Kenya Samburu Special Five & Reteti Conservation Safari – 9 Days

Introduction: Discover Northern Kenya’s Unique Wildlife and Community Conservation

Explore the extraordinary landscapes of northern Kenya on this 9-day Samburu Special Five and Reteti Conservation Safari with Kuku Safaris.

This journey takes you beyond Kenya’s more familiar safari destinations to discover the distinctive wildlife, dramatic scenery and community-led conservation initiatives of the Samburu region.

The adventure begins in Nairobi before continuing to Samburu National Reserve, a remarkable wilderness known for its semi-arid landscapes, acacia woodland and the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Unlike many other Kenyan wildlife destinations, Samburu is particularly famous for five distinctive northern species known collectively as the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich.

Travellers will enjoy game drives across the reserve, searching for these fascinating animals while also looking for elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs and other wildlife.

The safari then continues to Namunyak Community Conservancy, home to the renowned Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. Here, visitors learn about a conservation initiative established and operated with the support of the Indigenous Samburu community. The sanctuary rescues orphaned and abandoned elephant calves and works towards their rehabilitation and eventual return to the wild.

Beyond the wildlife, the itinerary offers opportunities to learn about Samburu traditions, explore the Mathews Mountain landscape, enjoy guided nature walks and participate in selected cultural experiences.

This safari is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, conservation-minded travellers, couples and anyone seeking a less conventional Kenya safari experience.

Tour Highlights

• Discover the Samburu Special Five in their natural habitat.
• Enjoy guided game drives in Samburu National Reserve.
• Search for Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich.
• Explore the Ewaso Nyiro River ecosystem.
• Visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Namunyak Community Conservancy.
• Learn about elephant rescue, rehabilitation and community-led conservation.
• Experience Samburu cultural traditions through locally guided activities.
• Explore the rugged Mathews Mountain landscape.
• Enjoy optional walking safaris, horseback riding and guided conservancy experiences.
• Support conservation tourism that benefits local communities.

Detailed 9-Day Kenya Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from Kuku Safaris and transferred to your hotel in Nairobi.

Depending on your arrival time, spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying a short city experience. Travellers arriving early may visit selected attractions, explore local craft markets or enjoy a meal at one of Nairobi’s restaurants.

In the evening, meet your safari guide for a briefing about the northern Kenya adventure.

Your guide will explain the flight or road transfer arrangements, the wildlife experiences planned in Samburu and the special booking requirements for Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.

Accommodation: Nairobi
Meal plan: Dinner, depending on arrival time

Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve – Journey to Northern Kenya

After breakfast, transfer to Wilson Airport for your scheduled light-aircraft flight to the Samburu region.

A flight is a convenient way to reach northern Kenya and reduces the long road journey from Nairobi. Depending on airline schedules and availability, flights operate to airstrips serving Samburu and Buffalo Springs.

For travellers who prefer an overland adventure, a private 4×4 road transfer can also be arranged. The road journey passes through Nanyuki and Isiolo before reaching the Samburu region.

On arrival, you will be met by a lodge representative and transferred to your accommodation.

After lunch, enjoy your first afternoon game drive in Samburu National Reserve.

The reserve is known for its dryland wildlife and beautiful scenery. Look out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and birds along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Your guide will introduce you to the distinctive wildlife of the region and explain what makes Samburu different from Kenya’s more southern parks.

Return to your lodge before sunset for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Samburu National Reserve area
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Samburu National Reserve – Search for the Samburu Special Five

Today is dedicated to discovering the remarkable wildlife of Samburu National Reserve.

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive.

The main focus is to search for the famous Samburu Special Five.

1. Grevy’s zebra

Grevy’s zebra is distinguished by its narrow black-and-white stripes, large rounded ears and impressive size. It is one of the rarest wild zebra species and a major attraction for conservation-focused travellers visiting northern Kenya.

2. Reticulated giraffe

The reticulated giraffe is recognised by its striking coat pattern, formed by large polygonal patches separated by bright white lines. It is one of the most beautiful giraffe species in Africa.

