Trip Overview
A short 10-day expedition from the lands of the tribes of the Rift Valley of Ethiopia, crossing the deserts of Northern Kenya and onto the plains and Rift Valley of Kenya. This trip is an off-the-beaten-track journey, allowing us to visit areas of Africa that are much less visited that most of East Africa. But it still has plenty to write home about including a wonderful village stay with the Samburu people (a pastoralist tribe closely related to the Maasai), a safari in Samburu National Reserve (one of the finest wildlife reserves in the country) and a visit to the Elsamere Born Free Foundation by Lake Naivasha.
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20% Highlights
Optional trip to 'Crocodile Market' in Arba Minch
Visit Konso and the Konzo Cultural Centre
Overland the desolate stretch between Ethiopia and Kenya
Overnight around the camp fire with Samburu villagers
Wildlife safari in Samburu National Reserve
Explore the lower slopes of Mount Kenya
Explore Hell's Gate National Park on horse or bike
Visit the Born Free Foundation at the old home of Joy Adamson
SHOW MORE HIGHLIGHTS
This trip has basic accommodation and some long drive days. We travel through rarely-visited areas which means that creature comforts can be sparse. Be prepared for an adventure.
Border Information: If joining in Arba Minch, you will most likely enter Ethiopia at Arba Minch Airport (IATA code: AMH).
There will be a group meeting at the joining hotel at 6:00pm. Please look out for a note from your tour leader at the reception when you arrive giving more details about this important meeting.
The rest of the day before this meeting will be free to explore Arba Minch. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Arba Minch before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Arba Minch.
In Arba Minch we will stay in a basic local hotel.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Hire bicycles to explore the stunning surrounds of Arba Minch
Boat trip on Lake Chamo to see the crocodile 'market'
Visit the fascinating village of Chincha to learn all about the culture of the Dorze people
Today we will arrive in the town of Konso, we will visit the Konzo Village and Cultural centre on route today..
In Konso we will camp in the grounds of a basic lodge.
Daily Activities
Visit this traditional village and see how locals have lived there for hundreds of years. Soak in the calm atmosphere of a village that has stood the test of time.
Continuing south we will have a full drive day across the Kenyan border to Moyale, where we will stay in a basic local hotel or camp in a local campsite.
Border Information: Exit Ethiopia at Moyale, enter Kenya at Moyale.
Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours.
Today we will have an early start and travel through the very rarely-visited region of northern Kenya, crossing the infamous Moyale-Marsabit road to the central Samburu region. The scenery along this route is spectacular, as you travel through the black lunar landscapes near Marsabit and pass mountain greenery, spectacular craters, watercourses, bush country and termite mounds.
We will reach the Samburu region near to the small town of Archer's Post this evening, where we will visit a Samburu village - this evening there will be fantastic display of traditional singing and dancing from the Samburu villagers, and a chat around the camp fire with the locals to ask them all about their way of life.
We will camp in the village in the heart of the community tonight, where there are no toilet or washing facilities.
Estimated Drive Time - 10-12 hours.
Please note that due to security issues in this particular area, we will sometimes be accompanied by two armed police escorts between Moyale and Archer's Post.
Daily Activities
Visit to Samburu tribal community and cultural project
This morning we will enter the Samburu National Reserve, where we will enjoy game drives in the truck (breaking for a long lunch during the heat of the day).
Samburu is a stunning National Reserve and is a great opportunity to spot big game such as cheetah, leopards, lions, and buffalo. The Reserve is also home to other animals rarely seen in the National Parks further south, such as Grevy's zebras, Somali ostriches and gerenuk ('giraffe-necked antelopes').
Tonight we will wild camp in a camping area in the National Reserve - facilities are very basic, but the area is a 5-10 minute walk from Samburu Lodge.
Please note that during very wet conditions we may need to use locally-chartered 4x4 jeeps rather than our truck to get a good game drive in - in this instance we may make this option available at extra cost.
Daily Activities
Wildlife safari in Samburu National Reserve
Today we will get up early to spend the morning enjoying some more excellent game driving in our truck through the Samburu National Reserve. When the animals start to take shelter from the heat of the midday, we will exit the reserve and drive to the small village of Naro Moru at the base of Mount Kenya.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
On the next day, we will have a free day in Naro Moru to take optional walks around the lower slopes of Mount Kenya, explore the nearby Mau Mau caves, or take an optional game drive in the nearby Sweetwaters National Reserve.
In Naro Moru we will stay at a well equipped campsite.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Guided walk to the Nayaroi Caves in the foothills of Mt. Kenya, used by the Mau Mau during the rebellion against British colonial rule
Head out horse riding in the forests around Naro Moru
Nature walks around the base of Mt. Kenya, searching for birdlife and Colobus monkeys
Today we make our way to Naivasha, on the edge of a beautiful calm lake in the Great Rift Valley. Here we will have the chance to take an optional boat trip on the lake to spot hippos and African fish eagles, and also to visit the Elsamere Born Free Foundation at the old home of Joy Adamson.
Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours.
On the following day we will have free time in the morning to enjoy some excellent optional activities around Naivasha. Naivasha is the base for exploring the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary and the Hell's Gate National Park, two scenic areas that are some of the only places in East Africa where you can safely explore and look for wildlife on foot.
In Naivasha we will stay at a well equipped campsite on the lake shore.
Daily Activities
Visit to Lake Naivasha
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Horseriding or cycling at Hells Gate
Explore the beautiful landscape and wildlife of Hell's Gate National Park by foot or by bicycle
Today we will drive to the bustling Kenyan capital of Nairobi, where we will have free time on arrival.
In Nairobi we will camp in the grounds of a peaceful eco-camp in the suburb of Karen.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Border Information: If you are leaving in Nairobi, you will most likely exit Kenya at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA code NBO).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Nairobi. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.
If you would like to explore Nairobi fully, we advise you spending an extra night here. Possible activities include visiting the Karen Blixen Museum, the National Museum and the Langata Giraffe Centre.
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DATES & PRICES
This group overland journey has multiple departures.
Please refine your search by selecting your preferred dates of travel.
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