2 Days Samburu Safari

Your 2 Days Samburu Safari begins in Nairobi, where your safari driver-guide meets you at your hotel, residence or another agreed pickup point early in the morning.

An early departure is recommended because Samburu lies several hours north of Nairobi and reaching the reserve in good time allows you to enjoy an afternoon game drive rather than spending the entire first day traveling.

After leaving Nairobi, you travel north through Kenya's central highlands. The scenery changes considerably during the journey. Urban development gradually gives way to productive agricultural country, settlements, farms and the landscapes surrounding Mount Kenya.

Depending on the selected route, traffic conditions and timing, brief stops can be arranged along the way for refreshments, washroom facilities and scenic views.

As you continue north, the landscape becomes noticeably drier. The fertile highlands transition into the semi-arid country characteristic of northern Kenya. Vegetation becomes more open and the colors of the landscape change, providing your first indication that you are entering a very different ecological region.

Arrival in Samburu

You arrive in the Samburu area around midday or early afternoon, depending on departure time and road conditions.

After completing park-entry formalities, proceed to your selected lodge or tented camp for check-in and lunch.

There is usually time for a short rest before beginning your first major game drive.

Afternoon Samburu Game Drive

Later in the afternoon, head into Samburu National Reserve for wildlife viewing.

The afternoon is an excellent time to explore the reserve because temperatures gradually become cooler and wildlife activity often increases.

Your driver-guide searches the riverine habitat, open plains, acacia woodland and rocky terrain for Samburu's diverse animals.

One of the first things many visitors notice is the large number of elephants. Samburu and the surrounding protected areas support important elephant populations, and family groups may be encountered walking across the dry plains or gathering near the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Watching elephants drink, bathe, feed and interact beside the river can become one of the defining experiences of a Samburu safari.

Searching for the Samburu Special Five

Your afternoon drive also provides an opportunity to begin searching for the famous Samburu Special Five.

These are:

Grevy's zebra – larger and more narrowly striped than the common plains zebra, Grevy's zebra is one of the most recognizable animals of northern Kenya.

Reticulated giraffe – distinguished by its striking geometric coat pattern of large reddish-brown patches separated by bright white lines.

Gerenuk – sometimes called the giraffe gazelle because of its exceptionally long neck. Gerenuks are famous for standing upright on their hind legs to browse leaves from shrubs.

Beisa oryx – a beautifully adapted dry-country antelope with long straight horns and distinctive facial markings.

Somali ostrich – a northern East African ostrich recognizable particularly in adult males by the bluish coloration of the neck and legs.

Seeing all five during a short safari cannot be guaranteed because these are wild animals moving freely through natural habitats, but Samburu gives you excellent opportunities to search for them.

Predators of Samburu

The reserve is also home to major predators.

Lions may be encountered resting beneath bushes during the heat of the day or becoming increasingly active as temperatures cool in the evening.

Leopards occur in Samburu and are particularly associated with riverine woodland and areas offering sufficient cover. Spotting one requires patience and good fortune, making every leopard encounter especially memorable.

Cheetahs may also be found in suitable open country where they can use their exceptional speed to hunt.

Your driver-guide interprets tracks, animal behavior, alarm calls and information from other guides to improve the chances of locating predators.

Sunset in Samburu

As the afternoon progresses, the low sun creates beautiful warm light across Samburu's dry landscape.

The combination of elephants, giraffes, rugged hills, red earth, doum palms and evening light makes this one of Kenya's rewarding photographic safari destinations.

You eventually return to your lodge or camp before or around park closing regulations.

Enjoy dinner and spend the evening listening to the sounds of the African wilderness.

Accommodation: Budget, mid-range or luxury lodge/tented camp in or around Samburu

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Main Activities: Transfer from Nairobi and afternoon game drive

Approximate Driving Time: Approximately 5–6+ hours depending on Nairobi traffic, road conditions, stops and lodge location

Wake up to your final morning in northern Kenya.

Depending on your lodge, park-entry arrangements and preferred schedule, the morning can begin with an early game-viewing drive or wildlife viewing while departing the Samburu ecosystem.

Early morning is one of the most rewarding periods for safari activities.

Temperatures are cooler, the light is excellent for photography and many animals are active before the heat intensifies.

Morning Wildlife Viewing

Your guide continues searching for wildlife you may not have encountered on the previous afternoon.

If you have not yet seen some of the Samburu Special Five, particular attention can be given to habitats where those species are frequently encountered.

Reticulated giraffes may be seen moving gracefully through acacia woodland.

Grevy's zebras can sometimes be observed in small groups across open areas.

Gerenuks browse bushes and may rise onto their hind legs to reach vegetation inaccessible to shorter antelopes.

Beisa oryx are superbly adapted to Samburu's dry environment.

Elephant families may once again be found moving toward or away from the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Birdwatching in Samburu

Even on a short safari, birdlife adds another dimension to the experience.

Samburu's combination of riverine habitat and arid landscapes supports an impressive variety of birds.

Depending on season, location and luck, you may encounter hornbills, kingfishers, bee-eaters, eagles, vultures, guinea fowl, starlings, weavers, doves, rollers and numerous other species.

Large terrestrial birds such as ostriches are particularly noticeable.

Travelers specifically interested in birds should tell us in advance so that more emphasis can be placed on bird identification during game drives.

Breakfast and Departure

After your morning wildlife experience, return for breakfast if it was not taken before the drive.

You then check out and begin the journey back to Nairobi.

The return drive again passes through changing landscapes as the dry northern country gradually gives way to the greener central Kenyan highlands.

Stops can be made along the route for lunch or refreshments depending on your preferred arrangements and the timing of the journey.

Arrival in Nairobi is generally expected during the late afternoon or evening, although the exact time depends heavily on road and city traffic.

Your driver-guide transfers you to your Nairobi hotel, residence or another agreed location, marking the end of your 2 Days Samburu Safari.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch depending on package arrangements

Main Activities: Morning wildlife viewing and return transfer to Nairobi

Approximate Driving Time: Approximately 5–6+ hours plus stops and traffic

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is situated in northern Kenya along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Together with neighboring protected landscapes, it forms part of an important wildlife ecosystem characterized by arid and semi-arid habitats.

Unlike the sweeping grasslands commonly associated with the Masai Mara, Samburu is defined by dry plains, thorn scrub, rocky formations, riverine woodland and scattered doum palms.

The Ewaso Nyiro River is central to the ecosystem.

Animals regularly travel toward the river to drink, particularly during dry periods. This concentration of wildlife around water can produce excellent viewing opportunities.

The reserve is also relatively compact, allowing travelers on a short safari to explore productive wildlife areas without spending entire days moving between distant sectors.