“Came for the cats, left talking about the conservancies. Standing two metres from the last northern white rhino with a Samburu ranger explaining what's being done about it — that's not a safari experience, that's a perspective shift.”
About This Safari
Samburu, Ol Pejeta and Lewa — the species you won't see in the south, on conservancies that wrote the modern conservation playbook.
Northern Kenya is the country's other Kenya. Drier, scrubbier, less travelled — and home to the "Samburu Five" species that don't exist south of Mount Kenya. Reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich. Plus the densest rhino population in the country at Lewa, and the last northern white rhinos at Ol Pejeta.
Eight days. Three private conservancies, no public parks. Conservancies mean strict vehicle limits, off-road tracking, night drives and walking — none of which is permitted in national parks. Luxury-tier accommodation throughout, with several of the rooms widely considered the best in Kenya.
Highlights
What this trip is built around.
Three conservancies — no crowds, full off-road access.
Samburu Five species: reticulated giraffe, Grevy's, gerenuk, oryx, Somali ostrich.
Walking safaris with armed rangers — only possible on conservancies.
The last two northern white rhinos at Ol Pejeta.
Mount Kenya views from Lewa's higher ground.
Itinerary
Day by day.
Morning charter flight from Wilson to Samburu — one hour, with Mount Kenya filling the window on a clear day.
Lunch on arrival, then a late afternoon drive along the Ewaso Ng'iro river. Reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra typically work the riverbank in the late light.
Accommodation: SasaabMeals: BLD
What's Included
Inclusions & exclusions.
Included
- All internal flights (Wilson–Samburu, Samburu–Ol Pejeta, Lewa–Wilson)
- Private 4x4 game-viewer in each conservancy
- Local specialist guide in each conservancy
- All conservancy and rhino sanctuary fees
- Luxury accommodation on full-board basis
- House wines, beers and spirits at all camps
- Airport transfers in Nairobi
Not included
- International flights
- Kenya visa ($50 per person)
- Optional horseback safari ($300 per person, Lewa)
- Optional helicopter scenic ($1,200 for two)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
- Premium spirits and cellar wines
Route
Where you'll go.
Route: Nairobi → Samburu → Ol Pejeta / Lewa → Nairobi
Gallery
A taste of what you'll see.
Good to Know
Frequently asked.
From the Guestbook
What travellers said about this safari
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