~Great Rift Valley Safari~

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On Day 2, you will take an early morning flight to the wonderful Samburu National Reserve. A private transfer between your lodge and the airport will be provided. Sit back and relax during this short flight from Nairobi to Samburu. Approximate flight duration is 75 minutes. Your accommodations will be at the Elephant Bedroom Camp (or similar).

Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply to this flight: 1)  Maximum weight allowance of 32 lbs (15 kg) is permitted per person. 2)  Baggage must be soft-shelled. 3) Additional baggage allowance can be arranged at additional cost, please speak to your Destination Expert for more information.

Fight to Samburu

The flight from Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve is a scenic journey that showcases the dramatic landscapes of northern Kenya. Departing from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, small safari aircraft head north, typically taking about 1 to 1.5 hours. Shortly after takeoff, the city’s outskirts give way to rolling coffee farms and savannah plains, followed by the rugged terrain of central Kenya. As the flight continues north, you will be treated to aerial views of Mount Kenya’s snow-capped peaks, a stunning highlight on clear mornings. 

Beyond the mountain, the landscape transforms into arid plains and winding river valleys, signaling the approach to Samburu’s semi-desert ecosystem. The plane descends over the Ewaso Nyiro River, often revealing herds of elephants, giraffes, and zebras below before landing at one of Samburu’s bush airstrips. It’s a short yet spectacular flight that perfectly sets the tone for the wild beauty awaiting in Kenya’s northern frontier. 

Samburu National Reserve

The Samburu National Reserve offers a safari experience unlike anywhere else. Its arid landscapes along the Ewaso Nyiro River are home to rare and iconic species found only in this region—the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and beisa oryx. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal a striking contrast of golden savannah and lush riverine forest, where elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs roam freely. The park’s tranquil atmosphere, dramatic scenery, and exceptional wildlife viewing make Samburu a hidden gem for travelers seeking a more intimate and authentic safari adventure in Kenya.

Mornings bring the chance to join a guided bush walk, where expert rangers reveal animal tracks, birds, and medicinal plants up close. Adventurous travelers can embark on a camel safari across the golden plains at sunrise, spotting giraffes and antelopes from a unique perspective. Nearby, the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary provides an inspiring opportunity to watch rescued elephants being cared for by the local community. Cultural encounters with the Samburu people, known for their colorful attire and warm hospitality, offer deep insight into traditional life in northern Kenya. Whether exploring on foot, by camel, or through authentic local experiences, Samburu delivers unforgettable adventure beyond the safari vehicle.

Morning Tours

After settling at your lodge, you will set out on your first morning game drive. On your morning game drives in Samburu, you’re likely to encounter a mix of wildlife that is adapted to the semi-arid environment of northern Kenya. Morning is a great time because animals are usually more active before the heat of the day. Samburu is known for species that are rarely seen elsewhere in Kenya such as the:

• Grevy’s Zebra – Larger and more striped than the common plains zebra;

• Gerenuk – The “giraffe-necked” antelope, often standing on hind legs to reach leaves;

• Reticulated Giraffe – Distinct pattern, often seen feeding on acacia trees;

• Beisa Oryx – A striking antelope with long, straight horns; and,

• Somali Ostrich – Larger and paler than the common ostrich.

Here are some other excellent morning-activities near or in Samburu National Reserve that complement your game drives and offer a deeper safari experience:

• Guided walking safari in a nearby conservancy: Explore on foot with a ranger to observe wildlife tracks, birds, insects and plants in intimate detail.

• Camel-trek safari at dawn: Ride a camel through the savannah for a quieter, slower-paced way to experience the landscape and spot giraffes, zebras and oryx from a unique vantage.

• Visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary: Early morning time offers a chance to watch orphaned elephants being fed and cared for and to learn about the community-based conservation projects in the area. 

• Cultural visit to a Samburu village: Engage with the local Samburu people community while the morning energy is still fresh—see traditional bead-work, music, dance and learn about their lifestyle. 

• Bird-watching by the river: Early hours are ideal for spotting waterbirds and birds of the bush in the Ewaso Nyiro river zone, with softer light and quieter wildlife presence.   

Afternoon Tours

Afternoon game drives in Samburu are a very different experience from the morning mainly because temperatures rise and many animals become less active. Afternoons are prime for water-dependent and raptor birds. Here’s what you’re likely to encounter:

• Eagles, vultures, and hawks riding thermal currents;
• Herons, kingfishers, storks at rivers or waterholes; 
• Ostriches and bustards wandering across the plains; and,
• Predator tracking – Afternoon is good for looking for tracks and signs (lion prints, leopard scat).

Here are some other great afternoon activity ideas near or within Samburu National Reserve to complement your game drives:

• Camel rides along the dry riverbeds or beside the river, often timed for late afternoon so you can enjoy a sundowner in the bush. 
• Nature walks or guided walks in private conservancies bordering the reserve — these offer a slower-paced way to explore the bush in the afternoon light. 
• Sundowners on a kopje or scenic viewpoint — climb a small hill or rock outcrop for panoramic views of the plains and riverbanks as the sun sets.  
• Cultural visit to a Samburu village in the later afternoon, to learn about traditional life, music, beadwork and the local community’s relationship with the wilderness.  
• Quad-biking or light adventure drive around dry riverbeds and less-visited tracks, giving access to off-road terrain and different wildlife vantage points in the afternoon

Please Note: A fee  for the Samburu Village Visit is paid in cash directly to the Samburu  Elder. The cost is anywhere from $40-50 USD per person (and is not included).

Where you’ll be staying

• Elephant Bedroom Camp (or similar)
• Full Board

Your guide will pick you up in the morning where you will travel to the nearby airstrip for your return to Nairobi. This short domestic flight departs from Masai Mara and arrives at Wilson  Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. Approximate flight duration is 45 minutes.

Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply to this flight: 1)  Maximum weight allowance of 32 lbs (15 kg) is permitted per person. 2)  Baggage must be soft-shelled. 3) Additional baggage allowance can be  arranged at additional cost, please speak to your Destination Expert for  more information.

When you arrive in Nairobi, you will have the opportunity to explore the local markets and shops so you can interact with the local vendors in search for the  perfect handicraft or souvenir for yourself or your loved ones. Your guide will let you know what time you will need to be prepared to depart for the airport. Traffic can get tricky so it is recommended to be prepared to arrive at the airport early!

When you are ready to depart your hotel for the airport, a private transfer between your hotel and the airport is provided. Your guide will help you navigate the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to ensure that you have stress free and timely departure. Remember to take plenty of pictures and share them with us!