Northern Kenya safari destinations are remote and exclusive. Kenya is a renowned safari destination but few people make it up north despite the region’s rare wildlife species. This is partly due to the long drive distances but also the charm of southern Kenya safari destinations like Masai Mara and Amboseli.
Northern Kenya Safari Destinations largely remain less explored and taking on Discovery Journeys there is the best thing you can ever do a Kenya safari. You need several days to fully explore Northern Kenya. The use of air transport is an added advantage to reduce on the drive distances.
Below are our Top Northern Kenya Safari Destinations you can consider before visiting Kenya.
Lake Turkana is a great Rift Valley Lake stretching from the Kenyan and Ethiopian border downwards. The Lake is the World’s largest permanent desert Lake covering a surface area of 6,405 square kilometers. It is 290 kilometers long, 32 kilometers wide, and about 109 meters deep. Lake Turkana is also the world’s largest Alkaline Lake and by volume the fourth largest salt lake.
The Lake is the major water supply in the semi-arid Turkana Land and is home to various wildlife species. Lake Turkana has 3 protected covering a land area of 161,485 square kilometers in the Lake Basin.
Lake Turkana is the most outstanding and major attraction. Exploring the Lake alone is rewarding and a game changer of your Northern Kenya Safari.
Sibiloi National Park
Popularly referred to as the cradle of Mankind, Sibiloi National Park is located along the Northeastern shore of Lake Turkana. The park covers a land area of 1,570 square Kilometers and is among the World Heritage Sites in Kenya. Sibiloi has a rich archeological history and it is one of the places where several fossils were discovered.
The park is still a leading archeological site in Kenya and the World at large. The major archeological sites here include the Koobi Fora with a museum and research center that can be visited on a day excursion.
Sibiloi National Park is also home to several wildlife species and it is among Kenya’s most important Bird Areas. There are over 350 bird species recorded here including endemics to the region. Sibiloi National Park is a major stopover for migratory birds and you can spot over 34 species of these during the migratory seasons. Major bird species you can spot here include the Somali Ostrich, the northern carmine, and the Sand Grouse among others.
The major activities you can engage in on Northern Kenya safari adventures to Sibiloi National Park include birding, game drives, fishing, and archeological tours among others.
Northern Kenya Tribes
Northern Kenya has a vibrant and diverse cultural background offering one of the most authentic tribal experiences. Some of the prominent tribes up north include the Turkana, Pokot, Samburu, and Borana among others. A number of these tribes have a Nilotic background and are predominately nomadic pastoralists.
Northern Kenya has a dry and semi arid climatic condition and does not permit these tribes to engage in serious crop farming. They instead focus more on their cattle, goats, and sometimes camels. All the domestic animals kept are a source of food, social status, and traditional practices like dowery when getting married.
Transportation is mainly by donkeys and camels and this experience pushes you back in time. Nilotic tribes make many ornaments from colorful beads that many wear to represent their gender and social status. These tribes are among the few African people who use skin scarification as a sign of beauty. A community visit to any of the northern tribal communities gives you insight into their ways of life and rich culture and heritage. Ensure to never miss a community and cultural tour when exploring Northern Kenya Safari Destinations.
Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is home to unique wildlife species and among the top best Northern Kenya Safari Destinations. The reserve lies along the River banks of Ewaso Ngiro one of the major Rivers in Kenya. The Samburu area is predominantly dry and the Ewaso Ngiro River is therefore the main source of water supply. It is fed by many tributaries from the Mount Kenya region and often floods during the rainy season bursting its banks.
The reserves’ rare animal species include the Grevy’s Zebra, reticulated giraffes, gerenuk, Oryx Beissa, and Dik Dik among others. Other notable safari animals you can see here include lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, black rhinos, and gazelles.
Samburu is also a great birding destination with over 300 bird species. Birding safaris here are great all year round and some of the bird species you can see here include sunbirds, Grey-headed Kingfishers, and Yellow Billed hornbills among others. While in Samburu you can engage in several activities including game drives, nature walks, birding safaris, and community visits. Our 10-day Kenya safari covers Samburu National Reserve and other iconic destinations including Masai Mara.
Wildlife Conservancies
Northern Kenya has prominent wildlife conservancies that are home to several wildlife species. These conservancies have played an important role in wildlife conservation protecting some of the last remaining habitats of the different species.
The two prominent conservancies in Northern Kenya are Lewa Conservancy and Silio Ranch Conservancy. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy covers a land area of 62,000 acres and serves as the home of the critically endangered black Rhinos and the endangered Grevy’s zebra. Other Notable wildlife species here include elephants, lions, giraffes, wild dogs, and over 450 bird species.
Lewa Conservancy is a true Black Rhino conservation success. Because of the great conservation efforts at Lewa the conservancy’s Black Rhino population has grown over the years from 15 to 255. The conservancy can best be explored on game drives, guided nature walks, and horse riding adventures.
Silio Ranch Conservancy covers a land area of 19,000 acres of the conservancy and it is surrounded by 45,000 acres of Ranch land. The Conservancy and ranch is also a prominent Rhino conservation unit with both White and Black Rhinos. More than Rhinos, Silio is home to many other wildlife species including giraffes, zebras, and lions among others.
All northern Kenya Safari Destinations are prominent and exclusive and you can surely get the best of your Discovery Journeys safari there. An East African safari expedition combining this plus some exclusive Uganda Safari Trails or Rwanda Safari Tours is remarkable and the true African Adventure safari.
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