3 Day Samburu Simba Lodge Safari By Road From Nairobi

This 3-Day Samburu Simba Lodge Safari from Nairobi is one of our most popular budget road safaris. It provides a unique and affordable introduction to Kenya’s African wildlife safaris over just three days.

Day one starts with breakfast at the hotel in Nairobi, followed by our departure for Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. For the duration of this safari, our professional guide will drive you around in a 4×4 safari vehicle. We either have lunch along the way through Kenya’s farmlands or at our camp. Reaching Samburu, we make our way to Samburu Simba Lodge, inside Buffalo Springs Reserve. This cozy safari retreat is located in the Buffalo Springs National Reserve, adjacent to the Samburu National Reserve. It lies along the Ewaso Nyiro River, the life force of the reserve. Stay in one of 70 rooms spread across seven villa-style buildings amid the trees and bush indigenous to the area.

After settling in and relaxing for a bit, we set off into the wilds on our first 4×4 game drive in the Big Four Samburu National Reserve. The reserve consists of hot, dry plains and scrublands fringed by mountains, including the tall Ol Olokwe Mountain. In Samburu, you get the chance to encounter the traditional Samburu tribe and gain insight into their customs and culture.

The game drive takes us into the early evening, with a scenic stop for sundowners in the bush as the day fades into night in a show of colours. Then we head back to our lodge for dinner and a laid-back night in the bush, under starry African skies. The spacious rooms feature viewing decks that open to panoramic vistas, where wildlife roams freely, and sunrises paint the sky in golden hues.

Get an early start on day two, embarking on a 4×4 game drive in Samburu National Reserve after breakfast. We may see large predators and rare big mammals on our game drive, as well as over 350 bird species found here. Some of the most remarkable species of the park are the Somali ostriches, long-necked gerenuk antelopes, Grevy’s zebras, and Somali giraffes. Cheetahs, elephants, lions, and buffalo are frequently seen, along with various antelopes, including the striking gemsbok, gazelles, waterbuck, and tiny dikdiks.

Return to the lodge for lunch and a break, before setting off on our afternoon 4×4 game drive in the arid Samburu Reserve. The afternoon game drive is followed by free time to nap or dip into your plunge pool, and enjoy dinner at the Samburu Simba safari lodge.

On the final day of our 3-day Samburu Simba Lodge Safari, we leave the magnificent Samburu Game Reserve behind, after breakfast at the lodge. We drive back to the city, where you are dropped off at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or post-tour accommodation in Nairobi at about 1800 hours, bringing our wildlife adventure to a close.

About Samburu National Reserve

Samburu Reserve is considered one of the most untamed wilderness areas in Africa, with much of it remaining completely inaccessible until recently. The vast, breathtaking landscapes and the countless intriguing inhabitants of Samburu have mainly remained unaltered by man. Samburu offers visitors an authentic bush experience, off the beaten safari track of East Africa. Whether you are a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned adventurer, this region’s stark, wild beauty will stay with you.

Location of Samburu Reserve: The lesser-known Samburu National Reserve lies in the Samburu County, along the Ewaso Nyiro River. The reserve is centred around the permanent water source of the Ewaso Nyiro River, which lazily winds through the length of the park, giving rise to doum palm groves and thick riverine forests that attract a wide variety of animals, big and small. The shade of the lush vegetation along the water’s edge is a haven for animals seeking shelter from the equatorial sun and those coming to drink. Animals trek to this life-giving water source from an otherwise bone-dry landscape, and the riverbanks’ natural serenity offers prime wildlife-spotting and game-viewing opportunities.

Fame & Fauna of Samburu Game Reserve: While it is a relatively unknown travel destination, it is famous for two very special lionesses who have captured the public’s imagination over the years. The one is Joy and George Adamson’s lioness Elsa, on whom the book is based.

Large herds of elephants still roam freely, enjoying the vast beauty of Africa, and often have a reddish appearance from the red earth they use for dust baths. Sadly, there are alarmingly few rhinos left in this area due to the unscrupulous poaching activities plaguing much of Africa’s wild spaces. The very peculiar Gerenuk gazelle can be spotted here. Also known as the giraffe-gazelle, this long-necked antelope stands up on its hind legs to feed and is terrific to watch going about its daily business. Other noteworthy sightings include the shy Oryx and some of Africa’s largest crocodiles.

Tribal Samburu People: The Samburu people derive their name from the Samburu who live in this region. The Samburu tribe is a clan of the better-known Maasai people. It has a unique culture, leading a semi-nomadic existence as herders of camels, cattle, sheep, and goats across the parched African terrain. They have themselves become a popular tourist attraction and have so far avoided the negative impacts of mass tourism, retaining an authentic, genuine openness to visitors. Their singing, dancing, colourful and intricate beadwork, along with their immeasurable wealth of knowledge about the animals and environment, make meeting these gentle people a very special experience.

Samburu Area & Climate: Other places of interest in this area include the Lake Lokipi hot spring, a spectacular flamingo breeding ground, and Lake Turkana (also known as the Jade Sea). Fun activities include seasonal river rafting, camel riding safaris, the ships of the desert, and a visit to the Sarara Singing Wells, where you can witness the very special ritual of singing men drawing water from wells for their animals. Samburu is also the headquarters of the Save the Elephants Organisation, which works relentlessly to combat poaching and track and monitor individual and group elephants.

Although the climate in this equatorial region is pleasant year-round, the drier months (December to March and July to October) are best for game viewing.

Tour Accommodation in Samburu National Reserve

Samburu Simba Lodge is a family-friendly safari lodge in Samburu National Reserve, Kenya, overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River and the dramatic Samburu landscapes. The lodge is designed for comfort, relaxation, and adventure, offering spacious rooms, modern amenities, and a warm atmosphere.

Located in one of Kenya’s most scenic reserves, Samburu Simba Lodge provides an excellent base to explore the unique wildlife of northern Kenya, including the famous Samburu Special Five — Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.

Samburu Simba Lodge highlights include:

• Great location for wildlife and cultural experiences
• Ideal for families and groups with child-friendly facilities
• Panoramic views of the surrounding savannah and Ewaso Nyiro River
• Easily accessible via a 1-hour flight from Nairobi or a 6–7 hour scenic drive
• Situated in Buffalo Springs National Reserve, adjacent to Samburu National Reserve, northern Kenya, it is an affordable luxury safari lodge in northern Kenya
• With its swimming pool, lush gardens, and attentive service, the lodge is ideal for couples, families, and groups seeking an authentic yet comfortable safari experience

Samburu Simba Lodge Accommodation

• Spacious en-suite rooms with private balconies
• Family rooms and interconnecting units available
• Rooms equipped with comfortable beds, fans, and sitting areas
• Lodge facilities include a large swimming pool, bar, restaurant, and lounge

Samburu Simba Lodge Activities

• Bird Watching: Home to over 450 bird species
• Bush Sundowners: Enjoy magical sunsets in the wild
• Cultural Visits: Learn about Samburu traditions and lifestyle
• Nature Walks: Guided walks for close encounters with flora and smaller fauna
• Game Drives: Explore Samburu and Buffalo Springs reserves with sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, and the rare Samburu Special Five