Guided Activities

GAME DRIVE

A game drive in one of Samburu’s legendary reserves — Samburu, Buffalo Springs, or Shaba — is your front-row ticket to wildlife magic. Think sweeping savannahs, endless horizons, and animals so close you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a classic safari film.

One thing that makes these reserves truly special? You’ll spot creatures you won’t find elsewhere. Get ready for the famous Samburu Special Five:

  • the striking Grevy’s zebra with its fine pinstripes,
  • the elegant reticulated giraffe draped in its geometric patchwork,
  • the bold Somali ostrich with its blue legs and neck,
  • the quirky gerenuk, often caught balancing on two legs for a leafy snack,
  • and the handsome Beisa oryx, with its sleek horns and tawny coat.

And that’s just the beginning. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, elands, warthogs, baboons, dik-diks, jackals — the list is as wild as the landscape itself. You may even spot the rare African spurred tortoise, a true treat for keen-eyed explorers.

Game drives typically take place in the golden light of early morning or the cool glow of late afternoon, when wildlife is most active — but we’re happy to tailor everything to your pace and plans. Whether you want a short burst of adventure or a long, leisurely exploration, we’ll shape the experience around you.

Our expert guides bring the savannah to life with stories, insights, and a deep love for this extraordinary ecosystem. As you roll deeper into the wilderness, expect to be swept away by Samburu’s dramatic beauty — rolling hills, iconic riverbeds, and a horizon that feels endless.

Samburu isn’t just a game drive. It’s the safari feeling you’ve been dreaming of.


NATURE WALK

Ready to trade the safari vehicle for a few hours of pure, fresh-air adventure? Lace up — we’ve got the perfect wild walk waiting for you!

Join our expert guide for a safe and scenic stroll through the savanna and along the mighty Ewaso Nyero River, where every step reveals something new. Keep your eyes peeled for rock hyraxes sunbathing on boulders, cheeky baboons, dainty dik-diks, cool-headed crocodiles, and playful Vervet monkeys swinging overhead.

Bird lovers, get excited — you’ll wander through a chorus of black-headed or grey herons, African hoopoes, scarlet-chested sunbirds, and so many more feathered gems. And because you’re on foot, you’ll notice all the tiny wonders most game drives miss: curious insects, delicate tracks, and the secret life of the savannah.

The best part? You choose the pace. Whether you’re after an easy-going nature ramble or a longer, energetic trek, we tailor the walk to your fitness, curiosity, and mood — your very own mini–walking safari.

Step into the wild. You won’t just see nature — you’ll feel it.


RETETI ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE

Looking for an experience that’s equal parts heart-melting, inspiring, and unforgettable? A visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is all that — and more!

Just a scenic drive from the lodge, Reteti is where rescued baby elephants get a second chance at life. This community-run sanctuary is the first of its kind in Kenya, and trust us… the moment you see those tiny trunks reach out for their keepers, your heart will do a little somersault.

At Reteti, you’ll:

  • Watch orphaned elephant calves hustle excitedly to their feeding sessions.
  • Learn how the Samburu community rescues, rehabilitates, and eventually releases them back into the wild.
  • Meet the dedicated keepers who act as “elephant mums” — full of stories that will make you smile, laugh, and maybe even tear up.

And it’s not just elephants — the sanctuary also cares for rescued wildlife like zebras and giraffes, making each visit full of surprises.

Best of all, your visit directly supports conservation efforts and the local communities that protect this incredible ecosystem. It’s meaningful tourism at its finest.

From Samburu Dik-Dik Lodge, we’ll arrange everything for you — timing, transport, and guidance — so all you have to do is soak in the magic.

If you’ve ever wanted to fall in love with Africa all over again, Reteti is the place.


MOUNT OLOLOKWE

Discover Mount Ololokwe — The Sacred Mountain Rising Above the Samburu Plains.  Looking for an adventure that blends breathtaking views, authentic culture, and untouched wilderness? Mount Ololokwe is calling.

Often called “Kenya’s best-kept secret,” Mount Ololokwe rises dramatically from the Samburu plains — a flat-topped giant that feels almost otherworldly. Trekking to its summit isn’t just a hike; it’s a journey into the wild heart of Northern Kenya.

Why Trek Mount Ololokwe?

  • A Scenic Ascent: Walk through ancient cycad forests, shaded paths, and rocky ledges with sweeping savannah views at every turn.
  • Sunrise Magic: Climb early to watch the sun ignite the mountains and the valleys below — a golden moment you’ll never forget.
  • A Cultural Experience: Guided by the Samburu, you’ll learn the stories and traditions tied to this sacred mountain.
  • At the Summit: A vast plateau, cool forest trails, and hidden lookouts perfect for picnics and jaw-dropping photos. It truly feels like another world.

Perfect For: Adventurers, nature lovers, photographers, families, and anyone exploring Northern Kenya.


CULTURAL VISIT TO A SAMBURU VILLAGE

Looking for an experience that goes deeper than the safari lens? Step into the vibrant heart of Samburu culture — a world of color, tradition, and warm hospitality.

A visit to a Samburu village is like opening a storybook written in beadwork, songs, and generations of wisdom. You’ll be welcomed by the community, shown how their iconic manyatta huts are built, and introduced to age-old traditions that shape daily life in the savannah.

Meet the women whose stunning beadwork tells stories of identity and pride, chat with the morans (warriors) who protect their livestock and heritage, and learn how the Samburu live in harmony with their animals and land. Expect laughter, fascinating conversations, and plenty of moments that stay with you long after you leave.

This is not a staged “cultural show” — it’s a genuine exchange, a chance to understand one of Kenya’s most iconic communities through real connection and shared curiosity. And by visiting, you directly support local families and help keep traditions alive.

Come with questions, an open heart, and a sense of adventure — Samburu culture will welcome you in.


HIRE A GUIDE

Have your own vehicle but want to squeeze every drop of magic out of your Northern Kenya adventure?
Easy — bring a Samburu guide along for the ride!

Hiring a local guide transforms any activity you choose into a richer, safer, and far more exciting experience. Want to spot wildlife hidden in the bush? Understand animal behavior like a pro? Learn the secrets of the plants and landscapes around you? Our experienced, sharp-eyed, and endlessly resourceful Samburu guide is your ultimate safari sidekick.

It’s the difference between simply seeing Northern Kenya… and truly knowing it.