4 Day Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Ol Pejeta Safari in Kenya
Northern Kenya Safari Tour
The Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Ol Pejeta safari begins with a departure towards Kenya’s Central Highlands. Keep watch for Mount Kenya rising dramatically through the clouds; a mesmerizing sight on clear days. Upon arrival in Samburu, you go on a thrilling search for the “Samburu Special Five” in their natural habitat. Expect to encounter the long-necked gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, and Somali ostrich during the scenic game drive. As the safari continues, herds of elephants are often seen crossing the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River. Later, you travel south to Ol Pejeta Conservancy for remarkable chimpanzee and rhino sanctuary visits.
Key information
- Group sizes of 2 to 6
- Children from the age of 7 are allowed to participate under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
- Starting point and ending point: Nairobi
- Services of an experienced English-speaking driver/guide
Highlights
- Game drives in Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Ol Pejeta
- Look out for the Samburu “Special Five”
- Witness herds of elephants crossing the Ewasa Nyiro River in Samburu
- Visit the chimpanzee and rhino sanctuaries in Ol Pejeta
- Swim in Buffalo Springs' natural hot spring
- See Mount Kenya peeking from the clouds
- 3 nights accommodation with full board
Skill level
- Intermediate
Types
4 activity days in English
Average daily hours of activity: 2
Accommodation
Lodge in Samburu National Reserve
Located inside the Samburu National Reserve in Northern Kenya, the lodge is built atop high ground allowing panoramic views of the vastness of Samburu shrub land and the hills beyond. All rooms have ensuite washroom facilities.
Lodge in Buffalo Springs Reserve
The lodge in Buffalo Springs Reserve overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro River. It is situated adjacent to the Samburu National Reserve and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, sometimes directly from your ensuite room.
Camp in Ol Pejeta
Tucked inside the Ol Pejeta's landscaped grounds and accessible via winding stone pathways, the camp’s accommodation offers an elegant retreat amid the breathtaking natural beauty of Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy. All tents feature electricity, an ensuite bathroom with hot and cold water, showers, and flushing WCs.
Program
Day 1 – Nairobi to Samburu Game Reserve
Early pick up from your Nairobi hotel in the morning and drive through central Kenya looking out for Mount Kenya peaking from the clouds. You continue north across the equator to Samburu National Reserve. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive.
Samburu is part of a lava plain that includes a diverse landscape of thorn scrub, red dirt, dried river beds, broken volcanic rock, steep hills, and rocky outcroppings. The region is home to the uncommon Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk antelope, Somali ostriches, lions and oryx, elephant, crocodile and numerous birds, which make excellent sighting. There is the option (at an extra cost) to visit a vibrant Samburu village to get a feel of their semi-nomadic way of life.
- Lunch and dinner included.
Day 2 – Buffalo Springs Game Reserve
Enjoy an early breakfast before you drive across to Buffalo Springs Game Reserve, which is separated from Samburu by the Ewaso Nyiro River. The river and its brown water (from which its name derives) dictates the landscape; when it flows, its wide banks are lined by swathes of green attracting an amazing variety of wildlife. By the side of the river the forest shade is home to the elephant, the long-necked gerenuk, the reticulated giraffe, and the occasional leopard.
The more adventurous can enjoy a swim in the natural spring located in the park; a refreshing experience offering respite from the hot sun.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 3 – Samburu/ Buffalo Springs to Ol Pejeta
Enjoy breakfast at leisure before you depart towards Ol Pejeta conservancy to see the wildlife and sanctuaries. This private conservancy is the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya for rehabilitation of these widely abused primates, with two groups living in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible.
Ol Pejeta is home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos, and a sanctuary for over 165 critically endangered black rhinos.
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy holds some of the highest predator densities in Kenya. The lions are the most numerous of the big cats, with six resident prides bringing the total lion population to 72. The Conservancy is also home to around 30 cheetahs, and 20 elusive leopards.
In the evening, you have the option to enjoy a night game drive in search of nocturnal creatures (payable direct).
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 4 – Ol Pejeta to Nairobi
Enjoy breakfast at leisure, an optional activity and final game drive as you exit the Conservancy.
Additional conservation activities offered by Ol Pejeta include guided bush and bird walks as well as lion or dog tracking.
You depart back for Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon with drop off at your hotel. End of services.
- Breakfast and lunch included.
Location
Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Ol Pejeta are special due to unique wildlife and landscapes. Samburu and Buffalo Springs Reserve are famous for the "Samburu Special Five" (Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and beisa oryx). Ol Pejeta is a leading conservation area, especially for rhinos, as it is home to the world's last two northern white rhinos and has the largest black rhino population in East Africa.
Food
Full board meals as per the itinerary are included in the price.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
Things to do (optional)
- Visit a vibrant Samburu village to get a feel of their semi-nomadic way of life
- Night game drive in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Lion tracking in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Meet the Northern white rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
What's included
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Transport and exclusive use of safari vehicle
- Services of an experienced English-speaking driver/guide
- Full board as per meal plan indicated
- 3 nights accommodation
- Drinking water on duration of tour
- Flying Doctors Service for emergency evacuation cover to supplement your medical cover
What's not included
- Gratuities to crew
- All personal travel insurance
- Optional activities e.g. village visits, night game drive in Ol Pejeta
- All hotel accommodation before and after the safari in Nairobi
- Additional drinking water and other drinks
- All airport/hotel/airport transfers (but can be arranged at extra cost)
- All personal expenses; e.g. laundry, telephones, etc.
- Any other extras not stated as included above
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer not provided
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
281 km away from your destination
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 50% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
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