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Samburu National Reserve, Kenya

Samburu National Reserve is a striking and rugged safari destination in northern Kenya, known for its arid landscapes, dramatic hills, and rare wildlife species found nowhere else in the country. Situated along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, this reserve is home to the unique “Samburu Special Five” and offers authentic cultural encounters with the Samburu people, close relatives of the Maasai.

With fewer crowds, raw wilderness, and intimate game viewing, Samburu is a hidden gem ideal for adventurous travelers, photographers, and those seeking something different from the typical safari route.

Location

  • Northern Kenya, Samburu County

  • Approx. 6–7 hours by road or 1-hour flight from Nairobi

  • Part of the greater Samburu-Laikipia ecosystem, near Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves

Best Time to Visit

  • June – October (Dry Season): Great wildlife visibility and river sightings

  • January – March: Hot and dry; excellent for predators and photography

  • November – December: Short rains, still good game viewing

Wildlife Highlights

  • Samburu Special Five:

    • Grevy’s Zebra

    • Reticulated Giraffe

    • Beisa Oryx

    • Somali Ostrich

    • Gerenuk (the “giraffe antelope”)

  • Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs

  • Nile crocodiles and hippos in Ewaso Nyiro River

  • Rich birdlife: over 350 species

Unique Features

  • Semi-arid savannahs, doum palm groves, and acacia woodlands

  • Ewaso Nyiro River: a critical lifeline for wildlife

  • Home to rare species not commonly found in southern Kenya parks

  • Authentic cultural experiences with the Samburu tribe

  • Nearby Buffalo Springs and Shaba Reserves can be visited on the same trip

Experiences in Samburu

  • Game drives in search of the Samburu Special Five

  • Cultural village visits and storytelling with Samburu elders

  • Walking safaris (in select areas)

  • Sundowners and bush breakfasts by the river

  • Combine with Laikipia for a private conservancy experience

Perfect For

  • Second-time or adventure safari travelers

  • Wildlife photographers

  • Culture seekers and anthropologists

  • Families and couples seeking exclusivity

  • Those interested in rare wildlife not seen in other parks