Samburu National Reserve
Introducing
Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is a rugged and semi-desert park located in Samburu district in the Rift Valley Province in central Kenya. The park neighbors the homes of the Samburu tribe of Kenya, a tribe known for their remote culture, pastoral and nomadic way of life. Samburu National Reserve consists of a low lying, semi arid plain on the southern bank of the northern Ewaso Ngiro River. The reserve which lies 9km east of Buffalo Springs National Reserve was gazetted in 1974. The beautiful stark landscape is dominated by Samburu Hill in the south, at the foot of which is a rugged area with steep ravines. The Ewaso Nyiro River is the lifeline of the area. Crocodile and hippo share the river with many small herds of elephant who bathe and frolic in the muddy brown waters during the heat of the day, before returning later to browse the lush vegetation of the riverine forest.
Despite being one of the lesser-known parks in Kenya, the Samburu National Reserve is a must for discerning safari-goers, seeking a more off-the-beaten-track destination that offers unique experiences. It is less crowded than Kenya’s more popular parks like Amboseli and the Maasai Mara, but still provides excellent game viewing, and a unique opportunity to spot some rare northern specialist species, found nowhere else in the country.
Highlights
Home to the Samburu people - a tribe known for their remote culture, pastoral and nomadic way of life
Samburu is an arid and rugged area with steep ravines
Samburu national Reserve is an off-the-beaten-track destination that offers unique experiences.
A unique opportunity to spot some rare northern specialist species, found nowhere else in the country - 'Samburu Big 5' - Grevy's Zebra; the Long-Necked Gerenuk; Reticulated Giraffe; Beisa Oryx; and Somali Ostrich.
Wildlife Viewing:
Samburu National Reserve
Home to wildlife such as elephants, wild dogs, and the larger predatory cats like lion, leopard, and cheetah, the Samburu National Reserve is also home to five rare and endemic animals to this particular ecosystem. Known as the ‘Samburu 5’, these animals include the Grevy zebra, the Somali ostrich, the reticulated giraffe, the Beisa oryx, and the gerenuk. Found nowhere else in the world, these unique animals have made this craggy, rugged, romantic region of Kenya their home, and are a real treat for safari lovers. The reserve is also a haven for bird lovers, with over 450 recorded species including the Taita falcon, and vulturine.
There have been more than 390 bird species recorded in Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. The reserves protect a variety of habitats, including arid acacia savannah, scrub and gallery forest alongside the Ewaso Nyiro River. The dry, open country offers very rewarding birding opportunities and boasts a number of northeast African dry-country species shared with Ethiopia and Somalia, such as vulturine guineafowl, Somali bee-eater and golden-breasted starling.
Best time to visit:
Samburu National Reserve
Because it is a more arid region in Kenya, Samburu doesn’t experience the kind of intense rainy seasons like the rest of the country. June to October is considered peak safari season and falls during the cooler, drier months, which make animals easier to find as they don’t stray too far from the water sources. The reserve is also a truly spectacular place to visit from November to April during what is referred to as the Green Season. During this time, the gentle rains create a lush, flourishing landscape – great for bird lovers.
How to get to:
Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is located 355 km/ 220 m north of Nairobi and is approximately a 6-hour drive. If driving, there are other conservancies and national parks on the way you can visit, breaking up the journey. Flying is the quickest way to get to the reserve. There are two flights a day from Nairobi, and take just under an hour. However, flying is the most expensive option, and in the peak season, you can expect prices to be in the region of $400.
