3 Days, 2 Nights Samburu National Reserve Private safari special from Nairobi for Kenya residents

Book 3 Days / 2 Nights Samburu National Reserve private safari with Adeli Kenya Safaris

3 Days Amboseli wildlife safari by road from Nairobi:

(Departs Nairobi, returns to Nairobi)

Experience Kenya’s wild side with a 3-day Samburu road safari. This semi-arid desert region is home to the Ewaso Nyiro river, dense woodlands, countless animals, birds and the Samburu people.

Samburu is a Maasai word for the leather bag that they use when they carry milk and honey.

The Maasai and Samburu are both nomadic pastoralists and their diet consists mainly of meat, milk and honey.

A visit to a Samburu village will prove insightful, so make sure to include it in your itinerary.

Samburu’s remoteness made it inaccessible for years, so it still has a serene ambience and wild charm.

Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu Game Reserve

Your Samburu road safari will begin in Nairobi in the early morning where you will be picked up.

You will travel by road across the equator from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere, and onward to the semi-arid region of the Samburu Game Reserve.

Your eyes will feast on the dramatic landscapes of the Samburu from dried riverbeds to red volcanic soil, rock outcrops, woodlands and the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Arrive at the camp in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game viewing drive, and return back to the camp before sunset.

Dinner and overnight at your safari lodge / Tented Camp on Full Board basis.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Samburu Game Reserve

Day 2 will be dedicated to a full day game drive in the Samburu Game Reserve where you will search for the big five, the Samburu five and view the vast unspoiled scenery.

Expect sightings of dik-diks, gerenuks, East African lions, Tanzanian cheetahs, Cape buffalos and over 350 bird species.

A cultural visit to the pastoralist Samburu people can be arranged at an extra cost.

Dinner and overnight at your safari lodge / Tented Camp on Full Board basis.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Samburu Game Reserve to Nairobi

The final day of your Samburu road safari will begin with an early morning game drive before breakfast.

Alternatively, you may sleep in and wake up for breakfast, check out and drive back to Nairobi.

Once you arrive in Nairobi, you will be dropped off at agreed location ending your memorable safari with us.

Meals: Breakfast only.

Samburu National Reserve Key Features and Significance:

Key Features:

• “Samburu Special Five”: The reserve is famous for species rarely seen elsewhere in Kenya: the Gerenuk (giraffe-necked antelope), Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra (larger ears and narrower stripes), Somali Ostrich (blue neck), and the Beisa Oryx.
• Ewaso Ng’iro River: This vital river flows through the reserve, attracting a high concentration of wildlife, especially during the dry seasons. Its banks are lined with doum palms and riverine forests, creating a green oasis.
• Rugged Scenery: Samburu’s landscape features a mix of open savannah, scrubland, acacia woodlands, and dramatic rocky outcrops (koppies), providing a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing.
• Elephant Population: The reserve is home to a significant population of elephants, often seen in large herds.
• Big Cats: Lions, leopards (sightings are particularly good here), and cheetahs are present in the reserve.
• Birdlife: With over 450 recorded bird species, Samburu is a haven for birdwatchers, featuring species like the Vulturine Guineafowl and various raptors.
• Cultural Significance: The reserve is named after the Samburu people, nomadic pastoralists related to the Maasai, known for their vibrant traditional attire.

Best Things to Do in Samburu National Reserve:

• Game Drives: Explore the reserve in a safari vehicle, with morning, afternoon, and even night game drives offering excellent opportunities to spot the unique wildlife. The riverbanks are prime viewing areas.
• Bird Watching: With its diverse habitats, Samburu is excellent for birding. Look for both resident and migratory species. The best time for birding is generally November to April.
• Cultural Visits: Visit a local Samburu village (Manyatta) to learn about their traditions, way of life, and perhaps witness traditional dances.
• Nature Walks: Some lodges and areas within or bordering the reserve offer guided nature walks for a different perspective of the flora, fauna, and smaller wildlife.
• Camel Safaris: Experience the landscape in a traditional way with a camel trek, offering a unique and often quieter way to spot wildlife.
• Bush Meals and Sundowners: Enjoy a meal or drinks in the wilderness at scenic locations, particularly during sunset.
• Hiking Mount Ololokwe (Ol Donyo Sabachi): This sacred mountain offers panoramic views of the reserve (hiking may require a guide and permission).
• River Rafting: For the adventurous, some operators offer river rafting on the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
• Visit the Singing Wells: During the dry season, witness the Samburu people’s unique practice of singing while drawing water from deep wells for their livestock.
• Helicopter Safaris: For a different perspective, scenic helicopter flights over the reserve and surrounding areas are available.

Best Time to Visit Samburu National Reserve:

The dry seasons (June to October and December to March) are generally considered the best times for wildlife viewing as vegetation is thinner, and animals congregate around the Ewaso Ng’iro River.

Samburu National Reserve offers a distinct and rewarding safari experience with its unique wildlife, dramatic scenery, and rich cultural heritage.