3-Day Samburu Safari to Diani Beach | Special Five & Ewaso Ng'iro River Wildlife Adventure
Track the Samburu Special Five in Kenya's wild north before a Diani Beach escape
Venture north from Nairobi into the dramatic semi-arid landscapes of Samburu National Reserve, where the life-giving Ewaso Ng'iro River draws extraordinary concentrations of wildlife found nowhere else in Kenya's southern parks. Over two immersive days, encounter the celebrated Samburu Special Five — reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich — alongside resident leopards, elephant breeding herds, and Nile crocodiles basking on sandy riverbanks. Your safari concludes with a transfer south and SGR train ride to the coast, ending with a drop-off at your Diani Beach hotel.
Tour Highlights
Wildlife You'll Encounter
Species commonly sighted on this safari route
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve — A2 Highway North (325 km, ~5.5 hrs)
6:30 am — Pick-up from your Nairobi hotel. Drive north on Thika Superhighway (A2) through Thika, Sagana, and the Central Highlands. Cross the equator at Nanyuki (photo stop and coffee break). Continue through Isiolo into the semi-arid Samburu lowlands. Arrive by 12:30 pm. Lunch at your lodge on the Ewaso Ng'iro River. 3:30 pm — Afternoon game drive along the riverbanks. Spot elephant herds, reticulated giraffes, and gerenuk standing upright to feed. Scan for leopards in fig trees and lions in the scrubland. Return to camp by 6:30 pm.
Full Day Samburu — Buffalo Springs & the Special Five
6:00 am — Sunrise game drive into the northern sector. Track predators in the cool dawn and drive through Buffalo Springs for Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich — completing the Samburu Special Five. 9:00 am — Return for breakfast and midday rest. 3:30 pm — Afternoon drive along the southern riverbank. Watch Nile crocodiles bask, hippo pods surface, and martial eagles soar. Optional Samburu cultural village visit ($25 pp). Return to camp by 6:30 pm.
Morning Game Drive, Transfer to Nairobi & SGR to Mombasa (325 km drive + 472 km train)
5:00 am — Final sunrise game drive through the northern plains. 7:00 am — Quick breakfast and check out. 7:30 am — Depart south through Isiolo, Nanyuki, Sagana, and onto Thika Superhighway. Packed lunch for the drive. Arrive at Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau) by 1:30 pm. 3:20 pm — Board the afternoon Madaraka Express SGR train to Mombasa. The 472 km journey takes ~5 hours in air-conditioned First Class. Watch the landscape transform from highland to coastal lowland. Arrive at Mombasa Terminus by 8:30 pm. Met by your driver for the 40 km transfer to Diani Beach (~1 hour via Likoni Ferry or Dongo Kundu Bypass). Arrive at your Diani Beach resort by 9:30 pm.
⟶Madaraka Express SGR Train Schedule
Board the high-speed Madaraka Express from your nearest station to Mombasa — air-conditioned comfort with panoramic views of Tsavo's plains.
| Nairobi Terminus | Emali (Near Amboseli) | Mtito Andei (Tsavo West) | Voi (Tsavo East) | Mombasa Terminus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | 9:27 AM / 9:31 AM | 10:50 AM / 10:51 AM | 12:02 PM / 12:08 PM | 2:00 PM |
Train Option
Board at the nearest station after your safari — Voi (Tsavo East) or Mtito Andei (Tsavo West). Arrive Mombasa by 2:00 PM. First-class tickets included in your package. A C.A.T.S representative meets you at Mombasa Terminus for the transfer to your beach hotel.
Jeep Option to the Coast
Prefer to continue in your private 4×4 Land Cruiser? No problem — at no extra cost. Your guide drives you directly to your Diani Beach hotel, arriving approximately 5:00 PM with wildlife spotting opportunities along the way.
Booking Information
- All prices are per person sharing in a double/twin room
- Single room supplement available on request
- Children under 12 receive discounted rates
- Custom itineraries available — contact us for a personalised quote
- Prices valid for 2025/2026 season — subject to park fee changes
What's Included
- ✓Nairobi hotel pickup in a private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser
- ✓Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- ✓Two nights full-board accommodation at Samburu National Reserve
- ✓One night accommodation in Mombasa (bed and breakfast)
- ✓All game drives as per itinerary
- ✓Samburu National Reserve entry and conservation fees
- ✓SGR train ticket Nairobi to Mombasa (First Class)
- ✓Diani Beach hotel drop-off
- ✓All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- ✓Bottled drinking water during game drives
- ✓All applicable government taxes and levies
What's Not Included
- ✗International and domestic flights
- ✗Visa fees
- ✗Travel and medical insurance
- ✗Alcoholic and soft drinks
- ✗Tips and gratuities for driver-guide and lodge staff
- ✗Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, souvenirs)
- ✗Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- ✗Diani Beach accommodation and meals after drop-off
Safari Season Guide
Best wildlife viewing. Great Migration in the Mara (Jul–Oct). Dry weather, sparse vegetation makes animals easy to spot.
Calving season in the Serengeti. Good birding. Pleasant weather with occasional showers.
Transition to dry season. Fewer crowds, good rates. Early migration movements begin.
Long rains (Apr–May) and short rains (Nov). Lowest prices. Lush landscapes, excellent birding, newborn animals.
Safari Pricing
Prices per person sharing in double/twin room
| Group Size | Economy | Comfort | Luxury | Superior Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,200 | $1,320 | $1,450 | $1,820 |
| 2 Persons | $750 | $830 | $910 | $1,130 |
| 3 Persons | $710 | $780 | $850 | $1,070 |
| 4 Persons | $680 | $750 | $830 | $1,030 |
| 5 Persons | $670 | $730 | $810 | $1,010 |
| 6-7 Persons | $650 | $710 | $780 | $980 |
| Single Room Supplement | $110 | $140 | $170 | $210 |
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.
Book This Safari
Personalised itinerary, guaranteed departures
Starting from
$900
per person sharing
No booking fees — We respond within 2 hours