Full Day Samburu game reserve

Set along the Ewaso Ng’iro River in Kenya, the Samburu National Reserve boasts magnificent doum palm groves and thick riverine forests. Covering an area of 165 km2, the reserve is home to Samburu’s ‘Special Six’, namely Grevy’s zebra, the Somali ostrich, the reticulated giraffe, the long-necked gerenuk, Guenther’s dik-dik and the Beisa oryx. These rare northern creatures are joined by all three cats (lion, leopard and cheetah), gerenuk, elephants, Cape buffalos, black rhinos, hippos and if you’re really lucky, you’ll also spot the impala and waterbuck. Samburu National Reserve is among Kenya’s smallest parks but its game and over 450 species of birdlife more than make up for its small size.

Your visit to Samburu National Reserve will also allow you to view the Ewaso Ng’iro River. It continues to maintain a consistent supply of water due to the glaciers of Mount Kenya – this helps the wildlife in Samburu and its neighboring Buffalo Springs National Reserve survive and thrive. The name of the river is derived from the local community’s language and means muddy or brown water, given the appearance of the same. In the arid north of Kenya, water means life, therefore it is not uncommon to find several mammals and birdlife dipping their heads into the Ewaso Ng’iro River or grazing in the pastures close to the water to feed on the vegetation. The river is also an important source of irrigation to support Kenya’s thriving agriculture.

Fun fact: The Samburu National Reserve is one of the two areas in which conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness. It was also the home of Kamunyak, a lioness famous for adopting oryx calves. Kamunyak fought pride of lions for six years in a bid to protect oryx calves and was last sighted in the reserve in February 2004. So now that your mental, visual, and hopefully spiritual appetite has been satiated with the lush beauty of Samburu National Reserve, head back to your camp site to start preparing for your onward journey to Ol Pejeta Conservancy and to tuck into a delicious meal before hitting the sack.

Ol Pajeta - Lake Naivasha

Breakfast and game en route to the floor of the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha (4Hrs). Arrive at Chui Lodge for lunch. Lots of activities in the afternoon and evening, including day game drive, night game drive in their private conservancy, sundowner, and bush dinner.

We know the constant traveling might seem like a bit much, but we promise you unrivaled sights of the most beautiful scenery, wildlife, and birdlife Kenya has to offer. Road journeys are a great way to get to know your compatriots, make new friends, and, for those who fall asleep in a moving vehicle, get some shuteye. A quick tip: We advise you to travel light. Kenya is one of the few countries to enjoy tropical weather all around the year since it borders the Indian Ocean, so you can pack plenty of light clothing and save the denim for another destination.

The four-hour journey to Lake Naivasha begins shortly after breakfast. The name ‘Naivasha’ has been derived from the local Maasai word ‘Nai’posha’ meaning ‘rough water’—sudden storms occur rather frequently in the area, so we’d advise you to pack an umbrella and a windcheater to stay dry during your visit. Lake Naivasha is part of the Great Rift Valley (a 6,000-mile fissure (crack) in the Earth’s crust stretching from Lebanon to Mozambique, which divides Kenya into two segments) and is one of the highest lakes in the area located at 1,884 meters above sea level. Fringed by thick papyrus, this beautiful freshwater lake is home to a variety of fish, birdlife, and hippos. You’re also likely to see giraffe grazing among the acacia woodlands, the buffalo wallowing in the swamps, and the Colobus monkeys calling out from the treetops.

Once you reach Lake Naivasha and disembark from the vehicle, stretch your legs out, have a sip of water or a bite of your snack, and start exploring because the day will come to an end but the activities won’t. Hugged by grassy banks and shingled with cacti and sand olive trees, the area is well-known for its hiking and nature trails, day and night game drives, and boating excursions. Lake Naivasha is also one of the primary drinking holes for buffalos, zebras, elands, impalas, and waterbucks; it’s also the place you’ll see a hippo or two lazing about in the shallow waters or snoozing at the shores—this is nature at its very best and it’s the perfect way to get up close to these magnificent creatures who make our Earth a brighter, better place to live on. The birdwatchers among you will have a field day as the Lake is home to over 450 bird species. Take a moment to spot grey-backed fiscals, red-billed fire finches, kingfishers, herons, and more in the sky and the swamps.
Return to the Lodge for a delicious meal and to recount all your experiences with your newfound friends and family. Share a laugh, pictures, and contact details, and make yourself a promise to stay in touch with your newfound travel crew.

From Mara to South Coast

You’ve seen the game, taken pictures of the wildlife, identified some bird species, taken a walk in nature, and forever captured the Great Migration of the wildebeest. Your trip is in its final leg and it isn’t complete without a visit to one of Kenya’s beaches. What better way to indulge in some R&R than visiting a major beach that overlooks the Indian Ocean?

Diani Beach is located 30 km south of Mombasa and a tourism hotspot in Kenya, bustling with visitors from all over the world. It’s known for its gorgeous coral reefs, a strong population of black and white colobus monkeys, and the Shimba Hills National Reserve, where you’ll find Kenya’s Sable antelope.

17km of beautiful white sands, pristine water that is a shade of emerald blue, and lush greenery, Diani is also a food lover’s heaven and is chock-full of al fresco dining options. You have the option of exploring Diani at your own pace, but we’d like to make a few recommendations. If you haven’t had your fill of wildlife, the Shimba Hills National Reserve isn’t too far away. If you’re a lover of the deep blue sea, then take a dhow out to Wasini Island to look for and swim with the turtles and dolphins as you marvel at the fantastic life forms underwater. Snorkeling in the Indian Ocean is a treat for all the senses. Get over your fear of heights by taking to kitesurfing or skydiving. Go deeper into the forests and visit a monkey sanctuary with a guided tour in Diani.