Experience the Wild Beauty of Samburu on an Exclusive 3-Day Safari!
Step off the beaten path and into the heart of Samburu National Reserve, where untamed wilderness, rare wildlife, and rich cultural heritage create an unforgettable safari experience. This 3-day adventure takes you deep into Kenya’s northern frontier, offering up-close encounters with the legendary Samburu Special Five—Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk—found nowhere else in Kenya’s southern parks.
Traverse the striking semi-arid landscapes, follow the winding Ewaso Ng’iro River, where elephants gather and leopards prowl, and immerse yourself in the authentic traditions of the Samburu people. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a passionate photographer, or simply seeking a safari away from the crowds, Samburu delivers a raw, unfiltered African adventure that’s as exclusive as it is exhilarating!
Package Overview
Duration: 3 Days, 2 Nights
Transport: 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Umoja Camp, Lion’s Cave Camp
- Mid-Range: Samburu Sopa Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp
- Luxury: Saruni Samburu, Elephant Bedroom Camp
Activities: Game drives along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, full-day exploration of Samburu, optional visits to Buffalo Springs and Shaba Reserves.
Safari Highlights
✅ Spot the Samburu Special Five—Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk.
✅ Enjoy scenic game drives along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, a prime wildlife viewing hotspot.
✅ Optional excursion to Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves, home to lush springs and unique landscapes.
✅ Encounter large elephant herds, leopards, lions, and cheetahs in the vast savannah.
✅ Immerse yourself in Samburu culture with optional visits to a local village.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu – Arrival & Afternoon Game Drive
Your Driver-Guide will report to your hotel early in the morning for the start of your Samburu adventure. Departure is scheduled between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM for a picturesque drive towards Kenya’s northern frontier, passing through the central highlands. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak, and the rolling coffee and tea plantations. The drive takes approximately 6 hours, including a short stop in Nanyuki for refreshments.
Arrive at Samburu National Reserve by midday and proceed to your lodge or camp for check-in and lunch. Take some time to relax and soak in the breathtaking views of the semi-arid landscape before heading out for an afternoon game drive at 3:30 PM. The game drive follows the Ewaso Ng’iro River, the reserve’s lifeline, where wildlife congregates. Expect to see large elephant herds, lions basking under acacia trees, leopards camouflaged in rocky outcrops, and an array of antelope species.
Your guide will take you to strategic viewpoints where you can capture the golden glow of the savannah as the sun sets. Return to your lodge by 6:30 PM, where you can unwind over a delicious dinner and enjoy the sounds of the African night. Overnight at your selected lodge or camp.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Samburu (Optional Buffalo Springs & Shaba Excursion)
Rise early for a sunrise game drive, the best time to see predators in action as they complete their night hunts. Afterward, return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast before setting off for a full-day game drive exploring the heart of Samburu National Reserve.
Your journey will take you through varied terrain, from open savannahs to riverine forests. Your expert guide will help track down the Samburu Special Five, only found in northern Kenya. You’ll also have a chance to spot crocodiles sunbathing along the riverbanks and rare bird species such as vulturine guineafowls and pygmy falcons.
At midday, enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot overlooking the river or return to the lodge for a relaxed meal. The afternoon presents an opportunity for an optional excursion to Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves, where you can explore additional landscapes and natural springs teeming with wildlife.
Return to your lodge by 6:30 PM, where you can enjoy sundowners overlooking the wilderness, followed by a delightful dinner. Overnight at your lodge or camp.
Day 3: Morning Safari & Return to Nairobi
Begin your final day with an early morning game drive, maximizing your last chance to spot Samburu’s diverse wildlife. Capture the golden sunrise over the rugged terrain before heading back for breakfast at 8:30 AM.
