3 Days Samburu Special Five Safari
Venture into Kenya’s rugged northern frontier to discover the Samburu Special Five—unique species found nowhere else in Kenya’s southern parks. Experience the dramatic Ewaso Nyiro River, arid landscapes, and fascinating local culture on this 3-day safari to Samburu National Reserve.
What's Included
- Return transport from Nairobi in a 4×4 vehicle
- 2 nights full-board lodge accommodation
- All game drives with professional guide
- Park entry fees
- Bottled drinking water
What's Not Included
- Samburu village visit
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Items of personal nature
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve
Depart Nairobi early morning and drive north through the central highlands, passing Mount Kenya’s foothills. Cross the equator at Nanyuki (photo opportunity with marker) and continue through increasingly arid landscape.
Arrive at your lodge along the Ewaso Nyiro River in time for lunch. The river, lined with doum palms and fig trees, is the reserve’s lifeline, attracting diverse wildlife to its banks.
Afternoon game drive to begin your search for the Samburu Special Five:
- Grevy’s zebra (large, narrow-striped, endangered)
- Reticulated giraffe (network pattern, distinct from Maasai giraffe)
- Somali ostrich (blue-grey neck, different from Maasai ostrich)
- Beisa oryx (elegant antelope with rapier horns)
- Gerenuk (long-necked “giraffe gazelle” that browses standing upright)
Dinner and overnight at your Samburu lodge.
Day 2: Full Day Samburu Exploration
Morning and afternoon game drives exploring different sectors of the reserve. Beyond the Special Five, Samburu hosts elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs (occasionally).
The Ewaso Nyiro River attracts large elephant herds; watch them drinking, bathing, and playing in the water. Crocodiles bask on the banks while hippos wallow in deeper pools.
Leopards are relatively common in Samburu—the riverine forest provides excellent habitat. Your guide knows their favored trees and territories.
Between drives, enjoy your lodge’s riverside setting—many lodges have terraces overlooking waterholes or the river itself.
Optional evening visit to a Samburu manyatta to learn about this fascinating pastoralist culture, distinct from their Maasai cousins.
Dinner and overnight in Samburu.
Day 3: Samburu – Nairobi
Early morning game drive for final wildlife sightings. The soft morning light and active animals make this prime viewing time.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and check out. Drive back to Nairobi, crossing the equator again and passing through increasingly lush terrain as you approach the capital.
Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon.
