Overview
Experience the wild beauty of northern Kenya on this 3 Days Samburu National Reserve Safari with Wagatil Safaris. Starting and ending in Nairobi, this short Kenya safari takes you through changing highland scenery into the dramatic semi-arid landscapes of Samburu National Reserve. The reserve is famous for elephants, predators, rich birdlife and northern Kenya wildlife such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich.
During the safari, you will enjoy professionally guided game drives around the reserve, including wildlife-rich areas close to the Ewaso Ng’iro River. This river is one of the most important water sources in the Samburu ecosystem and regularly attracts elephants and other wildlife. The safari is suitable for couples, families, photographers, solo travelers and visitors who want to add a short Kenya wildlife experience to a longer East African safari. Wagatil Safaris can also combine Samburu with Uganda, Rwanda and other destinations through our Uganda and Kenya safari itineraries.
Tour Inclusions
- Safari accommodation
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Samburu National Reserve entry fees
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Scheduled game drives
- Transportation in a safari vehicle
- Nairobi pick-up and drop-off
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Services of Wagatil Safaris
- Activities specifically mentioned in the itinerary
Travel Plan
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01
Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Your 3 Days Samburu National Reserve Safari begins when a professional Wagatil Safaris driver-guide meets you at your hotel, residence or agreed pick-up point in Nairobi. After a short safari briefing, begin the scenic journey north toward Samburu National Reserve. The drive introduces you to Kenya’s beautiful central highlands before the scenery gradually changes into the rugged and drier landscapes of northern Kenya.
Depending on the route, road conditions and your preferred travel style, short stops may be made for refreshments, photography or views along the journey. Continue to Samburu and check in at your selected safari lodge or tented camp for lunch and relaxation.
Later, head into Samburu National Reserve for your first game drive. The reserve’s acacia woodland, open bush, rocky terrain and riverine vegetation provide habitat for an impressive variety of wildlife. Your guide will search for elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and predators while introducing you to the unique ecology of Samburu.
Reticulated giraffe in Samburu National Reserve. Photo: Daniel Case, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
After the game drive, return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Selected safari lodge or tented camp in Samburu.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
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02
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Samburu National Reserve
After breakfast, begin a rewarding day of game viewing across Samburu National Reserve. The reserve is particularly famous for wildlife adapted to the dry landscapes of northern Kenya. Your guide will focus on areas with the best wildlife activity while looking for both common savannah species and the distinctive animals associated with Samburu.
A major highlight is searching for Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich. Samburu is also well known for elephants and offers opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, impalas, dik-diks, warthogs, baboons and many bird species.
Grevy’s zebras in Samburu National Reserve. Photo: Dan Lundberg, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.
The Ewaso Ng’iro River is one of the most important wildlife areas in the reserve. Depending on conditions, your guide may explore riverine sections where elephants and other animals gather around water. Bird enthusiasts can also combine this itinerary with more specialized bird watching in Kenya.
You may have a picnic lunch in the reserve or return to your lodge for lunch before continuing with an afternoon game drive. Continue exploring until later in the day, then return to your accommodation for dinner and a relaxed evening in the Samburu wilderness.
Accommodation: Selected safari lodge or tented camp in Samburu.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
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03
Day 3: Morning Safari Experience and Transfer Back to Nairobi
Enjoy your final morning in Samburu National Reserve. After breakfast, you may opt for a short morning game drive depending on your preferred schedule and onward travel arrangements. This final drive gives you another opportunity to search for wildlife that may have been missed on the previous day and to enjoy the reserve in the softer morning light.
Elephants crossing the Ewaso Ng’iro River in Samburu National Reserve. Photo: Mark Draper, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
After your final Samburu experience, check out and begin the return journey toward Nairobi with your Wagatil Safaris driver-guide. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be transferred to your hotel, residence or the airport depending on your onward arrangements. Guests who would like a longer East African itinerary can explore our East African safari packages.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch, depending on your departure arrangement.
END OF SAFARI.
Photo: Daniel Fafard (Dreamdan), Wikimedia Commons.