3 Days Premium Samburu Special Five Safari

Book a 3-day premium Samburu Special Five safari with private game drives, luxury lodging, elephants and rare northern Kenya wildlife.

Search for Samburu’s rare northern species, elephant herds and predators across riverine woodland and rugged dryland scenery.

Our 3-Day Premium Samburu Special Five Safari is created for wildlife enthusiasts who want to experience the rare animals associated with Kenya’s northern drylands. The private road journey from Nairobi covers approximately 320 kilometres and normally takes six to seven hours. After arriving at a premium lodge or luxury tented camp, you will enjoy an afternoon game drive, separate morning and afternoon safaris on Day 2 and a final wildlife drive before returning to Nairobi. Our guide will focus on locating Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich while also searching for elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles and birds. Wildlife remains free-ranging, and completing the Special Five checklist cannot be guaranteed. Private transport, premium accommodation, personalised interpretation and carefully timed game drives create a rewarding northern Kenya safari.

Tour Highlights

Day 1

Nairobi to Samburu Special Five Country

Day 2

Morning and Afternoon Special Five Safari

Day 3

Final Wildlife Search and Nairobi

Tour Features

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Duration 3 Days

🚙

Tour Mode Drive In – Drive Out

🎯

Main Tour Focus Big 5 Safari

⛺

Tour Type Private Safari

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Special For Wildlife

Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu Special Five Country

Premium Northern Kenya Transfer

At approximately 5:30 AM in Nairobi, our driver-guide will collect you and assist with your luggage. You will begin the 320-kilometre road journey toward Samburu, with breakfast, lunch or refreshment and comfort stops arranged according to the final schedule.

Lodge Arrival and Wildlife Briefing

At around 12:30–1:30 PM in the Samburu area, you will check into your premium lodge or luxury camp and enjoy lunch. Our guide will introduce the Special Five and explain the habitats that will be explored.

First Rare Wildlife Search

From approximately 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM inside Samburu National Reserve, you will begin searching for reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, gerenuks, Beisa oryx and Somali ostriches. Elephants and predators may also be encountered before dinner.

Destination:

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

Overnight:

Elephant Bedroom Camp

premium luxury 5 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch, Dinner

Elephant Bedroom Camp (Premium Luxury 5 star lodge)

Day 2: Morning and Afternoon Special Five Safari

Sunrise Northern Species Drive

At around 6:00 AM inside Samburu National Reserve, our guide will explore riverine woodland, open plains and bushland while searching for missing Special Five species, elephants and possible big cats.

Breakfast and Wildlife Discussion

At approximately 9:00 AM at your premium lodge, you will return for breakfast and review the morning encounters. The midday break includes lunch, relaxation and time to prepare for the second safari.

Afternoon Rare Wildlife Exploration

From around 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM inside the reserve, you will explore another wildlife zone to improve habitat coverage. Our guide will continue searching for rare species while explaining their physical characteristics and dryland adaptations.

Destination:

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

Overnight:

Elephant Bedroom Camp

premium luxury 5 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Final Wildlife Search and Nairobi

Closing Samburu Game Drive

At approximately 6:00 AM inside Samburu National Reserve, you will enjoy a final game drive focused on species not yet seen and productive wildlife areas. The guide will also allow time for significant elephant or predator encounters.

Breakfast and Check-Out

At around 9:00 AM at your premium accommodation, you will return for breakfast and complete a final wildlife discussion. Check-out will normally take place at approximately 10:00 AM.

Samburu to Nairobi Journey

From around 10:00 AM, you will travel approximately 320 kilometres back to Nairobi in six to seven hours. A lunch and comfort stop will be included before final drop-off.

Destination:

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

TOUR PRICE/COST

We offer two pricing options:

Private Tour (Sharing Price)

The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.

Group Joining Tour

Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.

