Women’s Group Walking Safari to Kenya

On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be met by a representative who will assist you through immigration and customs with a VIP meet-and-greet service, before handing you over to your host for the trip. You’ll then transfer to Tamarind Tree Hotel, conveniently located close to Wilson Airport for your flight tomorrow. This comfortable hotel provides a relaxed first night before heading on safari. The evening is at leisure — time to rest and reset after your journey, meet the rest of the group, and receive a briefing on the exciting week ahead.

After breakfast, transfer to Wilson Airport for your private charter flight to Samburu National Reserve. On arrival, you’ll be driven to camp with wildlife viewing en route. Your first game drive offers the chance to see species unique to this northern ecosystem: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich — the “Samburu Special Five”. Elephant are frequently seen along the Ewaso Nyiro River, alongside lion, leopard and cheetah. Return to camp before dusk for a hot shower, drinks around the fire, and a three-course dinner under the stars.

Rise early for a morning game drive, with a picnic breakfast served out in the bush — a wonderful way to experience the reserve at its most atmospheric. Afterwards, return to camp for lunch and time to rest during the heat of the day. In the late afternoon, head back into Samburu for further wildlife viewing, taking in the golden light as it falls across the landscape. The day ends with sundowners in the bush before returning to camp, where dinner and the sounds of the African night await.

After breakfast, fly to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in the Namunyak Conservancy — Africa’s first community-owned elephant orphanage, where rescued calves are rehabilitated by a local Samburu team with the aim of returning them to the wild. Your visit directly supports the sanctuary and surrounding communities. Afterwards, a short flight brings you to Tumaren Ranch, where you’ll meet your walking team and enjoy lunch before an introductory afternoon stroll. Guides take this time to understand the group’s pace, shaping the days ahead. You’ll end the day at your expedition-style luxury mobile camp — proper beds, hot showers and dinner under the stars.

Set out after breakfast for a morning walk of approximately 10–12km at a steady, comfortable pace. Your Samburu guides share knowledge of medicinal plants, local customs, and how to read tracks and signs in the bush. The route crosses open plains — home to zebra, oryx and Grant’s gazelle — and mixed acacia scrub, where dik-dik, gerenuk and the occasional lesser kudu may be spotted. This area is known as Nyarara, meaning “cheetah” in Maa, named after a large male frequently seen here. Arrive in camp for lunch, rest through the afternoon heat, then head out for sundowners at a scenic viewpoint.

Today’s walk covers another 10–12km heading south towards the Ewaso Nyiro River, which marks the eastern edge of the Laikipia Plateau. The landscape shifts gradually as you descend, with eland, steinbuck and giraffe commonly seen alongside smaller plains game. On reaching the river, there may be time for a refreshing swim before lunch. After resting through the midday heat, head to a rocky viewpoint for sundowners with sweeping views across the surrounding landscape. Return to camp on the riverbank for dinner and a final evening together in the bush — a memorable close to the walking days.

After breakfast, set out for a final walk in the bush before either walking to Tumaren Camp or meeting your vehicles en route. On arrival, check into your rooms and enjoy lunch. The afternoon is at leisure, with a variety of optional activities available: a game drive, visit to a nearby school, camel rides, rock climbing or traditional Samburu activities such as spear throwing and fire making. Alternatively, simply relax by the 20-metre pool and take in the surrounding landscape at your own pace — a fitting way to reflect on the adventure of the past few days.

Enjoy a final breakfast before a relaxed transfer to the airstrip, with time to stop for any interesting wildlife sightings along the way. Your private charter returns you to Wilson Airport in Nairobi. From there, enjoy some last-minute shopping and an early dinner in the city before transferring to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight home. If you’re not quite ready to leave, beach stays or further safari extensions can be arranged — please enquire for options. It has been a privilege to share this journey with you.