3-Day Samburu Safari

Samburu

Book the ultimate 3-day Samburu safari from Nairobi. Spend 2 nights tracking the “Special Five,” exploring the Ewaso Ng’iro River, and experiencing authentic Samburu culture.

Many travelers only visit the Maasai Mara, but the 3 Day Samburu Safari offers something truly different. It is quieter, more rugged, and feels like a true expedition into the wild. The species here are found nowhere else, and the landscape is a photographer’s dream. If you are looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience that fits perfectly into a long weekend, this is the trip for you.

PEAK SEASON

JULY – OCT

IDEAL TRIP LENGTH

3 DAYS

Trip Highlights

Spot the “Samburu Special Five”: Encounter the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, and the Gerenuk.
The Ewaso Ng’iro River: Watch as massive herds of elephants gather to bathe and drink along the banks of this vital waterway.
Predator Sightings: High chances of spotting lions, leopards, and cheetahs prowling the arid scrubland.
Cultural Immersion: An optional visit to a traditional Samburu village to learn about their semi-nomadic lifestyle and vibrant beadwork.
Rare Birdlife: Over 450 species of birds, including the striking Vulturine Guineafowl and the Somali Bee-eater.

Rugged Landscapes: Marvel at the dramatic backdrop of the Koitogor and Ololokwe mountains.
Intimate Game Viewing: Enjoy a more exclusive experience with fewer safari vehicles compared to southern parks.
The “Miracle Lioness” Legacy: Learn the story of Kamunyak, the famous lioness who adopted oryx calves in this reserve.

Samburu Safari Itinerary

Day 1: The Journey North to the Untamed Frontier

Your 3 Day Samburu Safari begins with an early morning departure from Nairobi. As you leave the city behind, the landscape shifts from the lush, green central highlands and coffee plantations to the semi-arid terrains of the north. You will cross the Equator at Nanyuki, a perfect spot for a quick break and a photo.

Upon entering the Samburu National Reserve, you are immediately greeted by the stark beauty of the region. After checking into your lodge and enjoying a warm lunch, it is time for your first afternoon game drive. The air here is warmer, and the ground is a rich, burnt orange. During this first leg of your safari, keep your eyes peeled for the Reticulated Giraffe, its striking, geometric patterns are far more vivid than those of its southern cousins. As the sun begins to set, the reserve turns into a golden masterpiece, providing the perfect lighting for photography before you return to your lodge for dinner.
Day 2: Full Day Exploration of Samburu’s Secrets

The second day of your 3-day samburu safari is dedicated to deep exploration. We start with a sunrise game drive, which is the best time to see predators. Leopards are particularly fond of the trees lining the Ewaso Ng’iro River and seeing one draped over a limb in the early light is a sight you will never forget.

A major focus today is finding the “Special Five.” The Gerenuk is perhaps the most unique; often called the “giraffe-necked antelope,” it stands on its hind legs to reach the high branches of acacia trees. You will also look for the Grevy’s Zebra, which is larger than the common zebra and has much narrower, more elegant stripes.

In the heat of the afternoon, you can relax by the lodge pool or choose an optional cultural visit. The Samburu people are cousins to the Maasai, known for their fierce warrior culture and intricate, colorful jewelry. Engaging with them adds a profound human element to your safari. In the late afternoon, we head back out for another game drive, perhaps catching a glimpse of the Beisa Oryx with its long, rapier-like horns silhouetted against the sky.
Day 3: Final Wildlife Encounters and Return to Nairobi

Even on the final morning of your safari, the magic doesn’t stop. We head out for one last early morning game drive to catch any species we might have missed. The reserve is home to over 900 elephants and watching a family unit cross the river is a powerful finale to your wildlife viewing.

After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, we begin the drive back to Nairobi. Though the safari is short, the memories of the unique wildlife and the hospitality of the northern frontier will stay with you long after you’ve returned to the city. You will arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon, just in time for your flight home or an evening meal at the world-famous Carnivore Restaurant.

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Trip Highlights

Each journey is tailored to your specific needs and desires, and so our prices vary depending on the number of people
traveling, level of accommodations desired, and activities included, among other factors.

Our travel designers will curate a journey specifically for you. If you have a budget you want us to work with, please let
us know, and we will do our best to achieve it.