Two Versions: 🚙 Road Safari or ✈️ Fly-In Safari
Ideal for wildlife lovers, cultural explorers, photographers & conservation travelers
📍 HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore Samburu National Reserve, home to the Samburu Special Five
- Visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary (optional add-on)
- Enjoy camel rides, nature walks, and village visits
- Spot elephants, leopards, Grevy’s zebras, and reticulated giraffes
- Learn about community-led conservation efforts in the Northern Rangelands
🚙 OPTION 1: Road Safari Itinerary
Total Drive Time from Nairobi to Samburu: ~6–7 hours
Great for travelers who want scenic overland adventure and flexibility
Day 1: Journey to the Wild & Samburu Cultural Village Visit
- 🚙 5.5–6-hour scenic drive from Nairobi via Thika, Nanyuki, and Isiolo—passing Mount Kenya and arid acacia landscapes.
- Stopover in Nanyuki for lunch or Equator photo opportunity
- 📍 Check-in at your chosen lodge or camp in Samburu (Ashnil Samburu, Elephant Bedroom Camp, Lion King Bush Camp, etc.)
- 🍽️ Relax with lunch overlooking the Ewaso Ng’iro River, frequented by elephants and buffalo.
- 🏕️ Afternoon cultural visit to a Samburu manyatta (village):
- Witness traditional dances, beadwork demonstrations, and the semi-nomadic warrior lifestyle.
- Learn how the Samburu people live in harmony with wildlife and why their land is so vital to conservation.
- 🌅 Return to camp for a sunset drink.
- 🍽️ Dinner & overnight stay under the stars.
Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Samburu – Big Cats, Special Five & Riverlife
- 🌄 Sunrise game drive in the northern and central plains of Samburu:
- Prime time to spot lions, leopards, and possibly cheetahs near termite mounds or riverbanks.
- Drive north toward Koitogor Hill and West Gate, known for predator sightings.
- 🦓 Track the Samburu Special Five:
- Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk
- 🐘 Encounter large herds of elephants and buffalo, especially near swampy marsh zones.
- 🧺 Bush picnic lunch at a safe riverside clearing or return to camp for a hot lunch and short siesta.
- 🦛 Afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Ng’iro River:
- Watch crocodiles basking, elephants bathing, and birdlife like vulturine guineafowl and kingfishers.
- Visit the southern woodlands where you might see baboons, dik-diks, and rare hornbills.
- 🍹 Optional sundowner experience atop a hill with views of the Samburu sunset.
- 🔥 Return for dinner, storytelling, and overnight stay at your lodge.
Day 3: Reteti Elephant Sanctuary & Buffalo Springs Game Drives
- 🛻 Early departure (6:30–7:00 AM) from Samburu to Namunyak Conservancy (~1.5-hour drive north).
- 🐘 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary:
- Watch baby elephants being fed and bathed.
- Learn about Africa’s first indigenous-owned elephant sanctuary and the incredible Samburu-led rescue stories.
- 🧭 Return to camp for early lunch or enjoy a scenic picnic en route.
- 🦓 Afternoon game drive in Buffalo Springs National Reserve:
- Cross the Ewaso Ng’iro bridge to Buffalo Springs.
- Explore natural springs, open savannah, and dense acacia forest—ideal for leopards and cheetahs.
- Visit warm springs where animals gather in the late afternoon.
- 🦅 Spot unique species like Somali bee-eaters, martial eagles, and sandgrouse.
- 🌌 Return for campfire dinner and another night in the wild.
Day 4: Shaba Game Drive, Scenic Landscapes & Return to Nairobi
- 🌄 Optional early morning game drive in Shaba National Reserve:
- Explore lava-strewn plains, volcanic hills, and hot springs.
- Visit the site of Joy Adamson’s camp, where Born Free was written.
- 🍳 Return to lodge for breakfast and checkout OR bring packed breakfast on the go.
- 🚙 Begin the return drive to Nairobi (~6–7 hrs), stopping for:
- A coffee break in Nanyuki
- Views of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak
- Optional lunch en route
📍 Arrive in Nairobi by late afternoon, concluding your unforgettable Samburu adventure.
🔄 Optional Add-Ons (for extra days or customizations)
- 🧗 Hike Mount Ololokwe: Sacred Samburu mountain with panoramic views (best for early risers or extra night).
- 🐫 Camel Safari: Short sunset ride or multi-hour trek along riverbeds with Samburu guides.
- 📷 Photographic Safari: Arrange a private vehicle for tailored wildlife photography.
- 🧘♀️ Wellness Day: Yoga, spa treatments, or riverside meditation at select eco-lodges.
- 🔭 Stargazing: Telescope session or guided constellation walk in the Samburu night skies.
🧭 Travel Tips
- Samburu is warm and dry; carry sunscreen, hats, and neutral clothing.
- Roads are rough—consider a 4WD or fly-in option for comfort.
- Respect local customs—ask before photographing people.
- Malaria risk is present—take precautions.
- Support local: Buy crafts, tip guides, and choose eco-conscious lodges.
