full Day Game Drive with Picnic Lunch
After an early breakfast, depart for an extended full-day safari exploring different sectors of Samburu National Reserve. The Ewaso Nyiro River serves as the lifeline of the ecosystem and sustains a high concentration of wildlife throughout the year. Elephants move in impressive family herds along the riverbanks, while crocodiles bask on sandy shores and hippos occupy the deeper pools. The open plains create excellent conditions for observing cheetahs scanning the horizon, and lions are regularly found resting beneath acacia trees or positioned on rocky outcrops overlooking their territory.
The reserve’s varied habitats - riverine forest, open savannah and scrubland - support the renowned Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx and gerenuk. These distinctive northern species define the uniqueness of Samburu and are well established within the ecosystem. Birdlife is equally impressive, with over 450 recorded species including kingfishers, bee-eaters and martial eagles.
A picnic lunch is enjoyed at a designated scenic site within the reserve, allowing for uninterrupted immersion in the wilderness.
Wildlife activity follows natural rhythms, meaning each game drive presents a different perspective of the reserve and its inhabitants, reinforcing the authenticity of the safari experience. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon for relaxation.
Evening | Dinner and Overnight
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 |
Optional Activity (Extra Cost):
Visit a local Samburu village to learn about traditional customs, dress and pastoral lifestyle.
06:30 a.m. - 07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy breakfast while taking in final views of the reserve and surrounding wilderness.
08:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Depart Samburu National Reserve and begin your return journey to Nairobi, travelling through the changing landscapes from arid northern plains back to the fertile central highlands.
Distance: Approx. 350 km
Drive Time: 6 - 7 hours
01:00 p.m. | Lunch Stop En Route
Optional lunch stop at a selected restaurant (at own cost unless specified).
03:00 p.m. - 04:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive back in Nairobi and drop off at your hotel or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the end of your Samburu safari experience.
inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Pickup and drop-off in Nairobi
- Private custom-built 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- 2 nights accommodation
- Full board meals (Lunch & Dinner Day 1; Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 2; Breakfast Day 3)
- All park entry fees
- All game drives as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- All government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional Samburu village visit
- Lunch on Day 3 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Samburu is known for its rare northern species collectively called the Samburu Special Five, which are not commonly found in southern Kenya parks.
Yes. Lions, leopards and cheetahs are regularly spotted, particularly near the river.
The journey takes approximately 6–7 hours with scenic stops along the way.
Light breathable clothing in neutral colours, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for early mornings, and camera equipment are recommended.
