3-Day Samburu Safari from Nairobi
Rare Wildlife Encounters, Untouched Wilderness & Northern Kenya Culture
From $490 per person | Private or Small Group Safari | Daily Departures
Take the road less traveled on this 3-day Samburu safari from Nairobi — an unforgettable adventure through Samburu National Reserve, one of Kenya’s most unique safari destinations. Home to the rare Samburu Special Five, stunning arid landscapes, and the winding Ewaso Nyiro River, this is the ultimate short Kenya safari for travelers who want something different from the usual routes.
Whether you’re looking for a budget Samburu safari package or a luxury Samburu safari lodge experience, this tour delivers exceptional wildlife, warm Samburu culture, and scenery that leaves a lasting impression.
3 days Samburu National Reserve Highlights
Private transfers from Nairobi to Samburu (and back)
4 thrilling Samburu game drives with expert guides
Incredible elephant sightings along the Ewaso Nyiro River
Track the Samburu Special Five Safari species
Stay in a budget, mid-range, or luxury Samburu lodge
Dramatic landscapes, acacia woodlands, and river oases
Optional cultural visit to a Samburu village
Samburu Safari Itinerary – 3 Days from Nairobi
Day 1: Nairobi – Samburu National Reserve (Afternoon Game Drive)
Depart Nairobi and travel north via Nanyuki and Isiolo
Enjoy scenic views of Mount Kenya and rural highland life along the way
Arrive at your lodge or camp inside Samburu National Reserve
Check in and enjoy a hearty lunch
Afternoon Game Drive
Begin your Samburu National Reserve safari with an introduction to the area’s iconic terrain and wildlife. Spot elephants, giraffes, and look for leopards along the riverbanks.
Focus on the Samburu Special Five Safari Tour:
Grevy’s zebra
Somali ostrich
Reticulated giraffe
Beisa oryx
Gerenuk (the giraffe antelope)
Dinner and overnight at:
Budget: Umoja Camp Samburu
Mid-range: Samburu Sopa Lodge
Luxury: Elephant Bedroom Camp, Saruni Samburu
Day 2: Full Day in Samburu – Morning and Evening Game Drives
Morning Game Drive
Explore deeper into the park as predators like lions and cheetahs become active. Samburu is known for excellent big cat sightings, especially in the morning.
Breakfast back at camp
Enjoy downtime at the lodge — perhaps with views of elephants near the river.
Lunch at your lodge
Evening Game Drive
Look for large herds of elephants cooling off in the Ewaso Nyiro River, birds of prey circling above, and more members of the Samburu Special Five.
Return to your lodge for dinner and your second overnight stay.
Day 3: Samburu – Nairobi (Optional Morning Game Drive)
Optional sunrise game drive
Ideal time to catch final sightings before heading south.
Depart Samburu for Nairobi
Stop for lunch along the way. Estimated arrival in Nairobi: 4:00 PM
What's Included
Courtesy Pick up / Drop off at Nairobi Airport Courtesy Pick up / Drop off at Nairobi Hotel or Residence
Transport in a customized pop up top 4x4 Land Cruiser jeep.
Services of an experienced English/ other language speaking safari tour guide/driver.
Stay in economy, comfort or luxury lodges / tented camps (your choice).
Park entrance fees
All meals on safari Bottled drinking water in safari vehicle
The flying doctors’ emergency medical evacuation/ rescue insurance cover.
What's Excluded
- Bottled & Soft Drinks - Items and services of a personal nature - Tips & Gratuities.
Accommodations
Unique Wildlife in Samburu
Elephants – large, visible herds year-round
Big cats – lions, cheetahs, leopards
Samburu Special Five
Birds – over 350 species including Somali bee-eater, martial eagle
Nile crocodiles & hippos in the Ewaso Nyiro River
Explore other 3 days 2 Night safari options
Epic 3-Day Masai Mara Safari – Big Five, Breathtaking Scenery & Unmatched Adventure!
Thrilling 3-Day Amboseli Safari – Wildlife, Adventure & Stunning Kilimanjaro Views!
Epic 3-Day Samburu Safari – Unique Wildlife & Untamed Beauty!
Our Most Popular Samburu Fly-In Safari Packages
7-Day Luxury Kenya Fly-In Safari
6 days Masai Mara,Amboseli Fly in Safari
FAQs – 3-Day Samburu Safari from Nairobi
They are five rare and region-specific animals found only in Northern Kenya:
Grevy’s zebra
Somali ostrich
Reticulated giraffe
Beisa oryx
Gerenuk
Yes! It’s perfect for a short Kenya safari. It offers unique species, fewer crowds, and stunning landscapes, making it ideal for 3-day getaways from Nairobi.
Samburu is excellent year-round, but June–October and December–March offer dry conditions and great visibility. Wildlife viewing is consistent due to the Ewaso River.
Yes. The road journey is long (6–7 hrs), but we provide breaks and can arrange fly-in options for comfort.
Absolutely! You can combine this trip with Ol Pejeta, Laikipia, or Masai Mara for a full northern circuit or multi-day safari.
