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Samburu National Reserve – Kenya Safari Guide
Samburu National Reserve is one of the less-visited safari parks in Kenya, yet it promises an authentic wilderness experience and excellent game viewing opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the vast expanse of remote, pristine wilderness that hosts an array of iconic wildlife.
Samburu National Reserve at a Glance
Samburu National Reserve is located in Samburu County, north of Laikipia on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro, northern Kenya’s biggest river. This is where the flat greenness of the rest of the country starts fading away, giving way to semi-arid scrubland, immense rocky outcrops, and kopjes, and the Buffalo Springs National Reserve is on the other side of the river.
Samburu National Reserve is 350 kilometers from the capital, Nairobi, and spans an area of 165 km² at an altitude of 800 to 1230 m above sea level.
Apart from being arid, this extraordinary landscape supports animals uniquely adapted to the drier and rocky conditions. The park is named after the Samburu people (a nomadic pastoralist group), whose traditional finery is among the most beautiful and delicate in the world.
The reliability of the Ewaso Nyiro, which provides water and quenches the thirst of the abundant wildlife in this reserve, lured the Samburu people to this area with their herds. The river flows through Samburu National Park, Shaba National Reserve, and Buffalo Springs National Reserve to the south.
Being nomadic pastoralists, the Samburu still live in manyattas (a group of huts forming a settlement), which can be moved to follow fresh pasture for their livestock (cattle, goats, and donkeys). Camels were later introduced by Arab traders; they thrive well in this semi-arid environment.
Get ready to embark on a camel trek led by capable and knowledgeable Samburu guides to discover this iconic gem where a tranquil ambiance blankets this magnificent landscape.
Attractions in Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is home to the rare northern special five: Grevy zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and the Beisa oryx (quasi-endemic species, aka Samburu Special) that have adapted to the more arid and hillier conditions.
While Amboseli National Park has its impressive herds of elephants and spectacular Kilimanjaro view, and the Masai Mara boasts millions of wildebeest during the Migration, Samburu has the Special Five (cousins to the world-famous Big Five).
Captivating Samburu elephant herds saunter over this game-rich reserve, and big cats (lions, leopards, and cheetahs) prowl through the thick acacia forest (including Kamunyak, the Miracle Lioness that adopted a baby Oryx). The African painted dog (commonly known as the wild dog) is a commonly sighted attraction in this unique protected area, while prolific birdlife with over 450 species has been recorded.
A number of riverine forest species have been added to those in the arid northern bush country. The Lesser Kestrel and the Taita Falcon (species of global conservation concern) are residents of the reserve. Five species categorized as vulnerable have been recorded, i.e., the Great Egret, African Darter, White-headed Vulture, Martial Eagle, and Yellow-billed Oxpecker.
Critically endangered species under CITIES: the Pancake tortoise is also notable here. Generally, this craggy, rugged region unfolds a romantic and awe-inspiring African wilderness safari experience.
Safari highlights
- Be captivated by the real-life tale of a bereaved lioness adopting and protecting an orphaned gazelle – you can read the full true story at the entrance to Samburu National Park.
- Saddle up a camel to explore the scrubland of the Samburu.
- Drink in a spectacular night sky that washes you in Africa’s own ambiance and unblemished Milky Way.
- Spot the Samburu Special 5: gerenuk, beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich.
- A prolific birdlife with at least 450 recorded species, including Kori bustards, vulturine guinea fowl, and secretary birds.
- Learn how the Samburu way of life differs from the Maasai.
- Experience a walking safari with Samburu guides through a hilly landscape dotted with spectacular rocky outcrops.
- Stay in accommodations that range from Bedouin-style tents to lodges built into and around a giant volcanic rock face.
Best time to visit Samburu National Reserve
The best time to visit Samburu National Reserve is in the dry season of June to September. It is easier to find wildlife in the dry conditions since they won’t move far from the Ewaso Ngiro River, one of the few sources of water.
Dust hangs in the air giving the landscape a hazy look while the decent road conditions and sparse vegetation allow you to have a clear view. The hot, dry months of January and February are also conducive for wildlife viewing.
Birdlife is most vibrant and spectacular in the wetter months from November to April.
Generally, Samburu National Reserve is an all-year-round safari destination since it does not have extremely intense rainy seasons. It also means the risk of malaria is low.
Expert Advice
- Combine Samburu with a peak-season safari in the Masai Mara, where you can witness the wildebeest migration.
- Samburu is also very rewarding during the months of November to April, aka the Green Season, when the gentle rains make everything lush and verdant. Avid birders have a great opportunity to see migrant birds.
Getting to Samburu National Reserve
Samburu Game Reserve is located about 310 kilometers north of the capital Nairobi. The drive time from Nairobi is approximately 5 to 6 hours using Thika Superhighway Road.
Flying to Samburu is a more convenient option. It is only a 1.5-hour flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to one of the airstrips in Samburu.
You can drive from Lake Nakuru National Park on about 300 km (190 mi) driving distance at roughly five and a half hours.
Travelers from Europe or North America flying to Kenya usually arrive in Nairobi, the largest transport hub (including flights) in the region. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is the main entry port, located 15 km (9 mi) southeast of Nairobi. Kenya’s second international airport is Moi International Airport (MBA), which is 9 km (6 mi) west of Mombasa.
Where to Stay
The reserve has some of the most spectacular accommodations, thanks to its rocky outcrops and unusual combination of Samburu and Arabian influences. Some options include:
- Saruni Samburu From $500 per person sharing.
- Elephant Bedroom Camp From $355 per person sharing.
- SaSaab Camp From $910 per person sharing.