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the return journey to Nairobi. Enjoy a relaxed drive, with an opportunity to stop for scenic photos and refreshments along the way. Arrive back in Nairobi by late afternoon, with drop-off at your hotel or airport, marking the end of an unforgettable Samburu safari adventure.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included:
✔️ Transport in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing
✔️ 2 nights’ accommodation (budget, mid-range, or luxury options)
✔️ All park entry fees for Samburu National Reserve
✔️ All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
✔️ Unlimited game drives with a professional safari guide
✔️ Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
Excluded:
❌ Optional excursion to Buffalo Springs & Shaba Reserves ($50 per person)
❌ Drinks, tips, and personal expenses
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Samburu village visit ($20 per person, optional)
Accommodation Options
Budget:
- Umoja Camp
- Lion’s Cave Camp
Mid-Range:
- Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Ashnil Samburu Camp
Luxury:
- Saruni Samburu
- Elephant Bedroom Camp
Your Game Viewing Vehicle
- 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for 360° visibility.
- Comfortable reclining seats and large windows for optimal viewing.
- Charging ports for cameras and mobile devices.
- Cooler box stocked with refreshing drinks.
Pricing & Booking
💰 Budget Option: From $850 per person
💰 Mid-Range Option: From $1,200 per person
💰 Luxury Option: From $1,800 per person
How to Book:
📩 Contact us via email or using the form below for availability and reservations.
💳 A 20% deposit is required to confirm booking.
📆 Flexible cancellation policy available.
FAQs on a 3-Day Samburu Safari
1. How far is Samburu National Reserve from Nairobi, and how long is the drive?
Samburu National Reserve is approximately 310 km (193 miles) from Nairobi. The drive takes around 6 hours via Nanyuki and Isiolo, with scenic views of Mount Kenya and the Laikipia Plateau along the way. The road is mostly tarmacked, except for the last stretch, which can be rough, especially during the rainy season.
2. Is a 3-day safari in Samburu enough?
Yes! A 3-day safari gives you ample time to explore Samburu’s diverse landscapes, spot its unique wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility of the reserve. While a longer stay offers a deeper experience, two game drives on Day 1, a full-day game drive on Day 2, and a morning game drive on Day 3 allow you to see the best of Samburu in a short period.
3. What’s the difference between Samburu and Masai Mara safaris?
While Masai Mara is famous for its Big Five, Great Migration, and open savannahs, Samburu offers a more exclusive safari experience with rarer species, striking semi-arid landscapes, and fewer crowds. Unlike the Mara’s grassy plains, Samburu’s terrain consists of rocky hills, riverine forests, and rugged scrublands, creating a unique backdrop for game viewing.
4. What kind of food can I expect on a Samburu safari?
Most lodges and camps offer a varied menu that includes continental, local Kenyan, and vegetarian dishes. Breakfast typically consists of eggs, fruit, toast, and coffee, while lunch and dinner offer grilled meats, fresh salads, pasta, and traditional Kenyan cuisine. Luxury lodges may include bush dining experiences with gourmet meals served under the stars.
5. Is Samburu safe for travelers?
Yes, Samburu National Reserve is very safe for visitors. All safaris are conducted in open-roof 4×4 vehicles with professional guides, and lodges are well-secured. It is always advisable to follow your guide’s instructions, stay inside the vehicle during game drives, and avoid wandering alone at night.
6. What should I pack for a Samburu safari?
- Light, breathable clothing (neutral colors like khaki and beige).
- A warm jacket or fleece for early mornings and evenings.
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for optional nature walks.
- Binoculars and a camera to capture wildlife sightings.
- Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for protection against the sun.
- Insect repellent to keep mosquitoes and bugs away.
7. What is the best time of year to visit Samburu?
Samburu is a year-round safari destination, but the best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season (June to October and December to March) when animals gather around the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The wet season (April-May, November) brings lush scenery and excellent birdwatching opportunities but can make some roads muddy and harder to navigate.
8. Can I combine Samburu with other destinations?
Yes! A Samburu safari pairs well with several other destinations, including:
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy (for rhinos and chimpanzees) – 3-hour drive.
