3-Day Samburu Private Safari from Nairobi with the Special Five

3 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Spot the famous Samburu Special Five in their northern Kenya habitat
  • 02 Enjoy private game drives through Samburu's quieter, less crowded landscapes
  • 03 Take in magnificent views of Mount Kenya along the scenic highlands route
  • 04 Explore the Ewaso Nyiro River ecosystem with elephants, crocodiles, and hippos
  • 05 Search for elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, and rich birdlife
  • 06 Discover Samburu's dramatic mix of open plains, riverine forests, and volcanic hills
  • 07 Learn about the traditional lifestyle of the local Samburu community
  • 08 Travel in a comfortable private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser

Escape the busy southern safari circuit and explore the untamed beauty of Northern Kenya on this 3-day private safari from Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve. Travel through Kenya's scenic central highlands with magnificent views of Mount Kenya before discovering Samburu's dramatic landscapes, riverine forests, volcanic hills, natural springs, and the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River. This reserve is home to the famous Samburu Special Five - Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich - as well as elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, and over 450 bird species. With fewer crowds, private game drives, accommodation, park fees, meals, and a professional driver-guide included, this safari offers one of Kenya's most rewarding short wildlife adventures.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Nairobi, Mount Kenya, Samburu

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve Safari

  • Morning pick-up from your hotel, residence, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

  • Meet your driver-guide.

  • Journey north in a comfortable private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser.

  • Drive through Kenya's fertile central highlands, passing coffee plantations, tea farms, pineapple plantations, and small rural towns.

  • Enjoy magnificent views of Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest mountain.

  • Arrive in Samburu in time for lunch at your selected safari lodge or tented camp.

  • Set out on your first afternoon game drive.

  • Look out for elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and many bird species. Samburu is also one of the best places in Kenya to spot the rare Samburu Special Five.

  • Return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

  • Route: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve.

  • Distance: Approximately 320 km.

  • Driving time: Around 5-6 hours.

  • Meals: Lunch and dinner.

  • Accommodation: Selected lodge or tented camp in Samburu.

2
Day 02

Full-Day Game Drive in Samburu National Reserve

  • Breakfast: Early breakfast.

  • Explore: Spend the day exploring the beautiful landscapes of Samburu National Reserve.

  • Landscapes: Discover open savannah, acacia woodland, and riverbanks where elephants, crocodiles, and hippos are commonly seen.

  • Community: You may also learn about the local Samburu community, whose traditional lifestyle closely resembles that of the Maasai people.

  • Return: Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and another overnight stay.

  • Activity: Full-day private game drive.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • Accommodation: Selected lodge or tented camp.

3
Day 03

Samburu to Nairobi Return Journey

  • Breakfast: After breakfast.

  • Check out: Check out of your lodge.

  • Drive: Begin the journey back to Nairobi.

  • Lunch stop: Stop for lunch before continuing south through Kenya's central highlands.

  • Drop-off: Drop-off at your hotel, residence, or the airport.

  • Route: Samburu to Nairobi.

  • Distance: Approximately 320 km.

  • Driving time: Around 5-6 hours.

  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Nairobi 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transport in a 4x4 safari Land Cruiser

  • Pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi

  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide

  • Samburu, Shaba, and Buffalo Springs park entrance fees

  • Unlimited private game drives

  • Two nights' accommodation

  • Meals as specified in the itinerary

  • Bottled drinking water during the safari

  • Government taxes

  • Emergency assistance throughout the safari

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights

  • Kenya visa fees

  • Travel insurance

  • Alcoholic and soft drinks

  • Tips for the driver-guide and lodge staff

  • Personal expenses

  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Laundry services

  • Items of a personal nature

Know before you go

  • Important Safari Information

  • Safari Type: Private safari

  • Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights

  • Starting Point: Nairobi

  • Ending Point: Nairobi

  • Destination: Samburu, Shaba & Buffalo Springs National Reserves

  • Transport: Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser

  • Accommodation: Budget, mid-range, or luxury

  • Guide: Professional private driver-guide

  • Best Travel Time: Throughout the year

  • Other language-speaking guides are available upon request and subject to availability.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Your hotel, residence, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi
Tour start
Nairobi
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Nairobi.

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Starting from

USD 1,000 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,500.00 — $1,580.00
Double Sharing $1,000.00 — $1,220.00

When

Travellers

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