Wildlife Safarislocation_on
Kenya schedule
7 Days / 6 Nights
7 Days Northern Kenya Safari – Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba
Overview
Journey into the untamed wilderness of Northern Kenya on this extraordinary 7-day safari through the legendary Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, and Shaba National Reserve. This immersive expedition showcases dramatic semi-arid landscapes, winding riverine forests, and remarkable wildlife found only in Kenya's northern frontier.
Discover the famous Samburu Special Five—Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx—alongside elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos, and over 450 bird species. Follow the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River, explore rugged wilderness, and experience authentic luxury in one of Africa's most captivating safari destinations.
schedule
Duration
7 Days
groups
Group Size
1–1,000 Pax
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Destination
Kenya
language
Language
All International Languages
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Begin your adventure with an early morning departure from Nairobi, travelling through Kenya's lush central highlands and crossing the Equator en route to the rugged wilderness of Samburu National Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch at your safari lodge before embarking on your first afternoon game drive along the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River. Look out for elephants, lions, leopards, crocodiles, and the unique Samburu Special Five as the sun sets over the dramatic northern landscape.
Spend a full day exploring the spectacular landscapes of Samburu. Morning and afternoon game drives take you deep into one of Kenya's richest wildlife ecosystems, where you may encounter Grevy's zebras, reticulated giraffes, gerenuks, Beisa oryx, Somali ostriches, elephants, cheetahs, lions, and leopards. The reserve is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with hundreds of resident and migratory bird species.
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive as you leave Samburu and enter Buffalo Springs National Reserve, located just across the river.
Buffalo Springs offers a slightly different landscape—open plains, volcanic lava formations, and natural springs that attract large concentrations of wildlife.
Arrive at your lodge or camp for check-in and lunch.
In the afternoon, proceed for a game drive exploring Buffalo Springs. Expect elephant herds, giraffes, zebras, oryx, and predators moving between Samburu and Buffalo Springs freely.
The landscapes here are more open, offering excellent visibility for photography and long-range wildlife viewing.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Today is dedicated to exploring Shaba Conservancy, one of Kenya’s most dramatic and least crowded safari areas.
Shaba is characterized by volcanic terrain, rugged hills, lava flows, and desert-like scenery. It offers a completely different safari feel compared to Samburu and Buffalo Springs.
Morning game drive focuses on predator tracking and elephant movement along river corridors.
You may encounter lions resting on rocky ridges, leopards in shaded riverine forests, and large herds of Grevy’s zebra and oryx moving across open plains.
Picnic lunch is taken inside the conservancy, followed by afternoon photography sessions in golden light across volcanic landscapes.
Return to camp for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning game drive or optional Samburu cultural village visit.
This cultural experience introduces you to the Samburu people—semi-nomadic pastoralists closely related to the Maasai. You will experience traditional dances, warrior ceremonies, beadwork craftsmanship, and learn about their deep connection with livestock and wildlife.
In the afternoon, return for a relaxed game drive along the river ecosystem focusing on elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife such as kingfishers, bee-eaters, and hornbills.
Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Today is a full immersion into Northern Kenya’s wilderness rhythm.
Early morning game drives offer the best predator activity, especially lions hunting or moving before sunrise. The soft golden light also creates ideal photography conditions.
The day continues with slow-paced exploration of different habitats—riverbanks, dry plains, and rocky outcrops—searching for rare sightings and observing natural animal behavior without rush.
This is a day for patience, photography, and connection with the wilderness.
Return to camp for sunset relaxation, dinner, and storytelling around the fire.
Enjoy your final sunrise in the African wilderness with a relaxed breakfast or an optional early morning game drive, offering one last opportunity to spot elephants, big cats, and the unique Samburu Special Five.
After checking out, begin your scenic journey back to Nairobi through Isiolo and Nanyuki, passing the lush central highlands as the landscape transforms from Northern Kenya's rugged wilderness to fertile farmlands. Make an optional stop at the Equator crossing or admire the magnificent views of Mount Kenya before continuing to Nairobi.
Arrive in the afternoon, bringing your unforgettable Northern Kenya Wilderness Safari to a close.
check_circle Included
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Airport meet and greet upon arrival.
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Private airport and safari transfers.
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Transport in a custom-built 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof.
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Services of a professional Gold-Certified safari guide.
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6 nights' accommodation in carefully selected premium safari lodges/camps.
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Full board meals throughout the safari (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).
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All park entrance fees for Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, and Shaba National Reserve.
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Morning and afternoon game drives throughout the safari.
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Unlimited wildlife viewing opportunities.
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Opportunity to see the Samburu Special Five and the Big Cats.
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Birdwatching opportunities in diverse habitats.
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Bottled drinking water during safari activities.
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Government taxes and statutory levies.
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24/7 safari support from Trip Genius Advisory Tours & Safaris.
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International and domestic flights.
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Kenya visa fees.
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Travel insurance.
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Optional cultural visits and activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
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Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs.
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Alcoholic and soft drinks.
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Tips and gratuities for safari guides and lodge staff.