7-Day Samburu Cultural Experience Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Transfer to Samburu

• Morning:

• • Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
  • Meet and greet by a representative.
  • Early morning drive (approx. 6 hours) or a short flight to Samburu National Reserve.

• Afternoon:

• • Check-in at a luxury tented camp or lodge.
  • Leisure time to enjoy the views of Ewaso Nyiro River.

• Evening:

• • Traditional Samburu welcome ceremony with songs, dances, and storytelling.

Accommodation: Elephant Bedroom Camp / Samburu Intrepids Camp

Day 2: Introduction to Samburu Culture & Village Visit

• Morning:

• • Visit a Samburu Manyatta (traditional homestead).
  • Learn about Samburu customs, traditions, and nomadic way of life.

• Afternoon:

• • Participate in herding livestock, a key part of Samburu culture.
  • Traditional Samburu beading workshop—craft your own souvenir.

• Evening:

• • Sunset storytelling session with Samburu elders around a bonfire.

Accommodation: Elephant Bedroom Camp / Samburu Intrepids Camp

Day 3: Safari in Samburu National Reserve

• Morning:

• • Game drive in Samburu National Reserve to see the Samburu Special Five:
    • Grevy’s zebra
    • Reticulated giraffe
    • Beisa oryx
    • Somali ostrich
    • Gerenuk (long-necked antelope)

• Afternoon:

• • Visit a Samburu women’s cooperative to learn about women’s roles, beadwork, and economic empowerment.

• Evening:

• • Sundowners overlooking Ewaso Nyiro River.

Accommodation: Elephant Bedroom Camp / Samburu Intrepids Camp

Day 4: Warrior Training & Traditional Medicine

• Morning:

• • Join Samburu warriors for traditional warrior training:
    • Spear throwing
    • Stick fighting
    • Cattle tracking techniques

• Afternoon:

• • Guided walk with a Samburu elder to learn about indigenous plants and their medicinal uses.

• Evening:

• • Bush dinner under the stars with traditional Samburu music and dance.

Accommodation: Saruni Samburu / Sasaab Lodge

Day 5: Sacred Sites & Cultural Ceremonies

• Morning:

• • Visit the Mount Ololokwe Sacred Site, where the Samburu perform rituals.
  • Learn about spiritual beliefs and traditional blessings.

• Afternoon:

• • Experience a Samburu wedding or initiation ceremony (seasonal).
  • Participate in singing and dancing with the community.

• Evening:

• • Relax at the lodge with a traditional tea session with elders.

Accommodation: Saruni Samburu / Sasaab Lodge

Day 6: Camel Safari & River Picnic

• Morning:

• • Embark on a camel safari, the traditional Samburu way of travel.
  • Ride across the semi-arid plains to a scenic viewpoint.

• Afternoon:

• • Picnic by the Ewaso Nyiro River.
  • Relax or take a nature walk along the riverbanks.

• Evening:

• • Farewell cultural performance by Samburu dancers.

Accommodation: Saruni Samburu / Sasaab Lodge

Day 7: Departure to Nairobi

• Morning:

• • Final cultural exchange and blessings from Samburu elders.
  • Transfer to Nairobi by road (or short flight from Samburu airstrip).

• Afternoon:

• • Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to JKIA for international flight.

Inclusions:

✔ Cultural village visits & traditional ceremonies
✔ Game drives in Samburu National Reserve
✔ Camel safari & guided nature walks
✔ Luxury accommodation & meals
✔ Private guide & transport

Exclusions:

✖ International flights
✖ Personal expenses & tips
✖ Optional activities (hot air balloon safari)