Samburu National Reserve, located in northern Kenya alongside the Ewaso Nyiro River, is a rugged and semi-arid wilderness filled with unique wildlife and rich cultural heritage.
Spanning 165 square kilometers, this relatively small vibrant park is about 345 kilometers (6-7 hours) from Nairobi.
Samburu is part of the larger Samburu ecosystem, which includes the adjacent Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves.
Samburu's defining feature is the lifeline provided by the Ewaso Nyiro River, which attracts animals such as elephants, lions, and crocodiles to its lush riverbanks, especially during the dry season. Samburu is also home to the Samburu Special Five - a group of rare species found mainly in northern Kenya.
| 1 | Grevy’s zebra |
|---|---|
| 2 | Reticulated giraffe |
| 3 | Somali ostrich |
| 4 | Beisa oryx |
| 5 | Gerenuk |
In addition to its remarkable wildlife, the reserve offers stunning landscapes, including doum palm groves, dramatic escarpments, and vast open savannahs.
Samburu’s connection to the Samburu people - a proud and colourful pastoralist community - adds a rich cultural layer to any visit, making it an unforgettable destination.
Things to Do in Samburu
1. Game Drives
Explore Samburu’s open savannahs and riverine forests on guided game drives.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the rare Samburu Special Five. Morning and evening drives are the best times to see animals at their most active.
2. Bird Watching
With over 450 bird species, Samburu is a bird lover’s paradise. Look out for the Somali ostrich, vulturine guineafowl, and various brightly colored bee-eaters and sunbirds.
3. Cultural Tours
Engage with the Samburu people and learn about their traditional way of life. Village visits include insights into their cattle-based livelihoods, intricate beadwork, and traditional dances. These interactions provide a deeper appreciation of the reserve’s cultural richness.
4. Ewaso Nyiro River Exploration
The river is the heart of Samburu and a great spot for observing animals as they come to drink. Crocodiles and hippos are common here, and the river’s lush banks contrast beautifully with the surrounding dry plains.
5. Walking Safaris
Take a guided walking safari to experience Samburu’s rugged terrain up close. These walks offer a chance to learn about the smaller details of the ecosystem, from plants and insects to tracking animal footprints.
6. Sundowners
End your day with a classic African sundowner - enjoying drinks and snacks as the sun sets over Samburu’s breath-taking landscapes.
7. Photography Safaris
Samburu’s dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and cultural experiences provide endless opportunities for stunning photographs. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting for capturing the magic of the reserve.
Seasons & Best Time to Visit Samburu
Samburu has a semi-arid climate, with warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.
Dry Seasons (June to October & December to March)
These are the best times to visit Samburu National Reserve.
Wildlife is easier to spot as animals congregate around the Ewaso Nyiro River, and the roads are more accessible. Expect warm days with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F).
Wet Seasons (April to May & November)
The rains transform the Samburu landscape into lush greenery. While wildlife disperses due to abundant water sources, the reserve becomes a haven for bird watchers as migratory species arrive.
Why Visit in the Wet Season?
- Fewer visitors, offering a more private safari experience.
- Vibrant landscapes perfect for photography.
- Lower rates for accommodation and tours.
How to Get There
Samburu National Reserve is accessible by both road and air:
By Road
- From Nairobi, it’s a 345 km drive via the Nanyuki-Isiolo road, taking about 6-7 hours. The journey offers scenic views of Mount Kenya and Kenya’s central highlands.
By Air
- Daily scheduled flights are available from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Samburu’s Oryx airstrip. The flight takes about 1 hour. Most lodges and camps provide transfers from the airstrip.
From Nearby Attractions
- From Buffalo Springs National Reserve, it’s just 15 minutes by road, as the two reserves are separated by the Ewaso Nyiro River.
- From Mount Kenya National Park, it’s about a 3-hour drive (130 km), making it easy to combine the two destinations for a diverse safari experience.
Places to Stay
Samburu offers a range of accommodations, from luxury lodges to eco-friendly campsites, catering to different budgets and preferences:
- Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
A luxurious lodge located on the outskirts of Samburu, offering spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and beautiful views of the Ewaso Nyiro River. - Elephant Bedroom Camp
Set on the riverbank, this boutique tented camp offers an intimate experience with luxurious tents and frequent elephant visitors. - Samburu Sopa Lodge
Located in the reserve, this mid-range lodge features comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and panoramic views of the surrounding savannah. - Budget Campsites:
For those seeking a more rustic experience, Samburu has several designated campsites like Uaso Campsite, which offers basic facilities and proximity to wildlife.
Nearby Attractions
Buffalo Springs National Reserve (15 minutes drive)
Located just across the Ewaso Nyiro River, Buffalo Springs offers a slightly different ecosystem, with open grasslands and springs attracting a variety of wildlife.
Shaba National Reserve (30 minutes drive)
Famous for its rugged landscapes and being the filming location of the movie Born Free, Shaba is a quieter reserve with stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.
Mount Kenya National Park (130 km, ~3 hours)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Kenya offers alpine hiking, scenic lakes, and wildlife. It’s a great add-on for adventurers exploring Samburu.
Closing Thoughts
Samburu National Reserve offers a distinctive safari experience with stunning landscapes, rare wildlife, and rich cultural interactions. Samburu's arid beauty, enhanced by the Ewaso Nyiro River, creates a dramatic backdrop for exploring Kenya’s northern frontier.
From tracking the Samburu Special Five and enjoying a tranquil sundowner by the river to learning about the Samburu people's traditions, this reserve guarantees an unforgettable adventure.
Take your visit to the next level by exploring nearby attractions like Buffalo Springs - as well as the popular options like Masai Mara for an incredible experience of Kenya's wildernesses.