Journey into the heart of Kenya’s northern frontier on this 4-day safari to Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves. This adventure takes you beyond the typical safari experience, offering breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife, and intimate encounters along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, where elephants, leopards, and big cats roam freely.
Samburu is home to the Samburu Special Five—Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk, found only in this region. Unlike the more crowded parks, Samburu offers exclusive and uncrowded game viewing, making it a paradise for wildlife lovers and photographers. With dramatic volcanic landscapes in Shaba, natural springs in Buffalo Springs, and endless opportunities for unforgettable sightings, this safari promises an unparalleled, immersive African adventure.
Package Overview
Duration: 4 Days, 3 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 in Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba Reserves, scenic views, and cultural experiences.
Safari Highlights
✅ Unrivaled game viewing of the Samburu Special Five & Big Cats.
✅ Scenic drives along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, a lifeline for wildlife.
✅ Exclusive full-day safari in Buffalo Springs & Shaba, exploring unique landscapes.
✅ Optional guided nature walks & cultural visits with the Samburu people.
✅ Capture golden-hour photography against dramatic backdrops of rocky outcrops and savannah.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu – Arrival & Afternoon Game Drive
Your Driver-Guide reports to your Nairobi hotel early for departure between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM. The scenic drive (approximately 6 hours) takes you through Kenya’s central highlands, with breathtaking views of Mount Kenya and passing tea and coffee plantations en route.
Arrive in Samburu National Reserve by midday, check into your lodge, and enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the savannah.
At 3:30 PM, set out for your first game drive along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, where elephants gather, lions bask under acacia trees, and leopards lurk in the rocky outcrops. Expect sightings of the Samburu Special Five, among other wildlife. As the sun sets, the golden light transforms the rugged landscapes into a picture-perfect safari scene.
Return to your lodge by 6:30 PM, freshen up, and enjoy a hearty dinner before settling in for a night under the star-filled African sky.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Samburu – Big Cats & The Special Five
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive, the best time to see lions, cheetahs, and leopards on the move. The morning hours provide stunning golden light, perfect for photographers capturing the wildlife against Samburu’s striking landscape.
After a mid-morning break, continue your full-day safari, following elephants through the riverine forests and tracking the elusive wild dogs known to roam this reserve. Your guide will take you to strategic viewpoints with spectacular panoramic views of the reserve.
At midday, enjoy a picnic lunch under a shady acacia tree or return to the lodge for a break before resuming your afternoon game drive.
End the day with an optional sundowner at a scenic spot, where you can watch the sunset over the vast plains while sipping a drink. Return to camp for dinner and a relaxing night.
Day 3: Buffalo Springs & Shaba – A Scenic Safari Beyond Samburu
After breakfast, embark on an exciting journey to Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves.
Morning: Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Less than an hour from Samburu, Buffalo Springs is lusher, with natural springs and riverine forests teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and elephant herds. Explore this untouched paradise and visit Buffalo Springs Natural Pools, where wildlife gathers for a drink.
Your guide will take you along prime predator territories, with a high chance of spotting lions and cheetahs hunting in the open plains.
Afternoon: Shaba National Reserve – The Land of Joy Adamson
Cross into Shaba National Reserve, a land of dramatic volcanic terrain, lava flows, and wide-open wilderness. This is where Joy Adamson (author of Born Free) lived, dedicating her life to wildlife conservation.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint, then continue exploring Shaba’s stunning rock formations, lava plateaus, and unique ecosystems that set it apart from other Kenyan parks.
Return to your lodge in Samburu by 5:00 PM for dinner and a relaxing evening under the stars.
Day 4: Morning Safari & Return to Nairobi
On your final morning, embark on a guided river walk along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, where you can track animal footprints, learn about conservation efforts, and enjoy a different perspective of the reserve. Alternatively, take a final sunrise game drive to maximize your last wildlife sightings.
After breakfast, check out and depart for Nairobi. Enjoy a leisurely drive back, with scenic stops along the way. Arrive in Nairobi by late afternoon, marking the end of an unforgettable Samburu adventure.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included:
✔️ Transport in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
✔️ 3 nights’ accommodation (budget, mid-range, or luxury options).
✔️ All park entry fees for Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba Reserves.
✔️ All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
✔️ Unlimited game drives with a professional safari guide.
✔️ Bottled drinking water throughout the safari.
Excluded:
❌ Drinks, tips, and personal expenses.
❌ Travel insurance.
❌ Optional Samburu village visit ($20 per person).
Accommodation Options
Budget:
- Umoja Camp
- Lion’s Cave Camp
Mid-Range:
- Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Ashnil Samburu Camp
Luxury:
- Saruni Samburu
- Elephant Bedroom Camp
What to Expect on Safari
- Uncrowded game drives in a remote, untouched wilderness.
- Close-up wildlife encounters, including elephants, big cats, and rare antelope species.
- Stunning photography opportunities with unique desert landscapes.
- Exclusive and immersive experiences in lesser-visited reserves.
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 $1,200 per person
💰 Mid-Range Option: From $1,750 per person
💰 Luxury Option: From $2,500 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.
Final Thoughts
This 4-day Samburu safari takes you through Kenya’s most stunning and exclusive reserves, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. Whether it’s tracking the Samburu Special Five, exploring volcanic landscapes in Shaba, or witnessing elephants along the Ewaso Ng’iro, this safari promises an extraordinary journey into Kenya’s wild frontier. Book now and experience Samburu’s untamed beauty!