3. Beisa oryx

This elegant antelope is adapted to the dry conditions of northern Kenya. It is recognised by its long straight horns and contrasting black-and-white facial markings.

4. Gerenuk

Often called the giraffe gazelle, the gerenuk has a long neck and slender body. It is particularly interesting to observe when standing on its hind legs to reach leaves on taller shrubs.

5. Somali ostrich

The Somali ostrich is distinguished from the common ostrich by its blue-grey neck and legs. It is another remarkable species associated with the arid landscapes of northern Kenya.

Your guide will search for these animals across suitable habitats, including the open plains, acacia woodland and riverine areas.

The reserve is also home to elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes and numerous bird species.

After the morning game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest.

In the afternoon, head out again for another wildlife excursion, taking advantage of the changing light and cooler conditions.

Return to your lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: Samburu National Reserve area
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Samburu – Full-Day Wildlife Safari and Birdwatching

After breakfast, enjoy another full day exploring Samburu National Reserve.

A full-day excursion provides additional opportunities to search for wildlife in different parts of the reserve. Your guide will select routes based on recent sightings, weather conditions and the interests of the group.

The morning may focus on the open savannah and acacia woodland, while the afternoon can explore sections of the Ewaso Nyiro River ecosystem.

Wildlife enthusiasts may look for lions resting in shaded areas, elephants moving between feeding grounds and giraffes browsing among acacia trees.

Birdwatchers can also enjoy searching for hornbills, vultures, bee-eaters, eagles, weavers and other species associated with northern Kenya’s dryland habitats.

A picnic lunch can be arranged at a designated location, allowing you to spend more time in the reserve instead of returning to the lodge.

Depending on your interests, an optional cultural experience with a local Samburu community can also be arranged through an established local host.

This may include learning about traditional dress, beadwork, livestock keeping and the relationship between local communities and wildlife conservation.

Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Samburu National Reserve area
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Samburu to Namunyak Community Conservancy – Journey into the Mathews Mountains

After breakfast, leave the Samburu National Reserve area and travel towards Namunyak Community Conservancy.

This journey takes you into one of northern Kenya’s important community conservation landscapes, set around the dramatic Mathews Mountain Range.

Namunyak is home to the Indigenous Samburu community and supports wildlife conservation through a community-based model in which local people play a central role in protecting the landscape.

The conservancy is known for elephants, reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, gerenuks, leopards, wild dogs and many bird species.

The journey involves remote roads, so a suitable 4×4 safari vehicle and local guidance are important.

On arrival, check in at your selected accommodation. Options can include Sarara Camp, Sarara Treehouses or Reteti House, depending on availability and budget.

Reteti House is particularly convenient for visitors planning a sanctuary visit, as it is approximately a 10-minute walk from Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. Sarara Camp is located farther away, approximately a 45-minute scenic drive from the sanctuary.

Spend the afternoon relaxing, enjoying the views or taking a short guided conservancy excursion where available.

Accommodation: Namunyak Community Conservancy
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Reteti Elephant Sanctuary – A Conservation Experience in Northern Kenya

Today is one of the most meaningful highlights of the safari.

After breakfast, travel to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary for your pre-booked conservation visit.

Reteti is located within Namunyak Community Conservancy and was established to rescue, care for and rehabilitate orphaned and abandoned elephant calves.

The sanctuary is particularly significant because it is a community-owned and community-led conservation initiative. Its keepers are members of the Samburu community, many of whom come from within Namunyak.

During the visit, you will learn about the sanctuary’s work, the reasons elephant calves sometimes need rescue and the process involved in helping them recover and prepare for eventual release into the wild.

Depending on your confirmed visiting time, you may observe a scheduled feeding session from the visitor viewing area.

The experience also provides an opportunity to learn directly from the keepers about elephant care, rescue operations and the relationship between local communities and wildlife.

Reteti follows responsible wildlife-interaction guidelines. Visitors must not touch or feed the elephants themselves; interaction is reserved for the sanctuary’s trained keepers and staff.

The visit must be booked in advance. Same-day walk-in visits are not accepted, and the sanctuary requests that bookings be made at least 24 hours beforehand. A minimum donation is required after the visit has been confirmed.

