Your 10 Days Northern Kenya Explorer Safari begins at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. Upon arrival, a professional guide will welcome you and arrange a transfer to a luxury lodge or tented camp within Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located in the Laikipia Plateau. The drive allows glimpses of Kenya’s highland scenery, with expansive views of Mount Kenya visible in the distance.

Upon arrival at Ol Pejeta, guests check into their lodge, settle in, and enjoy a briefing about the safari itinerary. Afternoon activities may include a short game drive or relaxing at the lodge while observing resident wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, and elephants grazing nearby. The conservancy’s emphasis on rhino conservation makes it a remarkable starting point for the safari, providing both excitement and education.

• Animals to Spot: Black rhinos, elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes
• Birds to Spot: Grey crowned cranes, African fish eagles, storks
• Cultures to Experience: Laikipia Plateau community conservation initiatives

Days two and three offer a full immersion in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a 90,000-acre sanctuary dedicated to protecting endangered species. Early morning and late afternoon game drives provide opportunities to observe Africa’s iconic species, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, and black rhinos. The conservancy is home to the last two northern white rhinos, an extraordinary conservation achievement that guests can learn about firsthand through guided visits.

The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, also located within Ol Pejeta, offers an intimate experience with rescued primates, providing insights into rehabilitation programs. Optional activities may include guided bush walks with a focus on predator tracking or birdwatching excursions. The diverse habitats of Ol Pejeta, from riverine forests to open savannah, support a wide range of bird species, including African fish eagles, vultures, and kingfishers. Guests also gain an understanding of sustainable tourism and anti-poaching efforts, witnessing firsthand how conservancies protect Kenya’s wildlife while providing employment and education to local communities.

• Animals to Spot: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, black and white rhinos, zebras
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagles, vultures, kingfishers, storks
• Cultures to Experience: Conservancy management, local community engagement

On day four, your 10 Days Northern Kenya Explorer Safari continues north to Samburu National Reserve, either by road or via a short domestic flight. The reserve’s semi-arid environment contrasts sharply with Ol Pejeta’s verdant landscape. Samburu is famous for the “Samburu Special Five”: the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.

Upon arrival, guests check into their luxury camp and enjoy an afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, the lifeline of Samburu’s ecosystem. Day five includes full-day drives exploring dry riverbeds, acacia forests, and savannah plains. Wildlife sightings include lions, elephants, crocodiles, and cheetahs, with riverine areas supporting species such as waterbucks and hippos. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting endemic species like the Somali ostrich, Carmine bee-eaters, and various kingfishers. Optional visits to local Samburu villages provide cultural insight into traditional lifestyles, rituals, and beadwork.

• Animals to Spot: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, lions, elephants, gerenuk, Beisa oryx
• Birds to Spot: Somali ostriches, Carmine bee-eaters, kingfishers, storks
• Cultures to Experience: Samburu village visits, traditional beadwork, pastoralist life

These two days offer extensive exploration of Samburu’s arid landscapes. Morning and afternoon game drives allow repeated opportunities to spot elusive predators, interact with elephants, and observe rare species unique to Northern Kenya. The Ewaso Ng’iro River attracts a variety of wildlife, making riverside game drives particularly rewarding.

Guests may also participate in guided bush walks, learning about medicinal plants, wildlife tracking, and the region’s delicate ecosystem. Birdwatching remains a highlight, with species such as African fish eagles, vultures, and lilac-breasted rollers frequenting the river and surrounding areas. Evenings are spent enjoying sundowners in the savannah, reflecting on the day’s discoveries and appreciating Samburu’s quiet beauty. These days reinforce the 10 Days Northern Kenya Explorer Safari’s focus on combining wildlife observation with cultural education.

• Animals to Spot: Lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes
• Birds to Spot: African fish eagles, vultures, lilac-breasted rollers, hornbills
• Cultures to Experience: Pastoralist rituals, storytelling, local crafts

Days eight- and nine of the 10-Days Northern Kenya Explorer Safari feature a transfer to Loisaba Conservancy or Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its conservation success and sustainable tourism initiatives. Here, guests enjoy luxury lodges, horseback safaris, camel treks, and optional night game drives.

The conservancy is home to black rhinos, Grevy’s zebras, lions, elephants, and various antelope species. Guided game drives allow close encounters while minimizing disturbance to wildlife. Bird enthusiasts can observe species such as eagles, vultures, and waterbirds in conservancy wetlands. These conservancies prioritize conservation and community development, allowing guests to witness how tourism contributes to local schools, healthcare, and wildlife protection programs.

• Animals to Spot: Black rhinos, elephants, lions, Grevy’s zebras, leopards
• Birds to Spot: Eagles, vultures, pelicans, weavers
• Cultures to Experience: Community-based conservation initiatives, Maasai culture

On the final day, guests enjoy a morning activity, such as a short game drive or bush walk, before transferring to the local airstrip for a flight back to Nairobi. From there, international departures are facilitated. This concludes the 10 Days Northern Kenya Explorer Safari, leaving guests with lifelong memories of rare wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and cultural immersion.

• Animals to Spot: Last sightings of elephants, lions, Grevy’s zebras, rhinos
• Birds to Spot: Raptors, waterbirds, local endemic species
• Cultures to Experience: Final interaction with conservancy staff and guides