Samburu Game Reserve 2 Days 1 Night Safari

Our 2-days/ 1-night road safari to Samburu National Reserve from Nairobi is a fast-paced, action-packed wildlife trip focused on Kenya’s unique northern “Samburu Special Five” species (reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk).

The itinerary involves a long morning drive (approx. 6–7 hours) from Nairobi on Day 1, an afternoon game drive, an overnight stay at a lodge/camp, a morning game drive on Day 2, and a return drive to Nairobi, offering a quick, high-value, and less crowded experience. 

Samburu delivers a rewarding, authentic Kenya safari that feels wild, intimate, and far removed from the busier southern circuits. 

Note: 2 Days 1 Night Driving Time: Approximately 6–7 hours one way, covering roughly 350 km

Samburu National Reserve Highlights include

✓ Strong birdlife with over 450 recorded species
✓ Cultural connections with the Samburu people
✓ A quieter, more off-the-beaten-track Kenya safari experience
✓ Striking semi-arid landscapes broken by the Ewaso Ng’iro River
✓ Excellent wildlife sightings of elephant, lion, leopard, and cheetah
✓ The Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk

Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

0600 Hours – 0630 Hours: Pick-up from Nairobi hotel/JKIA and departure heading north through the scenic central highlands
1030 Hours – 1100 Hours: Brief stop at the Equator crossing in Nanyuki for photos
1230 Hours – 1300 Hours: Arrive at Samburu National Reserve (Archer’s Post Gate), proceed to the lodge/camp for check-in
1300 Hours – 1430 Hours: Lunch at the camp followed by time to relax or enjoy a siesta
1530 Hours – 1600 Hours: Embark on an afternoon game drive in the reserve, exploring the Ewaso Nyiro River area—a lifeline for wildlife in the arid landscape
1800 Hours – 1830 Hours: Return to the lodge/camp for sunset, followed by dinner and an overnight stay

Day 2: Samburu to Nairobi

0600 Hours – 0630 Hours: Early morning game drive, ideal for spotting predators, such as lions or leopards, and the ‘Special Five’ (Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Somali Ostrich)
0830 Hours – 0930 Hours: Return to the lodge for breakfast
1000 Hours – 1030 Hours: Check out and begin the journey back to Nairobi
1300 Hours – 1400 Hours: Lunch stop in Nanyuki (on own account)
1700 Hours – 1800 Hours: Arrive back in Nairobi, with drop-off at your hotel or the airport

Wildlife & Safari Experiences in Samburu National Reserve

Samburu’s wildlife viewing revolves around the river, which acts as a magnet in the dry north. In addition to elephants, lions, leopards, and other game, Samburu is home to some unique wildlife that thrives in the more arid landscape.

✓ Large elephant herds regularly visit the riverbanks
✓ Lions and leopards are commonly seen, especially near water
✓ Game drives feel intimate and unrushed due to lower visitor numbers
✓ Excellent birding, including the endemic vulturine Guineafowl, Somali Ostrich, and Yellow-billed Hornbills, as well as kingfishers, eagles, and bee-eaters
✓ Rare northern species not found in southern Kenya. The Samburu Special Five are the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk

Best Things to Do in Samburu National Reserve

Samburu offers classic safari activities with a strong sense of place and culture. Visitors to Samburu are surprised by its remote feel, unique wildlife, and arid landscapes

✓ Visit Samburu communities for cultural insight
✓ Birdwatching in riverine forests and open scrub
✓ Guided game drives along the Ewaso Ng’iro River
✓ Photography focused on rare species and dramatic light
✓Scenic sundowners overlooking rugged northern landscapes

Samburu Game Reserve 2 Days 1 Night Safari from Nairobi takes you to Samburu Game Reserve situated in the hot and arid fringes of Kenya’s vast Northern Frontier District.

Samburu Game Reserve covers 40 Square Miles and is located 350 km north of Nairobi within Isiolo District. Samburu Game Reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife and birds, and to the colourful cultural traditions of the Samburu, who are cousins of the Masai.

The reserve is home to elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, and zebras from the surrounding savannah plains. It is also home to the Samburu tribe, a pastoral people related to the Masai.

Species of the game unique to the Samburu game reserve include the beisa oryx, the long-necked Gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, the reticulated giraffe, and the blue-shanked Somali ostrich.

Samburu Game Reserve is not particularly well–known and is therefore not too crowded – a huge plus in Kenya where so many reserves are often overflowing with tourists. It is often grouped with the Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves because they lie so close together.

Day 1: Nairobi – Drive to Samburu Game Reserve
Day 2: Samburu Game Reserve – Drive to Nairobi

Day 1: Nairobi – Drive to Samburu Game Reserve

This morning, we travel by road to Kenya’s Northern Frontier District. Wild and rugged, Samburu is fiercely beautiful with its arid Savannah watered by the lovely Uaso Nyiro River.

It is also one of Kenya’s most protected areas and is home to species found only north of the equator, from the reticulated giraffe to Grevy’s zebras and Beisa oryxes.

In the afternoon, we explore the park in search of Lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, and other wildlife.

Accommodation Options
Luxury Accommodation: Soroi Larsens Camp 
Mid-Range Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge
Budget Accommodation: Lion King Bush Camp, Samburu

Meal Plan {Lunch & Dinner}

Day 2: Samburu Game Reserve – Drive to Nairobi

0630 Hours – 0830 Hours: Enjoy an early morning game drive. Return to your Lodge/ Hotel for a proper sit-down English breakfast

1000 Hours: Check out of the hotel and depart by road back to Nairobi, arriving mid-afternoon

Meal Plan {Breakfast}

Samburu Game Reserve 2 Days 1 Night Safari Rates Include

✓ 2 Extensive Game drives
✓ Pre–tour itinerary document
✓ All meals included while on safari
✓ All applicable Game Park entrance fees
✓ Guaranteed window seating with open-top
✓ Safari vehicles carry cold drinks and mineral water
✓ Round-trip transport from Nairobi to Samburu Game Reserve
✓ Multi-lingual Professional Safari Guide/ Driver. (Professional Safari Escort is available upon request)
✓ Accommodations of your choice in Samburu Game Reserve/ Buffalo Springs or Shaba National Reserve

Samburu Game Reserve Safari Rates Do Not Include

* International Airfare
* Accommodation in Nairobi
* A visit to a Samburu Cultural Village
* Cost of obtaining a passport and visas
* Gratuity for your professional driver guide
* Sundowner bush cocktails and bush dinner
* Gratuity for Porterage/ waiters at hotels, camps, and airports
* Personal expenses such as transfers to/ from the airport (supplement airport transfer cost applies for tours starting from the airport)
* Personal expenses such as traveling insurance, excess baggage fee, communication charges that include laundry, emails, faxes, and phone calls, beverages including luxury champagne, luxury spirits, beer, and wines during meals or meals not indicated in the itinerary

Mobile: + 254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com