After the sanctuary experience, return to your lodge for lunch.

The remainder of the afternoon can be spent relaxing or enjoying a short walk around the conservancy with a local guide.

Learn more through the official Reteti Elephant Sanctuary website and arrange the visit through its official booking page.

Accommodation: Namunyak Community Conservancy
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7: Namunyak Conservancy – Samburu Culture, Wildlife and Conservation

Spend another day exploring Namunyak Community Conservancy and learning about the relationship between the Samburu people, wildlife and the surrounding landscape.

After breakfast, choose from selected activities arranged through your lodge or local conservation partners.

Possible experiences include:

Guided conservancy game drive

Explore parts of Namunyak with a local guide, looking for elephants, reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, gerenuks and other wildlife.

Samburu Singing Wells

One of the region’s distinctive cultural experiences is the Singing Wells tradition. Samburu warriors gather at traditional wells to draw water for their livestock, using coordinated singing and rhythmic calls as they work.

This experience offers visitors a glimpse into the importance of water and livestock in Samburu pastoral life. It should be arranged with local hosts and experienced at an appropriate time and location.

Samburu beadwork experience

Visit local Samburu women and learn about the cultural importance of traditional jewellery and beadwork.

The experience can include a demonstration of the techniques used to create necklaces, bracelets and other ornaments.

Horseback safari or guided nature walk

Depending on the lodge and guest suitability, you may arrange a horseback safari or guided walk through the conservancy.

These activities provide a different perspective of the landscape and are particularly appealing to travellers who enjoy outdoor exploration.

Community and conservation experience

Some lodge-based activities allow visitors to learn about local education, healthcare and other community programmes.

All activities are subject to availability and should be arranged respectfully through local hosts.

For more information about the activities offered in the area, visit Sarara’s official activity guide and Namunyak Community Conservancy.

Return to your lodge in the afternoon for relaxation and dinner.

Accommodation: Namunyak Community Conservancy
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8: Namunyak Community Conservancy to Nairobi – Return Journey

After an early breakfast, begin the journey back to Nairobi.

The road transfer from the Reteti area to Nairobi is long, with the sanctuary’s visitor information describing the journey as approximately eight hours by road.

Travel in a suitable high-clearance 4×4 vehicle and depart early to complete the journey during daylight.

Enjoy selected refreshment and lunch stops along the way. Your guide will monitor road and security conditions and adjust the journey if necessary.

For travellers seeking to avoid the long road journey, a charter flight from Namunyak Airstrip may be considered. This option requires advance arrangements with the sanctuary and the relevant aviation operator, including confirmation of aircraft availability and ground transfers.

On arrival in Nairobi, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Accommodation: Nairobi
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch

Day 9: Departure from Nairobi – End of the Safari

After breakfast, depending on your international flight schedule, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward journey.

This marks the end of your Kenya Samburu Special Five and Reteti Conservation Safari with Kuku Safaris.

You will leave with wonderful memories of northern Kenya’s distinctive wildlife, the dramatic landscapes of the Mathews Mountains and the inspiring conservation work taking place at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Best Time to Visit Samburu and Reteti Elephant Sanctuary

Samburu and Namunyak can be visited throughout the year.

The drier periods are often preferred for game drives because vegetation is less dense and wildlife may be easier to locate around remaining water sources. However, animal movements depend on rainfall, food availability and local conditions.

The region is semi-arid, so visitors should be prepared for warm daytime temperatures, cool early mornings and changing conditions in the mountains.

The Reteti visit also depends on advance booking and the sanctuary’s visitor schedule. It is important to secure the appointment before finalising the safari.

What to Pack for the Samburu Conservation Safari

For a comfortable journey, we recommend packing:

• Lightweight, breathable safari clothing.
• Neutral-coloured clothing such as khaki, brown and olive green.
• A warm layer for cool early mornings.
• A sun hat or cap.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Insect repellent.
• A reusable water bottle.
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
• Camera and spare batteries.
• Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies.
• A small daypack for game drives.
• A soft-sided bag for domestic light-aircraft flights, subject to airline baggage rules.

