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