✈️ OPTION 2: Fly-In Safari Itinerary
4-Day Samburu Fly-In Safari Itinerary: Scenic Skies, Special Wildlife & Samburu Culture
✈️ From Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the heart of Samburu’s wild beauty
Ideal for honeymooners, families, photographers, and luxury travelers
Day 1: Fly to the Wild North & Samburu Cultural Welcome
- 🛫 Morning flight from Nairobi (Wilson Airport) to Kalama or Buffalo Springs airstrip (approx. 1 hour)
- 🏞️ Aerial views of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Kenya, and arid Samburu landscapes
- 🚐 Arrival and game-viewing transfer to lodge, spotting wildlife along the way
- 🍽️ Check-in and lunch at your selected safari camp—choices include:
- Saruni Samburu (hilltop luxury lodge with epic views)
- Elephant Bedroom Camp (along the river, known for close elephant encounters)
- Sasaab Lodge (Moroccan-style oasis with spa and wellness)
- 🏕️ Afternoon cultural visit to a Samburu village:
- Be immersed in their warrior traditions, vibrant attire, and beadwork
- Learn how they coexist with wildlife and support conservation
- 🌅 Sundowner by the river or cliff edge
- 🍽️ Dinner and overnight stay under a canopy of stars
Day 2: Full-Day Safari – Samburu’s Special Five & Predator Territory
- 🌄 Sunrise game drive through the central plains and foothills of Koitogor and the Ewaso Nyiro River basin
- Search for lions, leopards, and possibly cheetahs stalking in the early light
- Marvel at the Samburu Special Five:
- Reticulated giraffe
- Beisa oryx
- Grevy’s zebra
- Somali ostrich
- Gerenuk
- ☕ Bush breakfast or return to lodge for late breakfast
- 🦩 Mid-morning birding walk (optional), spotting vulturine guineafowl, kingfishers, and hornbills
- 🍽️ Lunch and siesta at the lodge
- 🚙 Afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Ng’iro River:
- Watch elephants splash, hippos surface, and crocodiles bask
- Explore lesser-known trails near West Gate and Lgwean Hill, known for their predator activity
- 🍹 Optional sundowner setup in the bush with fire and canapés
- 🍽️ Return for dinner and overnight at your camp
Day 3: Reteti Elephant Sanctuary OR Mount Ololokwe Adventure
🛻 Choose your adventure based on your interests:
🐘 Option 1: Visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
- Early breakfast and departure at 6:30 AM for Namunyak Conservancy (~1.5–2 hrs drive)
- 8:30–10:00 AM visit to Reteti:
- Witness feeding sessions and mud baths of orphaned elephant calves
- Learn about the first indigenous, community-owned elephant sanctuary in Africa
- Interact with Samburu women rangers and hear incredible rescue stories
- 🧺 Scenic picnic lunch or return to lodge for hot lunch
- Optional short evening game drive or spa treatment at your lodge
🏞️ Option 2: Hike Sacred Mount Ololokwe
- Depart early with a local Samburu guide
- Moderate hike through acacia forest and rocky escarpments
- Reach the flat summit for sweeping panoramic views over the Samburu plains
- Breakfast on the summit or base camp depending on fitness level
- Return by early afternoon for rest, massage, or camel ride along dry riverbeds
📷 Both options offer unique photographic and storytelling opportunities
Day 4: Sunrise Safari & Flight Back to Nairobi
- 🌄 Optional sunrise game drive in Buffalo Springs or nearby Kalama Conservancy:
- Enjoy golden light over the river and last glimpses of giraffes, elephants, or predators
- Excellent birdwatching and photography opportunities
- 🍳 Breakfast at the lodge
- 📦 Check-out and transfer to airstrip, with game-viewing en route
- 🛫 Flight from Samburu back to Nairobi (arriving by midday)
- ✈️ Optional connection to Ol Pejeta, Lewa, or Masai Mara
🔁 Optional Add-Ons & Custom Extensions
- 🐫 Sunset camel safari with local guides
- 🔭 Stargazing evening with telescope & Samburu myths
- 🧘 Wellness day with riverside yoga & spa therapy
- 📸 Private vehicle for photography-focused drives
- 🐆 Combine with Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Big Five & rhinos)
- 🦓 Extend to Lewa Conservancy for horseback safaris & zebra conservation
💡 Travel Tips
- Light layers, a hat, sunglasses, and neutral clothing recommended
- All flights include 15–20 kg luggage limit (soft bags)
- Binoculars and camera are essential for this photographic haven
- Pre-book Reteti visits and Mt. Ololokwe treks for availability
- Tipping guides and staff is appreciated (USD or KES)
📦 Inclusions (for both options):
- All accommodation (3 nights full board)
- Game drives with certified guide
- Park entrance fees (Samburu & Buffalo Springs)
- Cultural visit and conservation fees
- Transfers to/from airstrip or by road from Nairobi
- Drinking water and safari support
⚙️ Optional Add-Ons (Upgrade Ideas)
- Reteti Elephant Sanctuary day tour: +$150–$250 pp (includes transport)
- Mount Ololokwe guided trek: +$50–$70 pp
- Camel safari or night game drive: +$40–$60 pp
- Extra night to visit Shaba Reserve or Kalama Conservancy
- Combine with Ol Pejeta, Lewa, or Mount Kenya for multi-park safari
🧭 Final Notes & Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: June–October, January–March
- Pack light but include sun protection, neutral clothing, and insect repellent
- Samburu is malaria-prone—speak to your doctor before travel
- Respect local culture—ask permission before taking photos of people
- Support lodges and guides involved in conservation & community work