Magical Kenya with the Samburu Special Five-Jeep
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Nairobi
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Samburu Sopa Lodge, Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp, Enkorok Mara Camp, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Man Eaters Lodge
Magical Kenya with the Samburu Special Five-Jeep
Embark on a magical safari in Kenya, delving into the captivating world of the Samburu National Reserve. This adventure not only allows you to witness the renowned Big Five but also offers the chance to encounter the “Samburu Special Five,” a collection of unique northern specialist species. With a backdrop of stunning landscapes and the Ewaso Nyiro River, this journey showcases Kenya’s natural beauty and the rich diversity of its wildlife.
Trip Highlights
- Seek out rare northern specialist species.
- Encounter diverse animals in the unique landscapes.
- Explore the lifeline that attracts wildlife.
- Discover the allure of lesser-known reserves.
- Reach the reserve, situated around 350 kilometers from Nairobi.
Itinerary
You'll depart to Samburu National Reserve. Due to its remote nature, Samburu has become the preferred game reserve for tourists looking for a quieter safari with fewer game vehicles. However, it receives the second-highest number of visitors after the Maasai Mara.
The Samburu people live on the outskirts of the reserve in rural villages that survive primarily off the land. There is a lot of cultural interest at these villages and guests are given the opportunity to visit as a part of day-trip activities.
This is one of 2 reserves where researchers and conservationists, Joy and George Adamson, became famous for raising lioness, Elsa. Their story was portrayed in the well-known book, Born Free.
Main Destination: Samburu National Reserve
Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge
Meals & Drinks:
- Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Have an early morning breakfast by 5.50 am. Thereafter, you will set out for an early morning game drive in the reserve.
Samburu offers great wildlife viewing, and good densities mean that most safari animals can be seen within a couple of days. There are several habituated leopards and their sightings are not unusual. Elephants are plentiful and there is a variety of antelope, including both the greater and lesser kudu, with their impressive horns. Only rhino is absent from the Big Five.
Main Destination: Samburu National Reserve
Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
On this last day, you will have a wake up at 5:00 am for breakfast. Thereafter, leave for Lake Naivasha with a stop over in Nanyuki for lunch. Arrive in Naivasha in the evening when you will be dropped at your guest house to freshen up and go for an optional boat ride.
Main Destination: Lake Naivasha
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, you we drive to Hells Gate National Park. The next destination is a 4-hour outstanding journey from Lake Naivasha to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the new Seven Wonder of the World. Depending on your luck, you can observe the spectacular cross-border wildebeest’s migration event and an exclusive World Heritage Site. Maasai Mara is the most significant game sanctuary populated with wildlife enthusiasts and millions of wildebeests during the high season between July to March.
Main Destination: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation: Enkorok Mara Camp
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Have another full day to explore the historic Maasai Mara National Reserve. A full day spent game viewing across the rich, tree studded grassland and rolling hills. The famous Mara is renowned for its great herds, plains game, black manned lion, leopards and cheetahs. It also has numerous elephants and virtually every type of wildlife to be found in Kenya.
Main Destination: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation: Enkorok Mara Camp
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, we will leave for the spectacular Amboseli National Park. You will arrive at Amboseli National Park and do a late evening game drive if time allows. Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, the Amboseli National Parks is one of Kenya’s most popular parks. The name “Amboseli” comes from a Maasai word meaning “salty dust”, and it is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close.
Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulphur springs, the savannah and woodlands. They can also visit the local Maasai community who live around the park and experience their authentic culture.
Main Destination: Amboseli National Park
Best Time To Visit: June to October and January to February
High Season: December to March and July to October (Busy)
Best Weather: June to September and January to February (Little rainfall)
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Have an early morning breakfast at 6.30 am and leave with packed lunch for a full day game drive. You will spend time in the park with a great view of its popular residents like the well-known predators and the targeted herbivores like zebras, giraffes, hippos and big elephants. You will also have a great view of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Main Destination: Amboseli National Park
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
On this day, you will wake up early for breakfast before leaving for Tsavo East with a picnic lunch. Tsavo East is the largest protected area in Kenya, a land of unparalleled biodiversity and naturally home to Africa’s “Big Five”, black rhino, Cape buffalo, elephant, leopard, and of course, lion.
On your game drives here you can also come upon eland, gerenuk, impala and Maasai giraffe. And the birds! Over 500 species like the black kite, lovebird and sacred ibis await your discovery.
Here, too, the land calls out to be explored. You can traverse the Yatta Plateau, at 300km, the world’s longest lava flow.
You will arrive late in the evening. Depending on your time of arrival, you may have an evening game drive. If time doesn’t allow, you will relax at the lodge for dinner as you prepare for an early morning game drive the following day.
Main Destination: Tsavo East National Park
Best Time To Visit: June to October and January to February (Best for general wildlife viewing; little rainfall)
High Season: December to March and July to October (Not busy)
Best Weather: June to September and January to February (Little rainfall)
Accommodation: Man Eaters Lodge
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Your full game drive starts when you will see a number of the Big Five. Visit the famous Aruba dam where lots of wildlife can be seen. Later, drive for lunch. Return to the park for a thrilling evening game drive. This is a wonderful day in the ancient Tsavo East National Park.
Main Destination: Tsavo East National Park
Accommodation: Man Eaters Lodge
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinks not included
After breakfast in Tsavo East, we will head to Tsavo West National Park with game viewing en-route to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary. This is a full day day game drive in Tsavo West. Game drives includes a visit to Mzima Springs where hippos, crocodiles, different species of fish can be seen in crystalline clear water. You can also see lots of different species of birds. Proceed with your game drive visiting the Shetani Lava Flow, where you will be able to see the Africa’s highest snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro from a distance.
Main Destination: Tsavo West National Park
Accommodation: Man Eaters Lodge
Meals & Drinks:
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
You will enjoy an early morning game drive in search of animals killing and eating. This is a life time experience for any tourist visiting the park. You will later go back to the camp and freshen up before leaving for Nairobi.
Main Destination: Nairobi (City)
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
- Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Day 1: Lunch & dinner
- Day 2-10: All meals
- Day 11: Breakfast & lunch
- Drinking water
Cost Excludes
- Day 1: Breakfast not included
- Day 11: No accommodation
- Day 11: Dinner not included
- Other Drinks
FAQs
The “Samburu Special Five” includes Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and beisa oryx. They are unique to the region and a highlight of Samburu safaris.
Essentials include lightweight clothing, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and warm clothing for cooler times. Consult with your tour operator for specific recommendations.
While guided night drives may be available, night safaris are less common in Samburu compared to other reserves.
Accommodation options range from budget-friendly lodges to luxurious tented camps, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Many tour operators offer customizable itineraries, allowing you to extend your adventure to additional destinations in Kenya, based on your interests.