Where the Special Five replace the Big Five
Samburu is north of the equator, in semi-arid country where the Ewaso Ng'iro River cuts a green ribbon through brown thorn scrub. The landscape is harsh, beautiful and entirely different from the savannah parks of southern Kenya. Most safari-goers never come here. That's a mistake.
The Special Five — five species you will NOT see in the Maasai Mara — all live here: the reticulated giraffe (lattice-patterned, much darker than the Mara giraffe), the Grevy's zebra (thinner stripes, larger ears, endangered), the Beisa oryx (sword-horn antelope), the gerenuk (long-necked antelope that browses standing on its hind legs), and the Somali ostrich (blue-legged male). Add the elephants and lions of the river system and you have one of Kenya's most distinctive wildlife experiences.
Reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, Somali ostrich. All endemic to the arid north — none in the Mara, Tsavo or Amboseli. Samburu is one of the few places to see all five in two days.
The river is the lifeline. Elephant herds cross daily — best viewing from the south bank in late afternoon when families come to drink. Save the Elephants research camp is on the far bank; their team often shares sightings.
The Samburu people are northern cousins of the Maasai with their own language, dress and traditions. The conservancy lodges work directly with the moran (warriors). A guided cultural visit is offered — once again, real, not staged.
Lions are common around the river and the elephant kills. Leopards live in the rocky kopjes — the radio chatter at sunset is usually about a leopard. Cheetah are scarcer than the Mara but present.
"The Mara has the volume. Samburu has the soul. The reticulated giraffes look at you like you're the unusual creature." — From a returning guest, March 2026
A typical itinerary — but flexible. Tell us how you like to travel and we'll adjust pace, accommodation tier and activities to suit you.
Pickup from Diani for 8am Ukunda flight to Wilson, then Safarilink to Samburu airstrip — landing roughly 12:30. The airstrip itself is in the bush; expect Grevy's zebra on the runway. Lunch at lodge, afternoon drive in the conservancy area outside the reserve. Sundowner on a kopje. Dinner.
Pre-dawn coffee, drive at 6. The reserve is small and intimate — 165 km² — so no long transfers between sightings. By mid-morning we've usually located all the Special Five and stopped to watch the elephant families at the river. Brunch at lodge. Afternoon drive into Buffalo Springs (next-door reserve, included). Optional Samburu cultural visit at sunset.
We rotate between the three connected reserves — Samburu, Buffalo Springs, Shaba — for variety. Shaba has different terrain, more rocky and dramatic. Joy Adamson lived here. Picnic lunch, full day on game drive. Optional sundowner cocktail at a viewpoint over the river.
Final morning drive 6:30–9. Brunch at camp. Transfer to airstrip for early afternoon flight to Wilson, connection to Ukunda, road transfer to Diani — arriving around 5pm.
We work with all of these properties directly. Pricing below is per person, twin-share, all-inclusive of meals and game drives where stated.
Hilltop lodge in the conservancy, big rondavels with verandas overlooking the plains. Twenty minutes to the reserve gate. Pool, restaurant, comfortable rather than luxurious.
Inside the reserve on the river bank. Twelve canvas tents on platforms, plunge pools in each. Elephants regularly drink in front of the dining tent — hence the name. The cocktail of choice is gin, on the deck, at 6pm.
Architecturally stunning — Moroccan-Samburu fusion design with stone, timber and white plaster. Nine suites, all with private plunge pool and mountain views. Walking safaris with Samburu warriors. Among the best-located lodges in northern Kenya.
No deposit to enquire. We'll confirm availability, hold your dates for 48 hours, and send a tailored quote within one business day.
All prices below are in USD per person, twin-share, for the same 4 days / 3 nights package. Bigger groups pay less per head — same trip, same lodges, same vehicles, just shared between more people. Kenyan-resident rates available — ask us.
📌 What's included: Fly-in safari to Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves. The Special Five wildlife.
Groups of 10+ or special requests? We arrange private vehicle convoys, exclusive-use lodges, weddings, incentive trips, school groups and family reunions. Send a WhatsApp message to +254 797 036 943 or email booking@almondsafaris.com for a custom quote within one business day.