Samburu Itineraries: 3, 5 and 8 Day Sample Safaris in Northern Kenya

Samburu National Reserve sits in hot, semi-arid country north of Mount Kenya, where the Ewaso Nyiro river draws wildlife to its banks. Neighbouring Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves extend the landscape, and Samburu communities live alongside it.

The reserve is known for the so-called special five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx and gerenuk. These sample plans show how to see them while keeping travel days manageable.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Planning Your Samburu Days

Samburu is a place for unhurried game drives rather than long lists of activities. The river is the heart of the reserve, so many sightings cluster there in the morning and evening. For a fuller introduction, read the Samburu National Reserve guide. Samburu can be reached by a long road day or by a short scheduled flight, so decide early which suits your budget and tolerance for travel.

Three-Day Itinerary: A Short Northern Safari

• Day 1: Travel from Nairobi by road via Nanyuki and Isiolo, or fly to a Samburu airstrip. Settle in and take an evening drive.
• Day 2: Dawn game drive along the river, a midday rest, then an afternoon drive in Buffalo Springs or the reserve’s plains.
• Day 3: Last morning drive and travel back to Nairobi or onward.

This plan trades breadth for depth. It is a good choice if you already have other parks on your list and only want a taste of the north.

Five-Day Itinerary: Laikipia and Samburu

• Day 1: Nairobi to Ol Pejeta with an afternoon drive.
• Day 2: Rhino and chimpanzee visits, plus an optional night drive.
• Day 3: Journey north to Samburu, arriving in time for an evening outing.
• Day 4: Full day in Samburu, split between river drives and a visit to a Samburu community if your operator arranges one respectfully.
• Day 5: Morning drive, then return to Nairobi by road or flight.

Combining a highland conservancy with a dry-country reserve shows two distinct sides of Kenya within a single working week.

Eight-Day Itinerary: Samburu, Lake Nakuru and the Mara

• Days 1 to 3: Nairobi to Samburu, with two full days of drives.
• Day 4: Travel south to Lake Nakuru and enjoy an afternoon in the park.
• Day 5: Morning at Nakuru, then continue towards the Mara.
• Days 6 to 7: Two full days in the Masai Mara.
• Day 8: Fly or drive back to Nairobi.

This is a loop that suits travellers who want both arid-country specialities and the classic savannah wildlife of the Mara.

Pacing Advice

Samburu is hot by day, so keep drives short in the middle hours and use lodge pools or shade. Do not schedule more than one long transfer day in a row. If you fly, remember the baggage limits; see flying safaris explained. Give yourself two full nights at minimum so that you do not spend the whole stay on the road.

Best Time and Packing

Samburu is rewarding in most months, with dry periods making animals easier to find along the river. Pack light neutral clothing, a hat, sunscreen and a warm layer for early drives. Consult best time to visit Kenya and the packing list. Official reserve fees apply and your operator will confirm what is included.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team