BSC 26 - 4 ½ days Samburu/ Great Rift Valley Lakes

Samburu National reserve is becoming one of Kenya's most admired stops after the Mara with sights of the peculiarly branched doum palms and taut thorn trees giving an unusual look to the region. Likewise, the permanent water supply acts like a lure for the abundant species found here, some endemic to the North of Kenya. This trip takes you to the world famous Bird Sanctuaries of the Great Rift Valley Lakes Baringo, Bogoria and Nakuru – a naturalists dream for the abundance of birds and mammals species.

Day 1 – Samburu:
Depart Nairobi in the morning heading north via the shoulder of Africa's second largest mountain, Mt Kenya to the Samburu Game Reserve. Accommodation in our semi-permanent campsite is beautifully set under a canopy of trees or we may pitch tents on the edge of Uaso Nyiro (meaning Brown in Samburu) River. Cold showers are available which are amazingly refreshing in the hot, dusty climate.

Day 2 – Samburu
Day spent game viewing in the park appreciating the diverse landscape and variety of animal species. Samburu is part of a lava plain that includes a diverse landscape of thorn scrub, red dirt, dried river beds, broken volcanic rock, steep hills, and rocky outcroppings. The region is home to the uncommon Grevy’s zebra with huge fury ears, gerenuk antelope standing on hind legs to feed, Somali ostriches with distinct blue legs and the shy Oryx. Elephant and crocodile are guaranteed sightings, excellent bird watching with numerous varieties of weaverbirds and the martial eagle. Leopard sighting is also a special feature here.

Day 3 – Baringo
Depart in the early morning across the scenic Lerochi Plateau (with lunch enroute) towards Lake Baringo. Arriving this fresh water lake in the late afternoon, we enjoy an evening boat ride in search of hippo, crocodile, fish eagle and a variety of other birds.

Lake Baringo is the most Northerly of Kenya’s small Rift Valley lakes; creased with papyrus and well developed acacia forest. Hippos, crocodiles and monitor lizards are effortlessly seen from the shore, as is a magnificent display of water birds. This is Kenya's bird watching centre with over 1200 different species native to the country and more than 450 sighted here. A bird watcher's haven but beware, this is malaria land so its best to come prepared with plenty of mosquito repellent!

Day 4 – Lake Nakuru
A 30km drive south to the spectacular Lake Bogoria with hot springs and geysers being the main attractions. The lake has been called ‘the new home of the flamingo’ with a nomad population of up to two million birds. Lunch and then proceed for an afternoon game drive at the Lake Nakuru National Park.

This small park (180 sq km) is home to warthogs, waterbuck, buffaloes, reedbucks, and the occasional leopard. White and black rhinos were introduced to the park some years ago and you will find white rhino at the southern end. The park has also retained its reputation as an ornithologists’ delight with more than 400 species of bird found here. We spend the night at a campsite just outside of town.

Day 5 - Nairobi
After breakfast, we proceed to Nairobi arriving in the afternoon.

• Costs US$ 725 Per person in group of four

Package Includes:

• transport by safari vehicles;
• all game parks or national parks entry fees;
• all campsite fees;
• all camping equipment;
• use of our two person tents;
• foam mattresses;
• three meals per day whilst on safari, prepared by our cook
• 1 litre of Mineral water per person per day

Price excludes:

• Drinks
• Tipping
• sleeping bags
• Personal effects
• Extras not mentioned above .