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8 Day Northern Kenya Adventure
Highlights: Nairobi, Samburu, Matthews Range, Lewa Conservancy
Trip start: Nairobi
Trip end: Nairobi
Price Range from £0pp *
Flash Video Video(s): KT Nairobi
* GBP per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

This safari gives the traveler the chance to enjoy the more active side of game viewing. Go by foot, 4x4, camel or horse back, they are all great ways get you closer to the wild. Start your tour in the Samburu Reserve stretches stark and rugged towards the Chalbi desert. A place of baked brown earth and sparse vegetation, it is a place where you can experience the empty and wild side of Kenya. The safari continues to the The Matthews Mountain Range, which is located in Kenya's Northern Frontier and is one of the wildest areas in the country. The place is home to numerous types of wildlife as well as the famous Samburu people. This is an area that can only be explored by foot. Then continue on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy with the views of Mt- Kenya, the park stretches for over 45,000 acres. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy was set up to protect against poaching and now the amount of wildlife in the area has grown enormously, including many endangered species. Focusing on camps in private reserves and national game parks this safari provides the adventure of game viewing, with exclusive cultural access for a more complete safari. For connoisseurs who appreciate a finer perspective, experience the spectacle of Africa in ways you never dreamed!

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Nairobi
  • Emergency Evacuation Insurance - Plane
  • Nairobi: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Welcome to East Africa
Fairmont Norfolk Hotel
(Alt: Palacina) (B)
Day 2
Samburu
  • Transfer - Nairobi - Samburu [6 Hour Drive] - 4X4 - Kenya
  • Lunch (included)
  • Samburu: Afternoon Game Drive - Gerenuk
  • Park Fees - Samburu
  • Dinner (included)
Joy`s Camp
(Alt: Samburu Wilderness Lodge)
(Alt: Sarova Shaba) (B,L,D)
Day 3
Samburu
  • Morning Game Drive - Grévy’s Zebra - 4X4 - Kenya
  • Lunch (included)
  • Park Fees - Samburu
  • Afternoon Game Drive - Gerenuk
  • Dinner (included)
Joy`s Camp (B,L,D)
Day 4
Matthews Range
  • Transfer - Samburu - Matthews Range [3.5 Hours] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Matthews Range: Forest Walks
  • Dinner (included)
Kitich Camp (B,L,D)
Day 5
Matthews Range
  • Kitich Optional Activities
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Wildlife Tracking by Foot
  • Dinner (included)
Kitich Camp (B,L,D)
Day 6
Lewa Conservancy
  • Transfer - Matthews Range - Lewa Conservancy [5 Hours] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
  • Lewa Conservancy: Afternoon Game Drive
  • Park Fees - Lewa
  • Dinner (included)
Lewa Safari Camp (B,L,D)
Day 7
Lewa Conservancy
  • Game Drive - Shared
  • Lunch (included)
  • Park Fees - Lewa
  • Lewa Safari Camp activities
  • Dinner (included)
Lewa Safari Camp (B,L,D)
Day 8
Nairobi
  • Transfer - Lewa Conservancy - Nairobi [3 -4 Hour Drive] - 4X4 - Kenya
  • Nairobi: Private - Souvenir shopping
  • Kensington Office
  • Transfer - Airport - Kenya/Tanzania Safaris
Depart (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Nairobi

Nairobiis the least expensive arrival city for flights with a full range of hotels and local attractions. Dubbed the “Safari Capital of the World,” cool, clear and cosmopolitanNairobiis the natural departure point for most safari itineraries. A city of contrasts, it is simultaneously the largest, the youngest, the most modern, the highest (1700m) and the fastest growing city inEast Africa. High-altitudeNairobienjoys a pleasant tropical climate all year round. There are ATMs and banks to stock up on cash, great restaurants, and malls where you can purchase any forgotten items.

In the event of serious illness, all travellers are covered by Flying Doctors Insurance. This covers the cost of emergency air evacuation service needed to fly back to Nairobi for treatment. This insurance does not cover the cost of medical treatment.

You will receive a private airport transfer to/from the airport.

The Fairmont Norfolk Hotel is situated in the centre of the bustling city of Nairobi, in Kenya, and has grown over time with the city. Surrounded by private tropical gardens, the 168 guest rooms are comfortable and with all the necessities of home. Dining is offered at a number of onsite restaurants, and the breakfast buffet is especially delightful. Spend some time getting to know the city, and then escape to the tranquility of the hotel. At your pleasure enjoy the wonderful swimming pool facilities, the health club and a relaxing spa.

Overnight at Fairmont Norfolk Hotel.


Nairobi
Nairobi
Fairmont Norfolk Hotel
Fairmont Norfolk Hotel
Day 2 Samburu

The Samburu National Reserve is located on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro river in Kenya; on the other side of the river is the Buffalo Springs National Reserve in Northern Kenya. It is 165 km² in size and 350 kilometers from Nairobi. Samburu is distinctive for its arid plains and herds of animals drawn to the river and water holes. Photographers love this park for its stark lighting and contrasts. In the arid north of Kenya, water means life. The river draws wildlife in great numbers to its banks, providing high quality game viewing.

This morning you'll meet up with your guide and head off to Samburu National park. The drive from the urban center of Nairobi, through the fertile highlands, the semi-arid frontier of Kenya is breath-taking and great way to see the countryside. The drive will be about an 5 to 6 hours.

Another species unique to the Samburu region is the gerenuk. With luck, you'll see some while on your game drive. It's amazing to watch them stand on their hind legs to eat! The gerenuk (also known as Waller's gazelle) is a long-necked species of antelope found in dry bushy shrub and steppe in East Africa. The word gerenuk comes from the Somali language, meaning “giraffe-necked”, and leads to its other common name, the giraffe-necked antelope.

Joy’s Camp is situated in Shaba National Reserve, which is 314kms from Nairobi. Shaba National Reserve is a semi desert with a rugged hilly terrain, with great rocky kopjes (small hills) and lots of springs supporting the abundant wildlife. The landscape is similar to nearby Samburu with riverine forests, acacias and doum palms. Shaba National Reserve was made famous for its association with the world famous conservationists Joy and George Adamson and the film “ Born Free”.

Overnight at Joy`s Camp.


Samburu
Samburu
Gerenuk
Gerenuk
Joy's Camp
Joy's Camp
Day 3 Samburu

Early this morning you'll meet up with your guide for your game drive. One of the amazing things about Samburu is that you'll most likely see species that are unique to this region. The Grévy's zebra (Equus grevyi), also known as the imperial zebra, is the largest species of zebra. It is found in the Samburu area as well as parts of Ethiopia. Compared to other zebras, it is taller, has larger ears, and its stripes are narrower. Grévy's zebra is considered endangered, partly due to hunting for its skin, which fetches a high price on the world market. It also suffers habitat destruction, human disturbances at water holes and competition with domestic grazing animals. There are estimated to be 17.000 Grévy's zebra still living in the wild. With luck, you'll see some today!

Another species unique to the Samburu region is the gerenuk. With luck, you'll see some while on your game drive. It's amazing to watch them stand on their hind legs to eat! The gerenuk (also known as Waller's gazelle) is a long-necked species of antelope found in dry bushy shrub and steppe in East Africa. The word gerenuk comes from the Somali language, meaning “giraffe-necked”, and leads to its other common name, the giraffe-necked antelope.

Overnight at Joy`s Camp.


Grévy's Zebra
Grévy's Zebra
Day 4 Matthews Range

The Matthews Range, also known as the Lenkiyio Hills, is a range of mountains stretching 150 km long, oriented north-south, within the Laikipia district of the Rift Valley Province in northern Kenya. The town of Wamba is located at the southeastern edge of the range.  The highest point is Warges, at 2688m above sea level, at the southern end of the range, separated by a valley and the rest of the range. The 2375 metres high Ol Doinyo Lenkiyo mountain is the highest peak of the middle of the range. There is also a breast shaped hill locally known as the "Sweet Sixteen range."  The Matthews Mountain Range is located in Kenya's Northern Frontier and is one of the wildest areas in the country.  The only permanent river in the region is the Ewaso Ng'iro which overtime has cut deep, rugged gorges throughout the area mountains. This river is fed by the seasonal mountain streams
where indigenous flowering shrubs and prehistoric cycad palms flourish.  This diverse location boasts a combination of thick forested area's, crackled shrubed plains, and beautiful open clearings.  This area is quite isolated, and is home to elephants and other large mammals, and was known as the last places in northern Kenya to have wild Black Rhinos. It is believed the last Black Rhino in the Mathew's was poached out in the 1990s. The Mathew's are also home to the Samburu people. The mountain range is a sky island: surrounded by plains, with Ndoto Mountains to the north and the Karisia hills to the west. A number of the species in the Mathew's have evolved independently and the diversity of the forest is of great conservation value.

Transfer in a private vehicle from Samburu to Matthews Range.

Walk with experienced Samburu warriors in 900km² of private stunning untouched mountain wilderness. Enjoy the the sights that the Matthews range has to offer with more than 200 bird species. The forest  is one of the very few areas where you can see the rare elusive Brazza Monkey outside the Ruwenzori Mountains. Take advantage and feel like a real explorer in this untouched region.

