5-DAY ABERDARE–SAMBURU SAFARI FROM THE HIGHLANDS TO THE WILD NORTH

Alongside the Big Five, Aberdare is home to unusual woodland wildlife like the genet cat

Rise and shine for a full day of safaris! The first of the day's two game drives begin at dawn when the animals are most active. Set off in a 4WD vehicle across the park's lush terrain, where your driver/guide will lead you to sites where the animals often congregate, like water sources. Throughout the morning, you'll spot most (if not all) of the famous Big Five animals: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.

Return to the lodge in time for lunch, after which you can relax. Later, head out on an afternoon game drive to spot some of the more elusive park residents, like giant forest hogs and the African golden cat. There are also more than 250 species of birds in Aberdare, including the Jackson's francolin, sparrow hawks, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds, and plovers. At the end of the day, you'll return to the lodge in time to enjoy a sundowner followed by dinner.

Spot unique safari animals like the reticulated giraffe and Grévy's zebra

Leave Aberdare this morning on a four-hour transfer northeast to Samburu National Reserve</strong>. Situated around the Ewaso Nyiro River, this 64-square-mile (165 sq km) game reserve features ruggedly beautiful landscapes, including acacia woodlands and savanna grasslands.

Your destination is the Ashnil Samburu Camp, a luxury tented camp set in a prime location overlooking the river. This vital waterway provides a lifeline for the rare wildlife here, known as the "Samburu Special Five." These include the reticulated giraffe, Grévy's zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and the gerenuk (a long-necked antelope). Spotting these rare species is a real treat, and you can give it a try during an afternoon game drive.

Besides game drives, you'll have the chance to meet the local Samburu people and learn about their way of life

This morning, venture out on safari to spot the Special Five. Two game drives are on the itinerary today, affording more opportunities to witness the park's unique species. But that's not all—the reserve is also home to traditional safari animals like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and buffalo.

You'll also take a trip to Buffalo Springs, which is adjacent to the reserve. This is another off-the-beaten-path safari destination and features an abundance of elephants. Another fun activity is visiting a Samburu village to meet the locals and learn about their agrarian way of life. The cattle, goat, and camel-herding Samburu people are closely related to the Maasai and also wear a traditional dress of handmade blankets and beads.

Get your final glimpse of Samburu's wildlife before your departure

Alas, it's time to pack up your camera and luggage in preparation for your onward journey. After one more breakfast at the camp, your driver will meet you for the 2.5-hour drive back to the capital, where you can catch your departing flight or continue your African adventures. Safe travels!