3 Days Samburu Unique 'Special Five' Safari
Trip Highlights
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Scenic Drive North to Samburu & Sunset River Safari
Depart early morning from Nairobi, traveling north past pineapple plantations and the high-altitude pine forests surrounding Mount Kenya. Descend into the warm, semi-arid plains of northern Kenya, reaching Samburu National Reserve by early afternoon. Check in to your riverside safari lodge and enjoy lunch while taking in views of the Ewaso Nyiro River. In the late afternoon, set off on a sunset game drive across the acacia scrublands, keeping an eye out for reticulated giraffes, elephants crossing the riverbeds, and predators emerging as dusk falls.
Day 2: Full-Day Tracking the "Samburu Special 5" & Big Cats
Dedicate a full day to exploring the rugged landscapes along the Ewaso Nyiro River—the vital lifeline for wildlife in this arid ecosystem. Your main objective is tracking the endemic "Samburu Special 5": the uniquely pattern-patterned Reticulated Giraffe, fine-striped Grevy’s Zebra, fringe-eared Beisa Oryx, blue-necked Somali Ostrich, and the long-necked Gerenuk gazelle feeding on high branches. Pause for a scenic bush lunch before tracking leopards resting in acacia river trees, sunbathing Nile crocodiles, and elephant herds gathering along the banks.
Day 3: Dawn Riverbank Safari & Return Journey to Nairobi
Embark on an early morning game drive along the river circuit to catch big cats returning from night hunts and observe active birdlife as the sun rises over the savannah. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast overlooking the water before checking out. Bid farewell to the Northern Frontier and enjoy a comfortable, scenic drive back through the Central Highlands, arriving in Nairobi by late afternoon for your hotel drop-off or onward travel connections.
Package Inclusions & Exclusions
| Included | Excluded |
|---|---|
|
✓ Exclusive 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser Transport with Pop-Up Hatch & Unlimited Fuel ✓ KPSGA-Certified Professional English-Speaking Safari Driver-Guide ✓ 2 Nights Accommodation at a Premier Riverside Lodge in Samburu ✓ Full Board Meal Plan (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Throughout the Safari ✓ Daily Unlimited Mileage Game Drives along Ewaso Nyiro River Circuits ✓ AMREF Flying Doctors Emergency Medical Evacuation Cover ✓ Unlimited Bottled Mineral Water Onboard All Transfers & Game Drives |
✗ Samburu National Reserve Daily Entrance Fees (approx. $85 per adult/day) ✗ Optional Guided Samburu Cultural Village Visit ($20–$30 per person) ✗ International/Domestic Flights & Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) ✗ Alcoholic Beverages, Soft Drinks & Personal Hotel Laundry Charges ✗ Driver-Guide Tips, Hotel Staff Gratuities & Personal Travel Insurance ✗ Personal Souvenirs and Any Unspecified Items of Personal Expense |
