Samburu’s “special five” — Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich — are all adapted to Kenya’s arid north and genuinely absent from the Mara, Amboseli or Tsavo. This itinerary is built specifically around finding them, alongside the region’s strong elephant and predator populations along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Your driver-guide meets you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for the drive north, crossing the equator near Nanyuki, arriving with time for an afternoon game drive.
Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeSamburu Sopa Lodge
LuxuryElephant Bedroom Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
A full day exploring the riverbanks and dry scrubland specifically for the special five, alongside elephant, lion and leopard drawn to the Ewaso Nyiro’s permanent water.
Full Day Samburu Game Drives
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A short drive across to the adjacent Buffalo Springs National Reserve, sharing the same river and species as Samburu but noticeably quieter given fewer lodges operate here, a genuinely different feel from the day before.
Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
Further game drives plus an optional visit to a local Samburu community — pastoralists distinct culturally, linguistically and in dress from the Maasai further south, though related by ethnicity and tradition.
Full Day Game Drives, Cultural Visit
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A relaxed day along the Ewaso Nyiro River itself, strong for birding and predator sightings as animals come to drink through the heat of the day.
Riverside Game Drive and Birding
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
Morning game drive before the drive back to Nairobi, timed against your onward flight.
Return to Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Permits & Costs
| Samburu park entry | ~$70 per person per day |
| Buffalo Springs park entry | ~$70 per person per day |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers who’ve already done a classic Mara-focused safari and want to see a genuinely different part of Kenya’s wildlife, or birders and photographers specifically chasing the special five.Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof hatch
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Park entry fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance