I personally love the Northern Route, as with the crossing of the Equator, our wildlife has been categorized as the Northern and Southern Species. The drive up to the north is an interesting one as you pass fertile farmlands to the arid areas of Samburu that fall on the leeward side of Mt. Kenya. A night at Aberdare National Park offers game viewing directly from the lodge, where you will spot the forest elephants, spotted hyenas, Cape Buffalo, leopards, bushbucks, and bongos that congregate at the waterhole for a drink and salt lick. What makes Samburu National Reserve a unique park is the collection of the special five that can only be seen here and are adaptive to the arid condition, i.e., the Grevy Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk Antelope, and the Besia Oryx.

Ol Pejeta is a must-experience, as you will have the chance to spot the Big Five, track the notorious Pack of Wild Dogs, and come face-to-face with the Chimpanzees.

Day 1

Nairobi – Arrival

On arrival at JKI Airport, get your visa sorted with immigration, and after that, you will head to the baggage hall. A final clearance will be done by the customs, and do exit the building where our guide will be awaiting your arrival. A transfer will be arranged to the hotel for leisure. Overnight at the Tamarind Tree Hotel. 

Day 2

Nairobi-Aberdare Drive time : 3.5 hours drive Distance : 170 km

Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m., and thereafter, at 8:00 a.m., office staff will meet you at the lobby to offer a briefing for your program. On check-out, you will depart at 0830 hrs. for Aberdare National Park. The drive will take you through pineapple plantations and fertile vegetation land. Arrival at the beautiful Aberdare Country Club will be around 1200hrs, where you will be welcomed with a hot buffet lunch. The beautiful gardens offer panoramic views of exotic plants, which offer a calm sense of relaxation.

At 1330hrs, a transfer will be arranged to Aberdare National Park, where you will be escorted by a ranger to the water pools. A walk will be done to a preferred site where you will be handed fishing equipment and have the chance to catch the famous trout. Late afternoon, a drive will be done to the lodge with your catch.

The lodge is designed like Noah’s Ark and built with a wood structure. This offers a unique experience and yet the feeling of being in the old days. There are verandahs on each floor where you will get to view wildlife that visits the water hole.

Dinner and overnight at The Ark (B/L/D)

Day 3

Aberdare-Samburu Drive time : 4 hours drive Distance : 180 km

The morning wake-up call is a sweet melody that rings in the hall. Breakfast is served between 0630 and 0745 hours, and thereafter you will be transferred back to Aberdare Country Club. Your guide will be anxiously waiting in the lobby, and on a check-out formality, proceed to Samburu National Reserve. Enjoy a beautiful drive as you pass large wheat plantations that create outstanding landscapes.

Humidity will increase as you start the descent into the arid area. Arrival at the lodge will be in time for lunch, and you will spend the afternoon at leisure. Take a nap or enjoy a dip in the pool.

At 1500hrs, you will have a game drive as you search for wildlife by the Ewaso Ngiro River or the Rocky Mountains that offer shelter to the elusive cats.

Return to the lodge for leisure, and a cultural talk will be provided by the bar area, which provides a deeper insight into the ecosystem and the colorful Samburu people.

Dinner and Overnight at Samburu Simba Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 4: Samburu

Breakfast will be served at 0630 hrs.

Depart at 7:00 a.m. for a half-day game drive as you search for wildlife over an extensive area. Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch and leisure. This afternoon you will visit a Samburu village to learn more about this unique tribe that are cousins to the Maasai People and speak the same Maa language. Return to the lodge early evening for leisure.

Dinner and Overnight at Samburu Simba Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 5

Samburu-Ol Pejeta Drive time : 2.5 hours drive Distance : 100kms

After breakfast, a check-out will be arranged at 0700 hrs. 

Experience a game drive in search of wildlife. Depart for Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

The journey will have a great ascend as you drive to the Highlands, and your arrival will be at the lodge for lunch and leisure. A visit will be arranged to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where you walk along the river to spot these amazing primates that are closely related to humans. Proceed for a game drive as you search for the wild dogs that hunt in packs and terrorize their prey. Arrive back at the lodge and spend time at leisure.

Dinner and Overnight at Serena Sweet Waters Camp (B/L/D)

Day 6

Ol Pejeta, Nairobi Drive time: 5 hours drive Distance: 250kms

A morning game drive will be arranged at 0630 hrs.

Return to the lodge for breakfast, and a check-out will be arranged. Depart for Nairobi. Enjoy a leisurely drive, and arrival will be early afternoon. Late lunch will be served at a steak house, and thereafter you will be met by office staff for a debriefing to discuss your experience.

After a farewell, you will be dropped off at JKI Airport to board your flight back home (B/L)

Adventure Includes:

• Airport transfer
• 01 Night Accommodation at Tamarind Tree Hotel on a BB Basis
• 04 Nights Accommodation at Safari Lodges on a FB Basis
• Transport in a Safari Landcruiser
• Game Drives
• Park Entrance Fees
• English Speaking Guide
• Bottled mineral water
• Afternoon fishing at Aberdare National Park
• A visit to a Samburu Village
• Farewell lunch at Spurs Steak House.

Adventure Excludes:

• Drinks, Any items of personal nature
• Gratuities, Visa
• International & Domestic flights
• Travel Insurance for personal effects or any cancellations
• Personal Health Insurance
• Day Room in Nairobi on departure day