The Exclusive 3-Day Samburu Special Five Tracking Package

Overview of The Exclusive 3-Day Samburu Special Five Tracking Package

3 Days / 2 Nights Duration
Nairobi Location
£869.00 per person

A three-day road safari designed for efficient travel to Samburu National Reserve. The tour focuses on finding the 'Samburu Special Five' and includes comfortable mid-range accommodation.

Highlights of this Tour

✓ See the 'Samburu Special Five'.
✓ Excellent chance to see elephants.
✓ Comfortable mid-range accommodation.
✓ Optional 4x4 Land Cruiser upgrade.

Itinerary and Where to Stay

Day 1: Arrival and Game Drive in Samburu

Your safari adventure commences with a 06:30 departure from your Nairobi hotel. The journey north offers spectacular views of Mount Kenya's peaks as the landscape transitions into the rugged, semi-arid terrain of the Northern Frontier District. You will arrive at your Samburu lodge just in time for a delicious lunch and a brief period to relax. In the afternoon, embark on your inaugural game drive along the vital Ewaso Ng'iro River. This is the perfect opportunity to spot large elephant herds, graceful reticulated giraffe, and the iconic Grévy's zebra coming to the water's edge to drink.

Meals included on day 1

Lunch, Dinner

Where you will sleep on day 1

Samburu Simba Lodge

This is mid-range accommodation. You will sleep in Samburu Simba Lodge, or similar mid-range accommodations in the same budget range .

Samburu Sopa Lodge, and Soroi Samburu Lodge .

The main destination you will visit on day 1

Samburu National Reserve

Day 2: Discovering Samburu's Special Five

Following an early breakfast, you'll embark on a full-day exploration of Samburu's unique ecosystem. The day is dedicated to seeking out the remarkable 'Samburu Special Five' – the reticulated giraffe, Grévy's zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the elegant, long-necked gerenuk. Your expert guide will navigate the dusty tracks and acacia scrub to find these endemic species. You will pause for a scenic picnic lunch in the heart of the reserve. The afternoon game drive focuses on the riverine forests and rocky kopjes, prime territory for spotting an elusive leopard resting in the shade.

Meals included on day 2

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Where you will sleep on day 2

Samburu Simba Lodge

This is mid-range accommodation. You will sleep in Samburu Simba Lodge, or similar mid-range accommodations in the same budget range .

Samburu Sopa Lodge, and Soroi Samburu Lodge .

The main destination you will visit on day 2

Samburu National Reserve

Day 3: Final Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

After an early breakfast, you will embark on a final morning game drive, offering one last opportunity to capture photos of Samburu's distinctive wildlife as you journey towards the park exit. Leaving the reserve behind, you will begin the scenic drive south towards Nairobi. The journey includes a fascinating stop at the Equator crossing line in Nanyuki, perfect for a unique photo opportunity. A stop for lunch is planned along the route. You can expect to arrive back in the capital city during the late afternoon, where your guide will transfer you to your hotel or the airport.

Meals included on day 3

Breakfast, Lunch

What's Included

  • Accommodation in lodges or tented camps.
  • Full-board meal plans.
  • Transport in a pop-up roof safari minivan.
  • Game drives.

What's Not Included

  • Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
  • Optional 4x4 Land Cruiser upgrade cost.
  • International flights.
  • Travel insurance.

Places You will Visit

Book This Package

The Exclusive 3-Day Samburu Special Five Tracking Package 3 Days / 2 Nights

Price per person
£869.00
($1,100.00 USD)
Book this package
Secure booking · Free cancellation

Quick Info

  • Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Starts: Nairobi
  • Ends: Nairobi

Samburu Special Five Safari Route and Pacing Plan

This three-day road safari uses a direct route to ensure all time is spent within the Samburu National Reserve. The itinerary avoids intermediate stops to focus solely on the Samburu ecosystem. The drive from Nairobi takes five to six hours, timed for arrival before the first afternoon game drive. This schedule allows for one full day of game viewing and a final morning drive on day three before the return to Nairobi. The tour is structured for concentrated wildlife viewing in a single location rather than a multi-park circuit.

Wildlife and Seasonality in Samburu Special Five Tour

Samburu's semi-arid conditions support wildlife not typically found in Kenya's southern parks. Game drives focus on species adapted to this environment, particularly the 'Samburu Special Five': the Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and gerenuk. The gerenuk is often seen standing on its hind legs to browse. The reserve also has a large elephant population, frequently found along the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Lion, leopard, and cheetah sightings are possible. Game viewing is often best during the dry seasons (June-October and December-March) when animals gather near the river.

Accommodation and Vehicles Used During the Samburu Special Five safari

This is a mid-range tour. Accommodation is provided in selected lodges or permanent tented camps with en-suite facilities and full-board meal plans. These properties are chosen for their good service and convenient access to game drive routes. The standard vehicle is a pop-up roof safari minivan with seating for up to six passengers. An upgrade to a 4x4 Land Cruiser is available for an additional cost, offering a more comfortable ride on rougher roads.

Information for UK Travellers When Planning a Samburu Kenya Safari

All UK travellers must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before departure; visas are not available on arrival. Kenya uses the same Type G plug sockets as the United Kingdom, so travel adaptors are not required for your devices. This is a road safari, so hard-shell suitcases are acceptable. We recommend soft-sided duffel bags because they are easier to fit into the vehicle's luggage space.

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