10 Days Wildlife & Dunes Safari

Depart early for Samburu National Reserve, located in Kenya’s semi-arid northern frontier. The drive takes you through dramatic landscapes and past colorful rural markets. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge by the Ewaso Nyiro River, followed by your first game drive where you may spot the unique “Samburu Five” – reticulated giraffe, grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and beisa oryx.

Enjoy morning and evening game drives in this untamed wilderness, rich in dryland flora and fauna. Between drives, relax at the lodge or visit a Samburu village to experience authentic northern Kenyan culture, music, and traditions. Keep your camera ready for leopards lounging in acacia trees and elephants making their way to the river.

Journey further north to the volcanic landscapes of Marsabit National Park, a remote haven around the extinct Mount Marsabit. Explore misty crater lakes like Lake Paradise, frequented by elephants and buffalo. This off-the-beaten-path region offers dramatic scenery and the peaceful solitude of Kenya’s true north.

Venture into the Chalbi Desert, one of East Africa’s only true deserts. Cross the vast salt pans and lava fields to arrive at Kalacha Oasis or a desert camp near North Horr. Experience the raw silence of the dunes, and witness a stunning desert sunset. Enjoy a traditional dinner under a star-strewn sky — an unforgettable night in Kenya’s wildest landscape.

Continue to the remote and legendary Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake, also known as the Jade Sea. Visit Loiyangalani, home to the El Molo, Rendille, and Turkana communities. Spend your day exploring the lakeshore or cooling off in a natural spring. This cultural encounter is unlike any other, rich in heritage and resilience.

Spend another day in this remote frontier, visiting El Molo villages, taking a boat ride on Lake Turkana (optional), or learning about fossil history at the Desert Museum. The landscapes here are surreal—blending volcanic rocks, clear blue water, and striking desert backdrops. Return to camp and relax in the evening with local music and storytelling.

Depart Lake Turkana and drive south through Baragoi and the Mathews Range en route to Maralal, a lush highland town and cultural hub of the Samburu. Stop along the way for photo opportunities in this remote but stunning terrain. Check into a lodge perched in forested hills and unwind after the desert heat.

Head toward Nyahururu, home to the scenic Thomson’s Falls, a 74-meter-high cascade on the Ewaso Narok River. Enjoy the cooler temperatures of the central highlands, visit nearby farms, or take a nature walk near the falls. This region offers a peaceful retreat before returning to city life.

After breakfast, drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some last-minute shopping or a relaxing lunch in the city. Transfer to the airport for your departure, carrying home stories of wildlife wonders, desert silence, and vibrant cultures from your 10-day Wildlife & Dunes Safari with Sipolio Africa Safaris.