Tour Overview
Venture off the beaten path with this exciting 3-day Samburu Safari from Nairobi, exploring one of Kenya’s most distinctive and less-crowded wildlife destinations. Located in the semi-arid north, Samburu National Reserve offers a raw and rugged safari experience, known for its dramatic landscapes along the Ewaso Nyiro River and sightings of rare wildlife species found nowhere else in Kenya.
This safari gives you a chance to spot the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx, along with lions, elephants, leopards, and more. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, this short safari is ideal for travelers looking to experience northern Kenya’s wild beauty in just a few days.
Pricing Information
- From $980 per person, based on 4 people sharing
- Final cost may vary depending on travel season, lodge choice, and group size
Itinerary
- Day 1: Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve Your journey begins with a 6:30 AM pick-up from your hotel or the airport in Nairobi. You will drive north through Kenya’s scenic countryside, passing coffee and pineapple plantations, before crossing the equator near Nanyuki. By midday, you will arrive at Samburu National Reserve and check in at your lodge or tented camp. After lunch and a brief rest, you will set out for an afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River, where elephants are often seen cooling off on the riverbanks and leopards may be spotted in the rocky hills. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the lodge. Meals include lunch and dinner, and accommodation will be at Samburu Sopa Lodge or an equivalent option.
- Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Samburu
After breakfast, you will depart for a full-day safari with both morning and afternoon game drives. The day will be spent exploring different sections of the park in search of the Big Cats as well as the Samburu Special Five. The dry and open terrain offers easy game viewing and excellent opportunities for photography. A visit to the riverine forest area provides a chance for birdwatching and sightings of crocodiles and hippos. You will return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with accommodation at Samburu Sopa Lodge or an equivalent lodge.
- Day 3: Samburu – Return to Nairobi
The day begins with an early morning sunrise game drive, perfect for witnessing predators in action before the heat of the day sets in. Afterward, you will return to the lodge for breakfast and check out. The drive back to Nairobi begins, with a stop for lunch along the way. You will arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon, with drop-off at your hotel or the airport. Meals include breakfast.
Safari Highlights
- Explore the remote beauty of Samburu National Reserve
- Spot the Samburu Special Five found only in northern Kenya
- Scenic drive crossing the equator
- Game drives along the Ewaso Nyiro River
- Unique landscapes, semi-arid ecosystems, and excellent photo opportunities
- Small-group or private safari options available
What’s Included
- 2 nights’ accommodation in a safari lodge or tented camp
- All park entrance fees
- Transport in a pop-up roof safari van
- Game drives with a professional English-speaking guide
- All meals as per itinerary
- Bottled water during game drives
- Pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi
What’s Not Included
- Optional cultural visit to a Samburu Village ($20 per person)
- Personal travel insurance
- Drinks, tips, and personal expenses