Samburu Express – 4 Days Safari Itinerary
A Short but Unforgettable Journey into Samburu
For travelers who have limited time but don’t want to compromise on the magic of a Kenyan safari, the Samburu Express (4 Days / 3 Nights) is the perfect choice. Based at the stunning Saruni Samburu Lodge, this itinerary offers thrilling game drives, cultural experiences, and luxury in the rugged landscapes of Northern Kenya.
Safari Overview
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Destination: Samburu, Kalama Conservancy & Samburu National Reserve
- Accommodation: Saruni Samburu Lodge
- Style: Fly-in luxury safari
- Highlights: Big Five sightings, Samburu cultural encounters, guided bush walks, sundowners with panoramic views
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Samburu – Welcome to the Wild North
- Morning or mid-day flight from Nairobi to Samburu (approx. 1hr 20min).
- Warm welcome at the airstrip by your Saruni Samburu guide.
- Scenic game drive transfer through Kalama Conservancy to the lodge.
- Settle into your villa perched on the Kalama rocks, overlooking dramatic Samburu landscapes.
- Afternoon game drive in Samburu National Reserve – home to the “Samburu Special Five”: reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.
- Evening sundowner cocktails on a rocky viewpoint.
- Dinner under the stars at the lodge.
Overnight: Saruni Samburu (Full Board + soft drinks, house wine & spirits)
Day 2: Full-Day Safari Adventure
- Early morning game drive in Kalama Conservancy or Samburu National Reserve, with picnic breakfast in the bush.
- Look out for elephants, lions, leopards, and Samburu’s unique wildlife.
- Return to lodge for lunch and relaxation – enjoy the infinity pool or a complimentary 30-min massage in the Wellbeing Space.
- Afternoon cultural village visit to learn about Samburu traditions, beadwork, and warrior culture.
- Evening night game drive in Kalama Conservancy, a rare chance to spot nocturnal species like aardvark and leopard.
Overnight: Saruni Samburu
Day 3: Walking Safari & Conservation Encounters
- Guided walking safari with Samburu warriors – track wildlife on foot while learning about traditional survival skills and medicinal plants.
- Optional visit to the Singing Wells (seasonal) where Samburu herders sing to their livestock.
- Lunch at the lodge.
- Afternoon game drive, exploring new corners of Samburu’s rugged terrain.
- Sundowners with panoramic views of Mount Kenya in the distance.
Overnight: Saruni Samburu
Day 4: Departure – One Last Safari Moment
- Early morning game drive or bush walk to soak in the last moments of Samburu wilderness.
- Breakfast at the lodge with sweeping views of Kalama Conservancy.
- Transfer to the airstrip for your return flight to Nairobi.
Indicative 2026 Rates – Samburu Express (Per Person Sharing)
| Season | 3 Nights at Saruni Samburu | Conservation Fees (3 nights) | Total Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| High (Jul–Sep, 20 Dec–2 Jan) | USD 3,000 | USD 480 | 3,480 |
| Mid (Jan–Feb, Jun, Oct, Dec 1–19) | USD 2,400 | USD 480 | 2,880 |
| Low (Mar–May, Nov) | USD 2,100 | USD 480 | 2,580 |
💡 Flights Nairobi–Samburu–Nairobi additional (approx. USD 465 per person round-trip).
What’s Included
✔ 3 nights at Saruni Samburu (full-board basis)
✔ Soft drinks, house wines, selected beers & spirits
✔ Game drives (day & night) in Kalama Conservancy & Samburu National Reserve
✔ Bush meals, sundowners, guided walks
✔ 30-min massage per stay
✔ Airstrip transfers & laundry
✔ VAT & taxes
What’s Excluded
✘ Daily conservation fees (USD 160 per adult/night, USD 80 per child)
✘ Scheduled flights Nairobi–Samburu–Nairobi
✘ Premium wines & champagne
✘ Exclusive use of safari vehicle (USD 400/day)
✘ Flying Doctors cover (USD 25 per person)
✘ Gratuities & personal expenses
Why Choose the Samburu Express?
- Time-efficient: Perfect for travelers on tight schedules.
- Unique wildlife: Encounter the Samburu Special Five found nowhere else.
- Luxury with culture: Stay at a boutique eco-lodge and connect with Samburu traditions.
- Flexible: Can be combined with Masai Mara, Laikipia, or Nairobi extensions.
👉 Suggested Interlinks:
- 6 Nights Saruni Basecamps Safari (Samburu & Mara)
- Laikipia Wilderness Safari
- Great Migration Safari in the Masai Mara
- Luxury Nairobi Extensions
Photo Gallery
