3-Day Samburu Wildlife Safari
Embark on an unforgettable 3-day Samburu wildlife safari that takes you deep into one of Kenya's most dramatic and ecologically unique reserves. Samburu National Reserve, bisected by the life-giving Ewaso Ng'iro River, supports an extraordinary concentration of wildlife found nowhere else in East Africa. The reserve's ochre-red earth, doum palm groves, and sun-scorched scrubland form a striking backdrop to encounters with elephants, leopards, lions, and the famed Samburu Special Five. This short safari is ideal for travellers seeking an authentic Kenya safari experience beyond the well-trodden Masai Mara circuit. With two dedicated game drives — one in the golden afternoon light and one at dawn — you will explore the riverine forests where leopards drape themselves over branches and the open plains where cheetahs stalk their prey. Your expert naturalist guide will share insights into Samburu culture and the intricate ecology of this semi-arid wilderness. Travelling by road from Nairobi, you will cross the equator and ascend through the highlands before descending into the Samburu lowlands. The journey itself is a safari through Kenya's changing landscapes, making this 3-day itinerary a compact yet deeply rewarding wildlife adventure.
Tour Highlights
Wildlife You'll Encounter
Species commonly sighted on this safari route
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve — Thika Road & A2 Highway (325 km, ~5.5 hrs)
6:30 am — Pick-up from your Nairobi hotel. Drive north on Thika Superhighway (A2) through the pineapple plantations of Thika, past Sagana and Karatina, climbing through the cool Central Highlands to Nanyuki. Stop at the equator signpost for photos and a coffee break (~2.5 hrs into the drive). Continue through Isiolo town and descend into the semi-arid Samburu lowlands, arriving at your lodge overlooking the Ewaso Ng'iro River by 12:30 pm. Enjoy a hot lunch at the lodge. 3:30 pm — Set out on your first afternoon game drive along the palm-lined riverbanks. Watch breeding herds of elephants spray themselves with ochre-red mud, spot reticulated giraffes browsing tall acacias, and scan the scrubland for gerenuk standing upright on their hind legs. As the golden light fades, look for leopards settling into fig-tree branches and Somali ostriches trotting across the open plains. Return to camp by 6:30 pm for sundowners and dinner.
Full Day Samburu Game Drives — Ewaso Ng'iro River & Buffalo Springs
6:00 am — Early morning game drive into the northern sector when predators are most active. The cool dawn air carries the calls of go-away birds and white-bellied starlings as your guide tracks fresh lion prints in the dust. Search for leopards draped across riverine fig branches and cheetahs surveying from termite mounds. Drive through Buffalo Springs, where natural springs attract dense congregations of Grevy's zebra and Beisa oryx — completing your sightings of the famed Samburu Special Five. 9:00 am — Return to camp for a full breakfast and leisure time by the pool or on the viewing deck. 3:30 pm — Afternoon game drive through the southern sector. Watch Nile crocodiles bask on sandy riverbanks, martial eagles circle overhead, and hippo pods surface in the deeper pools of the Ewaso Ng'iro. The setting sun paints the Samburu hills in amber and violet. Return to camp by 6:30 pm.
Morning Game Drive & Return to Nairobi — A2 Highway South (325 km, ~5.5 hrs)
6:00 am — Final sunrise game drive through the open scrubby plains dotted with termite mounds. This is prime territory for Somali ostrich, dik-dik, and the elusive striped hyena. 8:30 am — Return to camp for a hearty breakfast, then check out. 9:30 am — Depart Samburu via Isiolo, driving south through Nanyuki, Sagana, and back onto the A2 highway. Packed lunch provided for the drive. Arrive in Nairobi by approximately 3:30 pm. Drop-off at your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
ℹ️ IMPORTANT PRICING INFORMATION
Advertised safari prices are based on regular seasonal rates and may vary depending on accommodation category, availability, and travel dates at time of booking. Expect marginal price variations based on specific accommodation choices and safari seasons.
Package rates may be subject to supplementary charges during peak periods including Easter, Christmas, New Year, Great Migration season, and public holidays, as accommodation providers impose seasonal surcharges. Easter supplements may also apply to selected properties during the Easter weekend. Any applicable supplements will be clearly communicated and included in your final quotation before confirmation of booking.
Prices are in USD Per Person Sharing in a double/twin en-suite room.
What's Included
- ✓Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- ✓Professional English-speaking safari guide
- ✓All park and conservancy fees
- ✓2 nights full-board accommodation
- ✓Game drives as outlined in the itinerary
- ✓Bottled drinking water during game drives
- ✓Airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi
What's Not Included
- ✗International and domestic flights
- ✗Visa fees
- ✗Travel insurance
- ✗Tips and gratuities
- ✗Alcoholic and soft drinks
- ✗Personal expenses and laundry
- ✗Optional activities not in the itinerary
Safari Seasons & Rates Guide
Package rates vary by season. Select a season in the pricing table below to view rates.
Safari Pricing
Prices per person sharing in double/twin room. Includes park fees, full-board accommodation, game drives, and Nairobi transfers.
| Group Size | Economy | Comfort | Luxury | Superior Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,920 | $2,110 | $2,300 | $2,780 |
| 2 Persons | $1,350 | $1,490 | $1,620 | $1,960 |
| 3 Persons | $1,190 | $1,310 | $1,430 | $1,720 |
| 4 Persons | $1,120 | $1,230 | $1,340 | $1,620 |
| 5 Persons | $1,070 | $1,170 | $1,280 | $1,550 |
| 6-7 Persons | $1,030 | $1,130 | $1,230 | $1,490 |
| Single Room Supplement | $120 | $150 | $180 | $230 |
Prices are in USD per person sharing. Exact rates may vary based on specific accommodation choice and availability at time of booking. Contact us for a personalized quote.