Gamedrive Cost

No of pax	Adult Price	Child Price
1 Pax	From $760 pp	From $570 pp
2 Pax	From $510 pp	From $383 pp
3 Pax	From $427 pp	From $320 pp
4 Pax	From $385 pp	From $289 pp
5 Pax	From $360 pp	From $270 pp
6 Pax	From $343 pp	From $258 pp
7+ Pax	From $331 pp	From $249 pp

PRICE INCLUSIONS & PRICE EXCLUSIONS

Inclusions

✓ Rescue fee

✓ Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)

✓ All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)

✓ All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)

✓ All Taxes/VAT

Exclusions

International flights to/from the start/end of the tour

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tips: tipping guideline

Personal items

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

The Booking Form

3 Days Premium Samburu Special Five Safari

Book a 3-day premium Samburu Special Five safari with private game drives, luxury lodging, elephants and rare northern Kenya wildlife.

N.B: After you send your booking we will get back to you with in 24 hours.

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Booking form

This form has four short pages please enter valid details. Filling this forms marks the official first step of your booking with us. After its submission you will receive an e-mail in the coming few hours telling you what to do next.

Personal Details

Contact Details

Travelers in Numbers

Number of Adults

Number of Children

Dates & Reach

When do you want to travel?

RELATED FAQS ABOUT 3 Days Premium Samburu Special Five Safari

1. What are the Samburu Special Five?

The Special Five are Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich. They are strongly associated with northern Kenya’s arid and semi-arid landscapes and are a major focus of Samburu wildlife safaris.

2. Are all five species guaranteed?

No. Although Samburu provides good opportunities to search for these animals, they move naturally across the ecosystem. Weather, vegetation, road access and available game-drive time influence sightings.

3. How can Grevy’s zebra be distinguished?

Grevy’s zebras generally have narrow, closely spaced stripes, large rounded ears and a white belly. They also have a different body shape and social structure from the more familiar plains zebra.

4. What makes the reticulated giraffe distinctive?

The reticulated giraffe has large, clearly defined reddish-brown patches separated by bright pale lines. Its geometric coat pattern is among the most recognisable features of Samburu wildlife.

5. Why is the gerenuk called a long-necked antelope?

The gerenuk has a long neck and slender body adapted to browsing shrubs and trees. It may stand upright on its hind legs to reach higher leaves, creating one of Samburu’s most memorable wildlife behaviours.

6. Will the safari include elephants and predators?

Yes. Although the Special Five are the main theme, the package remains a complete wildlife safari. Elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas and birds may also be encountered.

7. Is the vehicle private?

Yes. The package is planned as a private safari unless the confirmation states otherwise. This gives the guide more flexibility when selecting routes and spending time with important sightings.

8. Is three days enough for the Special Five?

Three days provide one afternoon drive, two Day 2 drives and a final morning safari. This offers a strong introduction, although additional nights create more time to search different habitats and rare species.

9. What should travellers bring?

Bring comfortable neutral clothing, closed shoes, a warm morning layer, sun protection, binoculars, cameras and personal medication. Dust protection for cameras and electronic equipment is also recommended.

10. Can this safari include Buffalo Springs or Shaba?

Yes. Depending on your accommodation, time, entrance arrangements and package design, Buffalo Springs or Shaba may be added. Additional reserve fees, transport time and programme changes may apply.

Unforgettable 3-Day Samburu Special Five Safari

5/5

We chose Samburu specifically for the Special Five, and the safari exceeded our expectations. Our guide explained each animal clearly and searched different habitats patiently rather than treating the experience as a rushed checklist. We saw Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, gerenuks and Somali ostriches, together with elephants and lions. The ...

By: Robert William Harris and Catherine Rose Harris

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Three Days among Samburu’s Rare Wildlife

5/5

The rare northern animals made Samburu completely different from the other parks we visited. We were especially impressed by the reticulated giraffes and long-necked gerenuks. Our guide was knowledgeable and realistic, explaining that wildlife could not be guaranteed. The separate morning and afternoon drives gave us enough time to search carefully...