- Aberdare National Park (for waterfalls and mountain forest safaris) – 4-hour drive.
- Mount Kenya (for scenic hikes and lodges with breathtaking views) – 3-hour drive.
- Lake Nakuru or Masai Mara (for a diverse safari experience) – requires a flight or a longer drive.
9. Are night game drives allowed in Samburu?
No, night game drives are not permitted inside Samburu National Reserve. However, some private conservancies near Samburu offer night safaris, allowing visitors to spot nocturnal predators and unique wildlife behaviors.
10. What is the difference between Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves?
- Samburu National Reserve is the most visited, offering the best wildlife concentrations along the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
- Buffalo Springs National Reserve, just across the river, is known for lush vegetation and scenic springs.
- Shaba National Reserve, further east, is famous for its remote, dramatic landscapes and is where Joy Adamson, the author of Born Free, lived.
11. What types of accommodations are available in Samburu?
There are three main accommodation categories:
- Budget: Basic tents with shared or private bathrooms (e.g., Umoja Camp).
- Mid-Range: Comfortable lodges or tented camps with ensuite bathrooms and scenic views (e.g., Samburu Sopa Lodge).
- Luxury: High-end lodges with top-tier service, infinity pools, and private decks overlooking the river (e.g., Saruni Samburu, Elephant Bedroom Camp).
12. Can I do a hot air balloon safari in Samburu?
Unlike the Masai Mara, hot air balloon safaris are not available in Samburu. However, you can enjoy aerial views of the reserve on scenic flights offered by chartered aircraft from Nairobi or other nearby destinations.
13. What wildlife can I expect to see in Samburu?
Aside from the Samburu Special Five, the reserve is home to:
- Big Cats: Leopards, lions, cheetahs.
- Elephants: Large herds are commonly seen along the river.
- Crocodiles and Hippos: Found in the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
- Rare Antelope Species: Such as dik-diks and lesser kudus.
- Over 450 bird species, including eagles, kingfishers, and vultures.
14. Do I need a visa or vaccinations for a Samburu safari?
- Visa: Most travelers require an eVisa to enter Kenya, which should be obtained online before arrival.
- Vaccinations: A yellow fever vaccine is required if traveling from an endemic country. Malaria prophylaxis is also recommended, as Samburu is in a malaria-risk zone.
15. Can I visit a Samburu village during my safari?
Yes! Visiting a traditional Samburu village offers a chance to learn about the Samburu people’s semi-nomadic lifestyle, colorful beadwork, and traditional dances. This is an optional activity, typically costing around $20 per person, with proceeds supporting the local community.
16. Are there WiFi and phone network services in Samburu?
Most lodges and camps provide WiFi in common areas, but network coverage can be weak in some remote locations. Safaricom and Airtel provide the best mobile coverage in the region.
17. Can I do a self-drive safari in Samburu?
Yes, but it’s not recommended for first-timers due to the rugged terrain, river crossings, and lack of clear signage. Hiring a professional safari guide ensures the best experience, as they know where to find wildlife and navigate the reserve efficiently.
18. What makes Samburu different from other safari parks in Kenya?
- Unique arid landscape with rocky hills and riverine forests.
- Less crowded than the Masai Mara, offering a more intimate safari experience.
- Home to rare species not found in other parts of Kenya.
- Strong cultural interactions with the Samburu people, who have preserved their traditions for centuries.
Final Thoughts
A 3-day Samburu safari is a perfect choice for wildlife lovers, photographers, and those looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path safari. From the Samburu Special Five to the breathtaking scenery, this safari offers a raw, unfiltered African adventure that’s both exclusive and rewarding.
It promises an exclusive, wildlife-rich adventure far from the crowds. Whether it’s the rare wildlife, stunning landscapes, or cultural encounters, this safari guarantees an authentic and unforgettable experience. Book now and discover the untamed beauty of Samburu! 🦓🌍🔥