Six Days Northern safari.
6-day northern Kenya safari to Samburu, Meru, and Ol Pejeta, featuring rare wildlife, stunning landscapes, and conservation experiences.
$4200-4800 USD
pp
Safari summary
The 6 Days Northern Kenya Safari is a carefully curated journey designed to showcase the country’s most diverse landscapes, rare wildlife species, and leading conservation areas. This safari focuses on Kenya’s rugged and less-crowded northern circuit, offering travelers an authentic and immersive experience that goes beyond the traditional safari route. Over six days, guests explore Samburu National Reserve, Meru National Park, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy—three iconic destinations that together deliver exceptional game viewing, cultural depth, and conservation insight.
The safari begins with a scenic drive north from Nairobi, gradually transitioning from the highlands into the arid beauty of Samburu National Reserve. Samburu is renowned for its dramatic semi-desert landscapes, the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River, and its unique wildlife known as the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. Game drives in Samburu are rich and rewarding, with frequent sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and large crocodiles along the riverbanks. The reserve also offers a strong cultural dimension, as the Samburu people maintain a traditional pastoral lifestyle that adds depth and authenticity to the safari experience.
From Samburu, the journey continues south to Meru National Park, one of Kenya’s most underrated and unspoiled wilderness areas. Meru is characterized by lush vegetation, rolling grasslands, rivers, swamps, and striking views of Mount Kenya. The park holds historical significance as the former home of conservationist Joy Adamson and Elsa the lioness, and it continues to thrive as a protected ecosystem. Wildlife encounters in Meru are diverse, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, and an impressive variety of birdlife. Due to lower visitor numbers, game drives in Meru feel exclusive and peaceful, allowing guests to fully connect with nature without the pressure of crowds.
The safari then proceeds to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a globally recognized model for wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. Ol Pejeta is home to the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa and also hosts the last remaining northern white rhinos in the world. Visitors gain rare insight into active conservation efforts, including rhino protection, predator monitoring, and community-based initiatives. Game drives here offer excellent chances to see the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—as well as plains game such as zebras, elands, and hartebeests. Optional experiences may include visiting the chimpanzee sanctuary, learning about anti-poaching programs, or enjoying a sundowner with views of Mount Kenya.
Throughout the six days, guests enjoy professionally guided game drives in a well-equipped safari vehicle, ensuring comfort, safety, and optimal wildlife viewing. The itinerary is paced to allow ample time in each destination, balancing game drives with moments of relaxation and scenic appreciation. Accommodation is carefully selected to complement the safari experience, ranging from comfortable lodges to intimate tented camps that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Meals are provided as per the itinerary, offering a mix of local and international cuisine.
This 6 Days Northern Safari is ideal for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Kenya’s wildlife and conservation story, away from the busier southern parks. It combines rare species, dramatic scenery, meaningful conservation encounters, and cultural richness into one cohesive journey. Whether for first-time visitors or seasoned safari enthusiasts, this itinerary delivers a comprehensive and memorable exploration of Northern Kenya’s wild heart.
WHERE EVERY JOURNEY TELLS A STORY.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | Game drives | |
| Activity level | Easy activity | |
| Best months | All months | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Bird watching—with professional guide
- Photography safari—with professional guide
- Wildlife sanctuaries
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Tips and gratuities
Itinerary
Nairobi to Samburu NR
Buffalo Springs | Samburu
• Drive time: ~6–7 hours (or optional short flight) • Activities: o Depart Nairobi early morning o Arrive at your lodge/camp in Samburu for lunch o Afternoon game drive • Overnight: Samburu National Reserve The journey from Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve passes scenic highlands and arid landscapes, offering views of Mount Kenya, local communities, and wildlife corridors before reaching Samburu’s rugged beauty.
Samburu Simba lodge
Full Day in Samburu NR
Buffalo Springs | Samburu
• Activities: o Morning and afternoon game drives o Look out for the Samburu "Special Five": Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx • Overnight: Samburu National Reserve Enjoy a full day in Samburu National Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives, spotting the Samburu Special Five, elephants, big cats, and birdlife along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Samburu Simba lodge
Samburu to Meru National Park
Mount Kenya
• Drive time: ~3–4 hours • Activities: o Morning drive out of Samburu o Arrive in Meru National Park in time for lunch o Afternoon game drive • Overnight: Meru National Park Travel from Samburu to Meru National Park, passing scenic savannahs, rivers, and traditional villages. Arrive in Meru to explore its lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history, including the legacy of Elsa the lioness, for an immersive and peaceful safari experience.
IKWETA safari camp
Full Day in Meru National Park
Mount Kenya
• Activities: o Morning and afternoon game drives o Optional visit to Elsa's Grave (from Born Free fame) • Overnight: Meru National Park Spend a full day in Meru National Park exploring its unspoiled landscapes of rivers, swamps, and grasslands. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives spotting elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, lions, and diverse birdlife, while taking in the park’s serene beauty and historical significance.
IKWETA safari camp
Meru NP to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Mount Kenya
• Drive time: ~4–5 hours • Activities: o Morning drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy near Nanyuki o Afternoon game drive and visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and/or endangered species enclosure Travel from Meru National Park to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, passing scenic countryside and local villages. Arrive at Ol Pejeta to explore its renowned rhino population, Big Five wildlife, and conservation projects, offering an immersive and educational safari experience.
Maisha Sweetwater's Camp
Ol Pejeta to Nairobi
Nairobi
• Drive time: ~3.5–4.5 hours • Activities: o Depart for Nairobi after breakfast o White water rafting on the way back to Nairobi (optional)(extra fee) Return from Ol Pejeta to Nairobi, enjoying scenic landscapes along the way. Optional stop for thrilling white water rafting on the Tana River adds adventure before continuing to Nairobi, concluding your Northern Kenya safari with excitement and stunning views. o Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon
Hotel near the airport or drop off at the airport
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