Samburu, Great Rift Valley Lakes
5 Days Samburu, Great Rift Valley Lakes

Samburu National reserve is becoming one of Kenya’s most admired stops after the Mara with sights of the peculiarly branched doum palms and taut thorn trees giving an unusual look to the region.  Likewise, the Ewaso Nyiro river acts like a lure for the abundant species found here, some endemic to the North of Kenya. This trip takes you to the world famous Bird Sanctuaries of the Great Rift Valley Lakes Baringo, Bogoria and Nakuru – a naturalists dream for the abundance of birds and mammals species.

• Samburu game reserve – home to the Gerenuk and Grevys zebra endemic to the North
• Herds of elephant crossing the Uaso Nyiro river in Samburu
• Meeting the Samburu tribes-people adorned in colourful red attire, beads and wonderful head-gear
• Look our for hippo and numerous birds on the Lake Baringo boat ride
• Pelicans and rhino in Lake Nakuru

Day 1 – Samburu:

Depart Nairobi in the morning heading north via the shoulder of Africa’s second largest mountain, Mt Kenya to the Samburu Game Reserve.  Accommodation in our Gametrackers semi-permanent campsite is beautifully set under a canopy of trees or we may pitch tents o­n the edge of Uaso Nyiro (meaning Brown in Samburu) River. Cold showers are available which are amazingly refreshing in the hot, dusty climate.

Day 2 – Samburu

Day spent game viewing in the park appreciating the diverse landscape and variety of animal species.  You may have the option of enjoying a swim or cold drink at a nearby lodge. Alternatively, visit a vibrant Samburu village (optional).

Animals to look out for include lions, elephants, grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, dik diks, ostrich, oryx, waterbuck, hippos and crocodiles. The horn billed stork is a common sighting as well as various other birds.

Day 3 – Baringo

Depart in the early morning (with lunch enroute) towards Lake Baringo. We arrive this fresh water lake in the late afternoon and depending on the conditions of the lake, we enjoy an evening boat ride in search of hippo, crocodile and numerous birds. A bird watcher’s haven but beware, this is malaria land so it is best to come prepared with plenty of mosquito repellent. We spend the night at Roberts campsite.

Day 4 – Lake Nakuru

A 30km drive south to the spectacular Lake Bogoria with hot springs and flamingos being the main attractions as well as great scenery. Lunch and then proceed for an afternoon game drive at the Lake Nakuru National Park which is a small but equally rewarding park which is home to the black and white rhinos, flamingos, baboons, antelopes, the elusive leopard and numerous bird species. Set up camp at a campsite (cold night) outside the park.

Day 5 – Lake Nakuru to Nairobi

Break up camp after breakfast then depart towards Mai Mahiu where you meet the vehicle to bring you back to Nairobi arriving in the mid afternoon.