14-Day Northern Kenya Special Safari
Expedition to Samburu, Matthews Range & Jade Sea
Starting From
Per person sharing
Safari Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 14-day adventure through Northern Kenya's most remote and spectacular wilderness areas. This comprehensive safari takes you from the wildlife-rich plains of Samburu through the ancient Matthews Range to the jade waters of Lake Turkana, before concluding with the elephant paradise of Amboseli against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Safari Review
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Nairobi - Samburu National Reserve
Begin your Northern Kenya adventure with a scenic drive north through the central highlands, passing Mount Kenya and the Ewaso Nyiro River—the lifeblood of this arid region. Samburu National Reserve is renowned for its unique 'Northern Five' species found nowhere else in southern Kenya.
Afternoon Activities
- Game drive through the reserve
- Wildlife viewing along the Ewaso Nyiro River
★ Top Highlights
- •Reticulated giraffe (critically endangered)
- •Grevy's zebra (fewer than 3,000 remaining)
- •Somali ostrich with distinctive blue neck
- •Beisa oryx
- •Gerenuk (the 'giraffe-necked' antelope)
- •Large elephant populations
- •Exceptional leopard sightings
Samburu - Matthews Range
Journey deeper into Northern Kenya's frontier, leaving the well-trodden paths behind. The Matthews Range (also known as Lenkiyio Hills) rises dramatically from semi-arid plains, creating a unique 'sky island' ecosystem that captures moisture from passing clouds.
Afternoon Activities
- Settle into camp
- Orientation walk
- Evening cultural talk
★ Top Highlights
- •150km-long mountain range reaching over 2,000 meters
- •Ancient cedar and yellowwood forests
- •Crystal-clear mountain streams and natural rock pools
- •One of northern Kenya's largest elephant populations
- •Melanistic (black) leopards
- •Africa's first community-owned elephant orphanage—Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
Matthews Range Exploration
Spend a full day exploring this pristine wilderness area on foot and by vehicle, with unlimited walking opportunities—a rare privilege in Kenyan safari destinations.
Morning Activities
- Guided nature walks through ancient forests
Afternoon Activities
- Game drives through diverse habitats
- Swimming in natural rock pools
- Sunset from dramatic viewpoints
★ Top Highlights
- •Elephant herds moving through forest corridors
- •Greater kudu (rare elsewhere in Kenya)
- •Lesser kudu
- •Wild dogs
- •Leopards (including black leopards)
- •Over 200 bird species
- •Unique high-altitude flora including cycads and junipers
Matthews Range Culture & Nature
Continue exploring the Matthews Range with cultural experiences and wildlife viewing. This day offers flexibility for various activities.
Morning Activities
- Guided nature walks
- Game drives
Afternoon Activities
- Visit to Samburu villages
- Traditional beading sessions with Samburu women
- Witness the Singing Wells—Samburu warriors summoning cattle to water through melodic songs (UNESCO-recognized cultural practice)
- Optional: Visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
★ Top Highlights
- •Singing Wells tradition
- •Community-based conservation model
- •Traditional Samburu lifestyle
- •Orphaned elephant care
Matthews Range - Lake Turkana (South Island)
Drive through the Painted Valley with pastel-colored rock formations, ancient black lava flows, and the Suguta Valley ('Valley of Death')—one of Kenya's hottest and driest places. Arrive at the world's largest desert lake, often called the 'Jade Sea' for its distinctive turquoise waters.
Afternoon Activities
- Sundowner overlooking the jade waters
- Cultural interaction with Turkana fishing communities
★ Top Highlights
- •The Painted Valley with hoodoos
- •Ancient lava flows
- •Suguta Valley volcanic scenery
- •Lake Turkana—world's largest desert lake
- •Important paleoanthropological sites (Koobi Fora)
- •World's largest concentration of Nile crocodiles
Lake Turkana - Central Island
Explore Central Island National Park with its three distinctive crater lakes and otherworldly volcanic landscape.
Morning Activities
- Boat trip to Central Island National Park
- Visit Flamingo Lake, Crocodile Lake, and Tilapia Lake
Afternoon Activities
- Volcanic formation exploration
- Crocodile viewing
- Bird watching
★ Top Highlights
- •Three crater lakes on one volcanic island
- •Important Nile crocodile breeding site
- •Thousands of lesser flamingos
- •Dramatic volcanic formations
- •Minimal vegetation emphasizing lunar landscape
Lake Turkana - South Island
Visit South Island National Park, a larger and flatter volcanic island that emphasizes the vast scale of this unique ecosystem.
