Tour Gallery
Overview
This 6-day luxury explorer safari ventures into Kenya's less-traveled northern circuit, featuring Meru National Park, Samburu National Reserve, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy. It is crafted for discerning travelers seeking unique wildlife encounters, including the 'Samburu Special Five' and rhinos at Ol Pejeta, alongside stays in high-quality lodges and camps with expert local guiding in a private 4x4.
Tour Suitability:
- Traveler Profile: Ideal for experienced safari-goers, photographers, and those wishing to explore beyond the more common circuits, with a preference for luxury and unique wildlife.
- Pace of Travel: Moderate, allowing for in-depth exploration of each distinct northern park.
- Interests: Discovering the diverse wildlife of Meru (made famous by 'Born Free'), seeing Samburu's unique species, rhino and chimpanzee encounters at Ol Pejeta, and enjoying the comfort of luxury accommodations.
- Comfort Level: Luxury/Upper Mid-Range, featuring stays at Ikweta Safari Camp, Samburu Simba Lodge, and Sweetwaters Serena Camp.
- Focus: An off-the-beaten-path luxury journey into Kenya's northern wilderness, highlighting unique species and conservation efforts.
Key Tour Highlights
- Meru National Park Exploration: Discover the rugged beauty and diverse wildlife of Meru, including its rhino sanctuary and connection to Joy Adamson's 'Born Free'.
- Samburu's Special Five: Search for the Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx, unique to this arid region.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and encounter both black and white rhinos in this leading conservation area.
- Quality Lodge & Camp Stays: Enjoy comfortable and well-appointed accommodations at Ikweta Safari Camp, Samburu Simba Lodge, and Sweetwaters Serena Camp.
- Scenic Central Highlands: Journey through Kenya's picturesque Central Highlands.
Accommodation Style
Experience comfort and authentic safari charm at a selection of reputable mid-range to luxury lodges and camps. This includes Ikweta Safari Camp (near Meru), Samburu Simba Lodge (bordering Samburu NR), and the renowned Sweetwaters Serena Camp (inside Ol Pejeta). These properties offer good amenities, pleasant dining, and strategic locations for exploring these unique northern parks.
Featured Destinations & Attractions
- Meru National Park: Known for its rhino sanctuary, diverse habitats ranging from forests to savannahs, and a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, and rare antelope species.
- Samburu National Reserve: Famous for its 'Samburu Special Five' and other arid-adapted wildlife along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia Plateau): A leading conservancy for rhinos, home to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and offering Big Five viewing against the backdrop of Mount Kenya.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Nairobi or from your hotel, your local driver-guide will pick you up. Drive through Kenya's Central Highlands, arriving at Meru National Park. Check in at your camp for lunch. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon to evening game drive in the park, searching for its diverse wildlife. (Meals: Lunch & Dinner, Drinking water)
Accommodation: Ikweta Safari Camp or similar mid-range tented camp.
Spend the full day in Meru National Park with extensive game drives. You can choose a full-day game drive with picnic lunch boxes or morning and evening game drives with a lunch break at the camp. Meru is known for its rhino sanctuary and a variety of animals including elephants, lions, and various antelope species. (Meals: All meals included, Drinking water)
Accommodation: Ikweta Safari Camp or similar mid-range tented camp.
After breakfast at Meru, depart and drive to Samburu National Reserve. Arrive in time for check-in and lunch at your lodge. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon to evening game drive in Samburu, in search of wildlife and the 'Samburu Special Five' (Grevy Zebra, Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich, and Reticulated Giraffe). (Meals: Lunch & Dinner, Drinking water)
Accommodation: Samburu Simba Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
Dedicate the full day to exploring Samburu National Reserve in search of its vast wildlife and the unique 'Samburu Special Five'. You can opt for a full-day game drive with picnic lunches or separate morning and afternoon/evening game drives. An optional visit to a Samburu cultural village can be arranged (extra cost). (Meals: All meals included, Drinking water)
Accommodation: Samburu Simba Lodge or similar mid-range lodge.
After breakfast, depart Samburu and drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Enjoy a game drive en route to your luxury camp, arriving at Sweetwaters Serena Camp (or similar) in time for check-in and lunch. After lunch, embark on a game drive in this privately-owned conservancy and visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary. (Meals: Lunch & Dinner, Drinking water)
Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp or similar luxury tented camp.
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive as you depart Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Drive back to Nairobi City, where you will be dropped off at your preferred destination (hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - NBO) for your onward journey. (Meals: Breakfast, Drinking water)
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour).
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
- Professional guide
- Activities (as written in the itinerary)
- Entry fee
- Taxes
- A bottle of drinking water
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions
- Meals and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas