At Sumpton Safari Adventures, we offer our clients the most unique safari routes. We are particularly proud of our Northern Circuit Safari adventure that takes you to the most remote locations of Northern Kenya. This safari covers several key destinations, among them; the Samburu National Reserve, Mount Kenya, Lake Naivasha National Park, and Maasai Mara National Reserve. Each of these locations is wildly different offering you an opportunity to explore different aspects of Kenya’s natural beauty.
The wildlife in northern parts of Kenya is uncommon in other parts of the country hosting some rare species of animals that can only be found here. In this blog post, we share some of the Northern Circuit Safari highlights to help you along as you prepare for the next safari to Kenya.
The Journey North
The journey to Northern Kenya is a six-hour drive from the Capital Nairobi through Nanyuki, Isiolo and finally Samburu. As you leave Nairobi, you will enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kenya, the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa. The beautiful white peaks create a stunning backdrop for your road trip.
About 120 kilometers from Nairobi, you will reach Nanyuki, a bustling town located at the foothills of Mount Kenya. It’s a popular stopover for travelers, offering various amenities such as restaurants, fuel stations, and accommodations. Depending on our agreed itinerary, you could take a short break here to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and even get a nice lunch before proceeding along.
Further in, the road trip takes you past Isiolo and Archer’s post, vibrant towns on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Isiolo serves as a gateway to northern Kenya and acts as a supply point for many safari expeditions. After Isiolo, our driver will take you through scenic landscapes, including the vast open savannahs and acacia woodlands. The roads by now are dotted with grazing animals, the local people going about their lives, a promise of what is to come when you finally arrive in Samburu.
The Samburu National Reserve
The waters of the Ewaso Nyiro River flow through three great game reserves in Kenya namely Shaba, Buffalo Springs, and the great Samburu National Reserve which marks the first stopover in our Northern Circuit Safari. This game reserve is quite significant for multiple reasons as highlighted below:
Diverse and Rare Wildlife: Samburu National Reserve is home to the greatest large mammals in Kenya including large herds of elephants totaling above 1000 elephants as well as several rare and endemic species. It is one of the few places in Kenya where you can find the “Samburu Special,” consisting of the Grevy’s zebra, the reticulated giraffe, the Somali ostrich, the Beisa oryx, and the pancake tortoise. These species are adapted to the arid environment of the region, making Samburu a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Scenic Beauty: The reserve is characterized by a stunning landscape, featuring vast open savannah plains, rugged hills, and meandering riverine forests along the Ewaso Nyiro River. The contrasting scenery is made even more perfect by the backdrop of Mount Ololokwe. This is a massive rock that seemingly emerges out of nowhere above the desert plains creating a visually striking environment. Some of our guests opt for an early morning climb of this mountain. The experience is tasking on the body but leads to a truly rewarding experience. Atop this climb, you will witness miles and miles of Africa rolling out in front of you, the vast expanse before you feeling like freedom.
Ol-Pejeta Conservancy-Samburu
Also known as Sweet Waters, Ol-Pejeta Conservancy is the next stopover in our Northern Circuit Safari. It is also part of the extensive Ewaso Nyiro ecosystem. The conservancy is dedicated to wildlife conservation serving as a sanctuary for endangered animals, including over 165 black rhinoceros and the highly endangered northern white rhinoceros.
In fact, Ol-Pejeta is the only home for the last two remaining white rhinos in the world. It holds a special place in the hearts of the Kenyan people and especially the Samburu community who have lived among them for decades. It is always an absolute honor when we, at Sumpton Safaris, get to take our clients here, and an even greater pleasure when we witness their joy at this rare sight.
Lake Naivasha and The Mara
Lake Naivasha and the Mara mark the last two stopovers in our Northern Circuit Safaris. We have previously discussed both of these great reserves in our earlier blog posts, for your reference. But there is more, in addition to the big five, the beautifully rugged terrain, and the expansive savannah grasslands, this trip includes a hot air balloon excursion. On board the balloon you will enjoy the majesty of the Masai Mara from above. It’s quite breathtaking. And at sunset, the animals and their acacia surroundings help create the best silhouettes for photographers with a keen eye for art.
Sumpton Safaris has customized an unforgettable Northern Circuit Safari to give you the most unique experience. This safari offers you a unique outlook on Kenya’s most remote and somewhat lesser-known regions that even incorporates night safaris. Imagine a guided game drive to watch a cheetah hunt in the dark or to even catch large herds of elephants at their favorite watering hole at dawn just before sunrise. This truly magical experience awaits you. So, talk to us today and let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
