Northern Kenya · 4 days · 3 nights · Best Jun – Oct
Samburu
Samburu is Kenya off the beaten path. North of Mount Kenya, the landscape turns to red earth, doum palms and dry riverbeds. The wildlife is genuinely different here — this is the only Kenyan reserve where you reliably find the Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. Fewer vehicles, big-cat sightings along the river, and the proud Samburu culture make this the connoisseur's circuit.
From $2,100 per person
Specimen itinerary for planning purposes only — not a confirmed booking document.
Logistics & transport
- Pickup
- Confirmed 24 hours before departure on WhatsApp
- Guide language
- As selected at booking
- Group
- Private / small group · max 6 guests
Where you'll stay
Lodging varies by trip — tented camp, safari lodge, beach hotel, or city hotel as your package requires. The property for this package is confirmed in writing after you book — ask us on WhatsApp if you want options before paying.
Included in your package price — exact camp, lodge, or hotel confirmed after booking.
Indicative schedule — day by day
Planned rhythm for your trip — your guide may adjust on the day for conditions, light and wildlife.
Day 1: Nairobi → Samburu
Scenic drive north past Mount Kenya and the equator (about 5.5 hours, packed lunch en route). Arrive Samburu Sopa Lodge by mid-afternoon. First game drive along the Ewaso Ng'iro at 4pm.
Day 2: The Special Five
Full day in the reserve hunting down the northern specials — gerenuk on hind legs, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra. Picnic brunch under an acacia. Leopard and lion are regulars along the river.
Day 3: River, koppies & a Samburu village
Morning drive to the rocky koppies where leopard rest up. Afternoon visit to a Samburu manyatta — beadwork, dance and a genuinely warm welcome (fees go to the community).
Day 4: Sunrise drive, return south
Final dawn drive, brunch at camp, then the long road back to Nairobi. Arrive late afternoon.
Trip inclusions
- All accommodation on full-board
- Reserve entry fees
- Private 4x4 · experienced driver-guide
- All road transfers from Nairobi
- Bottled water & sundowner drinks
- 24/7 WhatsApp support line
Trip exclusions
- International flights
- Kenya eVisa ($51 — we help you apply)
- Travel insurance
- Samburu village visit ($25 pp, optional)
- Tips for guide & camp staff
Preparation & packing
Before you go
- This section is general Kenya travel guidance — not a substitute for official advice or your doctor.
- We confirm trip-specific details (property, pickup times, park rules) with you on WhatsApp before departure.
- Questions about Samburu? Message us anytime — we'd rather you ask than guess.
Visa & entry
- Most visitors need a Kenya eVisa before travel — apply at evisa.go.ke and check current fees and rules.
- Passport usually needs 6+ months' validity and blank pages — verify with your airline and immigration.
- Keep a printed copy of this itinerary and your eVisa for border control.
Health
- Yellow fever certificate may be required depending on where you are travelling from — check Kenya's latest entry rules.
- Malaria prevention is commonly recommended for safari areas — ask your doctor well before you fly.
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
- Bring personal medication in original packaging.
Weather & clothing
- Safari mornings and evenings are often cooler than midday — layers work better than one heavy coat.
- Neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige) are standard for game drives.
- Rain can appear in any season — a light waterproof layer is worth packing.
- We send a short weather note for your dates once your trip is confirmed.
Packing list
- Comfortable closed shoes for walking + sandals for camp or lodge
- Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Binoculars if you have a pair (optional — ask us if you'd like a recommendation)
- Power bank + travel adaptor (Kenya commonly uses Type G plugs, 240V)
- Soft bag often works better than a hard suitcase if your trip includes light-aircraft legs — we'll confirm luggage limits for your routing
- Some cash in USD (clean, newer bills) or KES for tips and small purchases
- Insect repellent
Money & connectivity
- Cards work in Nairobi and at many properties; cash is still useful for tips and markets.
- M-Pesa is widely used in Kenya — we can walk you through it on arrival if helpful.
- Wi‑Fi varies by property (lodge, camp, or hotel) — signal on game drives is usually limited.
- Tipping customs vary by property and guide — we share current guidelines for your trip before you travel.