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Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is located in the distant, rugged Northern region of Kenya, spanning an area of 165 square kilometers along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The park comprises arid terrain landscapes, distinctive wildlife species, and rich Samburu culture. The Park is in Samburu County, which requires you to transfer about 350 kilometers (220 miles) North of Nairobi, taking you 6 to 7 hours by road and 1 hour by air from Nairobi to close airstrips like Samburu, Kalama, or Buffalo Springs.

The Reserve is a remarkable wildlife conservation haven with various animal species like the Grevy Zebra, elephants, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, wild dogs, Gerenuk, and Beisa Oryx. Numerous species of birds can be seen, i.e over 450 have been recorded.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Samburu National Reserve consists of the “Samburu Special Five.” i.e wildlife animals that are not usually found in southern parks like the Maasai Mara or Amboseli. These include;

The Samburu Special Five

  • Grevy’s Zebra – Larger and rarer than the common plains zebra, with thinner stripes and a white belly.
  • Reticulated Giraffe – Known for its striking, geometrically patterned coat.
  • Beisa Oryx – A robust antelope with long, straight horns and striking facial markings.
  • Somali Ostrich – With blue-gray skin on its legs and neck, unlike the pinkish skin of the Masai ostrich.
  • Gerenuk – A long-necked antelope that stands on its hind legs to browse on shrubs and trees.

Other than these big five, animals like the African elephants, Lions (including tree-climbing lions), Leopards, Cheetahs, African wild dogs (occasionally sighted), Crocodiles and hippos in the Ewaso Ng’iro River  can be watched.

Things to do in Samburu National Park

Game Drives

Game Drives in Samburu National Park/ Reserve are exceptional to do as you transfer from one track to the next in the reserve, watching various wildlife animals wandering around their natural vegetation habitat. These are done in the company of a skilled park ranger guide who informs you about the park as well as various wildlife animals you can watch. These include: African elephants, Lions (including tree-climbing lions), Leopards, Cheetahs, African wild dogs, crocodiles, and hippos, etc. These are scheduled for morning, afternoon, and evening, giving you a chance to watch the nocturnal wildlife species.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Hot Air Balloon Safaris are unique to enjoy while on safari at Samburu National Park/ Reserve. These offer you an opportunity to view wildlife animals from an aerial view as you fly over the sky from one point to another. The wildlife animals you watch include: African elephants, Lions (including tree-climbing lions), Leopards, Cheetahs, African wild dogs, crocodiles, and hippos, etc. They are scheduled at dawn and remarkable to get on.

Maasai Village Visit

While at Samburu National Park/ Reserve, proceed to visit the local Masai villages as well as experience their unique traditions and customs. The Masai people are worth exploring as you get acquainted with their unique traditions and customs, as well as visit the local Manyattas. They will teach you many ideas and offer you an insight into their way of life.

Walking Safaris & Nature Hikes

Samburu National Reserve is exceptional to explore on a guided nature walk. The walking safaris available take place within the camp for a period of 45 minutes to 1 hour, viewing flora and fauna. Guided Bush Walks in Conservancies for 2.5 to 3 hours, covering 9–15 kms. These offer you views of the green terrain vegetation, wildlife animals like cape buffalo, lions, cheetahs, gray zebras, hippos, olive baboons, warthogs, dik-dik, and impalas, etc.

Bird watching

Bird watching is so incredible to do in Samburu National Park/ Reserve, giving you a chance to watch many species of birds wandering around their natural forest habitat. There are over 350 bird species watched, and these include: Common Ostrich, Struthio camelus, Somali Ostrich, Struthio molybdophanes, Ducks, White-faced Whistling-Duck, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Crinifer leucogaster, etc.  All avid birders should not miss out on this exceptional adventure.

Horseback Safaris

Horseback safaris are exceptional to do as you get to ride on horseback, watching various wildlife animals wander around their natural vegetation habitat. These are done in the nearby conservancies like Ol Malo and Sarara Camp. These safaris apply to all skill levels, i.e from beginners to experienced riders. While on the rides, watch the rolling hills, river valleys, and open plains as well as wildlife like the reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, oryx, and the rare gerenuk.

Bush meals & Sundowners

Samburu National Reserve gives travelers a chance to explore the African wilderness by enjoying bush meals and sundowners. On these adventures, explore the beautiful terrain and landscapes of Northern Kenya. The Bush meals and picnic lunches are arranged by lodges and camps.

Sundowners are exceptional, offering travelers a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures while enjoying drinks as the sun sets. These sundowners occur in locations like ridges or rock outcrops, offering remarkable views of the reserve.