Northern Kenya – 7 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Drive to Samburu National Reserve

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our representative and briefed on your Northern Kenya safari. You will then drive to Samburu National Reserve, a journey of approximately 5 to 6 hours through the beautiful landscape of northern Kenya. You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive to see the unique wildlife of Samburu, including Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Samburu.

Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Samburu National Reserve

After an early breakfast, you will depart for a full day game drive in Samburu National Reserve. Your Northern Kenya safari includes searching for the “Samburu Special Five” – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich. You will also see elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 350 bird species. The semi-arid landscape offers stunning photography opportunities with the Ewaso Nyiro River providing a lifeline for the wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush while surrounded by the wilderness. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

After breakfast, you will enjoy a morning game drive in Samburu before driving to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdares. The drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours through beautiful scenery. You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive in the conservancy. Your Northern Kenya safari includes visiting the rhino sanctuary, home to both black and white rhinos, and the chimpanzee sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees. Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Ol Pejeta.

Day 4: Full Day in Ol Pejeta Conservancy

After breakfast, you will depart for a full day of activities in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Your Northern Kenya safari includes morning and afternoon game drives, visiting the rhino sanctuary, and the chimpanzee sanctuary. Ol Pejeta is home to the Big Five, making it a must-visit destination. You will have a picnic lunch in the conservancy while enjoying the stunning views of Mount Kenya. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Ol Pejeta to Aberdare National Park

After breakfast, you will drive to Aberdare National Park, a journey of approximately 2 to 3 hours through beautiful highland scenery. You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon exploring the park. Your Northern Kenya safari includes game drives in Aberdare National Park, which is known for its mountain scenery, waterfalls, and forest wildlife including elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and the elusive bongo. The park offers a completely different landscape from the savannahs of Samburu and Ol Pejeta. Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Aberdare.

Day 6: Full Day Exploring Aberdare National Park

After breakfast, you will depart for a full day exploring Aberdare National Park. Your Northern Kenya safari includes wildlife viewing in the park’s diverse habitats, from mountain forests to moorlands. The park is famous for its elephants, buffalo, and rhinos, as well as its stunning waterfalls including the spectacular Karuru Falls. You will have a picnic lunch in the park while enjoying the cool mountain air and breathtaking scenery. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Aberdare to Nairobi – Departure

After breakfast, you will enjoy a final morning game drive in Aberdare National Park before driving back to Nairobi. The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, passing through the beautiful highland landscape. You will be dropped off at your hotel or airport for your departure. This marks the end of your Northern Kenya safari, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Kenya’s northern wilderness and conservation success stories.

What to See and Do

Wildlife Viewing in Samburu
Samburu National Reserve is home to the “Samburu Special Five” – the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich. These unique species are found nowhere else in Kenya, making Samburu a special destination. You will also see large herds of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. The Ewaso Nyiro River attracts a variety of wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles.

Wildlife Viewing in Ol Pejeta
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The conservancy is a rhino sanctuary, home to both black and white rhinos. You will also visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees. Your Northern Kenya safari includes learning about the conservation efforts that protect these endangered species.

Wildlife Viewing in Aberdare
Aberdare National Park offers a completely different landscape from the savannahs of Samburu and Ol Pejeta. The park is famous for its elephants, buffalo, and rhinos, as well as the elusive bongo. You will also see forest antelopes, colobus monkeys, and over 250 bird species. The park’s mountain scenery and waterfalls provide a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing.

Birdwatching
Samburu National Reserve has over 350 bird species, including kingfishers, bee-eaters, tawny eagles, and vultures. Ol Pejeta has a variety of bird species, including raptors and waterbirds. Aberdare National Park has over 250 bird species, including the African crowned eagle, mountain buzzard, and Jackson’s francolin.

Scenic Drives and Photography
The journey through the Great Rift Valley offers stunning panoramic views. The semi-arid landscape of Samburu with its doum palms and acacia trees offers unique photography opportunities. Ol Pejeta offers stunning views of Mount Kenya. Aberdare National Park offers spectacular mountain scenery and waterfalls.

Conservation Experiences
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a rhino sanctuary, home to both black and white rhinos. You will visit the rhino sanctuary and learn about the conservation efforts that have successfully protected these endangered animals. The conservancy is also home to the chimpanzee sanctuary, operated by the Jane Goodall Institute.

Cultural Experiences
Optional Samburu cultural village visits allow you to learn about the traditional way of life of the Samburu people, who are pastoral relatives of the Maasai. In Aberdare, you can learn about the local Kikuyu culture.