Kenya · Safari

5-Day Samburu, Lake Nakuru and Naivasha Safari with Rare Wildlife

5 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Samburu National Reserve and spot rare wildlife like Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx
02 Enjoy exciting game drives in a 4x4 land cruiser jeep with an experienced safari guide
03 Visit Lake Nakuru, home to flamingos, rhinos, and the endangered Rothschild's giraffe
04 Unwind at Lake Naivasha with optional boat rides or walking safaris on Crescent Island
05 Travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley with beautiful landscapes and cultural insights

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day safari adventure across Kenya's diverse northern and Rift Valley landscapes with Jossec Safaris. Explore Samburu National Reserve, home to rare species like the Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx, before continuing to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its flamingos and as a sanctuary for black and white rhinos. Your journey ends at serene Lake Naivasha, where optional boat rides or walking safaris on Crescent Island add a relaxed finish. This safari blends rewarding wildlife encounters, scenic drives through the Great Rift Valley, and comfortable overnight stays at handpicked accommodations.

Samburu is famous for animals found only in this region, such as the Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and reticulated giraffe.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Naivasha, Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park, Samburu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Samburu and First Game Drive

Your safari begins with a morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel by the friendly Jossec Safaris team.
After a short briefing, you'll head north in a comfortable 4x4 jeep, crossing the equator on your way to Samburu. The drive takes you through Kenya's heartland to the arid beauty of the north.
Arrive in time for lunch and later head out for an afternoon game drive. Samburu is famous for animals found only in this region, such as the Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and reticulated giraffe. After the drive, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge (or similar)

Day 02

Full-Day Wildlife Viewing in Samburu

After an early breakfast, spend a full day exploring the reserve. Morning and afternoon game drives increase your chances of spotting big cats, elephants bathing in the Ewaso Nyiro River, and the rare species unique to the region. Samburu also offers excellent birdwatching and captivating landscapes of rocky outcrops and dry riverbeds.
Lunch and some leisure time will be enjoyed at the lodge between game drives.

Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge (or similar)

Day 03

Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, depart Samburu and head south into the Great Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Nakuru in the early afternoon. After lunch, enjoy a game drive in the park. Lake Nakuru is a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos and is often dotted with flamingos along its shores.
You'll also have a good chance of spotting lions, leopards, and Rothschild's giraffe before retiring to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Lanet Matfam Resort (or similar)

Day 04

Lake Nakuru to Relaxing Lake Naivasha

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then drive to Lake Naivasha, arriving before lunch. In the afternoon, you can choose to enjoy an optional boat ride to see hippos and water birds, or visit Crescent Island for a walking safari among giraffes, zebras, and impalas.
Naivasha offers a relaxed atmosphere-perfect for unwinding after a few days of road travel and wildlife viewing.

Accommodation: Taphe Guest House (or similar)

Day 05

Lake Naivasha to Nairobi

After breakfast, check out and begin your drive back to Nairobi.
Depending on your schedule, our Jossec Safaris team will drop you at your hotel or the airport. It's a scenic and calm end to a thrilling safari filled with unforgettable moments.

Where this trip takes you

Samburu National Reserve, Ewaso Nyiro River, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Nairobi 4 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport in a 4x4 land cruiser jeep with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing
All park entrance fees for Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Naivasha
Full-board accommodation, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your safari
Game drives led by a professional and knowledgeable Jossec Safaris guide
Drinking water provided in the vehicle during the safari
Pick-up and drop-off service from your Nairobi hotel or the airport

What's Not Included

International flights and visas
Tips, alcoholic drinks, and items of a personal nature
Travel insurance

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes for game drives and nature walks
A camera with a good zoom lens for capturing wildlife
Sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from the sun
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toiletries, etc.)
Passport and a copy (required for international travelers)
Cash for personal expenses, tips, and optional activities

Know before you go

Safari Timing: Early mornings and late afternoons are best for wildlife viewing.
Accommodation Upgrades: Contact Jossec Safaris for upgrade options.
Wildlife Etiquette: Stay inside the vehicle and keep noise to a minimum.
Currency: Carry Kenyan shillings for local expenses.
Weather: Be prepared for hot days and cool evenings; pack a light jacket.
Tipping: Tips are appreciated.
Travel Insurance: Ensure your insurance covers medical emergencies.
Photographs: Bring a camera with a zoom lens; ask permission before photographing people.

Logistics