Northern Kenya Safari Highlights:

• Game drives in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
• Marsabit National Park & Samburu Game Reserve safaris
• Chimpanzee and Rhino Sanctuary visits
• Gof Redo Crater visit
• Chalbi Desert Dunes
• Optional activities at Lake Turkana
• Rockpool slides at Ndotto

Day 1: Nairobi to Mount Kenya & Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Kenya

This Northern Kenya Safari begins with a morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel. From there your driver will take you on an exciting journey to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, nestled in the foothills of Mount Kenya. Your Kenya safari adventure starts with a scenic 3.5 to 4-hour drive north through central Kenya’s rolling hills and lush landscapes.

Upon arrival at Mount Kenya, we check into our overnight safari accommodation at the Bantu Mountain Rock Lodge (or similar) tucked away on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya. After settling in, we embark on an exhilarating afternoon game drive within the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in northern Kenya. As we traverse its diverse terrain, keep your eyes peeled for an impressive array of wildlife, including some of the highest predator densities in Kenya. Ol Pejeta is home to six resident prides of lions (approximately 72 lions), along with 30 cheetahs, 20 elusive leopards, and a wide variety of herbivores such as giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes. You may also encounter spotted hyenas, black-backed jackals, caracals, and bat-eared foxes—making for a thrilling and varied African safari experience.

After our game drive, we visit the Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll learn about the ongoing efforts to protect the critically endangered black rhino and, with luck, spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Next, we head to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to rescued chimpanzees from across Africa. Spend time observing these intelligent primates up close while learning about the sanctuary’s important rehabilitation work.

Our thrilling first day on safari in Kenya concludes with a delicious and relaxing dinner back at the lodge, allowing you to unwind after an action-packed day filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters.

• Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation Included: Bantu Mountain Rock Lodge (or similar)
• Activities Included: Afternoon Game Drive in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Visits to the Rhino and Chimpanzee Sanctuaries

Day 2: Mount Kenya to Marsabit National Park – Kenya

On the second day of our Northern Kenya Safari, we leave Mount Kenya after breakfast and head north along the Trans-African Highway toward the town of Marsabit and our next wildlife destination, Marsabit National Park.

The scenic drive offers a dramatic shift in landscapes, starting with the lush foothills of Mount Kenya and gradually transitioning into the arid, rugged terrain of northern Kenya. Along the way, you’ll witness a striking contrast in both climate and topography, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region’s diverse ecosystems.

Upon arrival in Marsabit, if the roads are dry, we’ll venture towards the seasonal Lake Paradise and Little Lake. These tranquil lakes are set against an extraordinary backdrop where a tropical indigenous forest meets the surrounding desert, creating a unique and visually stunning landscape. The contrast between the lush greenery and arid plains is nothing short of spectacular.

This area is teeming with wildlife, including elephants, greater kudu, and a variety of bird species that thrive in the dense forest. As we explore the lakes and their surroundings, keep an eye out for these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Marsabit is also home to the indigenous Rendille and Samburu people, whose vibrant red attire, adorned with beads and earrings, adds another layer of colour and culture to this already captivating landscape.

After a day of adventure, we check into the Jirime Hotel (or similar) in Marsabit Town for a relaxing overnight stay. Enjoy a hearty dinner at the hotel before unwinding and reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation Included: Jirime Hotel (or similar)
• Activity Included: Game Drive in Marsabit National Park

Day 3: Marsabit to Kalacha – Kenya

We begin the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before exploring Marsabit Town. After our visit, we depart for the next exciting leg of our Kenya Safari, to Kalacha.

En route to Kalacha, we stop to take in the stunning views of the Gof Redo Crater. The sight of this ancient volcanic feature, surrounded by the vast, arid desert landscape, offers a unique glimpse into the geological history of the region. The contrast of the lush crater against the barren expanse of the desert is both striking and awe-inspiring.

Upon arrival in Kalacha, we check in to the Chalbi Resort Bandas (subject to availability) for our overnight stay. These simple bandas (huts) offer basic amenities, including shared communal toilets and showers. If the bandas are not available, we will arrange alternative accommodation of the same standard at basic guest rooms in the area.

