You can look for elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Samburu is also known for several northern Kenya wildlife species, including the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich.
Yes. The safari includes scheduled game drives in Samburu National Reserve, giving you opportunities to explore different areas of the reserve and observe wildlife with a professional driver-guide.
Yes. Three days provides a good introduction to Samburu National Reserve, combining wildlife viewing with the opportunity to experience the distinctive landscapes and northern Kenya ecosystem.
Samburu can be visited throughout the year. The drier months are generally favorable for wildlife viewing because animals tend to gather around available water sources, while the wetter periods can bring greener scenery and migratory birdlife.
Bring lightweight and comfortable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, personal toiletries, and a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.
3-Day Samburu National Reserve Safari
Low Season
Mar 30, 2027 - Mar 31, 2027
2 persons
1,048.00 USD
*
4 persons
790.00 USD
*
6 persons
704.00 USD
*
Mid Season
Mar 26, 2027 - Mar 29, 2027
2 persons
1,059.00 USD
*
4 persons
802.00 USD
*
6 persons
716.00 USD
*
High Season
Jul 1, 2027 - Oct 31, 2027
2 persons
1,128.00 USD
*
4 persons
870.00 USD
*
6 persons
784.00 USD
*
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline: US$10.00 per person per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
The Samburu Safari Tour is a 3-day wildlife adventure from Nairobi to the spectacular Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. The journey begins with a scenic drive from Nairobi to Samburu, followed by an afternoon game drive where you can discover the reserve’s diverse wildlife and striking landscapes. A full day is dedicated to exploring Samburu, with morning and afternoon game drives offering opportunities to see elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and unique northern species such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich. The safari concludes with a relaxed journey back to Nairobi on Day 3. This Samburu Safari Tour offers an ideal short getaway for travelers seeking memorable wildlife encounters, beautiful scenery, and an authentic northern Kenya safari experience.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve
Day 2:
Full-Day Samburu National Reserve
Day 3:
Samburu National Reserve – Nairobi
Day 1
Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve
PlatinumSamburu Sopa
Your Samburu Safari Tour begins with an early morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel, residence, or another agreed location. Depart the capital and travel north toward the remarkable Samburu National Reserve, enjoying the changing scenery as you move from the city into Kenya’s central highlands and northern landscapes.
Along the way, admire the countryside, local communities, agricultural areas, and, when weather conditions are favorable, spectacular views toward Mount Kenya. The journey provides an opportunity to see a different side of Kenya as the landscape gradually becomes more rugged and arid.
Arrive in the Samburu area in time to check in at Samburu Sopa Lodge and enjoy lunch. Take some time to relax before beginning your first safari activity later in the afternoon.
In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive across the reserve. Samburu offers a distinctive safari experience because of its dry landscapes, rocky hills, open plains, acacia woodland, and the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River.
Keep your eyes open for some of the region’s unique wildlife, including Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, gerenuks, Beisa oryx, elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes. Your professional driver-guide will help identify animals and select suitable routes based on current wildlife activity.
After the game drive, return to the lodge for dinner and your first overnight stay in Samburu.
Activities:
Begin your Samburu adventure with an afternoon game drive through the reserve. Explore its rugged scenery while searching for elephants, Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, gerenuks, Beisa oryx, lions, leopards, and other wildlife. The cooler afternoon hours can provide rewarding opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Accommodations:
PlatinumSamburu Sopa
PlatinumSamburu Sopa
Day 2
Full-Day Samburu National Reserve
PlatinumSamburu Sopa
After breakfast, prepare for a full day of wildlife exploration in Samburu National Reserve. This is the main wildlife-viewing day of your Samburu Safari Tour, allowing you to explore different sections of the reserve and experience its distinctive northern Kenya ecosystem.
Begin with a morning game drive, heading toward areas around the Ewaso Nyiro River, one of the most important water sources in the region. The river supports a variety of wildlife and attracts animals, particularly during drier periods.
As you explore, look for elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and numerous bird species. Samburu is also one of the best places to search for its characteristic northern species, including the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich.
Continue through the reserve’s varied landscapes, from rocky hills and dry riverbeds to acacia-covered areas and open plains. Your driver-guide will monitor wildlife movements and adjust the route where possible to maximize your viewing opportunities.
Return to Samburu Sopa Lodge around midday for lunch and some time to relax. Later in the afternoon, head back into the reserve for another game drive.
The afternoon drive provides another opportunity to encounter wildlife as temperatures begin to cool. Continue exploring until the evening before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Activities:
Spend the day exploring Samburu’s diverse habitats, including areas around the Ewaso Nyiro River. Search for elephants, Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, gerenuks, Beisa oryx, lions, buffaloes, and other wildlife. Morning and afternoon drives provide different opportunities to observe animals and photograph the dramatic northern Kenya landscape.
Accommodations:
PlatinumSamburu Sopa
PlatinumSamburu Sopa
Day 3
Samburu National Reserve – Nairobi
Wake up early for your final game drive in Samburu National Reserve. The early morning is a wonderful time to explore the reserve, when temperatures are cooler and many animals are active. Set out with your guide for one final opportunity to observe Samburu’s unique wildlife and landscapes.
During the drive, look for elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and other animals moving through the reserve. You may also encounter predators or some of Samburu’s distinctive northern species depending on wildlife movements and the conditions of the day.
Return to the lodge for breakfast after the game drive. Take some time to freshen up and prepare for check-out before beginning your journey back to Nairobi.
The return journey takes you south through Kenya’s changing countryside, offering views of rural communities, agricultural areas, and scenic landscapes along the way. Optional stops can be arranged for refreshments or sightseeing depending on your schedule.
Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon and proceed to your preferred drop-off point. You can be transferred to your hotel, residence, or the airport for your onward flight.
Your Samburu Safari Tour ends in Nairobi after three days of exploring one of Kenya’s most distinctive wildlife destinations. The experience combines scenic road travel, exciting game drives, unique northern wildlife, and the beautiful landscapes surrounding the Ewaso Nyiro River.
