7 Days Northern Kenya Explorer Safari
Wild Beauty, Culture, and Conservation from the Aberdares to Samburu
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day safari adventure through Northern Kenya — a land of rugged beauty, rare wildlife, and deep cultural heritage.
From the misty forests of the Aberdares to the rhino sanctuaries of Ol Pejeta and the elephant herds of Samburu, this itinerary reveals Kenya’s wild heart — far from the usual tourist trails.
With Siraam Tours, you’ll explore in a 4×4 Land Cruiser, stay in charming lodges, and travel with experienced local guides who bring each landscape to life.
About Amboseli National Park
| Tour Duration | 7 Days / 6 Nights |
|---|---|
| Destinations | Aberdares – Samburu – Ol Pejeta – Nairobi |
| Departure | Daily from Nairobi |
| Transport | 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof |
| Accommodation | Budget / Mid-range / Luxury |
| Starting Price | From USD 1,450 per person (sharing) |
| Best Travel Time | June–October & December–March |
Ideal for wildlife photographers, bird watchers, and travelers seeking authentic, less-crowded safaris.
Practical Info
Distance: Nairobi–Aberdares (180 km), Aberdares–Samburu (220 km), Samburu–Ol Pejeta (150 km)
Best Season: June–October & Dec–March
Altitude: 1,000–2,600 m (cooler at Aberdares & Mt. Kenya)
Wildlife: Elephants, leopards, rhinos, lions, buffalo, and rare northern species
Health: Malaria precautions recommended
7-Day Northern Kenya Itinerary
Day 1 – Nairobi → Aberdare National Park
Depart Nairobi in the morning for Aberdare National Park, driving through central Kenya’s lush highlands and coffee farms.
Arrive at The Ark Tree Lodge or similar by midday. Spend the afternoon watching elephants, buffalo, and bushbuck gather around the floodlit waterhole from the lodge’s balconies.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:
- Budget: Treetops Lodge
- Mid-range: The Ark Lodge
- Luxury: Aberdare Country Club
Aberdares offers forest wildlife and cool mountain air — a perfect safari start.
Day 2 – Aberdares → Samburu National Reserve
After breakfast, descend from the highlands and travel north across the equator to Samburu National Reserve — known for its rare and endemic wildlife.
Arrive for lunch, followed by your first game drive in the afternoon. Look out for the “Samburu Five” — reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:
- Budget: Samburu Riverside Camp
- Mid-range: Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Luxury: Elephant Bedroom Camp
Samburu’s rugged landscape and wildlife diversity make it one of Kenya’s hidden gems.
Day 3 – Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Enjoy a full day of game drives across the Ewaso Nyiro River plains.
Morning drive for lions, elephants, and leopards
Visit the Samburu cultural village to learn about their traditions
Afternoon game drive at the riverbank — home to crocodiles and elephants bathing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Same lodge as Day 2
End your day with sunset views over the red Samburu hills.
Day 4 – Samburu → Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia)
After breakfast, drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a world-class conservation model located between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive in this private reserve, famous for its black and white rhino sanctuary and the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary — the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:
- Budget: Comfort Gardens Ol Pejeta
- Mid-range: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
- Luxury: Ol Pejeta House
Meet Najin and Fatu — the last two northern white rhinos on earth.
Day 5 – Full Day in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Spend the day exploring Ol Pejeta’s unique ecosystems:
Early morning game drive for lions and rhinos
Visit the Endangered Species Enclosure
Afternoon visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary
Optional night game drive (extra cost)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Same lodge as Day 4
Ol Pejeta is Kenya’s leader in sustainable wildlife conservation.
Day 6 – Ol Pejeta → Mount Kenya Region (Optional Hike / Relaxation)
Drive toward Mount Kenya National Park for a short scenic hike or lodge stay at the foothills of Africa’s second-highest mountain.
Enjoy lunch with views of the peaks, and relax in the peaceful mountain air.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Serena Mountain Lodge or similar
Mount Kenya adds a serene touch to your northern circuit safari.
Included:
Park entry fees & government taxes
6 nights’ full-board accommodation
Transport in 4×4 Land Cruiser
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
All game drives
Bottled water
Pick-up & drop-off in Nairobi
Not Included:
Cultural visit fees ($25 pp)
Optional activities (night drives, hikes)
Drinks & tips
About Our Nairobi Safari Guides
Our guides are certified by KPSGA (Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association) and have over 5 years of experience navigating Nairobi National Park.
They know every trail, animal pattern, and hidden viewpoint — ensuring you get the most sightings in the least time.
They’re also trained in first aid, photography support, and wildlife interpretation for a safe, enriching experience.
7 Days Northern Kenya Explorer Safari
Venture beyond the ordinary — explore Kenya’s wild north with Siraam Tours!
From the highland forests of the Aberdares to the savannahs of Samburu and the rhino sanctuaries of Ol Pejeta, this 7-day Northern Kenya Explorer Safari delivers culture, conservation, and pure adventure.