3-Day Samburu, Shaba & Buffalo Springs Safari from Nairobi

The landscape and wildlife are genuinely different — arid plains, lava fields, and riverine forest instead of open grassland, and species like Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx that you won’t find in the Mara.

Five species largely unique to this arid northern region: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich — a distinct alternative checklist to the classic Big Five.

Approximately 6 to 8 hours via the Isiolo corridor, making this a safari best suited to travelers with at least 3 days to give the destination, given the travel time involved.

Samburu National Reserve, Shaba National Reserve, and Buffalo Springs National Reserve, all bordering the Ewaso Nyiro River in Isiolo County.

The Samburu Special Five, elephant herds, leopards and cheetahs along known hunting routes, crocodiles and hippos in the river, and lions and hyenas active near river corridors, especially early morning and evening.

Yes — the region hosts over 350 bird species, with Buffalo Springs’ natural springs and palm groves offering particularly rich birdlife and close-range photography opportunities.

It works well for both first-timers wanting something beyond the standard circuit and repeat visitors who’ve already done the Masai Mara. For a more classic Big Five itinerary, see our Kenya Tours page for Masai Mara options.

This region is a year-round destination, with river-fed wildlife activity remaining strong even in drier months when other parts of Kenya see wildlife disperse. See our Best Time to Go on Safari in Africa guide for broader Kenya travel timing.

Yes — Samburu pairs well as an extension before or after a Masai Mara or Amboseli safari for travelers wanting a more complete picture of Kenya’s wildlife diversity. Our custom safari packages page can combine this route with other parks around your exact dates, and our Big Five explainer covers where to find the classic Big Five elsewhere in Kenya.

Africa Moja Tours’ driver-guides know this less-visited region well, and the itinerary is built to maximize river-corridor game drives during the cooler, most active parts of the day.