By: Catherine Elise Dubois and Pierre Louis Dubois

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Premium Special Five Safari from Nairobi

5/5

The road journey was long but organised well, and the Samburu experience made it worthwhile. Our guide helped us distinguish Grevy’s zebras from plains zebras and explained how northern wildlife survives in the dry landscape. We also saw elephants, giraffes, ostriches and many birds. The accommodation and meals maintained a very comfortable premium...

By: Benjamin Karl Fischer and Anna Maria Fischer

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Rare Giraffes, Zebras and Samburu Elephants

5/5

We loved seeing wildlife that was new to us. The reticulated giraffes were beautiful, and the Grevy’s zebras had striking narrow stripes. Our guide gave us time to observe each species properly and never rushed us simply to complete a list. The elephants near the Ewaso Nyiro River added another unforgettable part of the safari.

By: Olivia Rose Campbell and Andrew James Campbell

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Excellent Premium Northern Wildlife Experience

5/5

Our guide combined strong wildlife knowledge with an honest and responsible approach. He explained that finding every Special Five species could not be promised, but he selected varied routes and habitats carefully. We enjoyed Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, gerenuks, elephants and several raptors. The private vehicle and luxury camp made the...

By: Andrew James Parker and Elizabeth Jane Parker

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Morning Search for the Samburu Special Five

5/5

The early drives were peaceful and productive. We watched gerenuks browse, found reticulated giraffes in the woodland and photographed Grevy’s zebras on open ground. The guide explained each species’ adaptation to dry northern Kenya. The lodge service was excellent, and the midday breaks helped us remain comfortable during the warm season.

By: Yuki Haruto Nakamura and Emi Sakura Nakamura

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Premium Three-Day Rare Wildlife Adventure

5/5

The Special Five were the main reason for our visit, but the overall wildlife variety was equally impressive. We saw elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, ostriches and many birds. The guide planned each drive around different habitats and recent wildlife movement. The premium accommodation and private transport made the long journey feel worthwhile.

By: Sofia Elena Rossi and Marco Antonio Rossi

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Samburu Gerenuk and Grevy’s Zebra Experience

5/5

Seeing a gerenuk stand upright to browse was one of the most unusual wildlife behaviours we had ever observed. Our guide allowed us enough time to watch and photograph it before moving. Grevy’s zebras and reticulated giraffes were also exceptional. The private vehicle and three-day schedule allowed a patient, high-quality safari.

By: Miguel Antonio Torres and Laura Isabel Torres

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Private Samburu Special Five Journey

5/5

This was a responsible and professionally guided wildlife safari. Our guide followed reserve rules, maintained respectful distances and avoided crowding animals. The Special Five focus gave the experience a clear purpose, but he never ignored important elephant or predator sightings. The camp, meals and road transfers were handled to an excellent s...

By: Liam Patrick O’Connor and Emma Rose O’Connor

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Memorable Special Five Safari with Premium Comfort

5/5

The three-day itinerary was ideal for our first Samburu safari. We enjoyed rare northern animals, elephant families, rugged scenery and excellent birdlife. The private vehicle provided flexibility, while the premium lodge gave us a comfortable place to relax between drives. Our guide’s patience, knowledge and realistic approach made the experience ...

By: Kavya Rohan Desai and Arjun Raj Desai

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3 Days Premium Samburu Special Five Safari

Search for Samburu’s rare northern species, elephant herds and predators across riverine woodland and rugged dryland scenery.

Tour Highlights

Tour Features

Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu Special Five Country

Day 2: Morning and Afternoon Special Five Safari

Day 3: Final Wildlife Search and Nairobi

TOUR PRICE/COST

Gamedrive Cost

PRICE INCLUSIONS & PRICE EXCLUSIONS

RELATED FAQS ABOUT 3 Days Premium Samburu Special Five Safari

REVIEWS FOR Search for Samburu’s rare northern species, elephant herds and predators across riverine woodland and rugged dryland scenery.