Kalacha is a small, isolated village set around an oasis on the edge of the Chalbi Desert. The village is home to the Gabbra people, a semi-nomadic African tribe renowned for their camel herding traditions. As you explore, you’ll likely see camels grazing and experience the serenity of this remote settlement, surrounded by the vast desert. The Gabbra people are easily recognized by their vibrant red clothing, intricate beadwork, and distinctive jewellery, all of which reflect their rich cultural heritage. During your time in Kalacha, you may have the opportunity to engage with the Gabbra community and learn more about their way of life. For those interested in African culture, an optional (additional cost) cultural performance offers a chance to witness traditional Gabbra dancing and singing, providing a deeper understanding of their customs and traditions.

As the day winds down, enjoy a delicious dinner and take in the breathtaking desert sunset, where the fading light casts a magical glow over the surrounding landscape.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation included: Chalbi Resort Bandas (or similar)
• Activity Included: Visit to Gof Redo Crater
• Optional Activity (not included & at extra cost): Gabbra Cultural Experience (traditional dancing and singing)

Day 4: Kalacha to Loiyangalani – Kenya

On Day 4 of our 9-day Northern Kenya Safari, we depart Kalacha after breakfast and embark on an exciting journey across the Chalbi Desert to North Horr. Should the desert be impassable due to rain, an alternate route will be taken.

As we travel through the desert, we stop to admire the stunning dunes, which are particularly breathtaking in the early morning light. This is a perfect opportunity for some incredible photos against the backdrop of the golden sands. If you wish, you can also take a refreshing swim at a nearby pool, adding a touch of relaxation to your Chalbi Desert experience. The thrill of traversing this vast, arid landscape is another highlight of our Kenya safari.

After our stop at the dunes, we continue toward Loiyangalani, a picturesque town nestled on the shores of Lake Turkana which is often referred to as the “desert lake” or the “Jade Sea”. This serene town serves as the gateway to the lake, where the desert landscape meets the water’s edge in a dramatic contrast.

Upon arrival in Loiyangalani, we check in to the comfortable Palm Shade Resort for our overnight stay. Enjoy a relaxing evening, unwind after the day’s adventures, and savour a delicious dinner at the camp.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation Included: Palm Shade Resort (or similar)
• Activity included: Sand Dune Visit, Chalbi Desert (weather permitting)

Day 5: Lake Turkana – Kenya

Today is dedicated to exploring stunning Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake, and its rugged surroundings. Spanning 288 km (179 mi) from the Kenyan-Ethiopian border, Lake Turkana is framed by dramatic volcanic rock formations and arid desert landscapes.

Spend a relaxed day soaking in the beauty of this remote and captivating region. You can explore at your own pace, enjoying the serenity of the lake, the stark volcanic scenery, and the sparse desert terrain. Several traditional villages dot the area, providing a chance to experience the unique African cultures of northern Kenya.

You’re free to explore the lake’s shores on foot or take a refreshing swim at the nearby lodge. If you’re looking for more adventure, there are optional activities available for an additional fee (payable directly). Consider hiring a boat to explore the lake further, where you can spot Nile crocodiles and a variety of bird species. You may also want to visit the local town Loyangalani, or journey to one of the local El Molo or Turkana villages to learn about the daily life of the people who call this harsh environment home.

For a deeper understanding of the area’s indigenous cultures and natural heritage, the Desert Museum offers fascinating exhibits on the region’s geology, wildlife, and history. Alternatively, you can visit local rock art sites with a guide, or explore the Nabuyatom Crater by boat (weather permitting).

At the end of the day, return to the comfort of your accommodation at Palm Shade Resort for a delicious dinner, and enjoy a peaceful evening by the lake.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation included: Palm Shade Resort (or similar)
• Optional activities (not included & at extra cost, payable directly): boat hire and trips, cultural tours, Desert Museum visit, guided rock art excursions

Day 6: Lake Turkana to Ngurunit – Kenya

After breakfast at our hotel, we bid farewell to Lake Turkana. Next, our Northern Kenya Safari takes us to Ngurunit, a small, rural settlement in the northeastern part of the country. This region is marked by rugged terrain, vast dry savannahs, and a scorching climate.

Ngurunit is home to the African tribes of the Samburu and Rendille, both of whom are pastoralists with rich cultural traditions deeply tied to livestock and community-based living. As we travel through the area, you’ll have the opportunity to witness these communities’ time-honoured way of life.