Morning Activities
- Boat trip to South Island
- Explore volcanic landscape
Afternoon Activities
- Wildlife viewing
- Crocodile watching
- Photography of geological formations
★ Top Highlights
- •Vast exposed volcanic island
- •Additional crocodile populations
- •Unique geological formations
- •Desert-adapted species
El Molo & Turkana Culture
Cultural immersion day experiencing Kenya's smallest tribe and learning about life in one of Africa's most extreme environments.
Morning Activities
- Visit El Molo village
- Learn about traditional fishing methods
Afternoon Activities
- Turkana community interaction
- Traditional fishing demonstrations
- Cultural performances—traditional dances and songs
★ Top Highlights
- •El Molo—Kenya's smallest tribe
- •Traditional fishing techniques still in use
- •Pastoralist lifestyles in extreme conditions
- •Cultural performances
Turkana Landscapes & Adventure
A day to appreciate the stark beauty of the region and choose from various expedition-style activities.
Morning Activities
- Bird watching expeditions
- Boat trips
Afternoon Activities
- Photography of dramatic landscapes
- Optional: Exploring ancient fossil sites at Koobi Fora
- Star gazing preparation
★ Top Highlights
- •Massive flocks of flamingos
- •Pelicans and diverse waterbirds
- •Fish eagles and raptors
- •Africa's darkest skies for star gazing
- •Ancient fossil sites
Lake Turkana Leisure Day
Relaxation day by the Jade Sea to absorb the experience and enjoy the unique environment.
Morning Activities
- Swimming in designated safe areas
- Leisure by the lake
Afternoon Activities
- Photography
- Final boat trips
- Preparation for journey south
★ Top Highlights
- •Turquoise jade waters
- •Desert lake ecosystem
- •Unique light for photography
Final Lake Turkana Exploration
Last full day at Lake Turkana. Opportunity to revisit favorite locations or experience anything missed.
Morning Activities
- Optional boat trips
- Bird watching
Afternoon Activities
- Final photography
- Leisure time
- Evening reflection on the expedition
★ Top Highlights
- •Recap of expedition highlights
- •Last views of the Jade Sea
Lake Turkana - Amboseli National Park
Return to more temperate climates as you journey south through Kenya's diverse landscapes, eventually arriving in Amboseli National Park—one of Kenya's most celebrated wildlife destinations.
Afternoon Activities
- First game drive in Amboseli
- Positioning for Kilimanjaro sunset views
★ Top Highlights
- •Mount Kilimanjaro views (Africa's highest peak at 5,896m)
- •Transition from desert to savanna ecosystems
- •Rift Valley scenery
Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Dedicate a full day to exploring Amboseli's diverse ecosystems and witnessing its legendary elephant herds.
Morning Activities
- Sunrise game drive (best time for Kilimanjaro views)
- Visit Enkong Narok Swamp
- Elephant photography
- Climb Observation Hill (Nomatior) for panoramic views
Afternoon Activities
- Game drive through Ol Tukai Woodlands
- Big cat hunting time viewing
- Elephant families returning to swamps
- Golden hour photography
- Optional: Visit traditional Maasai manyatta
★ Top Highlights
- •1,600-1,900 elephants including big tuskers
- •World's longest-studied elephant population (since 1972)
- •Big cats: lions, cheetahs, leopards
- •Over 400 bird species
- •Easy wildlife viewing due to open plains
- •Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop for photography
Amboseli - Nairobi - Departure
Return journey through the Amboseli-Nairobi corridor with views of the Chyulu Hills. Arrive in Nairobi for rest before evening departure.
Afternoon Activities
- Optional Nairobi activities: David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum
- Last-minute shopping at local markets
★ Top Highlights
- •Farewell dinner at Carnivore Restaurant
- •Nyama choma (roasted meat) specialties
- •Live entertainment and cultural performances
- •Share memories with fellow travelers
Included
- All park entrance fees
- Accommodation as specified
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Professional safari guide/driver
- 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Game drives and activities
- Drinking water
- Cultural village visits
- Flying Doctor insurance
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
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