Kenya · Safari

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

3 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Sightings of rare and unique wildlife including gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Grévy's zebra, and Beisa oryx
  • 02 Opportunity to spot big cats such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards
  • 03 Birdwatching along the Uaso Nyiro River with over 350 bird species
  • 04 Visit to a Samburu village for cultural interaction and insight into local traditions
  • 05 Scenic drive through Kenya's Central Highlands and Mount Kenya foothills

Embark on a 3-day safari adventure from Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve, travelling through Kenya's scenic Central Highlands and the foothills of Mount Kenya. Discover Samburu's rare and distinctive wildlife, including the long-necked gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Grévy's zebra, Beisa oryx, and the celebrated 'Northern Five,' alongside lions, elephants, cheetahs, and possibly elusive leopards. Enjoy rewarding game drives across vast savannahs and birdwatching along the Uaso Nyiro River, home to over 350 bird species, including vultures and the distinctive Somali ostrich. For added cultural insight, there is also an optional visit to a nearby Samburu village to learn about local traditions and community life.

Enjoy rewarding game drives across vast savannahs and birdwatching along the Uaso Nyiro River, home to over 350 bird species, including vultures and the distinctive Somali ostrich.

From the itinerary

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
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi to Samburu and Afternoon Game Drive

  • Pick up from Nairobi at 7:30 AM.
  • Travel through Kenya's scenic Central Highlands and along the foothills of Mount Kenya.
  • Arrive at your Samburu National Reserve lodge or camp in time for lunch.
  • Take a relaxing break after lunch.
  • Embark on an afternoon game drive exploring Samburu's unique wildlife, including rare species such as the long-necked gerenuk, Grévy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx.
  • Look out for cheetahs, lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and possibly leopards at dusk.
  • Return to the lodge or camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals included: Lunch and Dinner.

2
Day 02

Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Samburu

  • Enjoy breakfast at the lodge or camp.
  • Depart for a full day of game viewing across the reserve's vast savannah grasslands.
  • Track the 'Northern Five' wildlife species: gerenuk, Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grévy's zebra, and desert warthog.
  • Observe wildlife gathering at the Uaso Nyiro River, including Nile crocodiles.
  • Spot over 350 bird species, such as vultures, marabou storks, bateleurs, guinea fowl, kingfishers, and Somali ostrich.
  • Optionally visit a nearby Samburu village for cultural insights into the local community.
  • Return to the lodge or camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

3
Day 03

Pre-Dawn Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

  • Begin with an early pre-dawn game drive to see big cats and other predators active in the cooler morning.
  • Return to the lodge or camp for a hearty breakfast.
  • Check out and travel back to Nairobi.
  • Enjoy lunch en route.
  • Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your hotel, airport, or preferred location.
  • End of services.
Samburu National Reserve, Uaso Nyiro River, Mount Kenya foothills

Where this trip takes you

Samburu National Reserve, Uaso Nyiro River, Mount Kenya foothills

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

  • Round-trip transport from Nairobi to Samburu in a 4x4 vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing (budget option)
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Airport and hotel transfers included
  • Complimentary drinking water provided during the safari
  • Services of a professional English-speaking guide throughout the trip
  • Accommodation in standard tented camps for the budget package

What's Not Included

  • Accommodation in Nairobi before and after the safari (available upon request)
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical coverage
  • Tips for the guide
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Optional visit to a Samburu village

What to bring

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral tones (khaki, olive, beige)
  • Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (for sun protection and evening mosquito defense)
  • Fleece or light jacket (early mornings and evenings can be chilly)
  • Comfortable walking shoes or safari boots
  • Hat or cap (with a wide brim for sun protection)
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimwear (if your lodge or camp has a pool)
  • Rain jacket or poncho (especially if traveling in the rainy season: April-May or November)
  • Sunscreen (high SPF)
  • Insect repellent (preferably with DEET)
  • Personal medications (plus a small first-aid kit)
  • Anti-malarial medication (consult your doctor before travel)
  • Camera with extra batteries/memory cards
  • Binoculars (essential for wildlife viewing)
  • Power bank (especially useful in remote camps)
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Passport
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (may be required)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Safari itinerary and confirmations
  • Cash (preferably Kenyan Shillings, plus some USD for tips or emergencies)
  • Credit/debit card

Know before you go

  • Luxury upgrade with a Land Cruiser vehicle is available.
  • Prices may vary depending on accommodation choice.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
JKIA (NBO), Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya
Tour start
Nairobi, Kenya
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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