Discover the wild heart of Kenya’s arid north on an unforgettable Kenya safari that begins right at the world-famous Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Here, you will track the world’s last two northern white rhinos up close, then visit the Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where rescued chimps roam freely. From there, the trail climbs to Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, where the critically endangered Mountain Bongo — the ghost of the forest — quietly awaits your arrival. You will enjoy a rare hands-on session with these elusive, strikingly marked antelopes, alongside playful colobus monkeys leaping through the misty highland forest.
Next, the Kenya tour sweeps across the dramatic red-earth plains of Samburu, home to the legendary Samburu Special Five found almost nowhere else on Earth. The rare Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Somali ostrich, and long-necked gerenuk all roam freely across this breathtaking, untamed landscape. Meanwhile, massive elephant herds dusted in vivid red soil follow the life-giving Ewaso Ng’iro River through groves of ancient doum palms every single day. Beyond the wildlife, a heartfelt cultural encounter with the Samburu people reveals vibrant traditions and a semi-nomadic lifestyle beautifully preserved through generations of proud and living heritage. This leg is a stunning masterclass in biodiversity set beneath Mount Ololokwe’s iconic flat-topped summit, making it truly unforgettable.
As the adventure reaches its emotional peak, Meru National Park opens up as a wild, spring-fed Kenya conservancy carrying the timeless legacy of the beloved Born Free story. Here lies the gravesite of Joy Adamson and her lioness Elsa, set within one of Kenya’s most remote, untouched, and genuinely wild natural landscapes. Far from the tourist crowds, Meru offers intimate wildlife encounters that stay with you long after your journey finally comes to its meaningful end. The trip then concludes with a scenic drive back to Nairobi, wrapping up beautifully with a city tour that perfectly closes this extraordinary northern odyssey.
From the last northern white rhinos to the ghost of the forest, from the Samburu Special Five to the spirit of Born Free, this rare Kenya safari is a true celebration of Kenya’s most awe-inspiring wildlife, cultures, and landscapes.
The Expedition to the Arid North
This 7-day Kenya safari takes you deep into the awe-inspiring north, covering four iconic destinations across a breathtaking and unforgettable landscape. Starting at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, you will track the world’s last two northern white rhinos and visit the Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The journey then moves to Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy for a rare encounter with the critically endangered Mountain Bongo, the ghost of the forest. From there, the adventure continues into the wild red-earth plains of Samburu, where the legendary Samburu Special Five — Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk — roam freely. The trip wraps up at Meru National Park, the legendary Born Free wilderness and home to Joy Adamson’s gravesite, before a scenic drive back to Nairobi closes this once-in-a-lifetime northern odyssey.
Highlights
- wildlife safari
- birding tours
- city tour
- rhino safari
- walking safari
