Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is in northern Kenya, about 350 kilometres north of Nairobi, in Samburu County on the northern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River.

The best time is during the dry seasons, June to October and January to March, when animals gather around the Ewaso Nyiro River. April to May and November are wetter, greener and quieter, with lower lodge rates.

Samburu is famous for its unique northern specialist species known as the “Samburu Special Five”: the Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich. The reserve is also home to elephants, lions, leopards, and numerous bird species.

Yes, most travelers to Kenya require a tourist visa. You can obtain an eVisa online before your trip, or a visa upon arrival, depending on your nationality.

Yes, Samburu is generally safe for visitors on a guided safari. Stay in your vehicle except at designated points, follow your guide and the rangers, and avoid walking around camp after dark without an escort.

Samburu National Reserve is crucial for biodiversity conservation, particularly for protecting endangered species unique to northern Kenya. It’s also culturally significant as the homeland of the Samburu people, who are closely related to the Maasai but maintain their distinct traditions.

Non resident adults pay USD 85 per 24 hours and children USD 50. Kenyan citizens and East African residents pay KES 1,000 per adult and KES 500 per child. Buffalo Springs and Shaba charge separate tickets. Fees change from time to time, so we confirm them when we quote.

Yes. Children are welcome on game drives, and several lodges have family rooms and children’s activities. Some conservancy activities, such as walking safaris and rhino tracking, have minimum ages.

Coverage is patchy inside the reserve and stronger near Archer’s Post. Most lodges and camps offer WiFi in their main areas.

Yes, malaria is present in Samburu, particularly during the wet season. It’s recommended to take malaria prophylaxis before your trip, use insect repellent, and sleep under mosquito nets for protection.

Most visitors spend 3 to 4 days in Samburu National Reserve to experience the wildlife and enjoy multiple game drives.

Activities include game drives, guided nature walks, bird watching, cultural visits to Samburu villages, camel rides, bush breakfasts and dinners, river viewing of crocodiles and hippos, and photographic safaris. Some lodges also offer spa services and swimming pools.

Samburu National Reserve offers a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury lodges, tented camps, and budget hotels. The exact number varies, but there are dozens of options catering to different budgets and preferences.

The top accommodations include Elephant Bedroom Camp, Samburu Game Lodge, Samburu Intrepids, Saruni Samburu, Sasaab Lodge, and Larsen’s Camp. These range from luxury lodges to tented camps, each offering unique experiences and views.

By road it takes about 5-6 hours via Nanyuki and Isiolo (approximately 350 km). Alternatively,Daily flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Samburu airstrip (about 1 hour)

Absolutely. Samburu is quieter than the Masai Mara, has a good range of lodges and gives first-timers a very different Kenya to the southern parks, which makes it a great first safari or a rewarding second one.

For a safari in Samburu National Reserve, pack light, neutral-colored clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Don’t forget a camera, binoculars, insect repellent, and a light jacket for cooler evenings.

While it’s possible to rent a car and drive to the Samburu National Reserve, self-driving within the reserve is not recommended unless you’re experienced with off-road driving. It’s better to book a safari with a professional guide who knows the area and its rules. You can book a self-drive car from Bamm Tours, our sister car rental company.

Samburu has a hot, semi-arid climate. Daytime temperatures typically range from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). Nights are cooler. The area receives less rainfall than southern Kenya, with short rains in November and long rains from late March to May

Samburu is approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) north of Nairobi, representing a 5-6 hour drive.

Besides the Samburu Special Five (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich), you can see elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, crocodiles, hippos, various antelope species, and over 450 bird species.

Yes, Samburu offers several budget-friendly options, including camping sites, basic lodges, and affordable tented camps. While they may not have the luxury of high-end lodges, they still offer great safari experiences at a lower price point.

Kenya requires a yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, and vaccination is recommended for travel to parts of Kenya. Your travel clinic may also advise hepatitis A, typhoid and malaria prevention. Check with a doctor or travel clinic at least six weeks before you travel.

For a safari in Samburu, pack neutral-colored, lightweight clothing (like khakis, greens, and browns) to blend in with the environment and avoid bright colors that might attract insects. A hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a warm jacket for early morning or evening game drives are also recommended.

Yes, visitors can experience Samburu culture through village visits to learn about traditional lifestyle,Cultural dances and ceremonies,Interaction with Samburu warriors (morans),Learning about traditional medicinal plants and Buying local beadwork and crafts

Night game drives (where permitted) offer opportunities to see nocturnal animals such as aardwolves, civets, genets, bush babies, leopards, lions hunting, and various owl species.

Currently, hot air balloon safaris are not regularly offered in Samburu National Reserve. This activity is more commonly available in the Masai Mara.

Samburu has some but not all of the Big Five. Elephants, lions and leopards are seen regularly; buffalo less often, and there are no rhino inside the reserve itself. Black rhinos can be tracked nearby in Sera Conservancy. What Samburu offers instead is the Samburu Special Five.

The area was first protected in 1948 as part of a larger colonial era reserve, became a reserve in its own right in the early 1960s, and its present boundaries date to 1985. It is managed by the Samburu County Government and sits on the ancestral land of the Samburu people. Conservationists George and Joy Adamson worked here, and the reserve is linked to the story of Elsa the lioness.

The local Samburu people speak their native Samburu language, which is related to Maa (the Maasai language). Most lodge staff and guides also speak English and Swahili.

The best way to spot wildlife in Samburu National Reserve is on early morning and late afternoon game drives. During these times, animals are more active and visible. Having an experienced guide also increases your chances of spotting elusive creatures.

Yes, you can visit Samburu National Reserve during the rainy season (from March to May), but it may come with a few challenges. The rains can make some roads impassable, and some camps may be closed. However, the park is less crowded, and you can still see wildlife.

The terrain is characterized by semi-arid savannah, rocky outcrops, and acacia woodlands. The landscape features doum palm groves along the river, rugged hills, and open plains. The reserve’s elevation ranges from 800 to 1,230 meters above sea level, creating diverse micro-habitats.

Yes. Guided walks are arranged through your lodge or a neighbouring conservancy, always with an authorised guide, and are a great way to learn tracking and the traditional uses of local plants from Samburu guides.

The Ewaso Ng’iro River is the primary water source flowing through the reserve. This permanent river is vital for wildlife survival during dry seasons and creates a striking riverine forest along its banks.

Yes, scenic flights and aerial transfers are available. Several lodges can arrange scenic flights that offer spectacular views of the landscape, allowing you to appreciate the reserve’s size and diverse terrain. However, these must be arranged in advance through your lodge or tour operator.

Yes, many lodges and camps in Samburu Reserve offer family-friendly packages that include family rooms, children’s activities, and game drives suitable for young children. Some even provide childcare services and special children’s safaris.

Yes, Samburu National Reserve can be visited on a budget. There are affordable camping sites, budget lodges, and shared group safari tours that make it more accessible. Planning in advance and traveling during the off-peak season can also reduce costs.

Yes. Lodges with pools include Samburu Elephant Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp and Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, a welcome break from the midday heat.

The best way to explore Samburu Reserve is with game drives in a 4×4 vehicle, usually provided by lodges or tour operators. These vehicles are equipped for off-road driving, ensuring you get closer to the wildlife. Walking safaris with a guide are also an option for more intimate wildlife experiences.

You can book a safari to Samburu Reserve through various travel agencies, tour operators, such as Baecation Adventures, or directly with lodges and camps. It’s recommended to book several months in advance, especially during peak season.