When most travelers dream of African safaris, the Big Five often steal the spotlight. But hidden within the arid beauty of northern Kenya lies a rare and enchanting treasure, the Samburu Special Five. Unlike the commonly sought-after Big Five, the Special Five Wildlife Safari in Kenya offers a fresh and fascinating twist, perfect for explorers looking to dive deeper into Africa’s wilderness.
If you’re seeking a truly distinctive wildlife adventure, Naicef gives you a Special Five Wildlife package in Kenya that promises an experience unlike any other. Contact [email protected] or simply call +254799922277, or you can even;
Book The Tour Here
Journey into the wild heart of Samburu on a Samburu special five safari tour and uncover why this unique region should top your safari bucket list.
Tucked away in the rugged landscapes of northern Kenya lies a safari experience that few travelers know about, but those who embark on it never forget. Welcome to Samburu, home of the rare and elusive Samburu Special Five.
Now, you might be asking what the Samburu special five are and how they get to be classified as such. Naicef gives you a clear and comprehensive guide on that, including a Samburu special five safari in Kenya.
The Samburu Special Five refers to a group of rare animals found primarily in the arid and semi-arid parts of northern Kenya, especially the Samburu reserve, hence the name. Adapted to survive in the dry landscapes of the north, these animals are rarely seen in other parts of the country.
Let us get a clear picture of the special five by learning more about them one by one.
Samburu Special Five
1. Grevy’s Zebra
The Grevy’s Zebra is an iconic species found in northern Kenya with very narrow, closely spaced black and white stripes extending down to the hooves, and is the first animal you should try spotting on your Samburu special five tour.
With large, rounded ears, it has quite excellent hearing, an upright mane, and a tufted tail like a horse’s tail.
Herbivorous animals mainly feed on grass and are not easily tamed as they can be temperamental, aggressive, and stubborn.
Fast runners with a speed of up to 65km/h escape their predators, who include lions, hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs.
There are a few theories about the purpose of their stripes, including camouflage from predators, thermoregulation, and insect repellent.
Some might call it the royal Zebra as it was named after a French president, Jules Grevy, and fascinatingly, each Grevy’s zebra has a unique stripe pattern.
Unlike other zebras, the Grevy’s zebra has a white belly as their stripes do not reach its belly. It is also the largest zebra species.
The Grevy’s zebra is classified as endangered as their population has faced a drastic decline, and there are fewer than 2500 species remaining.
The major threats it faces include habitat loss and degeneration due to human encroachment and illegal hunting for their skin.
The key protected areas to find the Grevy’s zebra for a special five wildlife safari in Kenya include;
2. Reticulated Giraffe
One of the most recognizable and striking giraffe species, due to its unique and beautiful coat pattern that is net-like, and number two on your Samburu special five safari in Kenya list.
With clearly defined square patches separated by white creamy lines, the reticulated giraffe is the tallest land animal.
According to the IUCN Red List, this elegant creature is considered endangered, with poaching, population fragmentation, and habitat loss being the main reasons.
The reticulated giraffe has large eyes and lashes, giving them excellent vision crucial for spotting predators at an elevated vantage point.
Have protruding structures on their head often mistaken for horns, but are bony structures on the skull called ossicones.
Males fight by swinging their necks at each other in a display of strength called ‘necking’.
They coexist with humans in the northern Kenya areas, with local communities running community-based conservancies to protect them.
For a special five wildlife package in Kenya that showcases these amazing creatures, visit the following reserves;
- Samburu National Reserve
- Buffalo Springs National Reserve
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
There are also some private conservancies in northern Kenya inhabited by the species.
3. Somali Ostrich
A Samburu special five safari tour can never be complete without including the Somali ostrich, also known as the Blue-necked Ostrich, in your special five wildlife package in Kenya.
With its distinctive blue legs and neck, it stands out from the common ostrich and can only be found in the northern parts of Kenya.
Despite the fact that it is a flightless bird, it makes up for it by being the fastest two-legged animal, with a speed of up to 70km/hr. They kick with tremendous force, seriously injuring their predators as a defense mechanism.
The ostrich eggs are the largest of any living bird species, and they live in small herds with one dominant male.
Their status is considered vulnerable with threats from illegal hunting for their feathers, eggs, meat, and skin.
Practice community nesting with a single nest holding up to 60 eggs laid by different females, with the dominant female’s eggs at the center, where safer.
In some Somali and northern Kenya communities, the feathers are used in ceremonial headdresses and dances.
Naicef Samburu special five safari tour in Kenya will include;
- Samburu National Reserve
- Buffalo Springs National Reserve
- Shaba National Reserve
4. Beisa Oryx
A graceful, striking desert antelope found in the horn of Africa, especially northern Kenya. Adapted to survive in hot, dry, and often waterless environments.
Both males and females have horns, making it hard to distinguish them at a glance. They are a photographer’s delight due to their bold markings and upright horns, making them popular for photography.
