Samburu Giraffe & Special Five Safari
Reticulated Giraffe & the Rare Species of Kenya's Wild North
Overview
Samburu National Reserve, in the semi-arid north of Kenya, is one of the most rewarding and distinctive safari destinations in Africa — and the finest place on Earth to photograph the strikingly beautiful reticulated giraffe, with its crisp, mosaic-like coat. This is the land of the Special Five, a suite of dry-country species found almost nowhere else: the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and beisa oryx. Set along the palm-lined Ewaso Ng'iro River beneath the sacred peak of Ol Lolokwe, Samburu is raw, cinematic and gloriously uncrowded.
This four-day journey stays at the extraordinary Saruni Samburu, a hilltop eco-lodge with vast views across the wilderness, and the classic riverside tents of Elephant Bedroom Camp, where elephants wander through the shade of the doum palms. Alongside the Special Five you will find some of Kenya's great elephant herds and its most habituated leopards, all against the backdrop of dramatic, rust-red northern scenery that photographers dream of.
Who It's For
Perfect for wildlife photographers, giraffe and rare-species enthusiasts, and couples seeking a distinctive, uncrowded alternative or add-on to the Masai Mara, with dramatic scenery and exceptional big cats.
Package Highlights
Reticulated Giraffe
The world's most beautiful giraffe, at its very best in the Samburu landscape
The Special Five
Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, beisa oryx and reticulated giraffe
Habituated Leopards
Samburu is one of Kenya's most reliable reserves for leopard sightings
Great Elephant Herds
Famous river-loving elephant families along the Ewaso Ng'iro
Cinematic Scenery
Rust-red earth, doum palms and the sacred peak of Ol Lolokwe
Gloriously Uncrowded
A raw, authentic wilderness far from the busier southern parks
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly from Nairobi to Samburu's airstrip and transfer to Saruni Samburu, perched high on a kopje with breathtaking views across the Kalama Conservancy. After lunch and time to take in the vista, set out on your first afternoon game drive in search of reticulated giraffe and the elephant herds along the river.
🏨 Accommodation: Saruni Samburu
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Saruni Samburu
📍 Kalama Conservancy, Samburu
A striking eco-lodge of six open-fronted villas built into a rocky kopje high above the Kalama Conservancy, with vast views, an infinity pool and some of the finest sunsets in Kenya. Community-owned and deeply rooted in Samburu culture.
From $720 per person per night
Elephant Bedroom Camp
📍 Samburu National Reserve
Twelve classic tented rooms with private plunge pools, set among doum palms on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro, where elephants often stroll right through camp. Relaxed, characterful and right in the heart of the reserve.
From $540 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Luxury
(~$967/night)
Hilltop and riverside lodges, shared game vehicle, all meals and activities
Get QuotePremium Luxury
(~$1,267/night)
Leading villas and private guided game drives
Get QuoteExclusive
(~$1,733/night)
Private vehicle and guide, exclusive-use, all-inclusive
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 3 nights luxury Samburu lodge accommodation
- ✓ All meals, teas and house beverages
- ✓ Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles
- ✓ Reserve and conservancy fees
- ✓ Return light-aircraft flights from Nairobi
- ✓ Airstrip transfers
- ✓ Laundry and Wi-Fi
- ✓ Samburu cultural experience
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Premium wines and champagne
- ✗ Spa treatments
- ✗ Private vehicle upgrade (unless selected)
- ✗ Gratuities (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
Samburu is excellent in the dry seasons of June to October and December to March, when wildlife gathers along the Ewaso Ng'iro River and the reticulated giraffe and Special Five are easiest to find and photograph.
Why Choose This Package
The Home of the Reticulated Giraffe
No reserve on Earth offers finer sightings of the beautiful reticulated giraffe against such cinematic scenery.
The Special Five
See a suite of dry-country species — Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and reticulated giraffe — found almost nowhere else.
Uncrowded and Dramatic
Rust-red landscapes, palm-lined rivers and few other vehicles make Samburu a photographer's dream.
Perfect Mara Pairing
Samburu combines beautifully with the Masai Mara for a varied, contrasting Kenyan safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Samburu Giraffe & Special Five Safari?
From $2,900 per person | 4 Days / 3 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
