Kenya · Safari

3-Day Samburu National Reserve Safari from Nairobi with Northern Five

3 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Samburu National Reserve, home to rare species and large herds of elephants
02 Look out for the Northern Five, including the gerenuk, Grévy's zebra, and reticulated giraffe
03 Search for leopards, big cats, and other predators on morning and afternoon game drives
04 See abundant birdlife and wildlife gathering along the Uaso Nyiro River
05 Optional visit to Samburu villages to learn about local culture

Pack your bags for a safari in Samburu National Reserve - one of Kenya's unique wildlife parks, home to rare animal species and large herds of elephants. Comparatively smaller than other national parks, it is easier to spot leopards and big cats here. Over three days, travel from Nairobi to explore the reserve on game drives, with chances to see the Northern Five, abundant birdlife, and the wildlife-rich Uaso Nyiro River.

Pack your bags for a safari in Samburu National Reserve - one of Kenya's unique wildlife parks, home to rare animal species and large herds of elephants.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Nairobi, Mount Kenya, Samburu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Drive from Nairobi to Samburu and First Game Drive

Pick up at 7:30 am from Nairobi and drive via the Central Highlands and the slopes of Mount Kenya to Samburu National Reserve - one of Kenya's most popular destinations in the northern safari circuit.
Reach your lodge or camp in time for lunch. Have lunch and relax for some time.
Later in the afternoon, head out for your first game drive in the park. The reserve is best known for rare species like the long-necked gerenuk, Grévy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx. Cheetahs, lions, elephants, buffalo, and hippos can also be spotted. You might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard in the evening. Return to your camp or lodge for dinner.

Overnight in Samburu National Reserve.

Meals: Lunch and dinner at camp/lodge.

Day 02

Full-Day Safari in Samburu Reserve

After breakfast at the camp or lodge, set out to explore the savannah grasslands of the reserve. You can enjoy a game drive for the whole day, spotting the Northern Five - gerenuk, oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grévy's zebra, and desert warthog. The Uaso Nyiro River, which cuts through the park, is a hub for animals, while huge Nile crocodiles lie waiting for prey. Boasting 350 different species, including vultures, kingfishers, marabous, bateleurs, guinea fowl, and Somali ostriches, the reserve also has abundant birdlife.
Optionally, you can choose to visit the Samburu tribal villages that exist in and around the park and learn about their culture. Return to the camp or lodge for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at camp/lodge.

Day 03

Sunrise Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

Early in the morning, before sunrise, go on a game drive to try and see the big cats and predators in their natural habitat.
Return to the camp or lodge for breakfast.
After breakfast, check out and leave for Nairobi. Lunch en route.
Drop-off in Nairobi at the hotel, airport, or place of your choice.

End of services.

Where this trip takes you

Samburu National Reserve, Uaso Nyiro River, slopes of Mount Kenya

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

Transport from Nairobi to Samburu and back (Budget: 4x4 wheel drive with a pop-up roof for game viewing; Luxury: can be upgraded to a Landcruiser.)
Meals as stipulated in the itinerary.
Airport and hotel transfers.
Drinking water while on safari.
Services of an English-speaking guide.
Accommodation: Budget stay includes standard tents. (Prices may vary according to the choice of accommodation.)

What's Not Included

Nairobi accommodation before and after the safari.
Items of a personal nature.
Travel insurance.
Medical cover.
Tips for the guide.
Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks.
Optional visit to the Samburu village.

What to bring

Private stay on a twin-sharing basis.
Departure on any day.
Prices vary according to your choice of budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodation. (Can be selected from the add-on mentioned below.)
- Umoja Camp - Located near Archer's Post, on the way to Samburu National Reserve, this campsite is built according to Samburu tribal houses. These huts (budget stay) can provide accommodation for 48 members. Visitors have the opportunity to live like the Samburu tribal members in this camp.
- Elephant Bedroom - Elephant Bedroom Camp (luxury stay) is an isolated tented camp with simplistic elegance, luxury, and style, providing an astounding safari experience. The 12 spacious tents have a rustic African feel, offering all the comforts, including a private plunge pool on the deck, hot and cold running water, electricity, and complimentary herbal shower and bath products.
- Sentrim Samburu - This mid-range accommodation is located inside the Samburu Game Reserve. The entire camp is set amongst acacia trees on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. The main guest area consists of the reception, lounge area, swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.

Know before you go

Private stay on a twin-sharing basis.
Departure on any day.
Prices vary according to your choice of budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodation. (Can be selected from the add-on mentioned below.)
Umoja Camp - Located near Archer's Post, on the way to Samburu National Reserve, this campsite is built according to Samburu tribal houses. These huts (budget stay) can provide accommodation for 48 members. Visitors have the opportunity to live like the Samburu tribal members in this camp.
Elephant Bedroom - Elephant Bedroom Camp (luxury stay) is an isolated tented camp with simplistic elegance, luxury, and style, providing an astounding safari experience. The 12 spacious tents have a rustic African feel, offering all the comforts, including a private plunge pool on the deck, hot and cold running water, electricity, and complimentary herbal shower and bath products.
Sentrim Samburu - This mid-range accommodation is located inside the Samburu Game Reserve. The entire camp is set amongst acacia trees on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. The main guest area consists of the reception, lounge area, swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.

Logistics