7-Day Northern Kenya Wilderness Safari

Day 1: Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve

  • Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive north through Kenya’s central highlands, passing tea and coffee plantations.
  • Arrive in Samburu National Reserve by midday, check-in at your lodge/camp, and enjoy lunch.
  • Afternoon game drive, searching for the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.
  • Sunset at Ewaso Nyiro River, where elephants and leopards often come to drink.

Day 2: Full-Day Samburu Safari & Cultural Experience

  • Early morning game drive, best for spotting big cats like leopards, lions, and cheetahs.
  • Breakfast at the lodge, followed by a visit to the Ewaso Nyiro River, where crocodiles and hippos thrive.
  • Visit a Samburu village, learning about their semi-nomadic lifestyle, beaded jewelry, and traditional dances.
  • Afternoon game drive, with a stop at the Samburu viewpoint for panoramic views of the reserve.

Day 3: Buffalo Springs & Shaba National Reserve

  • Explore Buffalo Springs, known for its natural springs, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife.
  • Midday bush picnic under an acacia tree, enjoying the peaceful wilderness.
  • Visit Shaba National Reserve, famous as the setting of the book Born Free.
  • Sunset drive back to the lodge, followed by a bonfire dinner under the stars.

Day 4: Transfer to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

  • Morning drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a renowned rhino sanctuary.
  • Visit the last two northern white rhinos on Earth and learn about conservation efforts.
  • Explore the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to rescued chimpanzees.
  • Afternoon game drive, with chances to spot elephants, lions, and African wild dogs.

Day 5: Aberdare National Park – Waterfall & Forest Adventure

  • Depart Ol Pejeta for Aberdare National Park, a mountainous region with dense forests and spectacular waterfalls.
  • Game drive in search of bushbucks, giant forest hogs, and rare black leopards.
  • Afternoon hike to Karuru Falls, Kenya’s tallest waterfall, for stunning views.
  • Stay at The Ark Lodge, where animals gather at a lit-up waterhole for nighttime viewing.

Day 6: Scenic Drive Back to Nairobi

  • Wake up to views of wildlife at the lodge’s waterhole.
  • Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before starting the drive back to Nairobi.
  • Stop at Thomson’s Falls for a short scenic break and photography.
  • Arrive in Nairobi by afternoon, marking the end of the adventure.

Day 7: Departure or Optional City Tour

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your airport transfer.
  • Optional city tour visiting the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, or Karen Blixen Museum.
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