3-Day Samburu and Buffalo Springs Safari with Special Five

3 Days Round trip from Kenya Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Spot the rare Samburu Special Five, including Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk, along the Ewaso Nyiro River
02 Explore Samburu and Buffalo Springs on sunrise and sunset game drives through open savannahs and riverine forests
03 Enjoy a picnic breakfast in the bush while searching for lions, leopards, elephants, and crocodiles
04 Stay in comfortable mid-luxury lodge accommodation with full-board meals in northern Kenya's distinctive safari region

Discover the wild beauty of northern Kenya on this exciting 3-day private safari through Samburu National Reserve and Buffalo Springs National Reserve. Track the rare Samburu Special Five, including Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk, on game drives along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Enjoy sunrise and sunset wildlife viewing, a picnic breakfast in the bush, and comfortable mid-luxury lodge accommodation throughout this authentic northern Kenya safari adventure.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Nairobi, Samburu

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Samburu and Buffalo Springs Game Drive

Be picked up from your hotel or the airport and drive north to Samburu.
Arrive at Simba Lodge in time for lunch and check-in.
After some relaxation, head out for an afternoon game drive in Buffalo Springs National Reserve, known for its open plains, natural springs, and excellent wildlife sightings.
Return to Simba Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 02

Morning Safari in Samburu and Afternoon at Leisure

Start early with a morning game drive in Samburu National Reserve, enjoying a picnic breakfast within the reserve as you explore the riverine forests and search for the rare northern species.
Return to Simba Lodge in time for lunch and a short siesta.
In the afternoon, relax with a swim at the Buffalo Springs before dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Sunrise Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

Depart at 5:30 am for a sunrise game drive in the reserve until approximately 9:30 am, when wildlife is most active.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and check-out before beginning your drive back to Nairobi.
Drop-off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your safari.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kenya 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees
All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
Accommodation mentioned
Round-trip airport transfer
A professional driver/guide
Transportation mentioned
All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to the client's home country)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, and other personal items)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive green)
Light jacket or fleece for early morning and evening game drives
Comfortable walking shoes or safari boots
Wide-brim hat or cap for sun protection
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Insect repellent
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Personal toiletries and medications
Small backpack or day bag
Power bank and charging cables
Swimsuit (some lodges have swimming pools)
Passport/ID and travel documents
Cash for tips, drinks, and optional activities
Rain jacket or poncho during the rainy season
Flashlight or headlamp for moving around camp at night
Lip balm and moisturizer due to the dry climate in Samburu National Reserve

Know before you go

Carry a valid passport or identification document at all times.
Park entry fees are usually included in your safari package unless stated otherwise.
The climate in Samburu National Reserve and Buffalo Springs National Reserve is generally hot and dry, so stay hydrated and wear light clothing.
Early morning and evening game drives can be chilly, so bring a light jacket.
Wildlife sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed, though the reserves are known for excellent game viewing year-round.
Roads can be rough and dusty, especially during the dry season, so we use a 4x4 safari vehicle.
Mobile network coverage may be limited in some areas of the reserves and camps.
Most lodges and camps use solar power, so electricity may only be available at certain hours.
Respect wildlife by remaining inside the safari vehicle unless guided otherwise by your ranger or guide.
Do not feed or approach animals for safety reasons.
Carry cash for tips, drinks, souvenirs, and optional cultural visits.
Tipping your safari guides, drivers, and lodge staff is customary and appreciated.
Some lodges offer Wi-Fi, but the internet connection may be slow due to the remote location.
Malaria precautions are recommended when traveling to northern Kenya; consult your doctor before travel.
Domestic flights to Samburu are available for travelers who prefer shorter travel times from Nairobi.
Respect local Samburu culture and ask permission before taking photos of people.
Check luggage limits if traveling by domestic flight, as soft bags are usually preferred over hard suitcases.
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and safari activities is highly recommended.