Samburu Special Five Safari
Northern Kenya's most remote safari — the rugged semi-arid landscapes of Samburu harbour the famous "Special Five" endemic species found nowhere else in Kenya.
Duration
3N / 4D
Group size
2–12 guests
Best time
Great year-round
Pace
Easy – Moderate
Where
Kenya
The experience
Overview
Northern Kenya's most remote safari — the rugged semi-arid landscapes of Samburu harbour the famous "Special Five" endemic species found nowhere else in Kenya.
Northern Kenya's most remote safari — the rugged semi-arid landscapes of Samburu harbour the famous "Special Five" endemic species found nowhere else in Kenya. Reticulated giraffe — found only in Samburu Travel with Soin Africa Safaris — a trusted East African tour operator with local expertise and personal service.
Trip highlights
- Reticulated giraffe — found only in Samburu
- Grevy's zebra — world's rarest zebra
- Beisa oryx in open semi-desert
- Gerenuk (the "giraffe-gazelle")
- Elephant herds along Ewaso Nyiro River
Your itinerary
Day-by-day trip plan
4 days · 3 nights · Kenya
-
1
Drive north from Nairobi through Mount Kenya's equatorial forest and the semi-arid scrublands of Isiolo county (approx. 6 hours). The landscape transforms dramatically as you head deeper into Northern Kenya. Arrive at your lodge on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Afternoon game drive: your first sightings of the long-necked reticulated giraffe and the elegant Grevy's zebra.
Samburu riverside lodge Lunch, Dinner -
2
Rise early for the best game viewing. Samburu's "Special Five" are all endemic to Northern Kenya: reticulated giraffe (the largest giraffe subspecies), Grevy's zebra (world's rarest), Beisa oryx (with straight horns), gerenuk (standing on hind legs to browse) and Somali ostrich (blue-necked). Large elephant families gather at the river each morning. Look out for leopards draped over doum palms and Nile crocodiles basking on the banks.
Samburu riverside lodge Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
3
Cross to Buffalo Springs National Reserve — sister reserve of Samburu on the south bank of the Ewaso Nyiro. The terrain is slightly different here with more open grasslands and rocky outcrops. Morning game drive through Buffalo Springs followed by a sundowner cruise on the river by boat (where available) watching hippos and crocodiles at dusk.
Samburu riverside lodge Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
4
Final morning game drive with golden north Kenya light. After breakfast, begin the drive back to Nairobi, arriving by evening.
— Breakfast
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Map & route
Your Route
Samburu Special Five Safari
3N / 4D
Transparent pricing
What's included
Included
- Return transfers from Nairobi
- 4x4 safari vehicle with roof hatch
- Professional driver-guide
- Full-board lodge accommodation
- Park entry fees
- Bottled water
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Personal expenses
Plan with confidence
Know before you go
Best time to visit
Great year-round. We track the seasons daily and time your game drives for peak wildlife.
Getting around
Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and a window seat guaranteed for every guest.
Group size & privacy
2–12 guests. Prefer it just for you? Every trip can be run fully private.
Fitness & pace
Easy – Moderate. Days are relaxed — most activity is game drives, with optional walks.
What to pack
Neutral layers, a hat, sunblock, binoculars and a good camera. We send a full checklist on booking.
Booking & payments
Contact us to reserve your dates. We accept card, M-Pesa and bank transfer — our team will guide you through the process.
Let's make it yours
Plan your Kenya trip
Send a few details and a local expert will tailor this itinerary to your dates, pace and budget — usually within 24 hours.
- Tailor-made to your dates
- Free quote in 24 hours
- Local Kenyan experts
- No booking fees
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