Along the way, we pass the impressive Turkana Wind Farm, where the towering wind turbines stand in stark contrast to the surrounding barren landscape. The journey offers breathtaking views of the desert and mountains, enhancing the beauty of this remote region of Kenya.

We arrive in Ngurunit, an oasis nestled in the shadow of the majestic Ndotto Mountains, surrounded by stunning desert scenery. Our accommodation for the night is at Camp Ndotto, where we’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in either charming cottages or tents, each offering a unique blend of comfort and nature.

Depending on our arrival time, you can take a refreshing walk to the natural swimming pools and rock slides formed by the Ndotto streams. Let your inner child out and enjoy a swim or a thrilling slide into the cool, refreshing waters—an ideal way to unwind after our desert adventures. As evening falls, we’ll gather for a delicious dinner and relax under the stars, soaking up the tranquillity of the desert.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation included: Camp Ndotto (or similar)

Day 7: Ngurunit to Samburu Game Reserve – Kenya

Our thrilling Kenya safari continues as we depart from Ngurunit and head towards the rugged Samburu Game Reserve. After a delicious breakfast at our safari camp, there’s an optional visit to the Women’s Basket Project, where you can purchase handmade souvenirs crafted by local artisans. If the weather allowed us little time for it the previous day, we may also visit the Ndotto rock slides nearby.

Next, we journey south along the Trans-African Highway toward the remote Samburu National Reserve, passing the majestic Mount Ololokwane en route. After our scenic drive, we arrive at our comfortable accommodation, Nashipa Camp, situated just outside the reserve in time for an exciting afternoon game drive in Samburu.

Samburu Game Reserve is renowned for its exceptional wildlife and diverse ecosystems. The game reserve is home to a variety of animals, including large predators, herbivores, and raptors. Among its many inhabitants are the famous “Special Five”—rare species unique to northern Kenya: Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk antelope, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx. Samburu is also known for its thriving populations of cheetahs, lions, elephants, and other remarkable wildlife.

We conclude another exhilarating day on safari in Kenya with a delicious dinner back at our lodge, followed by a peaceful evening under the vast, star-filled African sky.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation included: Nashipa Camp (or similar)
• Activities included: Afternoon Game Drive in Samburu National Reserve
• Optional activities (not included and at extra cost): Women’s Basket Project in Ngurunit Visit

Day 8: Samburu Game Reserve – Kenya

Today is a full day dedicated to game viewing in the stunning Samburu Game Reserve! Between thrilling game drives, you can choose to visit a nearby Samburu village (at an additional cost and payable directly) or relax at the nearby lodge, take a refreshing swim in the pool, and enjoy a cold drink while soaking in the surroundings.

Samburu covers about 165 km² (64 mi²) of arid and semi-arid wilderness along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, known as the “Brown River.” The game reserve’s diverse landscapes, which include volcanic rock outcrops, dry riverbeds, thorny scrubland, steep hills, and expansive red sands, provide a unique habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. As we drive through this dramatic environment, keep an eye out for some of the area’s rare and iconic species, such as the Grevy’s zebra, long-necked gerenuk antelope, Somali ostriches, reticulated giraffes, and Beisa oryx (gemsbok). Of the Big Five animals, we’re likely to encounter elephants, lions, and buffaloes, while hippos and crocodiles can often be spotted in the river. Samburu Game Reserve is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 350 species recorded in the area.

As the day concludes, we return to camp for a delicious dinner, celebrating our last night in the wilds of Africa and reflecting on the incredible Kenya safari experiences we’ve shared.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Activities included: Morning and Afternoon Game Drives
• Accommodation included: Nashipa Camp (or similar)
• Optional Activity (not included & at extra cost): Visit a Samburu Village

Day 9: Samburu to Nairobi -Kenya

After a hearty breakfast at our safari camp, we set off on a scenic journey through the foothills of Mount Kenya, making our way back to Nairobi. As we drive through this beautiful landscape, you’ll have the chance to take in the stunning views of rolling hills and lush valleys. We’ll arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon, marking the end of our unforgettable 9-day Northern Kenya Safari.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Kenya Safari Accommodation Note:

Should the first choice of accommodation not be available an alternative establishment of a similar standard will be used which will be communicated to you at the time of booking.