Northern Kenya’s magnificent Laikipia Plateau is the home of the proud and gentle Samburu people and the location for this family safari and cultural exploration. Our Samburu guides are intimately familiar with this land and share their bush craft and culture as we play and learn in this pristine and exotic environment. Ideal for children 7 and older.
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Authentic Samburu Interations |
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Excellent Game Viewing |
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Mathew’s Range |
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Camel Trek |
Talk To a Safari Specialist today!
call (800) 405-9463
Kenya Safari: Samburu Explorations
KEY: B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner
Please note that premium import brands are not included with beverages
Call for More Info: 800 405 9463
Day 1 Travel Day – To Africa
Your safari begins today as you board your international flight to Africa.
Day 2, 3, 4 Laikipia Plateau
Northern Kenya’s magnificent Laikipia Plateau is the home of the proud and gentle Samburu people and the setting for this unique family safari and cultural exploration. It is designed for families to play and learn in a wonderfully pristine and exotic environment.
On our arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport we are met and transferred to our small plane flight to Laikipia and road transfer to remote Sabuk Lodge. Located on the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River, Sabuk was designed to harmonize with the land. It has just nine guest rooms built of stone, wood and thatch set in a narrow canyon perched high above the river. Each has a private veranda facing the river rapids 150 feet below. The lodge also has self-contained family suite with two double rooms, sitting room, dining room and a plunge pool. There is a swimming pool and we can also take a refreshing dip in the river. The lodge works closely with the local Samburu community and half the lodge’s income is shared with them.
The Laikipia Plateau is located in north central Kenya and is part of the eastern escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. The area is wonderfully scenic with the escarpment’s dry plains giving way to dramatic wooded gorges and tangled riverine thickets. This region was made famous by Kuki Gallman’s book and film “I Dreamed of Africa”, and with the help of organizations like the Laikipia Wildlife Forum, many of the area’s largest ranches have been converted back to wildlife, giving Laikipia one of the highest wildlife densities in Kenya. All of Africa’s Big Five – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard – can be seen here plus special arid land species like oryx, Grevy’s zebra and gerenuk.
We arrive at Sabuk in time for an evening game drive, and then next morning we set out on an overnight camel trek. Guided by Samburu warriors, we travel through untamed wilderness with no roads, no vehicles and no tourists – only wildlife, breathtaking scenery and the sights and sounds of the African bush. Our Samburu guides are intimately familiar with this land and will share their bush craft and culture as we ride camelback to our camp on the Ewaso Ngiro River. The trek is ideal for children 7 and older, and special arrangement can be made for families with younger children. Lots of activity choices mean kids will never be bored – day and night game drives, visits to local Samburu villages, animal tracking, fishing, rock and artifacts hunting, horseback riding and photography are all possibilities.
Our guide is Simon Ball. Simon was born in England and his passion for natural history led to an Honors Degree in Zoology & Ecology from London University. Simon settled in Kenya 25 years ago becoming a professional guide leading wildlife expeditions throughout Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. Simon has been directly involved in key conservation projects in Laikipia and the Masaai Mara to help ensure these great natural treasures will remain for generations to come.
Overnight: Sabuk Lodge (B, L, D & Local Beverages)
Days 5, 6, 7 Laikipia Plateau
This morning we journey by road further into the wilds of Laikipia to Lemarti’s Camp. Spectacularly set beneath a grove of palms and centenary fig trees and beautifully crafted in traditional styles designed by the Nairobi-based fashion designer Anna Trzebinski. The camp is owned by Anna and her Samburu husband, Loyapan Lemarti, and run by Lemarti and local Samburu tribesmen. The land is rented from the Samburu community owned Koija Ranch and income from the camp supports local schools, clinics and water projects.
Lemarti’s is the perfect place for families to play and learn together. Superbly talented Samburu guides, delicious food and the camp’s simple, elegant design aesthetic are unforgettable. Here we are welcomed as guests of the local community and immersed in Samburu culture, exploring the bush on foot with Samburu warriors, collecting wild honey, visiting the local market, making traditional jewelry, learning to play the Samburu board game Mbao and participating in whatever is going on during our stay. Nothing is staged, everything is authentic. Tons of activity choices include mountain biking, swimming, running and game viewing in nearby Mpala Ranch, one of Kenya’s leading wildlife research centers.
Overnight: Larmarti’s Camp (B, L, D & Local Beverages)
Days 8, 9, 10 Mathews Range
This morning we take a charter flight to the remote Mathew’s Range and Sarara Camp. Owned by the Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust and set in 850,000 acres of African wilderness, Sarara has just 6 tents, each positioned to maximize the stunning views of the Mathews Range and the camp’s waterhole which is a magnet for wildlife. Tents are spacious with ensuite baths, electric lighting and hot and cold running water. Each has its own private terrace with table and chairs perfect for morning coffee or an evening drink. Sarara also has an infinity pool with brilliant views of the mountains and waterhole.
The Mathews Range makes a wonderful counterpoint to the surrounding semi desert country of Sabuk and Lemarti’s. The peaks, rising to almost 9000 feet, are lushly forested and the natural springs and rivers they feed provide year-round water for wildlife and the local Samburu people. Elephant, buffalo, leopard, wild dog, giraffe, impala and kudu are often spotted and it is a paradise for birders and butterfly watchers. The range is also famous for its cycad plants and giant cedars. Many of the cycads are found nowhere else on earth.
A highlight of a stay at Sarara is an ancient Samburu tradition enacted each morning throughout the dry season, and Sarara is one of the few places in Africa where it can be seen (but not photographed). Samburu warriors bring their cattle to the dry river bed near the camp. The warriors dig wells to provide water for their cattle. Naked, the warriors sing as they dig and the singing creates a rhythm that synchronizes their work as buckets are lifted from one warrior to the next. The songs are all different and call each warrior’s cattle to his particular well. Guests have said that their morning at the Singing Wells was the highlight of their entire time in Africa.
Sarara also offers day and night game drive, overnights in wilderness fly camps, guided bush walks through the forest peaks and private helicopter flights. And for really close wildlife encounters, spend time in the “little hide” by the waterhole. You can safely stand near enough to an elephant to see its eyelashes!
Overnight: Sarara Camp (B, L, D & Local Beverages)
Day 11 Your Journey Ends
After a morning game drive, we fly back to Nairobi and connections for our flights home.
Talk To a Safari Specialist today!
call (800) 405-9463
Safari Cost
Cost from $8,090 per adult sharing
Cost from $7,160 per child sharing
Safari Dates Contact Rothschild Safaris for dates
INCLUDED:
Besides what is listed above, the following additional items are included in your trip price:
National parks and concession fees
Services of professional English-speaking guides and staff
Comprehensive safari preparation
EXCLUDED:
Items of personal nature
Travel insurance
Gratuities (estimate approx. $15 per person per day)
Excess baggage fees
Airport departure taxes
Passport and visa fees
International airfare (available upon request)
Additional Information
Packing list, detailed information on the country, a suggested reading list, medical information, and other pertinent travel information will be sent to you once your safari is booked.
International flights can be arranged upon request utilizing our excellent consolidator airfares.
All of our safaris can be customized to suit your specific interests, timeframe and budget.
All of our safaris can be customized to suit your specific interests, timeframe and budget.
A Magical Journey Awaits!