Northern Legends: Tribes, Deserts & Wild
Tour Code: NOK001 | 12 Days | Set Dates | From $4,154 per person
Small Group Safari (Max 6 per vehicle)
Why Choose This Tour?
This is not your average safari — it’s a journey to Kenya’s wild northern frontier, where few tourists tread and ancient cultures thrive. You’ll meet the proud Samburu, Gabbra, Rendille, Turkana, and Elmolo communities, each with their own dress, traditions, and way of life, from camel herding to lakeside fishing. From the dunes of the Chalbi Desert to the shores of Lake Turkana and the rugged Ndoto Mountains, the landscapes are as dramatic as the stories behind them. Add rare wildlife sightings, legendary singing wells, and a Big Five finale in Masai Mara — and you've got yourself an unforgettable African adventure.
Upcoming departures
Departure Dates: 17.10.25 / 7.02.26 / 17.10.26
Starts & Ends: Nairobi (optional beach add-ons in Diani or Zanzibar)
Let us help you plan it!
Quick Highlights – What Makes This Tour So Unforgettable?
Think beyond the classic safari — this adventure takes you into the wild, beating heart of Northern Kenya where ancient tribes, dramatic landscapes, and surreal wildlife blend into one epic tale. You'll trade paved roads for desert tracks, hotels for community-run camps, and lions for...well, still lions — but also grevy’s zebras, gerenuks, and giraffes that look like they're wearing armor. This is not your average safari. This is Kenya untamed – a journey where dusty desert roads lead to camel herders and crater lakes shimmer under acacia trees. You'll meet four ancient tribes, each with their own customs, songs, and striking attire. You'll cross salt deserts, climb through forested hills, and descend to volcanic lakes.
This is the land where traditions are strong, tourists are few, and stories are shared by firelight. And yes, the wildlife? From Samburu's rare species to the classic Big Five in Mara, there's plenty to see between the village visits.
It’s cultural immersion with real people, real camels, and really unforgettable stories. And don’t worry — you’ll still end with lions, leopards, and luxury tents.
Quick Highlights
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Forested hills & crater lakes of Marsabit National Park
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Chalbi Desert salt flats & camel caravans
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Gabbra, Rendille, Turkana & Elmolo tribes
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Boat ride on Lake Turkana – the Jade Sea
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Samburu's Special Five wildlife species
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Black rhinos & flamingos at Lake Nakuru
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Authentic Maasai warrior experience in Maji Moto
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Big Five game drive in Masai Mara
Optional Add-Ons for the Curious Explorer
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Diani Beach or Zanzibar extension
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Balloon safari in Masai Mara
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Nairobi city excursions
Tour itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi – Welcome to the Urban Jungle
Karibu Kenya! You’ll be picked up at JKIA and taken to Margarita House, a leafy boutique spot in Karen. Depending on your arrival, there’s time for a Nairobi welcome drink or a cheeky visit to the Giraffe Centre.
Day 2: Nairobi → Marsabit National Park
Early start! (Yes, we mean 4:00 AM). Today’s a long but scenic drive north. Lunch at Laisamis, then a winding climb into the misty Marsabit hills, surprising green oasis rising from the desert. In the evening, enter the mysterious forested Marsabit National Park to see Lake Paradise, a crater lake once home to Africa’s largest elephant, Ahmed and today known for its elephants and birdlife.
Day 3: Marsabit → Chalbi Desert → North Horr
Camel country begins. Drive across shimmering salt plains and through dry riverbeds to reach North Horr. Traverse the stunning Chalbi Desert, a lunar-like salt flat where camel caravans still roam. Arrive in remote North Horr and visit a Gabbra village. The Gabbra are nomadic camel herders wearing long robes and turbans. Their homes are dome-shaped huts made from hides and branches. You'll likely be the only visitors here.
Sleep at the local Catholic mission and visit the Gabbra tribe. Expect dunes, camels, and the kind of silence that makes you hear your own heartbeat.
Day 4: North Horr → Loiyangalani (Lake Turkana)
Descend to the Jade Sea — yes, that’s Lake Turkana’s nickname. Welcome to Loiyangalani, a palm-dotted village on Lake Turkana’s shores. This remote lake is a UNESCO site with crocodiles, volcanic islands, and stark beauty. Visit a Turkana village – the people here wear intricate beaded jewelry and wraparound cloths, with hairstyles shaped using ochre and animal fat. Hop on a boat for surreal lake views. We have two nights here, in simple but charming Resort.
Day 5: Rendille & Elmolo Tribes
Visit the Rendille, known for their red ochre body paint and elaborate headpieces. Like the Gabbra, they herd camels but also keep goats and sheep. Then meet the Elmolo, Kenya's smallest tribe, living solely by fishing on the lake. It’s a cultural goldmine
Day 6: To Ngurunit (Ndoto Mountains)
Leave the heat behind and head to Ngurunit, nestled under the dramatic Ndoto Mountains, an oasis of palm trees and rock pools. These remote volcanic peaks are covered in granite outcrops and doum palms.
Spend the night in Camp Ndotto under a galaxy of stars. Optional: splash around in the crystal-clear natural pools.