The Matthew’s Mountain Range rise up out of the desert; a chain of peaks covered in dense dewy forest. In a remote valley, Kitich Camp overlooks a river glade within the lush indigenous forest. With only six guest tents, one can expect complete privacy. Each en suite tent is traditionally safari-style, with an al-fresco stone bathroom. Kitich Camp’s cosy lounge with open fire and sheepskin-covered safari chairs overlooks the floodlit river glade – from here guests can enjoy watching the wildlife emerge from the forest at dusk. With no roads, no other people, walk along forest paths guided by the Samburu and Ndorobo people, or swim in natural rock pools of the crystal mountain streams, Kitich Camp offers a truly unique and private forest wildlife experience.

Overnight at Kitich Camp.


Black Rhino Mother and Baby
Black Rhino Mother and Baby
King Fisher
King Fisher
Kitich Camp
Kitich Camp
Day 5 Matthews Range

Owned by professional guides, the camp's emphasis is on a complete safari experience – fun, intellectually stimulating, oneness with nature. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy at the Camp;

  • Bush Meals
  • Guided Forest Walks
  • River Swimming
  • Cultural visits to local Samburu families

Leave your vehicle behind and learn the traditional methods of tracking game. Experienced Samburu warriors will help you discover the herds of gazelle, oryx, ostrich, and Grevy's zebra share the pasture land with Samburu cattle in the Mattthews Range. Elephant are found in great numbers whilst lion, leopard, greater kudu, waterbuck, giant forest hogs, buffalos and even wild dogs are among the other species found, together with more than 200 bird species.

Overnight at Kitich Camp.


River Swimming
River Swimming
Safari by Foot
Safari by Foot
Day 6 Lewa Conservancy

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy was formed in 1995 and is located in northern Kenya. The Conservancy is home to a wide array of wildlife including the rare and endangered black rhino, Grevy’s zebras and the Big Five. Lewa was originally a cattle ranch prior to becoming a guarded black rhino sanctuary. The area is now headquarters for a non-profit wildlife Conservancy, which has built a strong reputation for extending the benefits of conservation beyond its borders.

Transfer in a private vehicle from Matthews Range to Lewa.

Enjoy afternoon game viewing in and around the Lewa region. This region has more endangered mammals within its borders than any other area in East Africa. White and black rhino resides here, along with other endagered and northern species: Grevy's Zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe... Just imagine what you'll see!

Lewa Safari Camp places exceptional emphasis on the earth and surroundings. The safari camp manages to relay its plans for a genuine relationship between man and his peers and the wildlife some of us have never before encountered. The camp sleeps 26 guests in its 12 tented rooms. Meals are taken in the dining tent and occasionally in the bush, with the most luscious of homegrown fruits and vegetables accompanied by tender meats. Take advantage of the in depth knowledge offered by hosts, who will share their expertise and understanding of this environment. Try something different and enjoy the region’s breeze while on a horse and camel safari.

Overnight at Lewa Safari Camp.


Lewa Conservancy
Lewa Conservancy
The Elusive Black Backed Jackal
The Elusive Black Backed Jackal
Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp
Day 7 Lewa Conservancy

An expert guide will meet you at your lodge, along with other guests, and take you on a shared game viewing drive through the Lewa Conservancy. These types of game viewing excursions are done in the early hours of the day, and in the late afternoon hours, being that the wildlife is most active during this time frame. Your game reserve fees are included.

Lewa safari camp offers many  activities which include the following: Game drives in 4x4 Land Cruisers, Guided bush walks, Bush breakfasts & Sundowners. Extra activities that can also be done for an extra fee; Guided visits to Ngare Ndare forest, Horse riding & camel riding, Horse and  Visit to Il Ngwesi cultural boma. These can be arranged on location at the camp.

Overnight at Lewa Safari Camp.


Zebra
Zebra
Camel Ride
Camel Ride
Day 8 Nairobi

Your guide will dirve you from Lewa to Nairobi, along newly paved roads. This drive will take approximately 3 hours.

Includes opportunity to visit local handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs.

Before leaving that night, stop by the Kensington office for free use of Internet, lounge, showers and drinks. If you like, we can make reservations for dinner at a local restaurant as well. Please let us know in advance and if you are vegetarian.

You will receive a private airport transfer to/from the airport.

Depart from Nairobi international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.


Masai Market, Nairobi
Masai Market, Nairobi
Nairobi Office Lounge
Nairobi Office Lounge

Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.