7-Day Northern Kenya Explorer | Lake Turkana & Samburu Safari

7-Day Northern Kenya Explorer | Lake Turkana & Samburu Safari

This 7-day itinerary builds on the core journey with an extra day for deeper cultural immersion in Lake Turkana, allowing more time for relaxation and tribal interactions. Perfect for those wanting a balanced mix of adventure and downtime in Northern Kenya's remote wilderness, with flexible self-drive or guided 4x4 options. 

This 7-day itinerary celebrates Northern Kenya’s extraordinary ethnic mosaic from the iconic Samburu warriors to Rendille nomads, the ancient El Molo, dominant Turkana pastoralists, and the diverse Borana, Pokot, Il Chamus, and Tugen communities around Lake Baringo.

Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve (Approx. 6-hour drive)

Early departure from Nairobi. Afternoon game drive in Samburu, focusing on unique wildlife. Evening Samburu village visit for cultural insights. Overnight in Samburu lodge/camp. (Meals: Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Samburu to Marsabit National Park (Approx. 5-hour drive)

Morning Samburu exploration. Drive to Marsabit for crater lake hikes and forest wildlife. Overnight in Marsabit camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Marsabit to Loyangalani on Lake Turkana (Approx. 4-hour rough road drive)

Cross the desert to Loyangalani oasis. Afternoon at leisure by the lake. Overnight lakeside. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Full Day Lake Turkana Cultural Exploration

Visit El Molo and Rendille communities. Afternoon Turkana interactions and local market. Optional sunset boat ride. Overnight in Loyangalani. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Lake Turkana to South Horr via North Island (Approx. 3-hour drive + boat)

Morning boat to North Island for volcanic exploration. Drive to South Horr valley. Overnight in South Horr. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: South Horr to Maralal via Baragoi (Approx. 4-hour drive)

Rendille/Samburu cultural stops. Arrive Maralal for frontier town exploration. Overnight in Maralal. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Maralal to Nairobi via Lakes Baringo and Bogoria (Approx. 5-hour drive)

Visit Lake Baringo for springs and Njemps tribe. Detour to Bogoria for geysers/flamingos. Return to Nairobi. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)

Includes

• 6 nights' accommodation in mid-range lodges/camps (twin-sharing; single supplement available)
• All meals as specified
• Private 4x4 Prado/Land Cruiser with fuel, driver/guide (self-drive includes support vehicle option)
• Expert guide with 25+ years experience
• Park fees, cultural visits, boat trips
• Bottled water, emergency evacuation insurance
• Taxes and service charges

Excludes

• Flights, visas, travel insurance
• Alcoholic drinks, personal expenses
• Tips (KES 1,000–2,000/day/group)
• Optional extras, health requirements