Day 7: Ngurunit → Samburu National Reserve
Off to Samburu! After lunch, go on your first game drive in this rugged, sun-baked park. Look out for the Samburu Special Five: grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the gerenuk (aka “the giraffe antelope”). Overnight at Samburu Camp.
Day 8: Full Day in Samburu.
A full day to track down leopards, lions, elephants, and — fingers crossed — a cheetah on the hunt. The colors here are different: more red dust, surreal blue skies, and elephants covered in ochre dust. This reserve is drier, rockier, and more rugged than southern parks – and blissfully uncrowded.
Meet the Samburu – Guardians of the Singing Wells
The Samburu people are close relatives of the Maasai, sharing a semi-nomadic lifestyle and a deep-rooted connection to their livestock, land, and traditions. Adorned in bright red shukas, elaborate beaded necklaces, and intricate hairstyles, the Samburu are not only striking in appearance but also known for their warm hospitality and strong warrior culture.
One of the most unique experiences in Samburu territory is the “Singing Wells” – a living tradition where Samburu warriors dig deep wells in the dry riverbeds to fetch water for their cattle. As they pass the water up in a human chain, they sing special songs — each family has its own melody — and the cows recognize their owner’s voice and wait patiently for their turn. It’s not a show, but a real part of daily life, and witnessing this ritual feels like stepping into a timeless rhythm between man, song, and beast.
While visiting Samburu, you’ll have the chance to learn about their lifestyle, belief systems, and the delicate balance they maintain between tradition and modern challenges. You may even get to try your hand at beadwork or hear local folktales under the stars.
Day 9: Lake Nakuru National Park
Drive to the Great Rift Valley’s shimmering Lake Nakuru. Check into Lake Nakuru Lodge, then head out to meet thousands of flamingos, endangered black rhinos, and perhaps a lion napping in a fever tree.
Day 10: Nakuru → Maji Moto Cultural Camp (Masai Land)
From pink lakes to red shukas: welcome to Maasai land. Arrive at Maji Moto Cultural Camp — run by real Maasai warriors who’ll teach you their ways: warrior training, plant medicine walks, and nighttime storytelling by fire. you'll walk with warriors, learn about herbal medicine, and try spear-throwing. The Maasai are pastoralists known for their red shukas, intricate beadwork, and traditional jumping dances. It’s not a performance – it’s life.
Day 11: Masai Mara Safari
Today is your grand finale. Transfer to Mara Camp and go on a full-day game drive. This is the place for lion sightings, wildebeest herds, and iconic savannah scenes. Picnic under an acacia tree included. Dive into the Big Five territory. Lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos roam the acacia-dotted plains. End with a sunset game drive and dinner by the bonfire.
Day 12: Return to Nairobi
After breakfast, wave goodbye to the savannah and drive back to Nairobi. Optional flight or train extensions to Diani or Zanzibar can be arranged.
Accommodations
(Standard Option)
Accommodations (Standard)
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Margarita House (Nairobi) or similar
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Nomads Trail Hotel (Marsabit) or similar
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Catholic Mission Guesthouse (North Horr) or similar
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Palm Shade Resort (Loiyangalani) or similar
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Camp Ndotto (Ngurunit) or similar
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Samburu Intrepids Camp (Samburu) or similar
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Lake Nakuru Lodge (Nakuru) or similar
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Maji Moto Cultural Camp (Masai Land) or similar
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PrideInn Mara Camp (Masai Mara) or similar
Prefer a little more sparkle? Room upgrades available
Price
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Price per person (sharing twin/double room): $4,154
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Traveling solo but love your own space?
Add a single supplement of $1,816 and enjoy your own private room throughout the entire tour – from city to savannah to the sea. No sharing, no snoring (unless it’s your own)!
Bringing the Little Adventurers?
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Children are very welcome on this safari! That said, do keep in mind that safari days can be long and full of bumpy, dusty adventures—best suited for kids of primary school age and up who can handle the excitement (and the occasional nap in a Land Cruiser).
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Of course, you know your children best—so we trust your judgment!
Children up to 12 years old enjoy special pricing, depending on how they share the room with parents or siblings. Just let us know your family setup and we’ll tailor the price accordingly.
What’s Included
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11 nights accommodation (BB, HB & FB)
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All park & community entry fees
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Cultural village visits
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Boat ride on Lake Turkana
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Game drives in Samburu, Nakuru & Masai Mara
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All transfers & 4x4 transport
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English-speaking guide
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Bottled water on safari
🍽️ What Do BB, HB, and FB Mean?
We like to keep things simple — but also tasty. Here’s what the meal plan abbreviations mean on your itinerary:
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BB (Bed & Breakfast): A comfy room plus breakfast to fuel your adventure. Lunch and dinner are not included.
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HB (Half Board): Includes breakfast and dinner. You’re free to explore (and taste) local options for lunch.
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FB (Full Board): All meals included — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So you can focus fully on wildlife, not what’s for dinner.
And yes, we always make sure you’re well-fed and happy — dietary restrictions? No problem, just let us know in advance!
❌ What’s Not Included
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International flights
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Optional activities (balloon safari, Diani extension)
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Alcohol & laundry
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Personal travel insurance
What Next?
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Ready to join?
Mention Tour Code NOK001, your preferred dates, and number of travelers when booking. -
Got questions or want help choosing? Schedule a free call!