Samburu & Laikipia Northern Kenya Safari
The Special Five and the Conservation Frontier
Overview
This is the wild, uncrowded north of Kenya — a journey through the arid drama of Samburu, home to the rare 'Special Five' found almost nowhere else, and the vast conservation frontier of the Laikipia Plateau, where black rhino, wild dog and horseback safaris redefine what a safari can be. It is a circuit for travellers who want something beyond the classic plains: rare species, exceptional guiding, and the freedom to walk, ride and track on foot across some of Africa's most pioneering conservancies.
In Samburu the life-giving Ewaso Ng'iro River draws reticulated giraffe, Grévy's zebra, gerenuk, oryx and Somali ostrich to its banks, alongside superb leopard and big elephant herds, while the crimson-robed Samburu people give the land a living cultural soul. Laikipia then opens a world of activity — rhino tracking with rangers, horseback and camel rides among giraffe and zebra, star-bed sleep-outs beneath the Milky Way, and a visit to Ol Pejeta, home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. Almost every bed here directly funds the conservation and community work that make northern Kenya a global model.
Who It's For
Ideal for repeat safari-goers and conservation-minded travellers seeking rare species and hands-on wildlife experiences, and for active guests and photographers who want to ride, walk and track well beyond the game-drive vehicle.
Package Highlights
The Special Five
Reticulated giraffe, Grévy's zebra, gerenuk, oryx and Somali ostrich in one reserve
Samburu Leopards
Some of the most reliable leopard viewing in all of Kenya
Rhino & Ol Pejeta
Track black rhino and meet the last two northern white rhinos on Earth
Ride & Walk the Wild
Horseback, camel and walking safaris across the Laikipia conservancies
Wild Dog Country
One of Africa's great strongholds for endangered painted wolves
Star-Bed Nights
Sleep beneath the Milky Way on an open-air Laikipia platform
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly from Nairobi to Samburu, landing on a bush airstrip in the arid north where your guide meets you for the transfer to camp. After lunch overlooking the Ewaso Ng'iro River, head out on an afternoon drive to begin the hunt for the Special Five, with elephants gathering to drink as the light softens and the sacred Ol Lolokwe mountain glows at dusk.
🏨 Accommodation: Sasaab
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Sasaab
📍 Samburu (Westgate Conservancy), Kenya
A design showpiece above the Ewaso Ng'iro River, with vast open-fronted Moroccan-Swahili suites, private plunge pools, camel rides and deep Samburu community ties.
From $850 per person per night
Loisaba Tented Camp
📍 Laikipia Plateau, Kenya
A spectacular camp on the vast Loisaba Conservancy with an infinity pool gazing towards Mount Kenya, and a full range of horseback, camel and star-bed adventures.
From $780 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Classic
(~$742/night)
Excellent conservancy camps, shared game drives and activities, all meals and internal flights
Get QuoteLuxury
(~$1,067/night)
Sasaab and Loisaba suites, private plunge pools, riding and star-bed experiences included
Get QuoteUltra-Luxury
(~$1,600/night)
Private guide and vehicle, exclusive-use options, premium beverages and all activities
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ Return scheduled flights Nairobi–Samburu–Laikipia–Nairobi
- ✓ 6 nights luxury conservancy camp accommodation
- ✓ All meals at the camps
- ✓ Twice-daily game drives and guided activities
- ✓ Rhino tracking and Ol Pejeta conservancy visit
- ✓ Samburu community cultural visit
- ✓ Park and conservancy fees
- ✓ Professional driver-guides
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights to Kenya
- ✗ Kenya visa fees
- ✗ Travel and medical insurance
- ✗ Premium and imported beverages
- ✗ Horseback riding for non-riders (alternative activities offered)
- ✗ Gratuities (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
Northern Kenya rewards travel in the dry seasons of June to October and December to March, when wildlife concentrates along the Ewaso Ng'iro and Laikipia's activities are at their best. The long rains of April and May bring lush, quiet, great-value travel.
Why Choose This Package
Rare Species Found Nowhere Else
Samburu's Special Five and the Grévy's zebra and reticulated giraffe of the north make this a bucket-list circuit for wildlife lovers.
The Freedom of Laikipia
Ride, walk, track rhino on foot and sleep under the stars on private conservancies that allow what national parks cannot.
Meet Conservation's Front Line
Track black rhino and stand before the last two northern white rhinos on Earth at Ol Pejeta.
Wild and Uncrowded
This is the Kenya few travellers ever reach — dramatic, exclusive and rich in purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Samburu & Laikipia Northern Kenya Safari?
From $4,450 per person | 7 Days / 6 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