Interestingly, their horns aren’t just used for defense but also to dig up roots for food and create dust baths.
Have a unique gait where they can exhibit a stiff-legged gallop, which appears almost mechanical as they dash across the savannah.
The Beisa Oryx is known to migrate long distances in search of food, especially in extremely dry seasons.
Can be found in protected areas, including;
- Buffalo Springs National Reserve
- Samburu National Reserve
- Shaba National Reserve
5. Gerenuk
The name gerenuk comes from the Somali speakers, meaning “giraffe-necked”
A long-necked antelope species known for its ability to stand upright on its hind legs to reach high branches, a trait rare among antelopes.
Its distinctive long neck makes it be referred to as a ‘giraffe gazelle’. Only male gerenuks possess horns, and they have a relatively short tail that looks like a prominent tuft of black hair.
They are not as fast as other gazelle species hence their main defense is hiding and freezing. A well comprehensive Special five wildlife Safari in Kenya has to include this species for completion.
Where to view the Gerenuk for your special five wildlife package in Kenya includes;
- Samburu National Reserve
- Buffalo Springs National Reserve
- Shaba National Reserve
Seeing all five on one trip is a rare privilege, and that’s exactly what a Samburu Special Five Safari Tour promises. So, book your trip with Naicef for a well-curated Special five wildlife package in Kenya.
Below is a sample itinerary for a special five wildlife package in Kenya.
3 Days Samburu Special Five Package
| Day | Activity | Expectation |
| 1 7 am-12noon | Departure | Depart from Nairobi by road |
| 12noon-1 pm | Arrival and settling in | Arrive at your lodge and settle in with views of the Ewaso Nyiro river, then have lunch |
| 1 pm-5 pm | Afternoon game drive | Embark on the first game drive for the afternoon and try spotting the special five, including the reticulated giraffe and Somali Ostrich |
| 5 pm-6 pm | Dinner | Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay |
| 2 7 am-2 pm | Morning game drive | Embark on an early morning game drive and you may focus on spotting the Grevy’s zebra or the elusive Gerenuk later have a picnic lunch in the bushes
|
| 2 pm-3 pm | Village visit | Visit a nearby Samburu village, learn about their customs, dress, and basically their lifestyle. |
| 3 pm-6 pm
| Sunset game drive | Sunset game drives for Beisa Oryx sightings or other predators, and learn the circle of life from Mother Nature, later dinner under the stars, and overnight stay |
| 3 6 am-9 am
| Early morning game drive | Early morning game drive to complete your special five checklist then head back to the lodge for breakfast and check-out
|
| 9 am-2 pm | Return to Nairobi | Begin the return trip to the capital city with good vibes along the way |
Check out other Samburu packages that include;
- 2025 Epic Samburu Safari Package
- 5 days Aberdare & Samburu Cultural Tour Package
- 3 Days Samburu Honeymoon Package
- A 3-Day Samburu Cultural Tour
Conclusion
In a world full of predictable travel itineraries, few experiences stand out like the Special Five Wildlife Safari in Kenya that offers a chance to see the Samburu special five. This is not just another safari this is storytelling in motion. Every track, every footprint, every call from the wild has something to say.
Pack your spirit of adventure and discover the north. The Samburu Special Five Safari Tour is waiting to show you a side of Kenya that most will never see, but you will never forget. For a Samburu special five safari in Kenya, Naicef gives the best special five wildlife package in Kenya.
To get the ultimate Samburu special five wildlife experience, contact Naicef at [email protected], call us on +254799922277 or simply;
Book The Tour Here
Check out our other safari packages.
- 5 Days Lake Logipi Self-Drive Safari Tour
- 3 Days Rimoi Self-Drive Safari Tour
- 3 Days Samburu Kenya Safari Dust and Drive Safari Package
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I bring for the Special five-day safari?
What to Bring for Your Samburu special five-day Safari tour includes: Neutral-colored clothing for blending into the landscape, A good camera with a zoom lens, Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brim hat, Binoculars for better spotting.
2. Why is Samburu Africa’s best-kept secret?
Samburu’s beauty lies not just in its rare wildlife, but also in its people and landscapes. The Samburu special five are the main tourist attraction in Samburu.
3. What are the Samburu Special Five?
The Samburu special five are animals only found in the northern parts of Kenya, which include: Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx
4. Why choose a Samburu special five wildlife tour in Kenya?
Samburu isn’t your average safari. It’s remote, raw, and wonderfully wild. Here, you won’t find massive crowds or tourist convoys. Instead, you’ll experience peaceful game drives, encounters with rare wildlife, and the chance to connect with the vibrant Samburu culture.
5. What does a special five wildlife safari package in Kenya offer?
A Special 5 Wildlife Package in Kenya offers; Close-up sightings of rare species not found in most Kenyan parks., A quieter, more personal safari experience, Expert local guides who know Samburu’s secrets, Opportunities to interact with Samburu communities and learn about traditional life.
