Introduction:

Tribal expedition offers a unique journey into Kenya’s rich cultures, where shared traditions, language, and way of life shape each community’s identity. To incorporate a safari experience, we begin with Samburu National Reserve, known for its Special Five, before travelling north through Marsabit, Kalacha, and on to Loiyangalani on the shores of the remote Lake Turkana. Along the way, you will encounter the Samburu, Rendille, Gabra, El Molo, Turkana, and Borana communities, among others. The journey blends breathtaking desert scenery with authentic cultural experiences and wildlife viewing, and concludes at Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its rhinos and scenic beauty.

Accommodation: Important to note is that accommodation in remote destinations will be quite basic though with rewarding cultural experience.

Itinerary: –

DAY 01: Arrival in Nairobi

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative. If you wish to exchange currency, we recommend doing so at the airport for convenience. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Nairobi. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey.

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport Hotel
Meals: None (arrival day)

DAY 02: Nairobi / Samburu National Reserve

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your Nairobi hotel and after a short safari briefing set off on a scenic drive to the semi-arid Samburu National Reserve. The journey takes approximately 5.5 hours, offering a glimpse of Kenya’s diverse landscapes along the way. Samburu is known for its unique wildlife, including rare species such as the long-necked gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, and Somali ostrich. You will also find large herds of elephants and buffalo, and with luck, sightings of lions, leopards, and even wild dogs. Arrive in time for lunch at your luxury camp, followed by an afternoon game drive through this striking and untamed wilderness.

Overnight: Ashnil Samburu Camp
Meals: All meals (Lunch / Dinner & Breakfast)

DAY 03: Samburu National Reserve

Full day in Samburu National Reserve with unlimited game drives. Morning and afternoon game drives take you into the semi-desert thorn bush bordering the Uaso Nyiro River. One of the reasons for coming to this area is to find and photograph wildlife, which is characteristic of the “Horn of Africa” and not found far south of the semi-arid Samburu region. Grevy’s Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Olive Baboon, Gunther’s Dik-dik and Reticulated Giraffe thrive in this harsh but picturesque landscape. Fan-tailed Raven, Black-faced Sandgrouse, Blue-naped Mousebird and Vulturine Guinea fowl are just a few of the many unique birds found here.

Overnight: Ashnil Samburu Camp
Meals: All meals (Lunch / Dinner & Breakfast)

DAY 04: Samburu National Reserve / Marsabit

Breakfast at your camp followed by check-out. Depart for a sunrise visit to a Samburu village for an introduction to the lives and traditions of these nomadic pastoralists. Thereafter, continue your journey towards Marsabit at around 10:00 hrs with packed lunches. The drive takes approximately 4 hours. Arrive in the late afternoon and check in at the Catholic Guest House. Later in the day, proceed for a visit to a Rendille village known to be an ambitious lot.

Overnight: Big Tusks Hotel
Meals: All meals (Lunch / Dinner & Breakfast)

DAY 05: Marsabit / Kalacha

Today, we depart from Marsabit and head towards Kenya’s true desert, the Chalbi Desert, a dramatic and expansive landscape reached within approximately a 3-hour drive. The scenery gradually opens into vast, arid plains, offering a striking contrast to the highlands of Marsabit. In the afternoon continue to explore the sand dunes and visit the famous “singing wells,” where local communities draw water for their livestock using traditional methods, often accompanied by rhythmic chanting. This unique experience offers both scenic beauty and a deeper insight into the culture and way of life in northern Kenya.

Overnight: Catholic Guest House
Meals: All meals (Lunch / Dinner & Breakfast)

DAY 06: Kalacha / Loiyangalani via North Horr

After breakfast visit a local village of the GABRA people as you proceed further North through the expansive desert on to Loiyangalani located on the shores of Lake Turkana. Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure until about 1700 Hrs when you depart for El Molo Village visit i.e. the smallest tribe in Kenya.

Overnight: Palm Shade Resort & Camp
Meals: All meals (Lunch / Dinner & Breakfast)

DAY 07: Loiyangalani

Another lovely day spent in Loiyangalani by the shores of Lake Turkana, otherwise referred to as the Jade Sea for its stunning green waters. You could get to go on a boat ride on the lake (can be organized with the fishermen directly) and afterwards, visit a TURKANA VILLAGE.

Overnight: Palm Shade Resort & Camp
Meals: All meals (Lunch / Dinner & Breakfast)

DAY 08: Loiyangalani / Maralal

Enjoy a final morning in Loiyangalani before departing with packed lunches for Maralal. On arrival, check in at Ngari Hill Guest House, set on a hill between Maralal town and the Kirisia Forest. Ngari Hill Eco Lodge sits at about 2,000 metres above sea level within Samburu villages, offering a peaceful setting with scenic views. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.

Overnight: Ngari Hill Eco Lodge.
Meals: All meals (Lunch / Dinner & Breakfast)

DAY 09: Maralal / Lake Nakuru National Park

After immersing ourselves in diverse cultural experiences, we conclude the safari at the scenic Lake Nakuru National Park, a well-known sanctuary for rhinos. Upon arrival, check in at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge and enjoy lunch. Depart for an afternoon game drive. The famous ornithologist, Roger Tory Peterson, once described this park as the greatest ornithological spectacle in the world. Previously this park was known for its thousands of pink flamingos which have now departed from the lake due to increased waters leading to less alkalinity. Fishing fleets of white pelicans are certainly an awesome sight.

Overnight: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Meals: All meals but with all beverages payable directly

DAY 10: Lake Nakuru National Park

Full day in Lake Nakuru National Park with unlimited game drives. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in Lake Nakuru National Park. In addition, you can expect to see Rothschild’s Giraffe (which is rare elsewhere), Grant’s and Thomson’s Gazelle, Impala, Common Zebra, African Buffalo, Eland, Waterbuck and several other species of plains game. This is a good place to find Leopard and populations of Rhino, of both African species.

Overnight: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Meals: All meals but with all beverages payable directly

DAY 11: Drive back to Nairobi and outbound departure

Early morning breakfast and lunch. Begin your drive back to Nairobi with a stop-over in Lake Naivasha at the Ranch House for lunch. Continue to Nairobi to arrive late in the afternoon. Should there still be time before your flight you might like to do a sightseeing tour of Nairobi or enjoy a meal at any restaurant of your choice. Transfer afterwards for your international flight ending with what we hope was a memorable safari to Kenya.
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