An immersive journey through Kenya’s wild north with SamburuReserve.org & Kambu Campers
Safari Overview
This 4-day safari experience is designed for travelers seeking a unique, meaningful connection with Kenya’s arid north. Beginning in Nairobi, the journey takes you through the equator line and into Samburu—a starkly beautiful region known for its rugged terrain, rich culture, and rare wildlife. Accommodations are at Samburu Riverside Camp, nestled along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, offering front-row views of elephants, birds, and other riverine life.
This is more than a wildlife safari—it’s a blend of conservation, community, and culture that introduces you to a different rhythm of life.
Safari Highlights
- Cross the equator and learn about the Coriolis effect firsthand
- Scenic stops for breathtaking views of Mount Kenya’s snow-capped summit
- Stay in a tented eco-camp with views of wildlife from your verandah
- Explore three reserves: Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba
- Spot the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and reticulated giraffe
- Full-day guided game drives with riverside bush lunch
- Visit to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary—a community-led conservation marvel
- Guided birdwatching along the Ewaso Ng’iro, home to over 390 species
- Engage in a meaningful Samburu cultural tour led by community elders
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu Riverside Camp
- Departure from Nairobi: After an early breakfast, your journey begins with a drive northward via the Thika Superhighway, transitioning from the bustling city to the verdant highlands of central Kenya.
- Equator Stop (Nanyuki): Pause at the equator line for a hands-on Coriolis demonstration, a great photo opportunity, and a brief cultural interaction with local vendors.
- Mt. Kenya Viewpoint: Stop at a panoramic location with sweeping views of Mount Kenya’s icy peaks—Africa’s second highest mountain. On clear days, you can see the twin summits of Batian and Nelion.
- Lunch at Camp: Arrive at Samburu Riverside Camp in time for a warm welcome and a hearty lunch served al fresco under a canopy of acacia trees.
- Afternoon Game Drive: After settling in, venture into Samburu National Reserve for your first safari drive. Your guide will focus on tracking the “Samburu Special Five” and large herds of elephants that frequent the river.
- Dinner and Campfire: Return to camp at dusk, where a lantern-lit dinner and stories by the fire await.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Samburu and Buffalo Springs
- Early Morning Departure: After breakfast, set off for a full-day game drive traversing Samburu and crossing into Buffalo Springs via the low-lying Ewaso Ng’iro bridge.
- Samburu River Circuit: Begin by driving through palm-fringed riverbanks where lion prides often rest in the shade, and leopards are known to lounge in acacia trees.
- Bush Lunch Stop: Enjoy a scenic lunch break at a secure picnic site within the reserve. It’s not uncommon to spot elephants crossing nearby or troops of vervet monkeys observing from a distance.
- Afternoon in Buffalo Springs: Explore the clear, cool springs and open plains of Buffalo Springs Reserve, an area rich in plains game and birds. The change in vegetation offers different sightings from Samburu, including Grant’s gazelle, crocodiles, and martial eagles.
- Return to Camp: As the sun dips below the horizon, return to Samburu Riverside Camp for a refreshing shower and relaxed evening meal.
Day 3: Conservation, Birding & Samburu Culture
- Morning: Visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
- Depart after breakfast for a 1.5-hour drive to Reteti, located in Namunyak Conservancy. This sanctuary is the first of its kind in Africa—run entirely by the local community. You’ll witness the orphaned baby elephants being fed, hear their rescue stories, and meet the keepers who are transforming conservation from the ground up.
- Midday: Birding along the Ewaso Ng’iro
- On your way back to camp, stop along the river for a guided bird walk. This stretch is a haven for avifauna like kingfishers, hornbills, bee-eaters, and the rare vulturine guineafowl.
- Afternoon Game Drive in Shaba National Reserve
- After lunch and a short rest at the camp, head out to explore Shaba—a lesser-known but stunningly beautiful reserve characterized by lava fields, doum palms, and natural springs. This park was made famous by Joy Adamson (of Born Free fame), who did her lion conservation work here.
- Evening Cultural Tour
- Before sunset, visit a nearby Samburu homestead. You’ll be welcomed with traditional dances, shown around the manyatta, and have a chance to learn about Samburu rites of passage, beadwork, and pastoral life. This is a respectful, pre-arranged visit conducted in partnership with local leaders to ensure authenticity and mutual benefit.
Day 4: Return to Nairobi
- Final Breakfast: Wake to the calls of hornbills and the grunts of hippos, and enjoy a final bush breakfast under the acacias.
- Scenic Drive Back: Depart Samburu after breakfast and retrace your route south. Expect to arrive back in Nairobi by late afternoon, with stops along the way for refreshments, craft shopping, or a quick look at Mt. Kenya (weather permitting).
- Drop-off: You will be dropped off at your preferred location in Nairobi (hotel, airport, or home).
Inclusions
- Private transport in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a professional driver-guide
- Three nights’ full-board accommodation at Samburu Riverside Camp
- All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4
- All park fees and conservancy entry fees (Samburu, Buffalo Springs, Shaba)
- Entry and guided tour at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
- Birdwatching walk with local ornithologist
- Cultural tour with Samburu community visit
- Drinking water during transfers and game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Exclusions
- International flights and Kenya entry visa
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Personal expenses: drinks, laundry, souvenirs
- Tips for driver-guide and camp staff
- Optional balloon flight or scenic helicopter ride (can be arranged at extra cost)
Tour Pricing (Per Person)
| Pax | Price per Person (USD) | Single Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $1,200 | $150 |
| 3 | $1,080 | $150 |
| 4+ | $999 | $150 |
Solo traveler rates and family packages available on request.
Book With Confidence
This safari is operated by SamburuReserve in collaboration with Kambu Campers, trusted for their community-driven ethos, expert-guided experiences, and seamless logistics across Kenya.
Ready to explore Samburu’s wild heart? Let us take you there. Send an email to bookings@kambucampers.com