Samburu National Reserve

Less Traveled Paths!

Samburu National Reserve is among the most exclusive Kenya safari destinations. It is located in Northern Kenya about a 6-hour drive from Nairobi, Kenya’s Capital City. It was established in 1985 and covers a land area of 165 square kilometers.

The reserve area is relatively dry with many desert-related wildlife species. It has impressive scenery of open savanna grasslands, woodlands, and a backdrop of hills and mountains. The Ewaso Ngiro River is the reserves’ major water supply but often bursts its banks during the wet season.

Samburu is a prominent Kenya safari destination because of its wildlife diversity and exclusivity. It has the rich culture and heritage of the Samburu people who are natives of the area and primary guardians of the ecosystem.

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Discovery Journeys To Samburu National Reserve

12 days20

12-day Lake Turkana Safari

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10 days4

10-Day Kenya Safari

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$2000

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8 days50

8-Day Kenya Safari

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$5000

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Wildlife In Samburu National Reserve

The Reserve is renowned for its special five endemic to the region. They include reticulated giraffes, Oryx Beisa, Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebras, and Somali Ostrich. These occur in large numbers alongside other safari animals including buffaloes, common zebras, and hippos.

Dik-dik, Greater, and lesser kudus are also present in the park. All three Big cats (lions, leopards, and cheetahs) are present in Samburu National Reserve. These predators strike an ecosystem balance needed in the reserve by preying on the many herbivores present.

Samburu National Reserve is an incredible birding destination with over 300 recorded bird species. These live in the different ecosystems the reserve has.

Activities in Samburu National Reserve

Game drives

Samburu’s rare wildlife species are best seen on game drives following the different trails. All travelers’ to the reserve are keen to see these and get fully rewarded on game drives. Early morning and evening game drives are recommended for better wildlife viewing opportunities. It is when animals are most active ideal for photography and overall observation.

Guided Nature Walks

Samburu-guided nature walks bring you into close contact with the wildlife in the reserve. The 1-2-hour experience is intimate and ideal for exploring small wildlife species. Nature walks are more sustainable and recommended to wildlife enthusiasts.

Birding

The rich birdlife in the reserve is much appreciated on guided birding expeditions. Samburu is rich in semi-arid and typical savanna bird species. Notable bird species you can spot on a birding tour there include the white-bellied bustard, Acacia tit, pygmy batis, Secretary bird, and Vulturine guineafowl

Community visits

Visiting the Samburu community is among the most impressive and fulfilling safari activities. Community visits are interactive and bring you into direct contact with the local people. There you get to learn about their rich heritage and traditional values.

Samburu community visits feature traditional dances, local community works like pastoralism, and hand works from weaving baskets to making colorful jewelry. This personal touch is sustainable and among the most enjoyed Discovery Journeys experience.

Where to Stay

Accommodation is a major determinant of a successful safari expedition. Thankfully Samburu National Reserve has several accommodation options including budget, deluxe, and luxury facilities.

Ashnil Samburu Camp is a top lodging to consider when visiting the Reserve. The luxurious tented camp has 19 tents spread out along the River banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River. Each tent is spacious with an ensuite bathroom and terrace that overlooks the River. It has a swimming pool where you can relax after a day of exploring the Samburu landscape.

The Sasaab Samburu Camp is situated just outside the Reserve in a rich wildlife Area. Its strategic location along the River offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. The camp has 11 canvas-sided rooms each with a private plunge pool. Sasaab Samburu Camp’s interior design is captivating and shows a perfect blend of Swahili and Moroccan heritage.

Samburu Intrepids Camp, Saruni Samburu, Samburu Simba Lodge, and Lion King Bush Camp are other options.

Getting there

Samburu National Reserve can be accessed by road and air transport. It takes a 6-hour drive of road transfer from Nairobi with en-route stopovers for photography at major places of interest.

You can also connect to the Reserve from other destinations like Lewa Conservancy and the Mount Kenya National Park.

Air transport is recommended to reduce the drive distance. There are scheduled flights from Wilson Airport and other Kenya Safari destinations to Samburu. These land at the Samburu Airstrip from where you connect to your lodge and start your awaited exclusive Discovery Journeys.

The best time to visit

Samburu is best explored during the dry season from June to October and December to March. Wildlife spotting is easy as most animals gather around water areas. Game drive trails are also dry making it easy to access trails that are difficult to get to during the wet season.

The wet season is impressive because of the lush vegetation and the presence of Migratory birds. Be sure to visit with a 4X4 safari vehicle to maneuver through the sticky soils in the reserve. The Ewaso Ngiro River floods cutting off game drive areas and lodging options.

Samburu is best explored alongside other destinations like Lake Nakuru, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Naivasha, and Masai Mara.