Kenya Special 5 Safari

Signature Journey

06 Days Explore the Special 5 Safari

The Northern Kenya circuit takes you from Nairobi's highlands through the cool Aberdare forests, across the equator into Samburu's arid wilderness, and on to the conservation showpiece of Ol Pejeta. Six days designed around encounters with Kenya's most distinctive wildlife — including the celebrated Samburu Special Five.

Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Route

Nairobi • Aberdare • Samburu • Ol Pejeta

Journey Style

Privately Guided • Midrange • Northern Circuit

Why the Northern Route

The Northern Kenya circuit is one of East Africa's most fascinating safari routes. Crossing the Equator reveals a dramatic shift in ecosystems from fertile farmlands around Mount Kenya to the arid, rugged landscapes of Samburu.

This journey combines forest wildlife, rare northern species, and conservation-led experiences — ideal for travelers seeking something beyond the classic savannah safari.

The Samburu "Special Five"

Unique to Northern Kenya — adapted to arid conditions:

  • Grevy's Zebra
  • Reticulated Giraffe
  • Somali Ostrich
  • Gerenuk Antelope
  • Beisa Oryx
Safari Highlights

Journey pillars

  • Night wildlife viewing at The Ark floodlit waterhole
  • Samburu Special Five encounters on the Ewaso Ng'iro
  • Chimpanzee Sanctuary visit at Ol Pejeta
  • Big Five game drives in a leading conservation area
  • Samburu village cultural immersion

Tour Summary

Tour Summary

Kenya Special 5 Safari

Day 1 – Arrival in Nairobi

Bed & Breakfast

Transfer Time: ±30 minutes

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, complete immigration and customs formalities. Your professional safari guide will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for leisure and overnight rest.

  • Professional airport meet & greet
  • Modern comfort in the heart of Nairobi
Overnight: Tamarind Tree Hotel

Day 2 – Nairobi → Aberdare National Park

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive Time: ±3.5 hours | Distance: 170 km

After breakfast, drive north through pineapple plantations and fertile highland landscapes to Aberdare Country Club. After lunch, transfer into the park with a ranger escort for a guided nature walk and optional trout fishing before continuing to your lodge.

  • Guided nature walk inside Aberdare National Park
  • Night viewing at the floodlit waterhole — forest elephants, buffalo, and rare bongo
Overnight: The Ark Lodge

Day 3 – Aberdare → Samburu National Reserve

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive Time: ±4 hours | Distance: 180 km

Wake to a gentle wildlife bell call from The Ark. After breakfast, head north through cooling highlands into the arid semi-wilderness. Arrive at the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive along the Ewaso Ng'iro River followed by a cultural talk about Samburu traditions.

  • Dramatic landscape transition from highlands to semi-arid
  • First game drive along the Ewaso Ng'iro River
Overnight: Samburu Simba Lodge

Day 4 – Samburu National Reserve

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities: Morning game drive & cultural visit

Early breakfast followed by a half-day game drive exploring Samburu's rugged terrain in search of the Special Five, elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Afternoon visit to a Samburu village to experience the traditions of this semi-nomadic community.

  • Morning game drive targeting the Samburu Special Five
  • Samburu village cultural visit
Overnight: Samburu Simba Lodge

Day 5 – Samburu → Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive Time: ±2.5 hours | Distance: 100 km

After breakfast, enjoy a final Samburu game drive before heading south to the lush Laikipia Plateau. Arrive at Ol Pejeta for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and enjoy a game drive in search of the Big Five and famous wild dog packs.

  • Chimpanzee Sanctuary — rescued and rehabilitated chimps
  • Big Five game drive against the backdrop of Mount Kenya
Overnight: Serena Sweetwaters Tented Camp

Day 6 – Ol Pejeta → Nairobi – Departure

Breakfast & Lunch

Drive Time: ±5 hours | Distance: 250 km

Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Drive back to Nairobi, arriving early afternoon. Enjoy a farewell lunch at a popular steakhouse before transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight.

  • Final morning game drive in Ol Pejeta
  • Farewell lunch in Nairobi included

Included

  • Airport transfers in Nairobi
  • 1 night Nairobi hotel (B&B)
  • 4 nights safari lodges (Full Board)
  • Transport in a 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • All scheduled game drives
  • Park & conservancy entrance fees
  • Afternoon fishing experience in Aberdare
  • Samburu village cultural visit
  • Chimpanzee Sanctuary visit – Ol Pejeta
  • Bottled mineral water during safari
  • Farewell lunch in Nairobi

Excluded

  • International & domestic flights
  • Kenyan visa fees
  • Travel & medical insurance
  • Drinks & beverages
  • Personal expenses & souvenirs
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Day room in Nairobi on departure day

Important Notes

  • The Ark Lodge has a night viewing policy — early bedtimes are encouraged to maximise wildlife activity at the waterhole
  • Ol Pejeta Conservancy requires a conservation fee included in your package

Booking Tour

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