Kenya · Safari

5-Day Northern Kenya Safari to Ol Pejeta, Samburu and Reteti

5 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Ol Pejeta Conservancy in search of rhinos, elephants, and other wildlife
  • 02 Spot the Samburu Special Five, including Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe
  • 03 Visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary and learn about local conservation efforts
  • 04 Enjoy a full-day game drive in Buffalo Springs Reserve with a picnic lunch in the wild

Experience the wild beauty of Northern Kenya on this 5-day safari from Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Samburu National Reserve, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, and Buffalo Springs Reserve. Search for rhinos, elephants, and other wildlife, look out for the Samburu Special Five, and enjoy a meaningful visit to Reteti to learn about local conservation efforts with rescued elephants. Scenic highland drives, full-day game viewing, and Northern Kenya's rugged landscapes make this a memorable wildlife and conservation journey.

Experience an afternoon game drive to spot the Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Nairobi, Samburu, Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy Safari

  • Depart Nairobi in the morning and travel through the scenic Central Highlands, enjoying views of tea and coffee farms.
  • Arrive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in time for lunch.

  • Embark on an afternoon game drive in search of rhinos, elephants, and other wildlife.

Overnight stay at a lodge in Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

2
Day 02

Ol Pejeta to Samburu National Reserve

  • Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before departing for Samburu National Reserve.
  • Arrive in Samburu for lunch and take a short rest.

  • Experience an afternoon game drive to spot the Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.

Overnight stay in Samburu.

3
Day 03

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Excursion

  • Begin the day with breakfast before driving to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.
  • Visit the sanctuary and interact with rescued elephants while learning about local conservation efforts.

  • Have a packed lunch in this tranquil setting.

  • Return to Samburu in the afternoon for dinner and overnight stay.

4
Day 04

Full-Day Safari in Buffalo Springs Reserve

  • Set out on a full-day game drive in Buffalo Springs Reserve, which lies adjacent to Samburu.
  • Discover diverse landscapes and enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild.

  • Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

5
Day 05

Final Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

  • Take part in an early morning game drive to capture final wildlife sightings.
  • Return to the lodge for breakfast and check out.

  • Travel back to Nairobi, arriving in the evening to conclude the safari.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Samburu National Reserve, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Buffalo Springs Reserve

Where this trip takes you

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Samburu National Reserve, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Buffalo Springs Reserve

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Nairobi 3 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transport in an open-sided 4x4 Land Cruiser for optimal game viewing and photography
  • Experienced, English-speaking driver-guide throughout the safari

  • Mineral bottled water provided daily during the entire trip

  • Park entry fees are included.

What's Not Included

  • Accommodation fees (lodging costs are paid separately)
  • Personal items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and travel insurance

  • Optional Samburu cultural visit fees

  • Gratuities/tips for the guide and lodge staff

What to bring

  • Light, breathable clothes in neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive green)
  • Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (for sun and insect protection)

  • A warm jacket or fleece (mornings and evenings can be chilly)

  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots

  • Wide-brimmed hat or cap for sun protection

  • Sunglasses with UV protection

  • A swimsuit (if your lodge has a pool)

  • Binoculars (a must for birdwatching and spotting distant wildlife)

  • A camera with extra batteries and memory cards

  • A power bank or portable charger

  • A small daypack for game drives

  • A travel adapter (Kenya uses UK-style 3-pin plugs)

  • Sunscreen (high SPF)

  • Insect repellent (preferably with DEET)

  • Personal medications

  • A reusable water bottle

  • Your passport and a copy (kept separately)

  • Travel insurance documents

  • A vaccination certificate (e.g. yellow fever, if required)

  • Cash (Kenyan Shillings) for tips and optional activities

  • A credit/debit card (some lodges accept cards)

  • A travel journal or notebook

  • A flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)

  • A lightweight scarf or buff (for dust during drives)

  • Guidebooks or bird/wildlife ID apps

Know before you go

  • Northern Kenya is rugged, remote, and less developed than other safari regions.
  • Roads can be rough, and travel times between destinations may be long.

  • Wildlife focus includes rare species like the Samburu Special Five and rescued elephants at Reteti Sanctuary.

  • The region is hot and dry during the day, but mornings and evenings can be cool.

  • Dust is common during the dry season - pack accordingly.

  • Transport is by open-sided 4x4 Land Cruisers, ideal for photography and game viewing.

  • Vehicles may not have air conditioning but provide an immersive safari experience.

  • Accommodation is not included in the tour price and must be booked separately.

  • Options range from basic camps to luxury lodges.

  • Bottled drinking water is provided during the tour.

  • Meals are usually provided by lodges; dietary needs can be arranged with advance notice.

  • Extra costs include accommodation, personal items, cultural visit fees, and gratuities.

  • Cash is recommended, as some areas lack card facilities.

  • Internet and mobile connectivity may be limited or unavailable in remote areas.

  • Routine vaccinations and insect repellent are advised.

  • A yellow fever certificate may be required depending on your country of origin.

  • Travel insurance is highly recommended.

  • The best time to visit is during the dry seasons: June-October and January-March.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Nairobi, Kenya
Tour start
Nairobi, Kenya
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Nairobi.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 1,200 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total