Highlights
- Embark on wildlife safaris in the hidden-gem parks and reserves of northern Kenya
- See elephants from the terrace of your safari lodge in Aberdare National Park
- Spot the rare "Special Five" animals of Samburu National Reserve
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Nairobi, Transfer to Aberdare, Afternoon Game Drive | Aberdare National Park |
| Day 2 | Aberdare Morning & Afternoon Game Drives | Aberdare National Park |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Samburu National Reserve | Samburu Reserve |
| Day 4 | Samburu Morning & Afternoon Game Drives | Samburu Reserve |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Nairobi, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi, Transfer to Aberdare, Afternoon Game Drive
Welcome to Kenya! One of the globe's most popular safari destinations, there's much to see in this East African nation, and you've only got five days to see it. Not to worry, as the action starts right upon arrival in the capital of Nairobi. A driver will pick you up for the four-hour drive north to Aberdare National Park. This 296 square-mile (767 sq km) protected area lies in the dazzling Aberdare Mountain Range, known for its diverse ecosystems and dramatic landscapes.
You'll be staying at The Ark, a luxury safari lodge in the park. It's located next to a watering hole that attracts various animals, including elephant herds. If all goes according to plan, you'll arrive in time for lunch and can enjoy your meal while marveling at the exotic wildlife just beyond the terrace.
Afterward, kick off your grand adventure with an afternoon game drive. Aberdare, known as "The Majestic Moorland," is a great introduction to Kenya's natural beauty as it's defined by lush forested ravines and wide-open moorlands home to various animals. These include elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, buffaloes, warthogs, and bushbucks, among others.
Day 2: Aberdare Morning & Afternoon Game Drives
Rise and shine for a full day of safaris! The first of the day's two game drives begin at dawn when the animals are most active. Set off in a 4WD vehicle across the park's lush terrain, where your driver/guide will lead you to sites where the animals often congregate, like water sources. Throughout the morning, you'll spot most (if not all) of the famous Big Five animals: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.
Return to the lodge in time for lunch, after which you can relax. Later, head out on an afternoon game drive to spot some of the more elusive park residents, like giant forest hogs and the African golden cat. There are also more than 250 species of birds in Aberdare, including the Jackson's francolin, sparrow hawks, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds, and plovers. At the end of the day, you'll return to the lodge in time to enjoy a sundowner followed by dinner.
Day 3: Transfer to Samburu National Reserve, Afternoon Game Drive
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Leave Aberdare this morning on a four-hour transfer northeast to Samburu National Reserve. Situated around the Ewaso Nyiro River, this 64-square-mile (165 sq km) game reserve features ruggedly beautiful landscapes, including acacia woodlands and savanna grasslands.
Your destination is the Ashnil Samburu Camp, a luxury tented camp set in a prime location overlooking the river. This vital waterway provides a lifeline for the rare wildlife here, known as the "Samburu Special Five." These include the reticulated giraffe, Grévy's zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and the gerenuk (a long-necked antelope). Spotting these rare species is a real treat, and you can give it a try during an afternoon game drive.
Day 4: Samburu Morning & Afternoon Game Drives
This morning, venture out on safari to spot the Special Five. Two game drives are on the itinerary today, affording more opportunities to witness the park's unique species. But that's not all—the reserve is also home to traditional safari animals like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and buffalo.
You'll also take a trip to Buffalo Springs, which is adjacent to the reserve. This is another off-the-beaten-path safari destination and features an abundance of elephants. Another fun activity is visiting a Samburu village to meet the locals and learn about their agrarian way of life. The cattle, goat, and camel-herding Samburu people are closely related to the Maasai and also wear a traditional dress of handmade blankets and beads.
Day 3: Transfer to Nairobi, Depart
More Great Kenya Itineraries
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