For Reteti, the sanctuary recommends dark green clothing where possible, or shades of brown and khaki. Bring drinking water, sunscreen and snacks for the journey to and from the sanctuary.

Is This Safari Suitable for Families and Children?

Yes. The safari can be tailored for families and private groups, subject to the accommodation and activity providers’ conditions.

Children may enjoy the wildlife viewing and the conservation learning experience at Reteti. However, visitors must follow the sanctuary’s visitor rules, including restrictions on interacting directly with the elephants.

Some remote-area activities, such as guided walks and horseback safaris, may have age, fitness or safety requirements.

Families should confirm the suitability of their preferred activities before booking.

What Is Included in the Safari Package?

A typical Kuku Safaris package can include:

• Airport transfers in Nairobi.
• Private 4×4 safari transportation for road transfers.
• Scheduled light-aircraft flight to Samburu, where included in the quotation.
• Services of an experienced English-speaking safari guide.
• Accommodation for eight nights.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
• Samburu National Reserve game drives.
• Agreed park and conservancy entry arrangements.
• Pre-booked Reteti Elephant Sanctuary visit and applicable donation, where included.
• Selected Namunyak cultural and conservation experiences.
• Drinking water during road transfers.

What Is Not Included?

Unless otherwise agreed in the final quotation, the package excludes:

• International flights.
• Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and other applicable entry requirements.
• Optional charter flights.
• Activities not specified in the confirmed itinerary.
• Additional private or exclusive Reteti visits.
• Travel insurance.
• Personal expenses, tips and gratuities.
• Drinks and meals not specified in the itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the Samburu Special Five?

The Samburu Special Five are five distinctive wildlife species associated with northern Kenya: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich.

2. Are the Samburu Special Five the same as the Big Five?

No. The Samburu Special Five are a separate group of northern Kenya species. They are not the African Big Five, which refers to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros.

3. Where is Reteti Elephant Sanctuary located?

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is located in Namunyak Community Conservancy in northern Kenya, at the foot of the Mathews Mountain Range.

4. What makes Reteti Elephant Sanctuary special?

Reteti is recognised for its community-led conservation model. Its Samburu keepers care for rescued and orphaned elephant calves and prepare them for rehabilitation and eventual return to the wild.

5. Can visitors touch or feed the elephants at Reteti?

No. The sanctuary restricts direct interaction to its trained keepers and staff. Visitors observe the elephants and learn about their care through the designated visitor experience.

6. Do I need to book Reteti in advance?

Yes. Visitors must book before arrival, and the sanctuary requires at least 24 hours’ advance notice. Same-day bookings are not accepted. A donation is required once the visit is confirmed.

7. How do I get to Samburu from Nairobi?

Travellers can reach Samburu by scheduled light-aircraft flights from Wilson Airport or by road. Flying is a convenient option for clients with limited time, while the road journey provides an overland experience through central and northern Kenya.

8. Can I stay near Reteti Elephant Sanctuary?

Yes. Accommodation options include Reteti House, which is approximately a 10-minute walk from the sanctuary, and Sarara Camp, which is around a 45-minute scenic drive away.

9. Can I combine Samburu with other Kenyan destinations?

Yes. Travellers can extend the itinerary to include Laikipia, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Meru National Park or the Maasai Mara, depending on the available time and travel budget.

Book Your Kenya Samburu Special Five and Reteti Conservation Safari with Kuku Safaris

Discover the remarkable wildlife and community conservation heritage of northern Kenya with Kuku Safaris.

This 9-day journey offers an opportunity to search for the rare Samburu Special Five, explore the landscapes of the Ewaso Nyiro River and experience the conservation work of Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.

Beyond the wildlife, the itinerary introduces travellers to the culture and traditions of the Samburu people and the importance of community participation in protecting Kenya’s natural heritage.

Whether you are a wildlife photographer, conservation enthusiast, couple or private safari traveller, Kuku Safaris can tailor this experience to your preferred travel dates, accommodation standards and budget.

Contact Kuku Safaris to start planning your Kenya Samburu Special Five and Reteti Conservation Safari.