About this safari
A 15-day round trip from Nairobi through the Great Rift Valley, the Northern deserts, and Kenya's wildest frontier — encountering ancient tribes, volcanic lakes, and landscapes found nowhere else on Earth.
Day-by-day itinerary
Nairobi to Lake Baringo via Nakuru
You will depart early from Nairobi to beat the city traffic, descending down the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment. Passing through Nakuru, the drive continues north into the increasingly arid landscapes toward Kampi Ya Samaki, the main gateway village on the western shores of Lake Baringo. Scenery: Watch the lush, high-altitude green farmlands slowly shift into dry acacia scrubland. Stay: Check into your lake house or lodge on the shores around Kampi ya Samaki, enjoying a serene evening as the sun sets over the water.
Birdwatching & Boat Explorations on Lake Baringo
Lake Baringo is a freshwater haven in a sea of alkaline environments, making it a world-renowned paradise for ornithologists and nature lovers. Boat Ride: A morning boat excursion introduces you to local fishermen using traditional ambach boats and gives you upfront views of massive hippos and crocodiles. Avian Abundance: Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready for the iconic African fish eagle swooping down for a catch, alongside hundreds of other bird species.
Excursion to the Dramatic Lake Bogoria
Take a short half-day excursion south to Lake Bogoria, an intensely alkaline lake that offers a starkly different environment than Baringo. Geothermal Activity: Explore the shoreline on foot to witness violent geysers and bubbling hot springs shooting steaming water into the air. Flamingo Spectacle: Depending on water levels, the lake is frequently painted an incredible shade of pink by millions of lesser flamingos feeding on the abundant blue-green algae.
Journey into the Highlands to Maralal
Leave the Rift Valley floor behind as you climb steadily up the rugged escarpments toward Maralal, the vibrant heartland of the Samburu people. Wildlife: Spend the afternoon exploring the Maralal National Sanctuary, an unfenced wilderness area where you can spot zebras, impalas, and hyenas moving freely. Culture & Comfort: Take time to visit a traditional Samburu village to learn about their deeply preserved pastoralist customs before retiring to your eco-lodge for the night.
The Wild Track to Loiyangalani (Lake Turkana)
This is one of the most iconic, raw overland drives in East Africa. You will wind your way through dramatic rocky valleys, past remote settlements, down toward the starkly beautiful shores of the Jade Sea. Remote Picnic: Enjoy a packed picnic lunch surrounded by wide-open horizons and surreal volcanic landscapes. Arrival: Arrive in Loiyangalani on the eastern edge of Lake Turkana and settle into Palm Shade camp for a warm desert evening.
Day Trip to the Biosphere of Mount Kulal
Take a rugged excursion out of the desert heat and ascend the slopes of Mount Kulal, an isolated volcanic mountain that rises dramatically out of the arid plains. Unique Ecosystem: The mountain acts as a sky island, topped with a dense montane forest that contrasts sharply with the desert below and serves as a vital water catchment area. Views & Tribes: Take in panoramic vistas looking back down toward Lake Turkana and interact with the local communities who navigate this unique ecosystem.
Into the Vast Chalbi Desert
Bid farewell to the lake shores and cross into the shimmering expanses of the Chalbi Desert, Kenya’s only true desert land. Surreal Terrain: Drive over massive salt flats, bleached white pans, and fields of dark volcanic rock under an endless blue sky. Desert Communities: You will encounter the resilient Gabbra people, nomadic pastoralists who have masterfully adapted their lives to these harsh, striking conditions.
Desert Dunes & Star-Filled Skies
Spend a dedicated day soaking in the isolation and unique natural features of the desert interior. Dune Exploration: Seek out the shifting sand dunes that rise out of the flats, capturing incredible photographs of the undulating patterns. Unparalleled Stargazing: With zero light pollution for hundreds of miles, your overnight stay under the open desert sky will reveal a breathtaking, crystal-clear canopy of stars.
Crossing the Plains to Marsabit
Travel southward out of the low desert plains, climbing the massive volcanic shield that forms the oasis town of Marsabit. Transition: The oppressive desert heat drops away as you ascend into the cool, mist-shrouded highlands of Marsabit County. Rest: Check into your accommodation in town or near the park gate to rest after several heavy days of desert driving.
Forest Exploration in Marsabit National Park
Spend the day immersed in the thick, tropical montane forest of Marsabit National Park, a mountain oasis completely surrounded by arid land. Crater Lakes: Visit the famous Lake Paradise, a pristine crater lake tucked deep inside the forest canopy that serves as a vital watering hole. Giant Tuskers: Keep watch for the park's famous, uniquely large-tusked elephants, carrying on the legacy of the legendary elephant "Ahmed."
Decending to Archer’s Post
Drive down from the Marsabit highlands along the smooth, paved A2 highway—a welcome break from the rough dirt tracks—heading south toward the lively trading outpost of Archer's Post. Riverfront Retreat: Check into Lions Cave Camp, perfectly elevated on the scenic cliffs right above the brown waters of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Relaxation: Unwind on the camp's open terraces, listening to the rushing river below and watching wildlife come to drink.
Big Game Safaris in Samburu National Reserve
Dedicate a full day to exploring the arid plains of the Samburu National Reserve, an exceptional wildlife sanctuary split by the Ewaso Nyiro River. The Samburu Special Five: Actively track the unique dry-country species found here: the Somali ostrich, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, long-necked gerenuk, and the elegant beisa oryx. Predator Action: The park boasts high concentrations of leopards, lions, and large herds of desert-adapted elephants.
Drive Southwest to Nanyuki
Drive further south, passing through the bustling town of Isiolo as you climb into the fertile, cool foothills of Mount Kenya. Landscape Shift: Watch the environment completely transform from arid bushland back into lush wheat fields and timber forests. Equator Crossing: Stop at the formal Equator marker just outside Nanyuki town for a quick photo and geographic demonstration before checking into your lodge.
Rhino & Chimpanzee Tracking at Ol Pejeta
Spend a thrilling final safari day exploring the private expanses of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Rhino Sanctuary: As the largest sanctuary for black rhinos in East Africa, you'll have unparalleled chances to see these majestic, highly protected creatures up close. Sweetwaters Chimpanzees: Visit the dedicated rescue center to observe rescued chimpanzees thriving in an expansive, natural riverine habitat.
Return Journey to Nairobi
Enjoy a relaxed morning breakfast overlooking the plains before making the final drive back down to Nairobi. You will arrive back in the capital city by afternoon, bringing a definitive, unforgettable conclusion to your epic Northern Kenyan loop.
What's included
- ✓Park Entry Fees
- ✓Licensed local guide
- ✓Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- ✓Full safari insurance (replacement vehicle, rescue service, etc.)
- ✓All transfers aboard 4×4 jeeps with panoramic sunroof for photo safaris
- ✓Overnight stay in a lodge/camp with all-inclusive treatment (drinks with meals excluded)
- ✕Breakfast on the day of departure
- ✕Tips and any personal extras
- •Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, lip balm. Insect repellent (preferably a tropical version, reapply approximately every 6-8 hours).
- •Comfortable clothing is essential; bring a long change of clothes for the evening and early morning, and a T-shirt and shorts for the day. Remember to bring several changes of clothes, as the red soil of the savannah can be uncomfortable.
- •A swimsuit, as accommodations often have a swimming pool
- •Comfortable shoes (preferably old ones, not white ones, to avoid staining them)
- •A UK-style power adapter and a power bank are also essential
- •A camera and, if you want to be sure of seeing animals even from a distance, binoculars