5 Days Samburu & Buffalo Springs Safari
Explore the twin reserves of Samburu and Buffalo Springs on this comprehensive 5-day safari through Kenya’s northern frontier. Extended time allows thorough exploration of this unique ecosystem, its special wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and rich Samburu culture.
What's Included
- Return transport from Nairobi in a 4×4 Land Cruiser
- 4 nights full-board accommodation
- All game drives in Samburu and Buffalo Springs
- Park entry fees for both reserves
- Samburu cultural visit
- Bottled drinking water
What's Not Included
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Items of personal nature
- Additional cultural activities
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve
Morning departure from Nairobi, driving north through the central highlands and crossing the equator. The landscape transitions from green farmland to semi-arid scrubland as you approach Samburu.
Arrive at your lodge on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Lunch overlooking the water where crocodiles and elephants are often visible.
Afternoon game drive exploring Samburu’s unique wildlife. Your guide will begin the quest for the Samburu Special Five while also showing you the reserve’s other residents.
Dinner and overnight at your Samburu lodge.
Day 2: Samburu National Reserve
Morning and afternoon game drives exploring Samburu’s diverse habitats—from riverine forest to open scrubland, rocky hills to palm savannas.
Focus on finding all five Samburu specials: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk. Each requires different terrain and techniques to locate.
Mid-day, enjoy the lodge’s amenities—swimming pool, riverside terrace, or simply watching wildlife from your room.
Evening visit to a Samburu manyatta (village). The Samburu people are semi-nomadic pastoralists known for their distinctive red clothing, beadwork, and warrior traditions. Learn about their customs, dance performances, and way of life.
Dinner and overnight in Samburu.
Day 3: Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Today, explore Buffalo Springs National Reserve on the southern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Though smaller than Samburu, Buffalo Springs offers different terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities.
The reserve takes its name from a natural spring that creates a small oasis attracting diverse wildlife. The open terrain makes predator sightings particularly good.
Picnic lunch in the bush, maximizing your time exploring. Buffalo Springs is known for good lion and cheetah sightings.
Return to Samburu for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Full Day Samburu Exploration
Another full day in Samburu, with flexibility to revisit favorite spots or explore new areas based on wildlife movements and guide recommendations.
Morning drive focused on predators—Samburu’s lions, leopards, and occasional cheetahs. The reserve’s topography creates natural game-viewing circuits along the river and around rocky kopjes.
Afternoon drive continuing the exploration. Elephants are always a highlight—Samburu’s elephants are well-studied, and your guide may recognize individual families.
Final evening enjoying the Samburu sunset over the river. Night drive possible at some lodges (additional cost) to spot nocturnal species.
Farewell dinner and overnight in Samburu.
Day 5: Samburu – Nairobi
Early morning game drive for last chances at wildlife sightings. Return for breakfast at the lodge.
Check out and drive back to Nairobi. The journey offers reflection time on your northern Kenya adventure. Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon.
