Your Guide to Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is one of Kenya’s most remote and distinctive safari destinations, located in the arid northern frontier of the country along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Covering 165 square kilometres, this reserve forms part of the greater Samburu ecosystem alongside the adjacent Buffalo Springs National Reserve and Shaba National Reserve.
Why should you visit Samburu National Reserve?
Samburu offers one of Kenya’s most unique safari experiences, featuring wildlife species found nowhere else in the country’s southern reserves. The reserve is famous for the Samburu ‘Special Five’, featuring rare and endemic species that have adapted to the arid northern environment. The Ewaso Ng’iro River provides a vital lifeline through the semi desert landscape, creating lush riverine forests that attract large concentrations of wildlife.
The reserve also provides exceptional opportunities for cultural encounters with the Samburu people, a semi nomadic pastoralist community closely related to the Masai. Their colourful traditional dress, intricate beadwork, and ancient customs add a rich cultural dimension to any safari experience.
What is the Samburu Special Five?
The ‘Samburu Special 5’ comprises five distinctive species that are endemic to Kenya’s northern regions and cannot be found in the country’s southern parks. These unique animals have adapted specifically to the arid conditions of northern Kenya and represent some of the continent’s most specialised wildlife.
The ‘Special 5’ includes the Grevy’s zebra, distinguished by its narrow stripes and large rounded ears; the reticulated giraffe with its distinctive net like pattern; the Beisa oryx, a striking antelope with long straight horns; the Somali ostrich, smaller than its southern cousin with blue legs and neck; and the gerenuk, an unusual antelope that stands on its hind legs to browse high acacia branches. These species make Samburu essential for completing a comprehensive Kenya wildlife experience.
Can I see the ‘Big 5’ in Samburu?
Samburu is home to four of the Big Five, with only rhinos being absent from the ecosystem. The reserve excels for leopard viewing, with these elusive cats frequently spotted along the riverine forests and rocky outcrops. Lions are regularly observed, particularly the unique desert adapted prides that have learned to hunt in the arid environment.
Large elephant herds congregate along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, providing exceptional viewing opportunities as they come to drink and bathe. Cape buffalo are present in smaller numbers compared to southern parks but are regularly seen near water sources. The reserve also supports excellent populations of cheetah, wild dog, and various antelope species adapted to the arid conditions.
When is the best time to visit Samburu?
Samburu offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year, though the dry seasons from June to October and December to March provide the most comfortable conditions and best game viewing opportunities. During these periods, animals concentrate along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, making wildlife sightings more predictable and photography conditions optimal.
The wet seasons from April to May and November bring a dramatic transformation to the landscape, with sparse vegetation blooming into lush greenery. These periods attract migratory bird species and provide excellent opportunities to witness animal behaviour during birthing seasons. However, some areas may become less accessible, and the heat can be intense. The wet seasons offer lower accommodation rates and fewer visitors.
How long should I stay in Samburu?
A minimum of three nights is recommended to fully appreciate Samburu’s unique ecosystem and increase chances of spotting the ‘Special 5’. Four to five nights provides the ideal duration, allowing time for multiple game drives, cultural visits, and relaxation between activities in this remote location.
Longer stays of a week suit wildlife enthusiasts and photographers seeking specific animal behaviours or comprehensive coverage of the ecosystem’s seasonal changes. Extended stays also allow for exploration of adjacent reserves like Buffalo Springs and Shaba, each offering slightly different wildlife experiences. The remote location makes shorter visits less practical due to travel time from Nairobi.
What is the best way to get to Samburu?
Samburu can be reached by road or air from Nairobi. The road journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours via Isiolo, passing through changing landscapes from highland areas to arid northern frontier regions. The route provides insights into rural Kenyan life and the dramatic transition between different scenery.
Flying to Samburu takes about one hour from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, with scheduled flights operating to Samburu and Buffalo Springs airstrips. Air transfers maximise safari time and provide spectacular aerial views of Mount Kenya and the changing landscapes below.
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