Samburu Special Five Safari
Search for Samburu's Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich.
Search for Samburu's Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich.
This 4-day safari takes you to Kenya's Samburu National Reserve, home to the famous "Special Five" species found nowhere else in Kenya. The semi-arid landscape along the Ewaso Ng'iro River provides a dramatic backdrop for wildlife viewing. Samburu offers a more rugged, authentic safari experience away from the tourist crowds.
This safari is led by experienced local guides who have spent their lives in the bush. They know where the herds are moving, which waterholes are active, and where to find the big cats at first light. Every drive is timed to the rhythm of the land, not a fixed schedule.
Accommodations are handpicked for their location, comfort, and connection to the surrounding landscape. You will stay in lodges and camps that sit within or on the edge of the reserves, putting you close to the action from morning to night.
Tour Highlights
Best Time to Visit
Physical Rating
Nairobi to Samburu
Stay: Samburu Intrepids CampFly from Nairobi to Samburu, landing at an airstrip on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Transfer to Samburu Intrepids Camp, a luxury tented camp shaded by indigenous trees. After lunch, head out for your first afternoon game drive along the river. The red-dust landscape is home to elephants, lions, and the first of the Special Five.
Special Five Tracking
Stay: Samburu Intrepids CampA full day dedicated to finding the Special Five. Your guide knows every corner of the reserve and will take you to the best spots for each species. Search for Grevy's zebra with their narrow stripes, reticulated giraffe with their geometric patterns, and the elegant gerenuk standing on their hind legs to browse. The Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich complete the set. The Ewaso Ng'iro River provides excellent birdwatching.
Cultural Visit and Game Drive
Stay: Samburu Intrepids CampAfter an early morning game drive, visit a Samburu Manyatta to learn about the Samburu people's semi-nomadic lifestyle. The Samburu are related to the Maasai and share similar traditions, but their culture has distinct features including their colorful beadwork and warrior traditions. Return to the camp for lunch, then head out for an afternoon game drive focusing on the northern sector of the reserve.
Departure
Rise early for a final dawn game drive along the Ewaso Ng'iro River, watching the sunrise over the semi-arid landscape. Return to camp for breakfast and time to pack. Transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi.
Tour Highlights
- 4 days / 3 nights full-board safari
- 4 guided game drives included
- Expert English-speaking safari guide
- Private 4x4 transport with pop-up roof
- All park fees and conservation levies
What's Included
- All park entrance fees and conservation levies
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
- Meals and daily game drives as per the program
- Private 4x4 safari transport with pop-up roof
- Unlimited bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas and vaccinations
- Tips, drinks and personal expenses
Tailor this safari to you
Adjust dates, accommodation level, group type (private or join-in), or combine this tour with other destinations. Our team will shape a program around exactly how you want to travel.
Every safari we offer can be tailored to match your preferences. Whether you want to travel on specific dates, upgrade your lodge, change the pace of the itinerary, or add a beach extension after the game drives - we will make it happen. There is no extra charge for customization on any of our tours.
You can travel privately with just your group and a dedicated guide, or join a shared departure to meet fellow travelers and keep costs down. If you have special interests - photography, birdwatching, honeymoon celebrations, or a family trip with children - let us know and we will build those into the plan.
Want to see more of East Africa? We can extend this safari with extra days on the Kenyan coast, a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, a gorilla trek in Uganda, or a island stay in Zanzibar. Just tell us what you have in mind and we will put together a proposal within 24 hours.
Need Help Planning?
Our safari specialists can tailor any itinerary to your budget, dates, and interests - at no extra cost.
- Free customization on all tours
- Response within 24 hours
- Flexible payment plans available
- Cancel up to 30 days before departure
The Unmissable Places of Your Trip
Nairobi to Samburu
Fly from Nairobi to Samburu, landing at an airstrip on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Transfer to Samburu Intrepids Camp, a luxury tented camp shaded by indigenous trees. After lunch, head out for your first afternoon game drive along the river. The red-dust landscape is home to elephants, lions, and the first of the Special Five.
Special Five Tracking
A full day dedicated to finding the Special Five. Your guide knows every corner of the reserve and will take you to the best spots for each species. Search for Grevy's zebra with their narrow stripes, reticulated giraffe with their geometric patterns, and the elegant gerenuk standing on their hind legs to browse. The Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich complete the set. The Ewaso Ng'iro River provides excellent birdwatching.
Cultural Visit and Game Drive
After an early morning game drive, visit a Samburu Manyatta to learn about the Samburu people's semi-nomadic lifestyle. The Samburu are related to the Maasai and share similar traditions, but their culture has distinct features including their colorful beadwork and warrior traditions. Return to the camp for lunch, then head out for an afternoon game drive focusing on the northern sector of the reserve.
River Camp Bush Breakfast
A full breakfast on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River - watch elephants drink and gerenuk browse as you dine.
Samburu Sunset Drinks
Watch the sun set over the semi-arid landscape with a cold drink - the red earth glows golden at dusk.
Samburu Manyatta Lunch
Traditional Samburu fare - fresh milk, ugali, and wild greens served in a manyatta setting by local warriors.
Samburu Intrepids Camp
Mid-range lodge with private rooms, restaurant, and garden setting.
Samburu Intrepids Camp
Mid-range lodge with private rooms, restaurant, and garden setting.
Samburu Intrepids Camp
Mid-range lodge with private rooms, restaurant, and garden setting.
Samburu Special Five Safari
Search for Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich - the famous Special Five.
Ewaso Ng'iro River Wildlife Safari
Follow the Ewaso Ng'iro River where elephants, crocodiles, and huge concentrations of wildlife gather.
Samburu Warriors Village Trek
Trek to a Samburu manyatta with warriors as guides - learn about semi-nomadic life and beadwork traditions.
Ewaso Ng'iro River Walk
Walk alongside the life-giving river with Samburu guides - spot gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, and reticulated giraffe.
Samburu Ridge Sunset Walk
Climb the ridge overlooking the reserve for panoramic views of the semi-arid landscape and distant hills.
Samburu Heritage Walk
A guided walk with Samburu warriors learning about traditional tracking, plants, and the semi-nomadic lifestyle.
Get Instant Travel Tips
from Sangare Community
Samburu National Reserve Quick Tips
Best Time to Visit
Visit during the dry season (June to October) for prime wildlife viewing as animals gather near water sources. The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara peaks between July and September, while November–December offers lush scenery and excellent birdwatching.
Spoken Language
English and Swahili (Kiswahili) are widely spoken across Kenya. Your expert Sangare driver-guide is fluent in English and will seamlessly manage all local interactions so you can fully relax and enjoy your safari experience.
Details About Weather
Nights and early morning game drives can be crisp (10°C–14°C). Temperatures rise by midday to a warm 25°C–28°C under direct sun. Dressing in layers allows you to easily adjust as temperatures change throughout the day.
What to Take for Tour
Pack neutral, earth-toned clothing (khaki, olive, tan) - avoid dark blue or black. Essential gear includes high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, warm fleece jacket, binoculars (8x42 or 10x42), and camera with zoom lens.
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