3-Day Odyssey Samburu, the Special Five Safari

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival and the Ewaso Ng'iro Gateway

Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Nairobi, transitioning from the central highlands into the dramatic, sun-scorched plains of the north. Upon arrival at the Samburu Elephant Lodge, you will settle into your accommodation before heading out for an afternoon game drive. The banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River are the focal point of activity, attracting large herds of elephants and the iconic "Samburu Special Five"—the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked gerenuk.

Main Destination:

Samburu National Reserve

Best Time To Visit June to September and January to February

High Season December to March and July to October (Busy)

Best Weather June and December (Cool and fresh after rain)

Wildlife in Samburu NR

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

ZebraCommon

LionOccasional

LeopardOccasional

BuffaloOccasional

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HippoOccasional

HyenaOccasional

CheetahRare

Wild DogRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

WildebeestNone

Accommodation:

Samburu Elephant Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Samburu NR

+13 Photos

+12 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinks not included

Deep Exploration of the Northern Frontier

Dedicate your second day to exploring the vastness of the reserve and the adjacent Buffalo Springs National Reserve. Morning game drives are essential here, as the cooler temperatures encourage predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs to remain active. This day provides the best opportunity to observe the unique behavioral patterns of the gerenuk, which stands on its hind legs to browse on high acacia branches—a remarkable evolutionary adaptation to the arid environment.[1] Return to the lodge for a midday rest, followed by an evening drive to witness the spectacular northern sunset over the rugged inselbergs.

Main Destination:

Samburu National Reserve

Accommodation:

Samburu Elephant Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Samburu NR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Cultural Immersion and Departure

On your final morning, enjoy a sunrise game drive to catch any elusive wildlife that may have been missed. Before departing for Nairobi, consider a brief visit to a local Samburu village. Engaging with the Samburu people offers profound insight into their pastoralist lifestyle and their deep-rooted connection to the land, which is vital for the conservation of the region. This final experience rounds out a trip that balances raw nature with authentic cultural heritage.

Main Destination:

Samburu National Reserve

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.