9 Day North Kenya Small Group Tour

Day Overview

Days 1 – 3: Samburu National Reserve – The Northern Frontier

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be met by your local guide and given a warm Kenyan welcome. After introductions and a brief orientation, begin your scenic journey north. Drive into the rugged landscapes of Samburu National Reserve, a region known for its striking semi-arid scenery and unique wildlife species found nowhere else in Kenya. Over the next three days, enjoy morning and afternoon game drives through Samburu’s dramatic terrain, with its acacia woodlands, palm-fringed riverbanks, and towering kopjes.

Look out for the Samburu Special Five – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk – along with elephants, lions, and leopards often spotted near the Ewaso Nyiro River. Between game drives, relax at your lodge, soaking in the sounds of the wilderness.

Days 4 – 6: Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Wildlife and Conservation

Depart Samburu and travel south to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s most inspiring wildlife sanctuaries and a model of modern conservation. Spanning 90,000 acres on the Laikipia Plateau, Ol Pejeta is home to the Big Five, as well as endangered species such as black rhinos and the last two remaining northern white rhinos.

During your stay, enjoy thrilling game drives and visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, East Africa’s only refuge for rescued chimpanzees. Learn about the conservancy’s groundbreaking anti-poaching efforts and community initiatives. With opportunities for bush walks, night drives, or simply unwinding at your camp overlooking the plains, Ol Pejeta offers an unforgettable safari experience.

Day 7: Aberdare National Park – Forest Wildlife Viewing

After an early morning game drive and breakfast, continue your journey to the lush, forested slopes of Aberdare National Park. Stop for lunch at the charming Aberdare Country Club, your base for the night. Later, you’ll be transferred to The Ark Lodge, a unique tree lodge overlooking a floodlit waterhole and salt lick that attracts elephants, buffalo, and other forest animals. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure, watching wildlife from the lodge’s viewing decks.

Day 8: Return to Nairobi

After breakfast, depart Aberdare with a leisurely drive back toward Nairobi, enjoying scenic views along the way. In the capital, visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can hand-feed endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. Enjoy a farewell lunch at the iconic Carnivore Restaurant, famous for its open-air barbecue and vibrant atmosphere. Later, transfer to your hotel for your final night stay in Nairobi

Day 9: Departure